
The intrinsic scrap value of a United States silver quarter is determined entirely by its silver content and the fluctuating spot price of silver on the commodities market. This applies specifically to quarters minted in 1964 and earlier, as these coins were struck from a composition of 90% silver and 10% copper.
Based on the provided reference materials, a standard 90% silver quarter contains 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver. The melt value is calculated by multiplying this silver weight by the current market price of silver per troy ounce. The context demonstrates this calculation with specific examples. One source, citing a silver spot price of $29.28 per ounce, calculates the quarter's melt value at $5.29. A second source, using a slightly higher spot price of $29.41, arrives at a melt value of $5.32.
These examples illustrate that the scrap value is not a static figure but changes in direct proportion to the live price of silver. Therefore, to determine the exact value of a silver quarter in scrap today, one must multiply its silver content of 0.1808 troy ounces by the most current silver spot price. This value represents the coin's intrinsic metallic worth, separate from any potential numismatic or collector value it may possess.


