quarters 90 percent silver

[DiBeckett]

Based on the provided context and general numismatic knowledge, United States quarters composed of 90 percent silver were standard issue for circulation up to and including the year 1964. These coins are popular among both investors and collectors for their precious metal content.

The most commonly traded 90% silver quarters are the Washington quarters, minted from 1932 through 1964. Other designs that fall into this category include the Standing Liberty quarters (1916-1930) and Barber quarters (1892-1916). The production of 90% silver circulating coinage was halted by the Coinage Act of 1965, as the rising price of silver had made the intrinsic metal value of these coins greater than their face value.

Today, these quarters are often referred to by the colloquial term "junk silver." This term does not refer to the condition of the coins, but rather indicates that their value is primarily derived from their silver bullion content rather than any specific numismatic or collector rarity. They are typically bought and sold in rolls or bags based on their total face value, with the price fluctuating daily with the spot price of silver.