Expert: PAPAJACK - 9/8/2007

Question
I have an quarter that appears to be aluminum or a lighter metal as well.  Vending machines will not accept it.  Have any further explanations come about?

Answer
Hello John,                    

What date is your quarter?  

Prior to 1965 the Washington Quarter was an alloy of 90% Silver and 10% copper.  It weighed 6.25 grams  and in 1976 some silver quarters weighed 5.75 grams. (Modern Nickel clad are 5.67 grams.) It otherwise was the same size as post 1964 quarters. Post 1964 coins are copper core with a bright nickel coating.
This is why they look different. Silver will tarnish or look grayish over time. Also being a soft metal it wears from use becoming thinner and smaller.
Check the edge reeding. Have the serrations worn down as well?
This wear will make many vending machines reject the coin.

If it was too light or too small any vending machine will reject such a coin. At this time it is good for you since silver coins are currently worth about 8 times their face value, So a silver quarter is worth about 2 dollars just for its silver content.

As for value. Being so worn on a common date coin the collector or numismatic value is only slightly above its silver melt value.

I hope this information helps.

Feel free to ask any question on US Coins.
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Good Luck

PapaJack