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How to Find a Silver Quarter

The U.S. Mint started making copper-nickel-clad quarters in 1965 because of rapidly rising silver prices. Before then, the coins were made of 90 percent silver, and the metal had become more valuable than the coin's face value. Silver quarters are no longer made for circulation, but the mint still produces them for collectors. There are several ways to find older silver quarters on your own, without having to buy them at retail.

Things You'll Need

Metal detector

Instructions

- 1
  Buy rolls or boxes of quarters at a local bank. A bank account is recommended as this will usually negate the fees associated with acquiring large amounts of coins.
- 2
  Use the metal detector to sweep public places with lots of foot traffic. Focus on beaches, parks, and areas with plenty of dirt or sand. When on the beach, search close to the water, since many things wash up onto shore and get buried in the sand.
- 3
  Locate historical landmarks with lots of open space and soft ground. These are excellent locations for finding old coins with the metal detector. Get permission to do this on the property if necessary.
- 4
  Use opportunities in the workplace to sift through coins as they become available. Many jobs involve the handling of large amounts of coins. Cashiers can spot silver and set it aside, replacing it with their own money. Waitresses can offer to buy their co-workers' change.
- 5
  Keep a family change jar. Offering to use the change for a future family activity is a good way to keep everyone interested in filling it up and gives you a better chance to find those elusive quarters.
- 6
  Express your interest in collecting to the elder members of your family or community. One of them may have a stash of older coins. They may share a piece or two, or offer to trade some silver quarters for other coins you have.

Coin Collecting