The composition of United States quarters minted in 1939 consisted of 90% silver and 10% copper. This metallic makeup resulted in a significant intrinsic value tied to the prevailing price of the precious metal. A coin of this era, if undamaged, contains approximately 0.18084 troy ounces of silver.
This specific silver standard held historical and economic significance. At the time, the metal content contributed substantially to the coin’s overall value, providing a tangible store of wealth. The subsequent shift away from this standard in later years highlights its earlier role in underpinning the currency’s worth.