US West Virginia All Silver Appearance "P" Mint

how much does a silver proof weigh? anyone know

Thanks

Slight correction: the silver proof quarters are made to the same standard as the pre-1965 silver quarters. They are composed of coin silver (which is 90% pure) and weigh 6.25 grams (+/- maybe 0.03 grams) unless worn or damaged. Even a cheap digital scale should be able to tell the difference between a clad quarter and a genuine silver proof.

Since 1873 the weights for most silver coins have been exactly proportional to their face value:

Dimes = 2.5 g.
20-cent piece = 5.0 g.
Quarter = 6.25 g.
Half Dollar = 12.5 g.

The silver dollar was the odd exception, weighing in at 26.73 grams. I've always wondered how many people were squeezing a profit out of the silver content difference. If you trade 2 half dollars (25.0 grams) for one silver dollar (26.73 grams), you make a profit of 1.73 grams of 90% silver. Do that 100 times and you are ahead by 173 grams, equal to about 14 half dollars or $7.00 face value. $7 was a decent daily wage in the late 1800's!

Why not try the ring test? Balance the coin on your finger tip and tap the rim with a pencil. Silver makes a very distinct sound. Do the same with a clad quarter for comparison.