Why So Few Silver Quarters

Back in 1979 Jimmy Carter was president of the US. We had interest rates of close to 20%, a recession, and many unemployed especially in the building trades. The big news in PM's was that the Hunt brothers were trying to corner the silver market, driving prices up. Full-page ads in the newspaper read "We Buy Gold and Silver!" Many were roll hunting and metal detecting. If I remember correctly, I spent around $200 back in '77 for a new White's Coinmaster II detector, big money for a 15 year old. I was roll hunting too but even then I didn't sell my finds (until later in the early 80's when I needed college money, and I sold at give away prices).