When admiring the coin collections which are displayed at certain gatherings throughout the year, there are often little surprises to be found which the attendees may not have counted on. These do not necessarily have to be really rare or expensive coins and they can actually be common coins which are simply in stunning condition. We have all seen plenty of proof coins and proof sets as well which are common yet aesthetically pleasing. Not often do the more experienced collectors get excited about these, but sometimes they are forced to take a closer look at just what the coins have to offer. Take the value in the silver for example. Even common 1964 proof sets contain some silver coins like the 1964 silver quarter which commemorates George Washington. Part of the beauty in these is the fact that during the time of production it was decided that there would be a major reduction in the amount of silver that would be used in making these coins.
Looking back it is easy to see why this decision was made. The reality is that the coins could be made much more cheaply by using other, more affordable alloy metals. This was not the first time something like this has happened though, and those who were involved in the decision most likely used established information as well as estimates in production costs from previous administrations. You could say that 1964 was indeed a turning point and the silver coins of that year would prove to be a sign of the changing times and things to come. There were arguments for both sides but the decision to reduce the silver content of the coins was upheld and put into action the following year.