1 cent, in the early part of the 20th century, had the buying power of 23 cents today. That's a factor of 23. And that was after some inflation during the switch to the bimetallic standard in 1881. The half-penny coin was discontinued in 1857 when its buying power dropped to approximately 12 cents today. So, on the whole, historically, what dimes are worth today is below the typical historical "this isn't worth it" point, and quarters are at or above it.
1972 to today is a factor of five. 1910 to today is a factor of twenty-five or so.
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Date: 2012-12-02 03:59 am (UTC)1972 to today is a factor of five. 1910 to today is a factor of twenty-five or so.