A silver coin of the United States, of the value of twenty- five cents. Previous to the act of Feb. 21, 1853, с. 79, 10 U. S. Stat. at Large 160, the weight of the quarter-dollar was one hundred and three and one-eighth grains; but coins struck after the passage of that act were of the weight of ninety-six grains. The fine- ness was not altered by the act cited: of one thousand parts, nine hundred are pure silver and one hundred alloy. By the act of 12th of Feb. 1873, the weight of the quarter-dollar is fixed at one-half that of the half-dollar (twelve and one-half grams); R. S. § 3578; and by act of July 22, 1876, it is made legal tender in all sums public and private not exceeeding ten dollars; 1 Supplement R. S. p. 488. See HALF-DOLLAR; ANNUAL ASSAY;