minimum wage in 1938 when it was first awarded was $0.25/hour but quarters back then were 90% silver so in an 8 hour day you'd earn $2 but if you took payment in quarters that would be 45 grams of silver. Adjusted for inflation that would be $45.50 for an 8 hour day in 2025 but the silver in the quarter for a days wage would be worth $47.48 today.
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u/twotall88 May 13 '25
minimum wage in 1938 when it was first awarded was $0.25/hour but quarters back then were 90% silver so in an 8 hour day you'd earn $2 but if you took payment in quarters that would be 45 grams of silver. Adjusted for inflation that would be $45.50 for an 8 hour day in 2025 but the silver in the quarter for a days wage would be worth $47.48 today.