There is a widely circulated claim that 1971 minimum U.S. wage -- when paid in silver quarters -- would significantly exceed the current nominally higher minimum wage.

> In 1971, the Federal minimum wage was $1.60 per hour, enough to buy 6 1/2 silver quarters (90% silver).
>
> In 2025, those same 6 1/2 silver quarters have a melt value of about $53. Today's minimum wage is $7.25 per hour...not even enough to buy one silver quarter.
>
> https://www.reddit.com/r/Silverbugs/comments/1nymza3/more_people_need_to_understand_this/

Or in a similar vein,

> In 1964, the minimum wage was five 90% silver quarters.
>
> In 2021 five 90% silver quarters have a melt value of $23.34. We don't need minimum wages. We need sound money.
>
> https://moneymetalsexchange.medium.com/2021-meme-reveals-the-relentless-devaluation-of-your-money-4ada09f59862

Are these claims factually accurate?