Standing Liberty Quarter

Coin Values Moving with Precious Metals: Up-Dated 2/8/2021: Gold $1813 | Silver $26.90

The Standing Liberty Quarter Design. Of course, Mint officials didn't plot to put bare-breasted ladies on our quarters. The Treasury Department held a competition, and several top sculptors were invited to submit designs for use on United States coinage. The head is the most weakly struck area of the Standing Liberty Quarter. Other areas important to grading is the high points like the shield and shield rivets, the robe over the midsection, Liberty's left knee and thigh above knee on the obverse. The reverse high points is. Standing Liberty Quarter 1926-S. 90% Silver Coin. Seller: QualityCoins1. 1926 Standing Liberty Quarter G4. Seller: cdspdxcoins. 1927-P Standing Liberty Quarter. Standing Liberty Quarter, 1916 25C Standing Liberty, FH, PCGS MS67+FH. Click image to enlarge. Ranking as one of the rarest and most sought-after coins of the 20th century is the 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter, a first-year coin that kicked off the series with a fair bit of controversy, too. Get the best deals on 1916 Year Standing Liberty US Quarters (1916-1930) when you shop the largest online selection at eBay.com. Free shipping on many items.


Standing Liberty quarter values begin in the range of $5.09 and above. This is for a common, later date coin in the heavily worn 'Good' condition. Silver today (2/8/2021 ) is in the $26.90 range supporting how much a Standing Liberty quarter is worth.

A step by step method is used to identify premium collector quality coins. Separating the bullion coins from high demand examples. Dates, mintmarks, and varieties are determined and condition is next to judge.

These steps are found below the value chart.

Steps Leading to Value:

  • Step 1: Date and Mintmark Variety - Accurately identify different varieties and dates spanning the Standing Liberty quarter series.
  • Step 2: Grading Condition - Important elements are judged and condition is graded.
  • Step 3: Special Qualities - These old quarters are 90% silver and many factors contribute to value.

The following value chart shows clearly collectors pay a premium for higher-grade coins. Examine your coins closely for dates, mint marks, and condition. Proceed through the steps, each plays an important role in determining accurate values.

Standing Liberty Quarter Values
1916 to 1930
Condition of Coin
DateGoodFineExtremely
Fine
Mint
State
Standing Liberty Quarter Values Updated 2/8/2021
1916 $2,015 Rare Rare Rare
1917 $23 $53 $97 $176
1917 D $29 $77 $123 $196
1917 S $32 $91 $151 $238
Type II - Stars Below Eagle on Reverse
1917 $22 $47 $80 $125
1917 D $31 $67 $119 $261
1917 S $27 $90 $132 $149
1918 $14 $24 $34 $123
1918 D $22 $60 $103 $207
1918/7 S $855 $1,950 Rare Rare
1918 S $14 $25 $40 $139
1919 $28 $49 $61 $166
1919 D $36 $147 $393 $912
1919 S $58 $119 $380 $1,554
1920 $10.24 $18 $42 $97
1920 D $69 $100 $148 $484
1920 S $14 $25 $53 $387
1921 $113 $201 $435 $868
1923 $10.55 $27 $42 $123
1923 S $228 $279 $946 $1,762
1924 $10.24 $19 $38 $109
1924 D $36 $79 $114 $169
1924 S $35 $56 $102 $384
1925 $5.09 $6.91 $38 $112
1926 $5.09 $6.47 $29 $112
1926 D $6.47 $23 $60 $106
1926 S $5.09 $9.42 $69 $324
1927 $5.09 $6.47 $24 $112
1927 D $9.42 $21 $114 $180
1927 S $34 $105 $487 Rare
1928 $5.09 $6.47 $24 $94
1928 D $5.09 $6.91 $26 $117
1928 S $5.09 $6.91 $26 $105
1929 $5.09 $6.47 $24 $101
1929 D $5.09 $6.91 $24 $108
1929 S $5.09 $6.47 $24 $105
1930 $5.09 $6.47 $25 $91
1930 S $5.09 $6.91 $24 $85

The above are wholesale Standing Liberty Quarter values. Computed from dealer's price lists with various mark-up factors figured in. They reflect closely the value you would expect to receive when selling.

Standing Liberty Quarter No Date

However; do expect variations in value to occur subject to subtle grading points, collector demands and dealer needs.

Step 1: | Date - Mintmark Plus Variety are Identified

A full figure of Liberty is featured on the new quarters of 1916. The design is very popular with collectors and the series is collected in all grades. Liberty is holding an olive branch (peace) and shield (protection). She is 'stepping forward to the gateway of the country' as describe by the mint. Historical context is WWI at the time and US involvement in keeping the country secure. Reverse is an eagle in flight surrounded by stars.

A second variety soon replaced the first. Part of 1917 production introduced changes to Liberty adding armor to her gown. Additionally, and easiest to identify the new variety, are the thirteen stars on the reverse were modified to 5 stars either side of the eagle and 3 below. These changes remained throughout the series.

Mint and Mintmarks of the Standing Liberty Quarter Series

The need for quarters was met by three mints, Denver, San Francisco, and Philadelphia. All combined to produce over 226 million Standing Liberty quarters.

Numbers struck by each mint varied year by year creating both available and scarce date and mintmark combinations. Typical collections include all dates and mints and this demand identifies the scarce issues by higher values on the chart.

San Francisco Mint

San Francisco mint began striking Standing Liberty quarters in 1917 of both varieties. Production was typically on average 2 million per year. 1927 is the low mintage year of 396,000 pieces, creating a scarce variety, and also the second lowest of the entire series.

Indicating the San Francisco mint is a small 'S' mintmark left of Liberty's foot near the date.

Denver Mint

A great many of the Denver mint issue Standing Liberty quarters are the scarce variety for that year. Denver's total number minted of the series is just over 29 million quarters the lowest total of the three mints. Mintmarks are very small; a magnifying glass is helpful. These mintmarks are necessary to identify when placing an accurate value on the coin.

Look closely left of the date, near the star. A small 'D' is the mintmark used by the Denver Mint.

Philadelphia Mint

Philadelphia mint is the main US mint, striking coins, assaying metals, and producing all dies used by other mints. Additionally, striking the largest number of Standing Liberty quarters. Philadelphia variety quarters are an affordable entry into the series. Two dates standout as scarce and high value, 1916 and 1921 both low production years. 1916 is key to the series only 52,000 minted.

Philadelphia did not use any mintmark. No mintmark in the space left of the date near the small star is a Philadelphia quarter.

Step 2: | Grading Condition | Determine Value

Dealers and collectors look at the condition of coins very closely and determine the 'Grade'. This is done first before determining Standing Liberty quarter values.

Standing Liberty Quarter Values are Conditional

As a coin circulates and wears each stage of wear is different and assigned a grade. A range of grades are used; from a heavily worn coin 'Good' condition to one bright and new in 'Mint State' condition.

Comparing your coins to the grading images below, notice how wear causes a different appearance to the coin. As example, when first minted, Liberty is holding a finely detailed shield. Wear reduces these details on and around the shield and the progression of wear helps identify an accurate grade. Certain design elements diminish or disappear when worn. These recognizable differences are used to judge and grade a coin.

Mint State Grade: Standing Liberty Quarter

Obverse: Features Identifying Mint State Grade: Reaching the high grade of Mint State defines the condition as no wear to the surface. Areas high in profile are examined to detect the smoothing and change in texture wear presents.

Liberty's right chest is judged, fine grains to the metal and complete fine detail and no removal of metal indicates no wear to the surface.

A scarf is held in her right hand extending across Liberty to the shield. It is without any smoothness, remaining the same shine as metal above and below.

Examine her right knee for any signs of dulling to the metal, a sign of wear.

Reverse: Features Identifying Mint State Grade: Luster that produces the 'shine' of a mint state grade coin is a fine texture.

Eagles left wing is prone to removal of original luster. Towards the center of the wing, confirm a consistent texture remains.

A high relief contour is part of the Eagle's left wing from the tip to the body of the eagle. Judge the surface along the upper edge to detect smoothing caused by wear.

Fine line ridges are center details to feathers, these are bright and the same texture as the rest of the wing.

Extremely Fine Grade: Standing Liberty Quarter

Obverse: Features Identifying Extremely Fine Grade: An Extremely Fine condition quarter features most major designs elements bold and finer details slightly faded.

Liberty, from head to toe, is lightly worn on the very upper areas. Her right chest is smooth but does not connect with the scarf just below.

A good indication of minimal wear is the scarf remains full with upper and lower lines as it crosses Liberty.

A small flat area is noted on Liberty's right knee, thigh, and continues to her toe. This flat area is confined to just the upper contour of the leg leaving depth to the sides.

Reverse: Features Identifying Extremely Fine Grade: A large amount of wing detail remains, presenting a bold eagle design.

A key focal point to identify the Extremely Fine grade is the Eagle's left wing. Towards the front edge of the wing, lines representing each feather remain just visible. These lines identify a row of feathers different than the large flight feathers.

A well detailed left wing remains with all feathers separate and bold.

Standing liberty quarter mintage

Tail feather design is worn across the top edge with one or two feather lines remaining.

Fine Grade: Standing Liberty Quarter

Obverse: Features Identifying the Fine Grade: Wear has removed most of the highest points of the design, leaving a lack of detail.

Although the sides of Liberty remain raised, across her center is now flat. A broad flat surface is continuous from Liberty's toe to neck line.

A once defined scarf from hand to shield is now indistinct across Liberty.

Keeping this coin within the Fine grade is the shield edge remains separated from Liberty.

Reverse: Features Identifying the Fine Grade: All high contour areas of the Eagle's wing are now flattened.

The left wing is lacking most inner feather detail. Edges of feathers are bold only at the very ends.

Leading edge of the right wing is now noticeable flat. Flatness is also showing at the tips of the feathers. Raised edges separating feathers are distinct only within the center of the wing.

A full rim remains with letters of the legend bold. Stars are raised from the field.

Good Grade: Standing Liberty Quarter

Obverse: Features Identifying the Good Grade: Areas of the coin have now become hard to recognize. Wear has removed enough metal to flatten all high point contours.

Liberty is worn smooth over her entire center, leaving only gown detail towards her feet.

Shield is fully connected as a flat area to Liberty, only slight detail remains of the upper edge to shield.

Standing liberty quarter mintage

Lettering is readable. Letters of 'Trust' are becoming weak.

Reverse: Features Identifying the Good Grade: Most details to the eagle are worn smooth.

Complete Set Standing Liberty Quarters

A complete outline to the eagle remains. Feathers to the left wing are now smooth, no edged details remain.

Central feather detail is just visible to the right wing. Ends to the feathers are all blended.

Letters along the rim have become faint in areas with a few tops of letters merged to the rim. Stars are faint in areas.

How to Video: Grading Standing Liberty Quarters

Continue the grading process. Video plus images and descriptions add to the understanding of condition. An important part of value and judging collector quality coins.

Quarter

Step 3: | Special Qualities Determine Value

Quick Check: Is your coin Bullion or Collector; Standing Liberty Quarter Value? The condition of the date area is a solid indicator defining a bullion or collector piece. 1925 saw a modification in the design, by recessing the date and improving its ability to remain readable.

The majority of bullion quality and value quarters are of the 1925 to 1930 sub-variety with recessed date. If the date is faded with numbers incomplete it's easily seen as below Good grade, becoming bullion quality. Note: watch for the 1927-S a premium scarce date. Compare your post 1924 quarters with the images to confirm a collector quality coin. Standing Liberty quarter values are $5.09 as of 2/8/2021 for coins 1925 to 1930 in Good and below grade.

Recognizing Aesthetic Appeal of Standing Liberty Quarters

Collectors are keen to spot eye appealing coins to add to their collections. Viewing the example coins each is judged in overall look and desirability.

Noticeable Corrosion

Notice the dark spots scattered over the surface of the coin. They indicate poor storage, likely humid and allowing corrosion to take hold. A low appealing coin to a collector.

Noticeable Cleaning

An attempt was made to clean this coin and 'improve' its surface. A cleaned coin is judged for what it is and quickly passed by a collector. Any value as a collectible is 'washed' away.

Noticeable Appeal

Here a coin is worn to the same extent as the prior coins. A big difference is when set aside it was protected, no further deterioration, and left to age naturally. Eye appeal is positive and recognized by collectors, preserving value.

References

US Mint. Catalogue of Coins of the United States. https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/book/554591
US Mint. 1916 US Mint Annual Report. https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/book/514129
US Mint. 1934 US Mint Annual Report. https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/book/514138
US Mint. 1917 US Mint Annual Report. https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/book/514130

Coin Values | CoinStudy Articles

The 'M' next to the date. On the right side of the date is a block letter 'M' impressed into the design. Hermon A. MacNeil designed the Standing Liberty quarter and his initial 'M' is on all quarters of the series. The initial is of the same size as a mintmark but recognizes the creator of the design.

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Standing Liberty Quarter Grading

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The Standing Liberty Quarter was first minted in late 1916, although the first pieces would not be introduced into circulation until the following year. The coins would continue to be minted through 1930 amidst two modifications to the original design. The series has been considered one of prime numismatic interest. Assembling a complete collection is a challenge even in circulated grades due to one significant key date. In uncirculated condition, the completion of a set becomes an extremely difficult task, especially if coins are sought with fully struck devices, or the “Full Head” designation.

When the Barber design was slated to be replaced on the three silver denominations, a competition was declared to select the designs. For the quarter dollar, the design selected for the new type was created by Massachusetts sculptor Hermon A. MacNeil. The obverse of the coin features the standing figure of Liberty within the opening of a small gate adorned with thirteen stars. She holds a shield in her left hand and an olive branch in her right. The word LIBERTY appears above and the date below. The motto IN GOD WE TRUST is split over both sides of the gate. The original reverse design features an eagle in flight with seven stars to the left and six to the right. Beneath the eagle is the denomination QUARTER DOLLAR, with the remaining inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and E PLURIBUS UNUM in the field above the eagle.

The original design described above, known as “Type 1”, was struck in 1916 and during the first few months of 1917. This version featured a depiction of Liberty with an exposed breast and according to numismatic myth there was a public outcry to cover her up. However, recent research of correspondence between MacNeil and the Mint has shown that the design was altered at the request of MacNeil, who felt that the design was not up to his usual standards.

The modified design for the Standing Liberty Quarters, known as “Type 2”, would be introduced during the latter part of 1917. The design was slightly strengthened on both sides, with two noted changes to the devices. On the obverse, Liberty now wears a suit of chain mail. Numismatic author Q. David Bowers has suggested that this might have been done to strengthen the military appearance of the design, which was introduced in the middle of the first World War. The reverse was altered as well, with the stars rearranged. Five stars were placed on either side of the eagle, with the remaining three stars positioned beneath.

Standing Liberty Quarter Melt Value

A second modification to the design occurred in 1925, when the area containing the date was recessed. Prior to this, the date was placed in the same relief as the other parts of the design, which allowed it to be completely worn away in circulation. There were no further modifications to the design for the remainder of the series.