The value of a Standing Liberty Quarter varies significantly, typically ranging from approximately $20 to over $160, depending on its year of mintage, mint mark, specific design variety, and most importantly, its overall condition.
What is a Standing Liberty Quarter?
The Standing Liberty Quarter is a twenty-five-cent coin minted by the United States Mint from 1916 to 1930. Designed by Hermon Atkins MacNeil, it features Lady Liberty standing on the obverse and an eagle in flight on the reverse. This series is well-regarded by collectors for its artistic design and historical significance.
Factors Influencing Standing Liberty Quarter Value
Several key elements determine how much a Standing Liberty Quarter is worth:
- Year of Mintage: Certain years, particularly early ones or those with lower mintage figures, are scarcer and thus more valuable.
- Mint Mark:
- Coins minted in Philadelphia typically have no mint mark.
- Coins from the Denver Mint have a "D" mint mark.
- Coins from the San Francisco Mint have an "S" mint mark.
Mint marks can significantly affect rarity and value for a given year.
- Variety: The Standing Liberty Quarter has two main design varieties.
- Variety I (1916-1917): Features Lady Liberty with an exposed right breast.
- Variety II (1917-1930): The design was slightly modified, adding chain mail to cover Lady Liberty's breast, due to public outcry. The reference data specifically focuses on Variety II.
- Condition (Grade): The state of preservation is paramount. Coins are graded on a scale, with higher grades commanding significantly higher prices.
- GOOD (G): A heavily worn coin where major design elements are visible, but details are faint.
- EXTREMELY FINE (XF): A coin with sharp details and only slight wear on the highest points of the design.
Standing Liberty Quarter Value Examples
Below are examples of how values can differ based on year, mint mark, variety, and condition:
| Year & Variety | Mint Mark | Condition: GOOD | Condition: EXTREMELY FINE |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1917 Standing Liberty Quarter (Variety II) | (No Mark) | $25 | $100 |
| 1917 Standing Liberty Quarter (Variety II) | D | $45 | $150 |
| 1917 Standing Liberty Quarter (Variety II) | S | $45 | $160 |
| 1918 Standing Liberty Quarter | (No Mark) | $20 | $55 |
Note: The values presented above are illustrative examples for specific dates and conditions.
Important Considerations for Valuation
- Professional Grading: For an accurate valuation, especially for rare or high-value coins, it is highly recommended to have your Standing Liberty Quarter professionally graded by a reputable third-party grading service.
- Market Fluctuations: Coin values can change based on market demand, precious metal prices (though the silver content is minor for circulated coins), and collector interest.
- Key Dates: Some dates and mint mark combinations are particularly rare and can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars in higher grades. Examples include the 1916 (all mints) and certain 1921 or 1927-S quarters.
