Discover the Beauty and Value of the Standing Liberty Quarter

The Standing Liberty Quarter, minted from 1916 to 1930, holds a special place in the hearts of numismatists. Designed by renowned sculptor Hermon A. MacNeil, this coin is celebrated for its powerful symbolism and stunning artistry. With Lady Liberty depicted as both peaceful and protective, the coin represents a pivotal moment in American coinage history. While the entire series is admired, there are seven standout issues that have become prized possessions for serious collectors.

Let’s delve into what makes these specific quarters so valuable and why they’re among the most sought-after coins in the hobby.

The Enduring Appeal of the Standing Liberty Quarter
A true masterpiece of early 20th-century design, the Standing Liberty Quarter features an image of Liberty holding an olive branch in one hand and a shield in the other, balancing ideals of peace and preparedness. The reverse showcases a majestic eagle mid-flight, symbolizing freedom and strength.

Beyond its beauty, the coin was introduced during the turbulent years of World War I, a time marked by deep national pride. Certain issues within the series stand out for their rarity, design variations, and minting anomalies, elevating their status among collectors.

Here are seven of the most coveted Standing Liberty Quarters in numismatic circles.

The 7 Most Sought-After Standing Liberty Quarters

1. 1916: The Inaugural Issue

Year & Mintmark: 1916 (No mintmark)
Why It’s Special: With only 52,000 minted before the design was changed in 1917, this first-year coin is extremely scarce.
Recent Sale Range: $4,500 (VF-30) to $15,000 (MS-65, 2023)
Did You Know? Most of these coins entered circulation and were used heavily, making high-grade examples incredibly rare.

2. 1918/7-S: The Overdate Error

Year & Mintmark: 1918/7-S
Why It’s Special: This famous overdate variety shows traces of a “7” beneath the “8” in the date, created when a 1917 die was repurposed.
Recent Sale Range: $2,500 (XF-40) to $12,000 (MS-64, 2022)
Did You Know? This minting mistake is a result of the production pressures during World War I.

3. 1921: Scarce Philadelphia Issue

Year & Mintmark: 1921 (No mintmark)
Why It’s Special: With a mintage of just 1,916,000, it’s one of the lowest of the series. Top-grade coins are especially hard to find.
Recent Sale Range: $300 (Good) to $7,500 (MS-65, 2021)
Did You Know? It’s considered the key date for the series, making it a cornerstone for collectors.

4. 1923-S: The Underrated Challenge

Year & Mintmark: 1923-S
Why It’s Special: Despite a relatively higher mintage, it’s extremely difficult to find in uncirculated or gem condition.
Recent Sale Range: $150 (circulated) to $3,000 (MS-66, 2023)
Did You Know? This date is often overlooked but is one of the toughest to find in pristine grades.

5. 1927-S: High-Mintage, Low-Survival

Year & Mintmark: 1927-S
Why It’s Special: Although nearly 3 million were minted, very few survived without heavy wear.
Recent Sale Range: $200 (Fine) to $5,000 (MS-65, 2022)
Did You Know? This coin proves that condition can significantly impact value, regardless of original mintage.

6. 1930-S: The Final Farewell

Year & Mintmark: 1930-S
Why It’s Special: As the last issue in the series, only 1.6 million were struck, and many were later melted or worn down.
Recent Sale Range: $500 (VF-35) to $8,000 (MS-65, 2023)
Did You Know? Its final-year status gives it extra appeal for those completing full sets.

7. 1917 Type 1 vs. Type 2: The Design Shift

Year & Mintmark: 1917 (No mintmark, S, D)
Why It’s Special: The original Type 1 design exposed Liberty’s breast, but public backlash led to the more modest Type 2 design with chain mail.
Recent Sale Range: $1,000 (Type 1, XF-40) to $10,000 (Type 1, MS-64, 2021)
Did You Know? This mid-year design change reflects early 20th-century societal values and makes Type 1 quarters especially desirable.

Why These Standing Liberty Quarters Are So Valuable

Rarity
Low mintages and unique varieties-such as overdates or transitional designs-make many of these quarters exceptionally hard to find.

Condition Sensitivity
Uncirculated or high-grade coins carry significantly higher value. Professional grading from services like PCGS and NGC helps establish market confidence and pricing.

Historical Context
From wartime origins to final-year mintages, each coin carries a piece of American history that adds to its collectible value.

Aesthetic Excellence
MacNeil’s design is widely regarded as one of the most elegant in U.S. coinage, attracting not only coin collectors but also art and history enthusiasts.