Standing Liberty Quarter
(1916 – 1930)
The public absolutely loved the Standing Liberty Quarter when it was released in 1916. Many people were reminded of the earlier Seated Liberty design from the 1800s, and the Standing Liberty’s elegant imagery and symbolism quickly won the hearts of collectors and citizens alike.
Despite only being minted for a short span — from 1916 to 1930 — the Standing Liberty Quarter is considered one of the most beautiful and artistic coin designs ever produced by the United States Mint. It embodies classical themes, patriotism, and bold artistic choices, which have made it a long-standing favorite in the numismatic world.
You can still find these coins at many coin shops and through dealers, though high-quality specimens are much rarer than their lower-grade counterparts.
Design Changes
Type 1 (1916–1917 only)
Obverse: Lady Liberty stands in a gateway holding a shield and an olive branch. Her right breast is fully exposed, which sparked public controversy at the time.
Reverse: Features an eagle in flight surrounded by stars.
Minting Years: 1916 and early 1917
Notable Detail: No stars beneath the eagle on the reverse.
This design caused a bit of a stir due to Liberty’s exposed chest — the public outcry pushed for a quick redesign.
Type 2 (1917–1930)
Obverse: Lady Liberty’s chest is now covered with chain mail armor. This was a direct response to the controversy.
Reverse: Three stars were added beneath the eagle.
Design Adjustment: Slight modifications were also made to the date, which originally wore off quickly due to its high placement. By 1925, the date was recessed into the die to help preserve it.
These changes not only defined the aesthetics of the series but also affect value. Type 1 coins, especially 1916, are rare and highly desirable. Even low-grade examples can fetch thousands of dollars.
The value of a Standing Liberty Quarter is mostly driven by condition, mint mark, and rarity of specific years. While circulated examples are common and affordable, high-grade coins and key dates can fetch thousands of dollars.
Even in lower condition, many Standing Liberty Quarters retain decent value. It’s not unusual for a well-worn example to be worth $50 to $200, and even more if it has a desirable date or mint mark.
Grading services like PCGS and NGC can provide certified grading, which helps determine exact market value and authenticity.
Valuation Chart
Collectors often look for quarters from the San Francisco Mint, denoted by an “S” mint mark, as they tend to be scarcer. The 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter is the key date and one of the rarest — it had a mintage of only 52,000, making it highly valuable.
Below is a breakdown of Standing Liberty Quarter values by year and mint:
Year | Mint | Estimated Value (Good to XF) |
|---|---|---|
1916 | Philadelphia | $2,500 – $15,000+ |
1917 | Philadelphia | $50 – $200 |
1917 | Denver (D) | $60 – $250 |
1917 | San Francisco (S) | $65 – $275 |
1918 | Philadelphia | $30 – $150 |
1918 | Denver (D) | $40 – $180 |
1918 | San Francisco (S) | $50 – $200 |
1919 | Philadelphia | $30 – $160 |
1919 | Denver (D) | $75 – $400 |
1919 | San Francisco (S) | $100 – $450 |
1920 | Philadelphia | $25 – $120 |
1920 | Denver (D) | $30 – $150 |
1920 | San Francisco (S) | $40 – $160 |
1921 | Philadelphia | $200 – $800 |
1923 | San Francisco (S) | $60 – $250 |
1924 | Philadelphia | $25 – $100 |
1924 | Denver (D) | $35 – $125 |
1924 | San Francisco (S) | $40 – $150 |
1925 | Philadelphia | $25 – $100 |
1926 | Philadelphia | $25 – $90 |
1926 | San Francisco (S) | $35 – $140 |
1927 | Philadelphia | $25 – $90 |
1927 | Denver (D) | $30 – $100 |
1927 | San Francisco (S) | $40 – $130 |
1928 | Philadelphia | $25 – $85 |
1928 | San Francisco (S) | $35 – $120 |
1929 | Philadelphia | $25 – $80 |
1929 | San Francisco (S) | $30 – $100 |
1930 | Philadelphia | $25 – $75 |
1930 | San Francisco (S) | $30 – $100 |
Final Thoughts
The Standing Liberty Quarter might only span a brief 15-year period of production (1916-1930), but in that short time, it cemented its place as one of the most iconic and beloved U.S. coins. Its combination of striking design and historical significance makes it a highly sought-after series. The bold image of Liberty standing proudly, holding her shield and olive branch, has captured the imagination of collectors for generations. The reverse, with its soaring eagle, is equally impressive and stands as a symbol of strength and freedom.
W hile lower-grade examples of the Standing Liberty Quarter remain relatively accessible for most collectors, it’s the high-grade pieces — and rare dates like the 1916 — that really take the spotlight. These rarer examples can command prices well into the thousands and are considered real treasures in the numismatic world. For those aiming to complete a set or hunt for key dates, the 1916 is a true holy grail, known for its scarcity and its stunning design.
But it’s not just about finding the highest-value coins. The Standing Liberty Quarters also offer a fantastic opportunity for collectors to appreciate the evolution of U.S. coinage. Each coin in the series tells a story of the 20th century, from the final years of the First World War to the start of the Great Depression. Whether you’re after a well-worn example that has passed through generations of hands or you’re in search of a near-perfect gem that can gleam under the lights at a coin show, there’s something for every kind of collector.
AÂ nd don’t forget the journey! One of the most enjoyable aspects of collecting Standing Liberty Quarters is the community you become a part of. Local coin shops can be invaluable resources not just for finding great coins, but for connecting with others who share your passion for history and collecting. These small, often family-owned businesses are often the heart of the numismatic world, providing you with opportunities to learn, discover, and even trade or upgrade pieces in your collection.
Whether you’re just getting started or you’ve been collecting for years, the Standing Liberty Quarter is a series that will always offer new discoveries and challenges. And in this hobby, the chase is just as rewarding as the find!
