Standing Liberty Quarter Value Guide

1978 Washington Quarter NO MINT MARK | eBay
Standing Liberty Quarter
Estimated Value
$8 – $12
Period
1916-1930
Origin
United States
Materials
Silver, copper

The Standing Liberty Quarter is a cornerstone of early 20th-century American numismatics, minted between 1916 and 1930. Designed by Hermon A. MacNeil, this 90% silver coin is highly collectible due to its artistic depiction of Liberty and its historical connection to the World War I era.

What Is Standing Liberty Quarter Worth?

The typical price range for Standing Liberty Quarter is $8 - $12 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

  • The presence of a visible date significantly impacts the value, as many 1916-1924 quarters saw heavy wear that erased the year.
  • Current silver spot prices dictate the baseline 'melt value' for heavily circulated examples in the $8 to $12 range.
  • The specific mint mark (found to the left of the date) can increase rarity, particularly for San Francisco (S) or Denver (D) strikes.
  • The 'Full Head' designation on Liberty's portrait is a major value driver for higher-grade specimens.

How to Identify Standing Liberty Quarter?

  • Verify the 90% silver and 10% copper composition, which gives the coin its distinct metallic ring and weight.
  • Look for the Hermon A. MacNeil design featuring Liberty standing on the obverse and an eagle in flight on the reverse.
  • Check the date at the base of the pedestal; note that many circulated examples have 'flat' dates due to the original high-relief design.
  • Identify the variety by checking for the presence of stars below the eagle on the reverse, which indicates a Type 2 or Type 3 design.

History of Standing Liberty Quarter

The Standing Liberty quarter was minted by the United States from 1916 to 1930. Designed by Hermon A. MacNeil, the obverse depicts Liberty standing (later modified for modesty) and the reverse features an eagle in flight or perched depending on the variety. These quarters were struck in 90% silver and circulated widely through the early 20th century, becoming a favorite among collectors for their design and historical context during World War I and the Roaring Twenties.

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