By Charles Morgan for CoinWeek ….

On August 31, 2025, GreatCollections will sell an attractive PCGS MS66FH 1917-S Standing Liberty Quarter. The coin is one of 106 graded at that level with just 51 graded finer, but unlike many coins at this grade level, this example is blast white on both sides and presents the Type Set collector with an attractive gem to fill an important hole in their collection.

The Standing Liberty Quarter replaced the Barber Quarter and was minted from 1917 to 1930. The coin’s designer, sculptor Hermon Atkins MacNeil, envisioned a graceful and artistic representation of Liberty, but his vision clashed with the practical realities of the U.S. Mint’s coining process. This tension between artist and engraver led to two distinct versions of the coin’s design.

The Type 1, or “No Stars Below Eagle” variety, was struck in late 1916 and 1917. This initial design featured a partially nude Liberty and a low-flying eagle on the reverse. The U.S. Mint made several unauthorized changes to MacNeil’s original design, which left him so displeased that he successfully lobbied for the chance to revise the coin. His updated Type 2 design, however, included changes not present in his initial model and ultimately replaced the Type 1. Both versions circulated around the same time, and collectors hoarded the 1916 and 1917 issues, much as they did with the 1909-S V.D.B. Lincoln Cent and the 1883 “No Cents” Liberty Head Nickel.

Despite its short-lived run, the Type 1 coin is highly sought after by collectors, largely due to its depiction of Liberty and the circumstances of its creation. The obverse shows Liberty standing in a classical-style opening, holding a shield and an olive branch. A key feature of the design is Liberty’s gown, which drapes loosely to reveal her right breast and leg—a depiction that was considered daring at the time. The reverse features a soaring eagle, which the Mint had lowered from MacNeil’s original design, balancing the surrounding text.

Adding to the coin’s collectibility is the “Full Head” (FH) designation. Due to the era’s minting technology, many Standing Liberty Quarters were struck with weak details on Liberty’s head. The FH designation is given to coins that display the complete hair and facial features, and these coins often command a significant premium.

Bidding for the coin is currently underway on the GreatCollections website, with the current high bid at $2,150. The auction is scheduled to end on September 14, 2025, at 4:50 PM Pacific Time.

* * *

GreatCollections has offered high-quality examples of thousands of collector coins over the years, including many top population pieces. To search through GreatCollection’s archive of over 600,000 certified coins and notes that the company has sold, please visit the GreatCollections Auction Archives.

The post Blast White Standing Liberty Quarter with Full Head is Worth a Look appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

The journey to America’s 250th continues. Last month, the United States Mint kicked off the countdown to America’s Semiquincentennial with the announcement of the release of newly designed circulating coins in 2026. We also shared a first look at the first release in the Best of the Mint numismatic series—a historic reissue of five collector favorites struck throughout our Nation’s history. Today, we’re excited to share the second coin and medal set in our Best of the Mint series—a tribute to peace and vigilance, the 1916 Standing Liberty Gold Coin & Silver Companion Medal.

This quarter was part of the 1916 rebirth of American silver coinage. Artist Hermon A. MacNeil sculpted Miss Liberty uncovering a shield in an attitude of protection and holding an olive branch of peace. On the coin’s reverse, a graceful American eagle flies. Crafted in 1/4 oz 99.99% fine gold, this 2026 reissue will be paired with a companion 1 oz silver medal inspired by elements of the original 1916 Standing Liberty quarter, bringing a modern interpretation and new life to a timeless symbol. Together the designs embody strength, diplomacy, and America’s enduring ideals. Liberty then, now, and forever.

The post The 1916 Standing Liberty Returns: 2nd in the Best of the Mint Series appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

By CoinWeek ….

Registry Set collectors seeking to upgrade have a rare opportunity to purchase a top pop example of the 1924 Standing Liberty Quarter. Tied with two other coins in the PCGS census of MS67+FH coins, this beautiful example boasts shimmering luster with just the faintest champagne-colored hue.

The Philadelphia Mint struck 10,920,000 Standing Liberty Quarters in 1924, less than 1/2 of a percent of the number of quarters that the Mint struck in 2024. Nevertheless, in grades up to MS63, the 1924 issue is within reach of most collectors seeking an example of the type. For those seeking a full strike, the date offers the expected challenge for the pre-1925 Type IIs. To earn PCGS’s Full Head designation, the helmet must exhibit three complete and distinct leaves, a complete outline on the bottom of the helmet, and a clear ear hole on Liberty’s head. Due to the head’s proximity to the rim, these details did not always strike up.

Furthermore, Full Head Gems and Superb Gems are elusive, and to date, PCGS has certified just 15 coins at MS67FH with three at MS67+FH.

At the time of publication, the highest of 11 bids is $53,800. Bidding ends on July 6, 2025 at 5:17 PM Pacific Time.

* * *

GreatCollections has offered high-quality examples of thousands of Lincoln Cents over the years, including many top population pieces. To search through GreatCollection’s archive of over 600,000 certified coins and notes the company has sold, please visit the GreatCollections Auction Archives.

* * *

The post Top Pop Full Head 1924 Standing Liberty Quarter Offered by GreatCollections appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

By Charles Morgan and Hubert Walker for CoinWeek Notes …..
 

Sculptor Hermon Atkins MacNeil’s Standing Liberty Quarter may be one of the most aesthetically pleasing designs for a circulating American coin, but its striking characteristics were a constant source of frustration for the United States Mint. Among its flaws was the placement of the date atop a raised step at the bottom of the obverse, exposing this key identification feature to excessive wear. Within a few years of production, it was clear to the Treasury Department that “dateless” quarters were going to flood the channels of commerce.

When a similar issue had played out with James Earle Fraser’s Buffalo Nickel, the Mint lowered the mound element and placed the denomination within a sunken exergue. It was never able to fix the date issue, however, and some collectors would eventually dip the coins in acid to bring up an outline of the coin’s date.

The 1924 Standing Liberty Quarter would be the last issue with this version of the obverse. In 1925, the Mint employed a fix similar to the one undertaken with the reverse of the nickel, sinking the inside of the step to protect the date with the raised elements surrounding it.

Nevertheless, the Mint did try to adjust the date slightly in 1924, thinning the numerals, but it did not resolve the issue to the Mint’s satisfaction.

Understanding the Certified Market of the 1924 Standing Liberty Quarter

2024 marks the centennial of the 1924 Standing Liberty Quarter, as well as the 38th year of commercial third-party grading. We’ve been told on numerous occasions, by multiple inside sources, that key figures at the leading grading services once believed that most of the gradable classic-era United States coins would be graded by the mid-to-late 1990s.

In retrospect, this pessimistic outlook did not account for the numerous modifications to “market grading” standards that would take place in the 2000s onward, or the obvious financial incentives to cherrypick choice material for regrading.

When comparing the certified population of NGC and PCGS coins from 2007, when dealer J.H. Cline published the Fourth Edition of Standing Liberty Quarters, to census data collected in November 2024, we see a significant increase in the number of high-end 1924 Standing Liberty Quarters. Most are concentrated at the MS66FH level, which has seen a population increase of 200% at PCGS and 50% at NGC.

This resulted in a marked decrease in prices realized at auction. Previously selling for $1,500 or more, coins at this level now go for $750 to $900. Of course, outliers remain at this level and at MS67FH, where a nicely toned example in a PCGS “Rattler” holder sold for MS68FH money. The holder, the coin, and its assumed upgrade potential drove that enthusiastic price.

Coins of the Just Having Fun Collection

Two 1924 Standing Liberty Quarters from the amazing Just Having Fun Collection are worth noting. The Standing Liberty Quarters from the Just Having Fun Collection were sold by Stack’s Bowers in August 2012 and generated much attention. Both 1924 quarters featured rich “Wayte Raymond” toning along the periphery. The “finer” of the two graded PCGS MS68+, but lacked Full Head detail. The Full Head coin graded PCGS MS67+FH. These connoisseur coins will demand premium prices whenever offered.

* * *

1924 Standing Liberty Quarter Market Data and Noteworthy Specimens

PCGS MS67FH was a pop-three coin in 2003. The first PCGS MS67+FH was made before late 2015.

Top Population: PCGS MS67+FH (2, 11/2024), NGC MS68FH (4, 11/2024), and CAC MS67FH (7:0 stickered:graded, 11/2024).

• NGC MS68FH #3171262-001: As NGC MS67FH #1852166-001. Heritage Auctions, July 8, 2006, Lot 2311 – $6,325; “The Joseph C. Thomas Collection, Part One” Heritage Auctions, April 29, 2009, Lot 568 – $7,475; NGC MS68FH #3171262-001. Heritage Auctions, July 31, 2009, Lot 1108 – $16,100. Upgraded by one point. Mostly brilliant with faint lilac toning. Spot above U of TRUST. Discoloration between 9 and 2.
• PCGS MS68+ CAC #31091643: “Just Having Fun Collection,” Stack’s Bowers, August 7, 2012, Lot 11420 – $22,500 Reserve Not Met; Stack’s Bowers, June 20, 2013, Lot 1267 – $16,450; Heritage Auctions, January 7, 2015, Lot 4115 – $20,562.50; Heritage Auctions, January 5, 2017, Lot 5630 – $17,625. Just Having Fun on insert. Brilliant centers with rainbow toning along the periphery.
• PCGS MS68 CAC #25393890: As NGC MS68 #583257-004. Heritage Auctions, April 19, 2012, Lot 4223 – $5,175. As PCGS MS68 CAC #25393890. Heritage Auctions, October 18, 2012, Lot 3627 – $6,462,50; “The James Swan Collection of Standing Liberty Quarters,” Heritage Auctions, January 4, 2017, Lot 4098 – $7,050. Dark crescent toning along the top of the obverse.
• PCGS MS67+FH #29587698: As PCGS MS67. “The Just Having Fun Collection,” Stack’s Bowers, August 7, 2012, Lot 11386 – $14,100. Rainbow toning along the periphery. Dark spot above T in TRUST.
• NGC MS67+FH CAC #3414900-002: Heritage Auctions, February 3, 2012, Lot 4038 – $11,500. Brilliant.
• PCGS MS67FH CAC #4670068: Heritage Auctions, January 2025 – View. NEVADA on insert. Mostly brilliant with a faint coat of russet toning.
• PCGS MS67FH CAC #7003917: Stack’s Bowers, June 22, 2018, Lot 1339 – $24,000. Rattler. Lightly toned.
• PCGS MS67FH #25605148: Heritage Auctions, June 9, 2016, Lot 4472 – $6,462.50. Scattered brown and gold toning on the obverse.
• PCGS MS67FH #25638360: Heritage Auctions, January 7, 2016, Lot 5027 – $12,925. Thick band of rainbow toning along the periphery.
• PCGS MS67FH #25672588: Heritage Auctions, October 29, 2015, Lot 3237 – $14,100. Brilliant.
• NGC MS67FH #3643086-001: As MS67FH #1716403-002. Heritage Auctions, March 24, 2005, Lot 5646 – $5,347.50; Heritage Auctions, July 10, 2014, Lot 3739 – $4,846.88. As NGC MS67FH #3643086-001. Heritage Auctions, January 8, 2015, Lot 4743 – $3,818.75. Periphery spotted.
• PCGS MS67FH #25360262: Heritage Auctions, February 4, 2014, Lot 5124 – $9,400. Brilliant.
• PCGS MS67FH #25046782: Heritage Auctions, April 25, 2013, Lot 2620 – $9,987.50. Faint champagne toning.
• NGC MS67FH #3418128-001: Heritage Auctions, May 1, 2012, Lot 23710 – $4,168.75. Apricot toning on the left obverse side.
• PCGS MS67FH #25560550: Heritage Auctions, December 9, 2011, Lot 3780 – $8,050. Faint golden toning with colorful toning around Liberty’s head and upper shield.
• NGC MS67FH #3318113-004: Stack’s Bowers, January 4, 2011, Lot 607 – $4,312.50; Heritage Auctions, August 11, 2011, Lot 3884 – $4,312.50. Brilliant. Vertical streak below eagle’s wing. Residue at the top of the eagle’s wing and U.
• PCGS MS67FH #21083555: “The Western Hills Collection,” Heritage Auctions, June 2, 2005, Lot 6107 – $9,200; “Malibu Collection of Standing Liberty Quarters,” Stack’s Bowers, November 2010, Lot 1768 – $11,500. Walser on insert. Golden toning. Die crack from face to E. On the reverse, there are two small ticks under the eagle’s head.
• NGC MS67FH #1853298-007: Heritage Auctions, March 15, 2007, Lot 721 – $6,325; Heritage Auctions, April 29, 2009, Lot 569 – $4,600. Brilliant.
• NGC MS67FH #1979091-006: Heritage Auctions, April 9, 2007, Lot 681 – $6,325; “The Scott Rudolph Collection,” Heritage Auctions, January 8, 2009, Lot 2681 – $4,168.75.  Brilliant.
• NGC MS67FH #1647283-002: Heritage Auctions, May 9, 2007, Lot 583 – $4,887.50; Heritage Auctions, April 16, 2008, Lot 922 – $4,025; Heritage Auctions, June 26, 2008, Lot 915 – $4,096.99. Light dusting of tan toning. Dark spot under B of LIBERTY.
• NGC MS67FH #1504708-016: As NGC MS67FH #960752-003. Heritage Auctions, May 6, 2004, Lot 7126 – $5,520. Pop six, none finer, when offered. As NGC MS67FH #1504708-016. Heritage Auctions, February 15, 2007, Lot 3310 – $5,750. Russet toning along the top of the obverse.
• PCGS MS67FH #2677198: “The St. Louis Collection,” Heritage Auctions, January 9, 2003, Lot 6905 – $16,100. Pop 6, none finer, when offered. Red, orange, and magenta toning along the periphery. Golden toning washes over figure.

* * *

Design

Obverse:

Lady Liberty stands in the opening of a wall or parapet, her right leg resting on the base and her left foot raised as if she is walking forward. Her long flowing gown, draped loosely and wrapped around her right arm, falls off the shoulders to reveal a chain mail armor vest. Her left arm holds a circular shield as if in a defensive posture; the shield displays the Union shield and several concentric rings, including a circle of raised dots or rivets near the edge. Liberty’s right arm is extended outward, resting on a portion of the wall, and her hand holds an olive branch. More loose drapery covers the bottom part of the shield, extends across the front of Liberty, and ends beneath the arm on the top of the wall.

The word LIBERTY arcs across the top of the coin, the “L” partially covered by the olive branch and “B” and “E” separated by Liberty’s head. Both wall sections display a rectangular panel of horizontal stripes, with IN GOD at the top of the left wall and WE TRVST similarly located on the right wall. Thirteen five-pointed stars form two columns along the wall edges next to the opening: seven to the left and six to the right (the top left star follows the “D” in GOD). The step upon which Liberty stands displays the date in raised numerals. The designer’s initial M is to the right of the bottom star in the right column. Inside the flat rim is a concentric ornamental ring consisting of two raised angular dots alternating with a short raised bar; the ring is broken by the step that displays the date 1924.

Reverse:

The center of the reverse shows an eagle in flight, headed to the right, wings outstretched and raised. Inside the flat rim is a concentric ring of UNITED STATES at the top and QUARTER DOLLAR at the bottom, with five five-pointed stars separating UNITED and QUARTER on the left and five five-pointed stars separating STATES and DOLLAR on the right. Three additional five-pointed stars are below the eagle, above QUARTER DOLLAR. OF AMERICA, in two lines and of smaller-sized letters, lies below UNITED STATES; below that text in even smaller letters is the motto E PLVRIBVS VNVM on two lines.

Edge:

The edge of the 1924 Standing Liberty Quarter is reeded.

Coin Specifications

* * *

The post 1924 Standing Liberty Quarter : A Collector’s Guide appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

By Charles Morgan and Hubert Walker for CoinWeek Notes …..
 

First released in 1916 with a minuscule mintage, the Standing Liberty Quarter garnered almost immediate controversy. As the newly appointed Director of the United States Mint, Robert W. Woolley held a public competition to replace the earlier Barber designs on the dime, quarter, and half dollar. While anyone could submit designs, American sculptor Hermon Atkins MacNeil’s creation was selected after some modifications. The obverse depiction of Lady Liberty is thought to be based on either the silent film actress Doris Doscher or Broadway actress Irene MacDowell. Regardless of who the model was, for the first time in American history, the nation’s coinage depicted partial frontal nudity.

Despite the fabled controversy, it took time to change the design, and it wasn’t until mid-February 1917 that Lady Liberty was fully clad in a chainmail undergarment. By that point, the Philadelphia Mint had already struck 8,740,000 pieces. This was the largest issuance for the denomination since the 1909 Barber Quarter. That being said, from when the design was changed until the end of 1917, the Mint would strike an additional 13,880,000 pieces belonging to the Type 2 style design.

J.H. Cline, noted expert on the Standing Liberty Quarter, estimated that due to improvements the Mint made to the obverse hub, 80% of all Type 1 quarters in uncirculated condition display Liberty’s full head. PCGS states that in order to receive the Full Head (FH) designation the coins must have “a clear and distinct separation between Miss Liberty’s hair cords and her cap.”

How Much Are Type 1 1917 Standing Liberty Quarters Worth?

Currently, the auction record for a standard strike, non-FH example, stands at $11,550. It was set by an example graded MS63 sold by Heritage Auctions in a September 1996 sale. Despite this, the price of these coins has dropped over the past 25 years. Recently, standard high Mint State examples (MS66 – MS67) have been selling for $2,000 to $6,500. As the grade drops, and as the certified population grows, we see that in mid-Mint State (MS63 – MS65) examples regularly sell for $300 to $600. A few steps lower, between About Uncirculated to Low Mint State (AU53 – MS62), examples are worth $200 to $300. Prices for mid-grade examples, between VF and EF, remain relatively stable and range from $80 to $100.

Meanwhile, the auction record for a Full Head example stands at $32,900, for an MS67+, sold by Heritage Auctions in January 2016. While this designation is not a guarantee that the coin will command a premium over non-FH examples, this is usually the case. For instance, examples graded MS67 have recently sold for $23,000 to $27,600 at auction. In lower grades, examples generally sell for a $200 to $600 premium. MS65s are now selling for $900 to $1,000, and AU55s for $200 to $500.

* * *

Market Data and Noteworthy Specimens

Top Population: PCGS MS67+FH (22, 10/2024), NGC MS67+FH (12, 10/2024), and CAC MS67FH (60:0 stickered:graded, 10/2024).

• PCGS MS67+FH CAC #25352126: GreatCollections, October 20, 2024, Lot 1675422 – View. Secure Shield holder.
• NGC MS67+FH CAC #6058513-002: Legend Rare Coin Auctions, December 8, 2022, Lot 161 – $7,050; Legend Rare Coin Auctions, December 7, 2023, Lot 45 – $5,640.
• PCGS MS67+FH #47995613: Stack’s Bowers, June 13, 2023, Lot 2014 – $14,400.
• PCGS MS67+FH CAC #40499294: Legend Rare Coin Auctions, April 2022, Lot 136 – Passed; “The Noel Thomas Patton Collection, Part II,” Heritage Auctions, August 12, 2024, Lot 3289 – $10,200.
• PCGS MS67+FH CAC #066664335: “The Bob R. Simpson Collection, Part VI” Heritage Auctions, August 18, 2021, Lot 3007 – $27,600. Simpson on insert.
• NGC MS67+FH #4626917-004: Heritage Auctions, April 27, 2018, Lot 4805 – $11,400.
• PCGS MS67+FH CAC #21509997: Heritage Auctions, January 7, 2016, Lot 5349 – $32,900.
• PCGS MS67+FH CAC #81059051: Stack’s Bowers, August 7, 2012, Lot 11410 – $19,975; Stack’s Bowers, August 11, 2016, Lot 3108 – $23,500.
• NGC MS67+FH CAC #2037631-165: “Colonel” E.H.R. Green; Eric P. Newman * B.G. Johnson, d.b.a. St. Louis Stamp & Coin Co., Eric P. Newman – $2.50; “The Eric P. Newman Collection, Part II,” Heritage Auctions November 15, 2013, Lot 33401 – $12,925. Newman novelty insert.
• NGC MS67+FH CAC #2037631-164: “Colonel” E.H.R. Green; Eric P. Newman * B.G. Johnson, d.b.a. St. Louis Stamp & Coin Co., Eric P. Newman – $2.50; “The Eric P. Newman Collection, Part II,” Heritage Auctions November 15, 2013, Lot 33401 – $8.812.50. Newman novelty insert.
• PCGS MS67+FH CAC #25102097: As PCGS MS67+FH #25598904. Heritage Auctions, June 2, 2011, Lot 3545 – $18,400. As PCGS MS67+FH CAC #2510297. Stack’s Bowers, August 14, 2013, Lot 4095 – $25,850.
• PCGS MS67+FH #25396387: Heritage Auctions, October 18, 2012, Lot 3607 – $18,800. Brilliant.

* * *

Design

Obverse:

The obverse displays Liberty standing in the opening of a wall with her right leg resting on the base and left foot raised as if walking forward. Her gown drapes loosely and is wrapped around her right arm but falls off the shoulders exposing the right breast. Her left arm holds a circular shield as if in a defensive posture; the shield displays the Union shield and several concentric rings including a circle of raised dots or rivets near the edge. Liberty’s right arm is extended, resting on the wall, and her hand holds an olive branch. Another drapery covers the shields bottom, extends across the front of Liberty, and ends beneath the arm on the top of the wall.

The word LIBERTY arcs across the top of the coin, the “L” partially covered by the olive branch, and “B” and “E” separated by Liberty’s head. Both wall sections display a rectangular panel of horizontal stripes, with IN GOD at the top of the left wall and WE TRVST (the “U” depicted as a “V”) on the right wall. Thirteen five-pointed stars form two columns along the wall edges next to the opening – seven to the left and six to the right. The step upon which Liberty stands displays the date in raised numerals. The designer’s initial M is to the right of the bottom star in the right column. Since this coin was struck in Philadelphia, there is no mintmark. Inside the flat rim is a concentric ornamental ring consisting of two raised angular dots alternating with a short, raised bar; the ring is broken by the step that displays the date.

Reverse:

The center obverse shows an eagle in flight, headed to the right, wings outstretched and raised. Inside the flat rim is a concentric ring of UNITED STATES at the top and the denomination QUARTER DOLLAR at the bottom, with seven five-point stars separating UNITED and QUARTER on the left and six five-pointed stars separating STATES and DOLLAR on the right. Centered dots separate the two words of both the legend and the denomination. OF AMERICA, in two lines and of smaller letters, lies below UNITED STATES. Below is the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM on two lines, E and PLURIBUS also separated by a center dot.

Edge:

The edge of the Type 1 1917 Standing Liberty Quarter is reeded.

Designer

Born in Everett, Massachusetts, Hermon Atkins MacNeil attended Massachusetts Normal Art School, currently known as Massachusetts College of Art and Design, graduating in 1886. Over the next few decades, he became famous for his sculptural depiction of Native American figures. MacNeil’s work includes pieces such as The Moqui Runner and The Sun Vow. While his most famous design is the Standing Liberty quarter, he is also famous for designing the East pediment of the US Supreme Court building titled Justice, the Guardian of Liberty.

Coin Specifications

* * *

The post 1917 Standing Liberty Quarter, Type 1 : A Collector’s Guide appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

By Charles Morgan and Hubert Walker for CoinWeek Notes …..
The 1929 Standing Liberty Quarter is a high-mintage late-series issue from which many fully-struck Gem Mint State coins survive. Available in roll quantity well into the late 20th century, this date and the 1930 issue are popular choices for Type Set builders.

J.H. Cline, in his popular series reference Standing Liberty Quarters, remarks that the 1929 is the second-most-common issue in the series for Full Head strikes. “Full Head” is an important attributable characteristic for the series, sought out by collectors because it infers a well-struck coin. Cline is more fastidious about this designation, describing a range of Full Head categories from Partial to Minimum to Sharp to “Ultimate” in his book. The grading services do not follow this system but apply the designation when approximately 90% of the head detail is present. There is a degree of subjectivity involved here and we have seen examples with and without the Full Head designation that barely pass or barely miss the mark.

* * *

Market Data and Noteworthy Specimens

Historic data: In the fourth edition of R.S. Yeoman’s Guide Book of United States Coins (1951-1952), the 1929 Standing Liberty Quarter had a published value of 60¢ ($7.42 in 2024 inflation-adjusted dollars) in Fine and $2.50 ($30.92) in Uncirculated. At the time, only the 1928-D Standing Liberty Quarter had a lower price.

Current market: The value of the 1929 Standing Liberty Quarter in lower circulated grades is largely dependent on the prevailing price of silver. Sales reported on eBay from May to July 2024 show a typical sale price of about $8 for low-grade coins – about $5 of that is tied up in the value of silver. Examples of choice Very Fine sell for about $30. Many coins in low circulated conditions have been cleaned, so be mindful when choosing an example. Examples in About Uncirculated condition bring between $100 and $150.

Certified market: Through 2006, PCGS reported five Full Heads examples in MS67 and NGC reported eight. The Full Heads population has increased at a gradual rate since then, with PCGS reporting 11 with three at MS67+ as of July 23, 2024, and NGC listing 18 at the 67 level with none finer. Two of the three PCGS MS67+FH coins are notable upgrades: the Pogue example (previously NGC MS67FH) and the Just Having Fun coin (previously PCGS MS67FH).

Top Population: PCGS MS67+FH (3, 7/2024), NGC MS67FH (18, 7/2024), and CAC MS67FH (6:0 stickered:graded, 7/2024).

• PCGS MS67+FH CAC #38866701: As NGC MS67FH #195171-001. Heritage Auctions, September 9, 2004, Lot 6464 – $7,187.50. As PCGS MS67+FH CAC. “The Malibu Collection of Standing Liberty Quarters,” Bowers and Merena, November 4, 2010, Lot 1780 – $25,875. Crossed to PCGS, where the coin upgraded by one-half point. First PCGS MS67+FH. As PCGS MS67+FH CAC #38866701. “The D. Brent Pogue Collection, Part VII,” Stack’s Bowers, March 20, 2020, Lot 7178 – $66,000. Rose, orange, green, and gold iridescent toning. PQ coin. Pogue novelty insert.
• PCGS MS67FH+ CAC #29587700: As MS67FH CAC. “The Just Having Fun Collection,” Stack’s Bowers, August 2012, Lot 11400 – $14,100; AS PCGS MS67FH CAC #29587700. “The Bob R. Simpson Collection, Part VI,” Heritage Auctions, August 18, 2021, Lot 3016 – $38,400. Simpson on insert. Scattered gold and orange toning. PQ coin. Since this sale, the coin has upgraded to MS67+FH. Imaged on PCGS CoinFacts.
• NGC MS67FH #6841906-003: Heritage Auctions, May 9, 2024 – $4,320.
• NGC MS67FH #6823843-009: Heritage Auctions, December 15, 2023, Lot 3300 – $8,700. Streaks of gold toning.
• PCGS MS67FH #50010186: “The James Swan Collection of Standing Liberty Quarters. The #1 PCGS Major Varieties Registry Set of Full Head Standing Liberty Quarters,” Heritage Auctions, January 4, 2017, Lot 4126 – $6,756.25. Pewter hue. Tick on right knee.
• PCGS MS67FH CAC #24097872: “The North Shore Registry Collection of Standing Liberty Quarters,” Heritage Auctions, February 3, 2012, Lot 4054 – $14,950. North Shore on insert. Gold toning at the date.
• PCGS MS67FH #50041364: Heritage Auctions, August 12, 2010, Lot 4118 – $4,025; Heritage Auctions, January 30, 2011, Lot 20130 – $3,881.25; Heritage Auctions, October 14, 2011, Lot 3970 – $4,312.50. Dusting of blue and rust-colored toning on the right side of the obverse. Rust-colored toning around UNITED STATES.
• NGC MS67FH #3124288-001: Heritage Auctions, October 23, 2008, Lot 782 – $4,168.75. Wispy rose toning over brilliant surfaces.
• NGC MS67FH #448213-008: “The David L. Goodwin Collection,” Heritage Auctions, April 27, 2006, Lot 1688 – $6,900; “The Encinitas Collection,” Heritage Auctions, May 9, 2007, Lot 597 – $4,312.50; “The Scott Rudolph Collection,” Heritage Auctions, January 8, 2009, Lot 2711 – $3,220. Brilliant.
• NGC MS67FH #1868987-001: Heritage Auctions, November 28, 2006, Lot 13342 – $4,950; “The Hoffy Collection, NGC’s #3 Registry Collection of Standing Liberty Quarters,” Heritage Auctions, January 9, 2008, Lot 1305 – $4,025. NGC Pop 9 when offered.
• NGC MS67FH #1741659-007: Heritage Auctions, June 3, 2004, Lot 6069 – $4,830; Heritage Auctions, August 14, 2006, Lot 5211 – $5,175; Heritage Auctions, May 31, 2007, Lot 1010 – $5,175. NGC Pop 4 when offered. Two ticks on the eagle’s right wing.
• NGC MS67FH #917638-006: Heritage Auctions, February 12, 2000, Lot 117 – $4,025. Gold and grey patina. NGC and PCGS combined pop 5 at MS67FH when offered.
• PCGS MS67FH: “‘East Coast Collector,’ The Finest Known Set of Standing Liberty Quarters,” Heritage Auctions January 6, 2000, Lot 6722 – $4,600. Light yellow wispy toning. Darker areas on hair, chest plate, and shield.

Design

Obverse:

Lady Liberty stands in the opening of a wall or parapet, her right leg resting on the base and her left foot raised as if she is walking forward. Her long flowing gown, draped loosely and wrapped around her right arm, falls off the shoulders to reveal a chain mail armor vest. Her left arm holds a circular shield as if in a defensive posture; the shield displays the Union shield and several concentric rings, including a circle of raised dots or rivets near the edge. Liberty’s right arm is extended outward, resting on a portion of the wall, and her hand holds an olive branch. More loose drapery covers the bottom part of the shield, extends across the front of Liberty, and ends beneath the arm on the top of the wall.

The word LIBERTY arcs across the top of the coin, the “L” partially covered by the olive branch and “B” and “E” separated by Liberty’s head. Both wall sections display a rectangular panel of horizontal stripes, with IN GOD at the top of the left wall and WE TRVST similarly located on the right wall. Thirteen five-pointed stars form two columns along the wall edges next to the opening: seven to the left and six to the right (the top left star follows the “D” in GOD). The step upon which Liberty stands displays the date in raised numerals. The designer’s initial M is to the right of the bottom star in the right column. Inside the flat rim is a concentric ornamental ring consisting of two raised angular dots alternating with a short raised bar; the ring is broken by the step that displays the date 1929.

Reverse:

The center of the reverse shows an eagle in flight, headed to the right, wings outstretched and raised. Inside the flat rim is a concentric ring of UNITED STATES at the top and QUARTER DOLLAR at the bottom, with five five-pointed stars separating UNITED and QUARTER on the left and five five-pointed stars separating STATES and DOLLAR on the right. Three additional five-pointed stars are below the eagle, above QUARTER DOLLAR. OF AMERICA, in two lines and of smaller-sized letters, lies below UNITED STATES; below that text in even smaller letters is the motto E PLVRIBVS VNVM on two lines.

Edge:

The edge of the 1929 Standing Liberty Quarter is reeded.

Coin Specifications

* * *

The post 1929 Standing Liberty Quarter : A Collector’s Guide appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

By Charles Morgan and Hubert Walker for CoinWeek Notes …..
 

In 1916, United States Mint Chief Engraver Charles E. Barber’s uniform designs for the dime, quarter, and half dollar were set aside, replaced by Adolph A. Weinman’s designs for the dime (Mercury, or Winged Liberty Head) and half dollar (Walking Liberty) – as well as Hermon A. MacNeil’s design for the quarter.

MacNeil, a noted sculptor for public works projects, placed Liberty standing on the obverse of the quarter and a soaring eagle on the reverse. His models for Liberty have been attributed to silent film actress, practicing nurse, and artist’s model Dora Doscher (also known as Doris Doree) and Broadway actress Irene MacDowell. Coin dealer J.H. Cline, a noted specialist in the series, believed it was MacDowell. Numismatist Roger Burdette, in his landmark work Renaissance of American Coinage, 1916-1921 (2005), doubts the MacDowell story and suggests that the Liberty portrait was most likely drawn from a composite of models. Both women did model for MacNeil, however.

The first version of MacNeil’s design released in 1916 depicted Liberty in a classic semi-nude pose. This design was in line with the Beaux-Arts, a popular artistic style of the period. Liberty’s exposed breast was a novel concept for a United States coin, but not so for period art. The 1896 $5 Silver Certificate similarly depicted a partially nude female figure, reportedly to the dismay of the ladies of Boston high society, which resulted in some banks refusing to handle the notes.

The Opaque Design Change of 1917

An oft-repeated myth popularized by numismatist Walter Breen suggests that a groundswell of criticism regarding the semi-nude portrait of Liberty necessitated a change to the design in 1917. We have yet to read a convincing case for this assertion and Burdette claims to have found nothing in the Mint’s records to suggest that officials were concerned about this issue.

Instead, it is clear that MacNeil, like other notable outside artists before him, found it difficult working with the Mint’s engraving department and bureaucracy. The Mint had made several revisions to the artist’s design without his input. In fact, the Mint had made changes to the design between strikings of 1916 and 1917-dated Type 1 coins, which were struck starting in late 1916.

MacNeil received 20 (probably 1917-dated) Standing Liberty Quarters on January 10 and was surprised to learn about the changes. He wrote a detailed letter to Mint Director Friedrich Johannes Hugo von Engelken the next day, explaining his thoughts on the design changes and offering improvements:

1. To lower Liberty’s head on the obverse;
2. To modify Liberty’s legs to prevent her from appearing “bowlegged”;
3. To minimize the sagging of the drapery covering the shield by pulling it tighter;
4. To reduce the size of the lettering of LIBERTY; and
5. To reduce the size of the word OF in the legend on the reverse

MacNeil did not mention Liberty’s chest, nor the change in the placement of the stars on the reverse.

Von Engelken–recognizing that he had a hand in the disconnect between the design now in production and MacNeil’s submitted and approved artwork–sought a compromise and wrote a letter to Treasury Secretary William Gibbs McAdoo on January 17 asking him to authorize a conference in Washington, D.C. with the Secretary and the Mint. McAdoo agreed and the three met on January 22. Afterward, MacNeil returned to his New York studio and began work on the agreed-upon improvements.

At the same time, tensions between the United States and the German Empire were reaching an inflection point. As Burdette points out, MacNeil’s art in the later part of 1916 reflected a sense that Liberty would meet the times “resolute, determined, and ready to fight.” MacNeil’s revised obverse design, completed in mid-February 1917, depicted Liberty wearing chain mail.

With America’s entry into World War I, MacNeil voiced the opinion that his Liberty portrait should be changed to reflect the times and so, with the approval of the Treasury Department, a revised design was submitted. Now Liberty wore armor over her chest. The reverse also saw major design modifications involving the position of the eagle and the placement of stars.

The Problem with the Date

While beautiful, the Standing Liberty Quarter, as was the case with the Buffalo Nickel, became dateless with wear. To address this issue, the date was recessed in 1925 – a change sometimes considered a third type of the series.

Full Head Designation

Standing Liberty Quarters also include a popular sub-type, that of quarters with a “Full Head” classification referring to the presence of details in Liberty’s head. Those details include distinguishable leaves in Liberty’s hair, a distinct hairline, and evident ear detail. Some authorities suggest that the complete presence of all the rivets in the shield held by Liberty is an alternative, perhaps better, indicator of a full strike. However, both head and rivet detail may not be present in the same coin, but only the presence of head detail defines the strike quality designation.

How Much Are Type 2 Standing Liberty Quarters Worth?

At least 3,000 to 4,000 business strike Type 2 Standing Liberty Quarters have been certified for each date and mintmark, more for the 1920s and ’30s coins. Several hundred to a thousand Full Head examples are listed for many issues. Prices are modest for most dates through MS63 and increase in Gem Mint State and finer. Higher priced coins are the 1918-S 8 Over 7, the 1923-S, the 1927-S, and Full Head examples. Some Full Head pieces are extremely expensive as MS64 and finer.

No official Standing Liberty Type 2 Proofs were made.

In-Depth Date Analysis from CoinWeek Notes

• 1924
• 1929

Extended Standing Liberty Quarter, Type 2 Coverage on CoinWeek

• Classic U.S. Coins for Less Than $500 Each, Part 11: Standing Liberty Quarters

CoinWeek contributor Greg Reynolds discusses the Type 2 Standing Liberty Quarter in this installment of his Classic U.S. Coins for Less Than $500 Each series.

Tips for Detecting Counterfeit Standing Liberty Quarters

• From the Dark Corner: An “Authenticated” Counterfeit 1927-S Standing Liberty Quarter
• Struck Counterfeit Coin of the Week: 1927-S Standing Liberty Quarter + 1-Page Attribution Guide

Jack Young and the “Dark Side” group discuss a variety of fake 1927-S Standing Liberty Quarters.

• Counterfeit Coin Detection – The 1924-S Standing Liberty Quarter

Graders at NGC write about their encounter with a counterfeit 1924-S.

Design

Obverse:

Lady Liberty stands in the opening of a wall or parapet, her right leg resting on the base and her left foot raised as if she is walking forward. Her long flowing gown, draped loosely and wrapped around her right arm, falls off the shoulders to reveal a chain mail armor vest. Her left arm holds a circular shield as if in a defensive posture; the shield displays the Union shield and several concentric rings, including a circle of raised dots or rivets near the edge. Liberty’s right arm is extended outward, resting on a portion of the wall, and her hand holds an olive branch. More loose drapery covers the bottom part of the shield, extends across the front of Liberty, and ends beneath the arm on the top of the wall.

The word LIBERTY arcs across the top of the coin, the “L” partially covered by the olive branch and “B” and “E” separated by Liberty’s head. Both wall sections display a rectangular panel of horizontal stripes, with IN GOD at the top of the left wall and WE TRVST similarly located on the right wall. Thirteen five-pointed stars form two columns along the wall edges next to the opening: seven to the left and six to the right (the top left star follows the “D” in GOD). The step upon which Liberty stands displays the date in raised numerals. The designer’s initial M is to the right of the bottom star in the right column, and for quarters minted in Denver or San Francisco, the D or S mintmark is located to the right of the bottom star in the left column. Inside the flat rim is a concentric ornamental ring consisting of two raised angular dots alternating with a short raised bar; the ring is broken by the step that displays the date.

Reverse:

The center of the reverse shows an eagle in flight, headed to the right, wings outstretched and raised. Inside the flat rim is a concentric ring of UNITED STATES at the top and QUARTER DOLLAR at the bottom, with five five-pointed stars separating UNITED and QUARTER on the left and five five-pointed stars separating STATES and DOLLAR on the right. Three additional five-pointed stars are below the eagle, above QUARTER DOLLAR. OF AMERICA, in two lines and of smaller-sized letters, lies below UNITED STATES; below that text in even smaller letters is the motto E PLVRIBVS VNVM on two lines.

Edge:

The edge of the Type 2 Standing Liberty Quarter is reeded.

Varieties

A few varieties have been identified, including the 1918-S 8 Over 7; the 1928-S Large S and Small S; and other, more minor die variations.

Standing Liberty Quarter, Type 2 Coin Specifications

* * *

Additional References

Bowers, Q. David. The Experts Guide to Collecting and Investing in Rare Coins. Whitman Publishing.

–. A Guide Book of United States Type Coins. Whitman Publishing.

Breen, Walter. Walter Breen’s Encyclopedia of U.S. Coins. Doubleday.

Cline, J.H. Standing Liberty Quarters. Zyrus Press.

Guth, Ron, and Jeff Garrett. United States Coinage: A Study by Type. Whitman Publishing.

Taxay, Don. The U.S. Mint and Coinage. Arco Publishing.

Yeoman, R.S., and Jeff Garrett (editor). The Official Red Book: A Guide Book of United States Coins. Whitman Publishing.
 

* * *

The post Standing Liberty Quarter, Type 2 (1917-1930) | CoinWeek appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

By Charles Morgan and Hubert Walker for CoinWeek Notes …..
 

Charles Barber’s quarter dollar design was introduced in 1892, a beneficiary of the provision of the Mint Act of 1890, which allowed for the design of a coin to be changed every 25 years. Though not mandated by law, Barber’s designs for the dime, the quarter, and the half dollar were set aside in 1916. Mint Director Robert W. Woolley had invited three renowned sculptors from outside of the United States Mint to produce designs for all three denominations – possibly intending that each coin would display the efforts of a different artist. However, Adolph A. Weinman captured two of the three prizes, one for the dime and another for the half dollar. Hermon A. MacNeil’s design was chosen for the quarter.

MacNeil was a well-known sculptor, particularly of Indian subjects. But he had also produced sketch models for the Word’s Columbian Exposition held in Chicago in 1893, a statue for the William McKinley Memorial in Columbus, Ohio, and sculptures for other public projects.

MacNeil’s design for the quarter was representative of the artistic vigor of the early 20th century, and he joined a select group of artists whose efforts were prominently displayed on coins of the period. The list of those designs includes the Lincoln Cent; the Indian Head (Buffalo) Nickel; the previously mentioned Weinman Winged Liberty Head (Mercury) Dime and Liberty Walking Half Dollar; the incuse Indian Head quarter eagle and half eagle; the Saint-Gaudens Indian Head Eagle $10 and eponymous Double Eagle $20 gold coins; and several commemorative issues, such as the Panama-Pacific Exposition silver and gold pieces.

The model for Liberty on the quarter was likely a composite of silent film actor Dora Doscher (also known as Doris Doree) and Broadway actor Irene MacDowell; the latter’s husband apparently disapproved of the pose. The reason for the disapproval was likely the same as that which has been the subject of debate ever since: the partial nudity of Liberty, specifically the undraped right breast.

The 1896 Silver Certificate had a similar display of partial nudity, reportedly causing consternation and disapproval from the ladies of Boston society, which resulted in some bankers refusing to handle the notes. MacNeil’s Liberty was covered up in 1917, remaining so through the end of the series, producing two types of the same basic design. Standing Liberty quarters also include a popular sub-type, that of quarters bearing a “Full Head” classification, which refers to the presence of details in Liberty’s head. Those details include distinguishable leaves in Liberty’s hair, distinct hairline, and evident ear detail. Some authorities suggest that the complete presence of all the rivets in the shield held by Liberty is also indicative of a full strike. However, both head and rivet detail may not be present in the same coin, but only the presence of head detail defines the subtype.

How Much Are Standing Liberty, Type I Quarters Worth?

Several thousand business strike Standing Liberty, Type 1 Quarters have been certified–more for 1917, particularly Philadelphia issues. Hundreds of Full Head examples are listed for each date and mintmark. Reflecting mintage totals, 1916 quarters are the most expensive Type 1 quarter, very expensive as XF40 and finer; Premium Gem and Superb Gem Full Head examples are extremely expensive. Type 1 1917 quarters are modestly priced to MS64 but become increasingly costly in terms of finer grades. Full Head 1917-S Type 1 quarters are expensive finer than MS63.

No Standing Liberty Type 1 Proofs were officially issued; Satin Proofs (possibly Specimens) have been reported for 1917, though none are listed in census/population reports.

In-Depth Standing Liberty Quarter, Type 1 Date Analysis by CoinWeek Notes

• 1917

Design

Obverse:

The obverse of the Standing Liberty Quarter displays Liberty standing in the opening of a wall or parapet, with her right leg resting on the base and left foot raised as if she is walking forward. Her long, flowing gown drapes loosely and is wrapped around her right arm, falling off the shoulders to expose the right breast. It is partly open at the front (the hem held up by a clasp), displaying the right leg to above the knee. On many coins, Liberty’s navel is clearly visible through the thin material. Her left arm holds a circular shield as if in a defensive posture; the shield displays the Union shield and several concentric rings including a circle of raised dots or rivets near the edge. Liberty’s right arm is extended outward, resting on a portion of the wall, and her hand holds an olive branch. Another loose drapery covers the bottom part of the shield, extends across the front of Liberty, and ends beneath the arm on the top of the wall.

The word LIBERTY arcs across the top of the coin, the “L” partially covered by the olive branch, and “B” and “E” separated by Liberty’s head. Both wall sections display a rectangular panel of horizontal stripes, with IN GOD at the top of the left wall and WE TRUST (the “U” depicted as a “V”) similarly located on the right wall. Thirteen five-pointed stars form two columns along the wall edges next to the opening, seven to the left and six to the right (the top left star follows the “D” in GOD). The step upon which Liberty stands displays the date in raised numerals. The designer’s initial or monogram “M” is to the right of the bottom star in the right column, and for quarters minted in Denver or San Francisco, the “D” or “S” mintmark is located to the right of the bottom star in the left column. Inside the flat rim is a concentric ornamental ring consisting of two raised angular dots alternating with a short raised bar; the ring is broken by the step that displays the date.

Reverse:

The center of the reverse shows an eagle in flight, headed to the right, wings outstretched and raised. Inside the flat rim is a concentric ring of UNITED STATES at the top and the denomination QUARTER DOLLAR at the bottom, with seven five-pointed stars separating UNITED and QUARTER on the left and six five-pointed stars separating STATES and DOLLAR on the right. Centered dots separate the two words of both the legend and the denomination. OF AMERICA, in two lines and of smaller letters, lies below UNITED STATES; below that text is the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM on two lines; E and PLURIBUS are also separated by a center dot.

Edge:

The edge of the Standing Liberty Quarter is reeded.

Coin Specifications

* * *

Additional References

Bowers, Q. David. The Experts Guide to Collecting and Investing in Rare Coins. Whitman Publishing.

–. A Guide Book of United States Type Coins. Whitman Publishing.

Breen, Walter. Walter Breen’s Encyclopedia of U.S. Coins. Doubleday.

Cline, J.H. Standing Liberty Quarters. Zyrus Press.

Guth, Ron, and Jeff Garrett. United States Coinage: A Study by Type. Whitman Publishing.

Taxay, Don. The U.S. Mint and Coinage. Arco Publishing.

Yeoman, R.S., and Jeff Garrett (editor). The Official Red Book: A Guide Book of United States Coins. Whitman Publishing.
 

* * *

The post Standing Liberty Quarter, Type 1 (1916-1917) | CoinWeek appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

The last Standing Liberty quarter from the multi-million dollar JustHavingFun collection–a 50% off-center error coin dated 1919 and graded XF-45 by PCGS–is being offered by GreatCollections.com, with bidding ending on Sunday, May 21 at 5:11:30 Pacific Time (8:11:30 Eastern). At the time of writing, the highest bid for the dramatic mint error is $18,500 USD after 16 bids.

Often, you can’t guess which coin excites a sophisticated collector the most, but for the late coin collector Steve Heller, better known online as the “JustHavingFun collector”, this coin was it.

It’s a lightly circulated dramatic United States Mint error 1919 Standing Liberty quarter, which is struck at least 50% off center. Forget the Full Head designation–this example has NO head, and is bisected at the torso. What remains visible is half of the letters of the motto IN GOD WE TRUST. Liberty’s hips to toes, and a distorted but visible date. On the coin’s reverse, the eagle’s wings are nearly complete, but the stars and legend fade into the flat silver planchet, which has taken on a dusky pewter hue.

This is the most spectacular off-center mint error for the Standing Liberty series and will certainly be the centerpiece of any error enthusiast’s collection.

* * *

To search through GreatCollection’s archive of over 600,000 certified coins the company has sold over the past eight years, please visit the GreatCollections Auction Archives.

The post Unusual Standing Liberty Quarter Error Caps Off Historic JustHavingFun Collection Sales appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

By Steven Cochran for Gainesville Coins ……
 

Virtually all Standing Liberty Quarters are worth more than their melt value (roughly $5). Many of them are worth hundreds of dollars, in fact.

The Standing Liberty quarter does not get the publicity that the Mercury Dime or the Walking Liberty Half Dollar does, but it still has its own fans. Let’s take a look at the myths and history surrounding this famous coin, and find out which Standing Liberty quarters are worth money.

The Origin of the Standing Liberty Quarter

President Theodore Roosevelt kicked off America’s “Renaissance” of its coinage in 1907 when new designs for the $10 eagle and the $20 double eagle gold coins by Augustus Saint-Gaudens entered circulation. By 1913, the cent, the nickel, and all four circulating gold coins had new, artistic designs.

The dime, the quarter, and the half dollar became eligible for replacement in 1916, and the United States Mint wasted no time in replacing the last of the old “Barber” designs on the nation’s coins. A competition was held in 1915 wherein artists were invited to submit designs for all three coins. Hermon MacNeil’s Liberty Standing won the contest for the quarter. The design was more aligned with the older Seated Liberty quarter motif, showing Lady Liberty’s full body rather than a simple face profile.

Delays in finalizing the design (mainly due to objections by Mint Chief Engraver Charles Barber, whose coin designs were being replaced) meant that only 52,000 Standing Liberty Quarters were struck at the end of 1916.

A widespread myth about Liberty’s exposed breast in the original Standing Liberty design and the covering thereof asserts that moral outrage was responsible for the design change midway through 1917. This “fact” has been repeated for decades and has even worked its way into numismatic reference guides. However, research into the matter shows that there was little, if any, public scandal over the design.

Noted numismatic historian Roger Burdette researched “the legend of the booby,” and found no contemporary evidence of moral outrage over the design. On the contrary, articles in major newspapers at the time noted the distinct lack of controversy over Liberty’s attire.

Because MacNeil made other changes to the design, such as redesigning Liberty’s head and rearranging the stars on the reverse, the current theory is that clothing Liberty in chainmail was a reaction to America’s entry into World War I. An exposed bosom on Liberty could be seen as weakness or vulnerability to America’s enemies, now that we were at war.

Revising the Date

The Standing Liberty Quarter shared one design flaw with the Buffalo Nickel: the dates on both coins sat relatively high above the field and therefore wore away quickly in circulation. While the problem was for the most part ignored on the nickel, the date at Liberty’s feet on the quarter was recessed in 1925.

A Good Head on Her Shoulders

Much like Jefferson Nickel collectors use “Full Steps” on Monticello as a mark of excellence, Standing Liberty Quarter collectors use “Full Head” standards to identify superior strikes.

Liberty’s head is one of the highest places on the Standing Liberty Quarter. This means that not only is it one of the first places to show wear but also that a less-than-full strike does not bring out the full details in the first place.

Major coin grading services use the following criteria when awarding a Full Head (FH) designation:

• All three leaves on Liberty’s helmet are complete and distinct;
• The bottom of the helmet across Liberty’s forehead must be complete;
• The ear hole in the helmet must be distinct.

It is very rare for a Standing Liberty Quarter to meet these criteria, which explains the large premium these coins command. For example, a 1918 Standing Liberty Quarter in MS65 is priced at $550. The same coin is worth $2,500 if it is a Full Head example.

Standing Liberty Quarters Worth the Most Money

These are the top five most expensive Standing Liberty Quarters. It is no surprise that these are all Key Date mintages.

Price Chart: Standing Liberty Quarters Worth the Most Money

Key Date Standing Liberty Quarters

The Standing Liberty Quarter had a relatively short run, as it was replaced by the Washington Quarter in 1932 in celebration of the 200th anniversary of the Founding Father’s birth. There are, however, five key dates in the series.

1916

The 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter checks nearly every box for being a key date coin. It’s a first-year issue, it’s a one-year issue, and it has an incredibly low mintage of 52,000. With the worst possible grade still fetching $1,000, this will be the big purchase for anyone assembling a complete set of Standing Liberty Quarters.

1918/7 S

The 1918/7 overdate from the San Francisco Mint is the only big variety in the Standing Liberty series. A blatantly obvious overdate and a minuscule population make this coin not only a top key date but also the most expensive Standing Liberty rarity in high Mint State grades.

1919-D

The 1919-D Standing Liberty Quarter had a mintage of less than two million, and relatively few of those coins have survived to the present day. This date remains expensive across the board.

1919-S

The 1919-S Standing Liberty Quarter also had a sub-two-million mintage, with a similar number of survivors and similar prices as the 1919-D. The 1919-S has few survivors in the highest uncirculated grades compared to the 1919-D. This is reflected in substantially higher prices for the 1919-S when compared with the Denver mintage.

1927-S

At just 396,000 coins, the 1927-S Standing Liberty Quarter has the lowest mintage by far of the series but for the 52,000 mintage of the 1916 Quarter. This has made the 1927-S a conditional rarity and one of the most expensive Standing Liberty Quarters in higher circulated grades and in uncirculated grades.

* * *

The post Standing Liberty Quarters Worth Money appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

By Christopher Maisano – Numismatist, Stack’s Bower Galleries ……
The August Global Showcase Auction from Stack’s Bowers Galleries will feature a Standing Liberty quarter error, a perfect combination of obscure and rare. This type of error is seldom seen at auction and having both pieces of the coin together makes it even more desirable.

In this case, the offered lot features a particularly impressive split planchet error with the coin broken almost exactly in half vertically from 11 o’clock to 5 o’clock relative to the obverse. The break is quite straight, with minimal jaggedness and only the roughness to the texture that would be expected for the error. It is undoubtedly the finest known example of this error in the Standing Liberty quarter series. Each half of the coin is mounted in a separate PCGS holder. The surfaces are uniformly and lightly toned in pale golden-gray, with luster that is nearly full showing only light rub to the highest elements of the design.

Split planchet errors are caused by an improperly produced planchet with impurities trapped inside of it. Often such planchets split apart before striking, resulting in only a portion of the blank receiving an impression from the dies. Sometimes, however, the split occurs after striking, but even in that case the split usually occurs laterally. The example offered here is a particularly rare variant of the split planchet error, where the split occurs vertically. It is unknown whether a truly comparable specimen will be seen at auction in the coming years. This is a truly significant offering that will certainly capture the attention of numismatists with its startling severity.

For more information about the Stack’s Bowers Galleries August 2022 Global Showcase Auction visit StacksBowers.com. To consign your coins or paper money to one of our Showcase auctions or to our Collectors Choice Online auctions call 800-458-4646 or email Consign@StacksBowers.com.

The post Unusual Standing Liberty Quarter Error in Stack’s Bowers August Auction appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

By Christopher Maisano – Numismatist, Stack’s Bower Galleries ……
Stack’s Bowers Galleries is pleased to be offering this 1926-D Standing Liberty quarter, a significant condition rarity due to its overall excellent quality.

Lightly toned about the rims, and essentially brilliant in the centers, this coin was among the highlights of the Standing Liberty quarters from the Pogue Collection and will certainly serve as such in the next cabinet it occupies. There are no detracting blemishes, and the bit of light granularity on the reverse is an as-made feature, indicative of a worn die. The reverse detail softens a bit here and there at the border, again due to the worn die, but the balance of the features on both sides are sharply to fully struck.

The mintmarked issues from 1926 are among the most difficult Standing Liberty quarters to find with Full Head striking detail. Both have fewer than 1% of their mintages sharply struck (per J. H. Cline, 2007), and both are typically offered with very poor definition that usually includes a completely flat head on Liberty’s portrait. Few Denver Mint examples can match this exquisite Gem.

PCGS has certified this issue, with the Full Head designation, only 101 times, reflecting the significance of the present example’s strong strike. Furthermore, this specimen’s surface quality places it at the front of the pack with just four pieces graded finer by PCGS.

A striking rarity such as this will hold great appeal for both SLQ enthusiasts and advanced U.S. type collectors. Strong bids are suggested if you wish to acquire this exceptional 1926-D quarter in our August Global Showcase Auction.

For more information about the Stack’s Bowers Galleries August 2022 auction visit StacksBowers.com. To consign your coins or paper money to one of our Showcase auctions or to our Collectors Choice Online (CCO) auctions call 800-458-4646 or email Consign@StacksBowers.com.

The post Full Head Standing Liberty Quarter Rarity Featured in Stack’s Bowers August 2022 Showcase Auction appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

In the previous installment, I discussed an example that had been “tooled” to look like something it is not, with TOOLING referring to either the smoothing of a coin’s fields to remove scratches, corrosion and other forms of damage or to the restoration of lost details through the use of an engraver or knife.

In this installment, I will discuss counterfeits struck from dies made from damaged and repaired genuine source coins, with many starting as holed examples. And again I will start with the “Dark Corner” example: a key date in the Liberty Standing quarter series and one I nicknamed the “visor head” variety!

During the research of this one I was able to determine the “source genuine example” used to create the counterfeit dies to strike the fakes:

Comparison to one of the Dark Corner examples illustrates the effects of the repairs made:

Comparison of the struck counterfeits to a genuine example illustrates the following differences:

The counterfeits all show the effects of the repair and tooling to the genuine coin, as well as a matching set of scratches that should only be on one example!

In summary, these should have at least been individually certified as details coins, either as holed/repaired or just “Tooled”. Collectively they should all be “NOT GENUINE” as stated in one of the certs.

For additional information on these, one can go to my more detailed CoinWeek research article at 1927-s-standing-liberty-quarter-1-page-attribution-guide/

Should you see one “out there”, report it! There are several unaccounted for.

Best as always,

–Jack

MORE Articles on Counterfeit Coins by Jack D. Young

* * *

The post From the Dark Corner: An “Authenticated” Counterfeit 1927-S Standing Liberty Quarter appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

Certain US coins with specific designations can fetch a premium price among collectors

By Jeff Garrett for Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) ……
When I started collecting rare coins about 45 years ago, there was only modest interest in later-date 20th-century coins. Anyone who has collected Jefferson nickels, Mercury dimes, Roosevelt dimes, and Franklin half dollars probably did so by filling out a blue Whitman folder.

Collectors of Standing Liberty quarters were considered a bit more sophisticated, but not by much. At some point in the 1980s, coin collectors started to pay much more attention to these series and began to pay significant premiums for fully struck, Mint State coins. Interestingly, the strike is important, but what is most important is if the coins have a very specific portion of the design stuck well enough to qualify as a:

• Jefferson Nickel with Full Steps
• Mercury Dime with Full Bands
• Roosevelt Dime with Full Torch
• Standing Quarter with Full Head
• Franklin Half Dollar with Full Bell Lines

Collecting these coins has evolved to the point where common and well-struck examples are considered two very different coins of the same date and mintmark. Most other series of coins have certain years and mintmarks that are found weakly struck and sharp examples will bring a premium.

The 1926-D Buffalo nickel is a good example. Coins that are nearly flawless can sometimes be found with the horn missing on the buffalo. These are usually net graded, and collectors of the series understand how to value them. The above series, however, is collected for every date and mintmark by the specific designation of strike (sometimes called a strike character, which follows the numeric grade).

As could be expected when attempting to locate a completely full-struck example of any series by date and mintmark, there are issues that are very elusive. My personal interest in Mercury dimes was piqued decades ago when I came across a superb 1945 Mercury dime. The coin is a blazing Gem and, if turned in the light just right, there appear to be fully struck bands on the reverse. A Gem MS 66 1945 Mercury dime with Full Bands can be worth over $20,000. The same coin without Full Bands is worth around $35.

Unfortunately, my coin has never met the standards for Full Bands. That is why it’s still in my possession. Collectors of these series are only interested in coins that make the full designation. My 98.5% Bands 1945 Mercury dime is still worth only $35.

As can be seen from the above example, some coins that qualify as Full Steps, Full Bands, Full Torch, Full Head, or Full Bell Lines have huge premiums. Each series has a few superstars that are extremely difficult to locate. Let me examine each series and give details about a few of the more famous coins.

Jefferson Nickels

Interestingly, the rarest coins with Full Steps are in the later dates for the series. Early-date Jefferson nickels are very well struck in most cases. Starting around 1950, the quality of striking dropped significantly. The table below shows a few of the issues with the most dramatic price increases. There are a few Jefferson nickels that are virtually unknown with Full Steps: 1960-D, 1961, 1962-D, and 1963-D.

Note: NGC has a more detailed designation for this series. Apparently, a completely fully struck Jefferson nickel has six steps (6FS). Coins with five steps (5FS) are considered Full Step coins; however, a coin with six steps brings an even higher premium. This may sound confusing, and I wish I could offer more information. To be honest, Jefferson nickels are not my specialty. I suggest consulting an expert in the field for more guidance.

Mercury Dimes

Collectors have been paying a premium for fully stuck examples of this series for many years. These are a few of the showstoppers that bring very large premiums for coins with Full Bands (FB) over coins with an average strike.

Standing Liberty Quarters

This series is full of very rare and hard-to-locate issues, with or without Full Heads. These are just a few of the coins that bring gigantic premiums for a coin that has been designated as Full Head (FH). In addition to the Full Head designation, specialized collectors of the series also prefer coins with full or nearly full rivets on Liberty’s shield.

Franklin Half Dollars

This set is easy to complete in Mint State condition. Coins that are fully struck, with Full Bell Lines (FBL), are another story. Below are some of the highlights of the series. It is worth noting that the 1953-S and the 1963 Full Bell Lines are the kings of the series.

From a quick study of the above information, one could conclude that an interesting collecting strategy would be to buy coins that are very well struck, but just fall short of making the desired “designation” so coveted by specialists. The above-mentioned 1945 Mercury dime would be a great example. Understanding the nuances of each series could be beneficial if one day the market recognizes a premium for the “just miss” coins.

As has been stated many times in this column, the trend of collectors seeking the finest coins for their registry set does explain some of the huge prices for coins that meet designation standards. It is an interesting segment of the market and one that has seen greater interest in recent years.

For anyone more interested in collecting coins in this manner, I suggest attending a few large auctions so that you can see the difference in coins with or without these designations. Collecting rare coins can be relatively simple, but for some, these complicated and sometimes maddening issues are very exciting. Maybe you can find an original roll of Full Bell Lines 1953-S half dollars and take that early retirement you have been dreaming of.

Jeff Garrett bio

* * *

The post Jeff Garrett: A Guide to Coin Strike Character Rarities appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

By CoinWeek ….
On Sunday, May 16, bidding ends at GreatCollections.com for this rare key date 1916 Standing Liberty quarter, graded MS-61 by NGC with the Full Head (FH) designation. It is also approved by CAC as strong for the grade.

At the time of writing, the MS-61 FH 1916 Standing Liberty quarter currently on offer is a relative bargain, with a high bid of $9,994 after eight bids.

The coin offers pleasing goldenrod toning on the obverse and reverse and is one of an estimated 600-800 examples of the issue that survive in Mint State. The current NGC population report for examples at MS61FH is just 13 coins. The Full Head designation is given to fully struck examples of the type, where the entire detail of Liberty’s head is apparent.

This quarter is one of hundreds of CAC-approved coins offered at GreatCollection’s weekly online auctions.

To search through GreatCollection’s archive of over 600,000 certified coins the company has sold over the past seven years, please visit the GreatCollections Auction Archives.

Background of the Standing Liberty Quarter

Charles Barber’s quarter dollar design was introduced only in 1892 but was nevertheless set aside in 1916. Mint Director Robert W. Woolley invited three renown sculptors from outside the Mint to produce designs for the dime, the quarter, and the half dollar. Artist Adolph A. Weinman captured two of the three denominations: the dime and the half dollar. Hermon A. MacNeil’s design, however, was selected for the quarter.

The model for Liberty on the quarter was likely a composite of silent film actor Dora Doscher (also known as Doris Doree) and Broadway actor Irene MacDowell; the latter’s husband apparently disapproving of the pose for perhaps an obvious reason: the partial nudity of Liberty, specifically the undraped right breast.

Supposedly, this nudity led to some controversy, and the Mint decided to change the design of the quarter to ensure Liberty’s modesty. This is not true. Instead, it was the United States’ entry into World War I that precipitated the change, with MacNeil believing that Liberty should be wearing armor under such circumstances.

The new design was first struck in 1917 after some eight million quarters had already been produced using the original artwork, which is now referred to as “Type I” (1916-17).

Design

The obverse of the Type I Standing Liberty quarter displays Liberty standing in the opening of a wall or parapet, right leg resting on the base but left foot raised as if she is walking forward. Her long flowing gown drapes loosely and is wrapped around her right arm, but falls off the shoulders exposing the right breast. It is partly open at the front (the hem held up by a clasp), displaying the right leg to above the knee. On many coins, Liberty’s navel is clearly visible through the thin material. Her left arm holds a circular shield as if in a defensive posture; the shield displays the Union shield and several concentric rings, including a circle of raised dots or rivets near the edge. Liberty’s right arm is extended outward, resting on a portion of the wall, and her hand holds an olive branch. Another loose drapery covers the bottom part of the shield, extends across the front of Liberty, and ends beneath the arm on the top of the wall.

The word LIBERTY arcs across the top of the coin, the L partially covered by the olive branch, and B and E separated by Liberty’s head. Both wall sections display a rectangular panel of horizontal stripes, with IN GOD at the top of the left wall and WE TRUST (the U depicted as a V) similarly located on the right wall. Thirteen five-point stars form two columns along the wall edges next to the opening, seven to the left and six to the right (the top left star follows the D in GOD). The step upon which Liberty stands displays the date in raised numerals. The designer’s initial M is to the right of the bottom star in the right column, and for quarters minted in Denver or San Francisco, the D or S mintmark is located to the right of the bottom star in the left column.

Inside the flat rim is a concentric ornamental ring consisting of two raised angular dots alternating with a short raised bar; the ring is broken by the step that displays the date.

The center of the reverse features an eagle in flight, headed to the right, wings outstretched and raised. Inside the flat rim is a concentric ring of UNITED STATES at the top and QUARTER DOLLAR at the bottom, with seven five-point stars separating UNITED and QUARTER on the left and six five-point stars separating STATES and DOLLAR on the right. Centered dots separate the two words of both the legend and the denomination. OF AMERICA, in two lines and of smaller letters, lies below UNITED STATES; below that text is E PLURIBUS UNUM on two lines; E and PLURIBUS are also separated by a center dot.

As with all Standing Liberty quarters, the edge of the 1916 issue is reeded.

The post Key Date 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter Offered at GreatCollections appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.