History of the Standing Liberty Quarter
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History of the Standing Liberty Quarter
Overview
The early 20th century saw significant changes in U.S. coinage, including the introduction of the Standing Liberty Quarter in 1916. This coin replaced the Barber designs on the dime, quarter, and half dollar, continuing the modernizing trend of American currency that began with the Lincoln cent and Buffalo nickel.
Design and Production
In 1915, a design competition was held to refresh America's silver coins. Hermon Atkins MacNeil's design was chosen for the quarter, despite initial reluctance from Mint Chief Engraver Charles Barber. Assistant engraver George Morgan, later Chief Engraver, helped MacNeil prepare the necessary models.
The first Standing Liberty Quarters were struck in Philadelphia on December 16, 1916. Only 52,000 were minted that year, combining with 1917 coins for public release. Complaints about Lady Liberty's exposed right breast and the small eagle resembling a pigeon prompted design changes. In 1917, Type II was introduced, featuring chain mail over Lady Liberty's chest and a repositioned eagle on the reverse.
Design Adjustments
By 1925, the date on the coins was wearing too quickly. The design was adjusted to lower the date area, safeguarding it from excessive wear and giving rise to what many consider the Type III subtype.
The series ended in 1930, making way for the Washington Quarter in 1932, commemorating George Washington's 200th birthday.
Collectibility
General
Renowned for its beauty, the Standing Liberty Quarter remains popular among collectors. A complete circulated set, excluding the rare 1916, is accessible, with only a few coins exceeding $100. Coins post-1925 can often be found for under $5 in decent condition. Grading focuses on wear points like Lady Liberty’s knee and shield center, and the eagle’s breast and left wing. Well-struck examples are prized and graded as Full Head (FH), commanding significant premiums.
Key and Semi-Key Dates
The 1916 coin is the crown jewel, with a mere 52,000 minted and high demand, maintaining a market value around $3500 in G4 condition. Despite its rarity, public hoarding made it more accessible than expected.
The 1917 coins, both Type I and Type II, show interesting market distinctions. The Type II 1917-D, despite a higher mintage, demands more in the market due to its relative scarcity. Pre-1925 coins generally command higher prices due to their wear-prone dates, whereas post-1925 examples tend to be more affordable, thanks to improved date durability.
Notably, the 1927-S is a rare find among later issues, but still occasionally affordable in lower grades.
Errors
The most notable error is the 1918/17 overdate, with FH Mint State conditions fetching higher prices than the 1916 coin, exceeding $300,000. Other varieties exist, such as small and large mint marks for the 1928-S. Collectors of errors and varieties can refer to Robert Knauss’ book, "Standing Liberty Quarters: Varieties and Errors."
Proofs
No official proofs were produced, though some satin-finish proofs from 1916 and 1917 reportedly exist.
Vital Statistics
- Designer: Hermon A. MacNeil
- Issue Dates: 1916-1930
- Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
- Diameter: 23.4 mm
- Weight: 96.45 grains
- Edge: Reeded
- Mintage:
- 1916-1917: 12,253,200
- 1917-1930: 214,516,400
The Standing Liberty Quarter, with its rich history and distinctive design, continues to captivate collectors and coin enthusiasts alike.
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