1917 25C Type 1 Standing Liberty Quarter
The 1917 Standing Liberty Quarter, Type 1 Regular Strike, is an iconic coin cherished by collectors for its historical significance and unique design. Struck during a transformative period in U.S. history, this coin hails from the Philadelphia Mint, where the bulk of its mintage was achieved. With a total mintage of 8,740,000 pieces, it is considerably rarer than more modern quarters, yet numerous examples exist in varying conditions due to its released quantity. Type 1 Standing Liberty Quarters, crafted by Hermon A. MacNeil, are distinguished by their innovative and bold imagery.
The obverse features the allegorical figure of Liberty holding an olive branch and a shield, signifying preparedness and peace. This initial design included a bare-breasted representation, which was replaced later in 1917 due to modesty concerns, leading to the slightly scarcer Type 2 version. Collectors appreciate the 1917 Standing Liberty Quarter not just for its artistic merit but also as a narrative of changes in societal values and design standards. This series saw limited production runs and changes within the same year, marking it a subject of interest for those intrigued by transitional numismatic history. The 1917 Type 1 Quarter has garnered substantial interest in the numismatic market, with prices varying significantly based on condition. Circulated grades of this coin are commonly accessible to collectors with modest budgets, with prices starting around $30 to $50 for Good-4 to Very Fine-20 specimens.
However, coins in higher grades, like Mint State-65, attract much higher premiums, often reaching hundreds of dollars due to their superior strike and luster. Intriguingly, examples with Full Head details—indicative of a strong strike on Liberty’s head—command even greater attention, often selling for thousands of dollars, particularly in higher mint states. Auction sales serve as a testament to the coin's desirability. Select pieces have fetched significant sums, showcasing collector demand, particularly for those with superior clarity in detail or exceptional eye appeal. On several occasions, Mint State coins with Full Head attributes have reached over $10,000 in auction settings.
According to PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service), the 1917 Type 1 Regular Strike carries the PCGS certification number 5704, frequently referenced by collectors for authentication and grading purposes. The 1917 Type 1 Standing Liberty Quarter is a notable collectible not only for its rarity but also for its embodiment of early 20th-century American artistry and evolution in minting. It remains a focal point of collections seeking to highlight pivotal moments in numismatic history, blending elegance with collectible intrigue.
