Standing Liberty Quarter (1916 - 1930)

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Standing Liberty Quarter (1916–1930): A Masterpiece of U.S. Coinage

The Standing Liberty Quarter, designed by Hermon A. MacNeil, stands as a shining example of artistic excellence in American coinage. Struck between 1916 and 1930, this series marked a departure from traditional designs, showcasing a bold new style that reflected the nation's evolving identity. Collectors prize these coins for their beauty, historical significance, and the challenge of acquiring full-head examples.

Key Specifications

  • Designer: Hermon A. MacNeil
  • Issue Dates: 1916–1930
  • Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
  • Diameter: 23.4 mm
  • Weight: 6.25 grams (96.45 grains)
  • Edge: Reeded
  • Business Strike Mintage: 226,769,600
  • Proof Mintage: None

Iconic Design Features

  • Obverse: Miss Liberty stands between two crenellations, holding an olive branch in her right hand and a shield in her left, symbolizing peace and preparedness. Early versions (1916–1917 Type I) depict her bare-breasted, later covered by chain mail armor (1917–1930 Type II) in response to public outcry.
  • Reverse: A soaring eagle, flanked by stars, graces the reverse. The Type I design (1916–early 1917) features no stars below the eagle, while Type II (late 1917–1930) adds three stars beneath.

Collecting Standing Liberty Quarters

Two Major Types

  1. Type I: No Stars Below the Eagle (1916–1917)

    • The original design features Miss Liberty with a partially nude figure and a low-flying eagle. This design is limited to two years, making it a coveted collectible.

  2. Type II: Stars Below the Eagle (1917–1930)

    • A revised design covering Miss Liberty with chain mail and raising the eagle on the reverse. The date was recessed starting in 1925 to reduce wear.

Key Dates and Rarities

  • 1916: The inaugural issue, with a minuscule mintage of just 52,000 coins, is a key rarity in the series.
  • 1918/7-S Overdate: A challenging overdate that commands high premiums in all grades.
  • 1921: A low-mintage issue that is scarce in higher grades.
  • 1923-S, 1927-S, and 1926-D: Known for their rarity in higher grades, particularly with full-head details.

Full Head Designation

A coin with fully struck head details on Miss Liberty—showing three leaves on her head and complete hairlines—is classified as Full Head (FH). Coins with this designation are highly sought after, often commanding significant premiums.

  • Key Full Head Issues: The 1926-D is one of the most challenging coins to find with sharp details. Other dates, like the 1918-D, 1919-D, and 1927-D, are also elusive in full-head condition.

Historical Context

The Standing Liberty Quarter was introduced during a period of artistic revitalization in American coinage. Hermon A. MacNeil's neo-classical design symbolized peace and strength, capturing the spirit of post-World War I America.

The series broke with tradition by featuring unique designs for the dime, quarter, and half dollar, rather than a shared motif. Its production ceased in 1930, giving way to the Washington Quarter in 1932, a design that would dominate U.S. coinage for decades.

Market Insights

  • Availability: Common dates (1925–1930) are accessible in circulated grades, but earlier coins, particularly Type I quarters, are more difficult to find in high-grade or uncirculated condition.
  • Investment Potential: Full-head examples and key dates like the 1916 and 1918/7-S remain perennial favorites among collectors and investors.
  • Condition Challenges: Many coins in the series exhibit weak strikes, particularly on Liberty’s head and shield, making sharply struck examples highly prized.

Why Collect Standing Liberty Quarters?

The Standing Liberty Quarter is celebrated as one of the most beautiful designs in U.S. coinage. Collectors are drawn to its artistry, historical significance, and the challenge of assembling high-quality examples. From the rare 1916 issue to the elusive full-head strikes, this series offers opportunities for both novice and advanced numismatists.

Explore Standing Liberty Quarters at ParadimeCoins.com

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