Standing Liberty Quarters: Key Dates, Errors & Value (1916–1930)
Discover the artistry, key varieties, hidden errors, and rising collector demand behind Standing Liberty Quarters — one of the most beautiful and iconic silver coins ever minted in the United States.
📘 Download the full guide: Numismatics Handbook — A +135-page expert resource on U.S. coin collecting.
Why Standing Liberty Quarters Matter
Standing Liberty Quarters, issued between 1916 and 1930, marked a bold departure from the Barber series that preceded them. Sculpted by Hermon A. MacNeil, the design features Lady Liberty holding a shield and olive branch — a striking symbol of both defense and peace during the tense years surrounding America’s entry into World War I.
Collectors are passionate about Standing Liberty Quarters because:
- Short production run — Only minted for 15 years, offering a manageable but rewarding challenge for set collectors.
- Full Head designations — Coins showing sharp detail in Liberty’s helmet command huge premiums.
- Rare key dates and varieties — Some dates, especially from 1916 to 1918, are major numismatic treasures.
- Historical symbolism — The imagery reflects an important shift in American national identity.
- Timeless artistry — Widely considered one of the most beautiful silver coins produced by the U.S. Mint.
Despite their elegance, many Standing Liberty Quarters suffer from weak strikes — especially on Liberty’s head and shield — which makes well-struck examples with Full Head details especially valuable today.
Standing Liberty Quarter Values & Key Dates
| Year | Mint Mark | Est. Value (Avg.) | Rare Variant? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1916 | No Mint | $3,000–$10,000+ | Legendary First Year |
| 1917-D Type 1 | D | $150–$400 | Early Type |
| 1917-S Type 1 | S | $150–$400 | Scarce Type 1 |
| 1918/7-S | S | $10,000–$50,000+ | Famous Overdate |
| 1927-S | S | $500–$2,500 | Scarce in High Grade |
| 1930-S | S | $100–$400 | Last Year of Issue |
✅ Tip: Standing Liberty Quarters with Full Head designations can bring two to ten times more than typical strikes — especially for early dates!
Most Valuable Standing Liberty Quarters (Detailed Breakdown)
1. 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter ($3,000–$10,000+)
One of the lowest mintages of any 20th-century silver coin — just 52,000 struck — making this the “holy grail” for Standing Liberty collectors.
2. 1918/7-S Overdate Quarter ($10,000–$50,000+)
A dramatic overdate where remnants of a “7” are clearly visible under the “8.” Very few exist in high grade.
3. 1927-S Quarter ($500–$2,500+)
A tough later-date coin, especially scarce in Mint State with Full Head details.
4. 1917 Type 1 Quarters (D and S) ($150–$400+)
These first-year designs depicted a bare-breasted Liberty, later modified to a chainmail-covered Liberty in response to public modesty concerns.
🔔 Reminder: A coin with Full Head detail (sharp helmet lines) can easily triple or quadruple its base value!
Comparison: Standing Liberty Quarters vs Washington Quarters
| Feature | Standing Liberty Quarter (1916–1930) | Washington Quarter (1932–Present) |
|---|---|---|
| Obverse Design | Liberty with shield | George Washington |
| Metal Composition | 90% silver (pre-1965) | 90% silver (pre-1965), copper-nickel clad after |
| Strike Challenges | Very high (weak strikes common) | Moderate |
| Key Dates | 1916, 1918/7-S, 1927-S | 1932-D, 1932-S, 1950-D/S |
| Collector Demand | High for Full Head examples | Steady for early silver issues |
| Artistic Importance | Extremely high | Moderate |
✅ Standing Liberty Quarters are among the most artistically admired classic American coins.
Common Standing Liberty Quarter Errors and Varieties
Standing Liberty Quarters, especially from the early years, offer fascinating error-hunting opportunities:
- Full Head Strike — Coins with a full, crisp Liberty helmet (look for complete hair curls and helmet strap) are far rarer and much more valuable.
- Weak Strikes — Many coins, particularly from the 1920s, have incomplete shield details and blurry helmet outlines.
- Overdate (1918/7-S) — One of the most famous overdate errors in U.S. coinage history.
- Double Dies — Known but rare; adds significant value if dramatic.
- Off-Center Strikes — Extremely collectible when found, especially on early Type 1 issues.
✅ Tip: Always check both Liberty’s helmet and shield — coins with both sharp can easily double or triple base market value!
How to Sell Standing Liberty Quarters
Step 1: Sort by Key Date, Mint, and Condition
Focus on high-value years like 1916, 1917, 1918/7-S, and 1927-S. Prioritize coins with Full Head features.
Step 2: Certify with PCGS or NGC
Grading can dramatically boost sale prices. Full Head designation is critical for premiums.
Step 3: Choose Your Sales Channel
- eBay — Great for circulated commons.
- GreatCollections — Excellent for MS coins and semi-keys.
- Heritage Auctions — Best for key dates, rare varieties, and certified MS64+ Full Head coins.
✅ Always photograph both sides clearly, zooming in on the helmet and shield to showcase Full Head potential!
How to Store and Preserve Standing Liberty Quarters
- Use archival-quality holders or certified slabs.
- Keep coins dry and at stable temperatures.
- Avoid cleaning — even “gentle” cleaning ruins collectible value.
- Store by type, date, and mint mark to facilitate future appraisals or sales.
✅ Original mint luster and natural patina are prized by collectors, especially on coins from the 1916–1921 period.
Frequently Asked Questions About Standing Liberty Quarters
What are Standing Liberty Quarters?
Standing Liberty Quarters are U.S. 25-cent coins minted from 1916 to 1930. Designed by Hermon A. MacNeil, they feature a striking image of Liberty standing with a shield and olive branch, symbolizing protection and peace.
Why are Standing Liberty Quarters valuable?
Standing Liberty Quarters are valuable due to their short production run, historical significance, and the challenge of finding well-struck examples with Full Head details. Key dates like the 1916 and 1918/7-S are especially rare and sought after.
What is a Full Head Standing Liberty Quarter?
A Full Head Standing Liberty Quarter shows complete, sharp details in Liberty’s helmet. Coins with this feature are much scarcer and can sell for two to ten times more than weakly struck examples.
How much is a 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter worth?
A 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter typically sells for $3,000 to over $10,000, depending on condition. It has an extremely low mintage of only 52,000 coins, making it one of the rarest 20th-century silver coins.
What is the 1918/7-S Standing Liberty Quarter error?
The 1918/7-S Standing Liberty Quarter is a famous overdate error where remnants of a “7” are visible under the “8” in the date. High-grade examples can sell for $10,000 to $50,000 or more.
How do I identify a valuable Standing Liberty Quarter?
To identify valuable Standing Liberty Quarters, look for Full Head strikes, sharp shield details, key dates like 1916 and 1918/7-S, and any major strike errors. Certified coins from PCGS or NGC command higher premiums.
Are all Standing Liberty Quarters made of silver?
Yes, all Standing Liberty Quarters were struck in 90% silver and 10% copper. They contain approximately 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver, giving them a base melt value in addition to collectible premiums.
What are the key dates for Standing Liberty Quarters?
The key dates for Standing Liberty Quarters include the 1916, 1918/7-S overdate, 1917-D and 1917-S Type 1 issues, and the 1927-S. These coins are significantly rarer and more valuable in higher grades.
Should I get my Standing Liberty Quarters graded?
Yes, grading Standing Liberty Quarters, especially those with Full Head details or key dates, is recommended. Professional certification by PCGS or NGC can dramatically increase resale value and buyer trust.
Where is the best place to sell Standing Liberty Quarters?
High-grade or key date Standing Liberty Quarters sell best through auction houses like Heritage Auctions or GreatCollections. More common coins can be sold on eBay or through reputable local coin dealers.