Standing Liberty Quarter (1916-1930)
Obverse (Front) Design
Reverse (Back) Design
Coin Specifications
Date Range
Denomination
Designer / Engraver
Mints
Composition
Precious Metal Content
Weight
Diameter
Edge
Mintage
History & Background
The Standing Liberty Quarter replaced the Barber quarter in 1916. It was designed by sculptor Hermon A. MacNeil and shows Liberty standing in a gateway, a symbol of a nation ready to defend itself.
There are two main types. On the first type, struck in 1916 and 1917, Liberty’s right breast is bare. In 1917 the design was changed to cover it with chain mail, which became the second type.
The date was placed on a raised part of the coin and wore away quickly in circulation. In 1925 the date was recessed to protect it. Only 52,000 coins were struck in 1916, which makes that date a famous key coin.
Collecting Tips
- Look for the Full Head (FH) designation, which means the details of Liberty’s head are fully struck.
- Pay attention to the date; worn dates reduce a coin’s value a lot.
- Learn the two types, since the first type from 1916–1917 is scarcer.
Photographs by Grade
Standing Liberty Quarter (1916-1930) (1916–1930) — Photographs by Grade
MS63
MS64
MS65
MS66
MS67
Frequently Asked Questions about the Standing Liberty Quarter (1916-1930)
Why is the 1916 Standing Liberty quarter so valuable?
Only 52,000 were struck, and it is the first year of the series.
What is the difference between Type 1 and Type 2?
Type 1 (1916–1917) has a bare right breast. Type 2 (from 1917) has chain mail covering it.
How much silver does it contain?
About 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver.
More Twenty Cents and Quarters
Washington Quarter (1932-1998)
The Washington Quarter was first struck in 1932 for the 200th anniversary of George Washington's birth and was made of 90% silver until 1964.
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