The Standing Liberty Quarter is a notable coin in American history, minted between 1916 and 1930. Known for its distinctive design featuring Lady Liberty, this quarter has captured the attention of coin collectors and historians alike. Some of these coins are incredibly rare and valuable, with a collective worth exceeding $80 million. This article will explore the Top 11 Most Valuable Standing Liberty Quarters, detailing their unique characteristics and the reasons behind their high values.
Overview of the Standing Liberty Quarter
The Standing Liberty Quarter was designed by sculptor Hermon A. MacNeil. The coin features a representation of Lady Liberty standing in a doorway, holding a shield and an olive branch. Initially, the design showed Liberty with one breast exposed, which led to public controversy and a redesign in later years.
The series includes various coins minted at different locations, with some years producing fewer coins than others. This scarcity, along with the condition of the coins, greatly influences their market value. Below is a table summarizing the top 11 most valuable Standing Liberty Quarters.
Top 11 Most Valuable Standing Liberty Quarters
| Rank | Coin Year | Mint Mark | Estimated Value | Key Features | Why It’s Valuable |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1916 | – | $100,000 – $500,000 | First year of the series, low mintage (52,000) | Rarity and historical significance |
| 2 | 1927 | S | $250,000 – $450,000 | Low mintage (396,000) | Extremely rare in high grades |
| 3 | 1921 | – | $100,000 – $225,000 | Mintage of 1.9 million | Few uncirculated examples remain |
| 4 | 1918 | S | $60,000 – $150,000 | Low mintage (11.7 million) | High-quality examples are very rare |
| 5 | 1919 | D | $60,000 – $125,000 | Mintage of 1.9 million | Sought after for full head details |
| 6 | 1923 | S | $50,000 – $115,000 | Mintage of 1.36 million | Rare in mint condition |
| 7 | 1917 Type 1 | – | $30,000 – $100,000 | Original design (exposed breast) | Quickly changed design makes it rare |
| 8 | 1920 | S | $40,000 – $90,000 | Mintage over 6 million | High-quality examples are scarce |
| 9 | 1924 | S | $35,000 – $85,000 | Mintage of 2.8 million | Low mintages make it valuable |
| 10 | 1928 | – | $25,000 – $75,000 | Mintage of 6.3 million | Well-preserved examples are rare |
| 11 | 1919-S | S | $20,000 – $70,000 | Mintage of 1.8 million | Low mintage and rarity in high condition |
Detailed Descriptions of Each Coin
1. 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter
The 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter is the first in the series. Only 52,000 were minted, making it extremely rare. Its historical significance and low mintage contribute to its value, which can range from $100,000 to $500,000.
2. 1927-S Standing Liberty Quarter
Minted in San Francisco, the 1927-S quarter has a mintage of 396,000. It is highly sought after by collectors, with values ranging from $250,000 to $450,000 due to its rarity in high grades.
3. 1921 Standing Liberty Quarter
The 1921 quarter has a mintage of 1.9 million. While this number may seem high, few uncirculated examples remain, leading to values between $100,000 and $225,000.
4. 1918-S Standing Liberty Quarter
The 1918-S quarter features a mintage of 11.7 million. However, high-quality examples are rare. This coin is valued between $60,000 and $150,000.
5. 1919-D Standing Liberty Quarter
With a mintage of 1.9 million, the 1919-D quarter is valued for its detailed features. Its market price ranges from $60,000 to $125,000, particularly for coins with full head details.
6. 1923-S Standing Liberty Quarter
The 1923-S quarter has a mintage of 1.36 million. Finding it in mint condition is challenging, with values ranging from $50,000 to $115,000.
7. 1917 Type 1 Standing Liberty Quarter
The 1917 Type 1 quarter features the original design before it was changed. Values for this rare coin range from $30,000 to $100,000.
8. 1920-S Standing Liberty Quarter
The 1920-S quarter had a mintage of over 6 million. However, well-preserved examples are rare, leading to values between $40,000 and $90,000.
9. 1924-S Standing Liberty Quarter
The 1924-S quarter, with a mintage of 2.8 million, is rare and valued between $35,000 and $85,000.
10. 1928 Standing Liberty Quarter
The 1928 quarter has a mintage of 6.3 million. While not as rare, well-preserved examples can fetch between $25,000 and $75,000.
11. 1919-S Standing Liberty Quarter
The 1919-S quarter has a mintage of 1.8 million. Its rarity in high condition leads to values between $20,000 and $70,000.
Conclusion
The Standing Liberty Quarters hold significant value in the world of numismatics. Each coin tells a story, representing a unique part of American history. The rarity and condition of these quarters contribute greatly to their high market values. Collectors treasure these coins not only for their financial worth but also for their beauty and historical importance. Owning one of these valuable quarters can be both a rewarding and fascinating experience for enthusiasts and investors alike.
FAQ’s
What is a Standing Liberty Quarter?
The Standing Liberty Quarter is a U.S. coin minted from 1916 to 1930. It features a design of Lady Liberty standing in a doorway, holding a shield and an olive branch. This quarter is highly valued by collectors due to its unique design and historical significance.
Why are some Standing Liberty Quarters worth so much?
The value of Standing Liberty Quarters varies based on factors such as rarity, condition, and historical significance. Coins that were minted in low quantities or that remain in excellent condition can fetch high prices, sometimes reaching hundreds of thousands of dollars.
How can I determine the value of my Standing Liberty Quarter?
To determine the value of your Standing Liberty Quarter, you can consult a professional coin appraiser or use resources like price guides and online auction sites. The coin’s mint year, mint mark, and condition will all impact its value.