Standing Liberty Quarters (1916-1930)

Your Guide to Collecting Standing Liberty Quarters From 1916 to 1930

If you love coin collecting, consider starting a Standing Liberty quarter collection. You can put them in a book to show others who enjoy your hobby. You may also want to frame them to hang on your wall.

There are three different Standing Liberty quarter designs you'll find on eBay:

• Type 1: These quarters are unique because there are no stars on the reverse, and Lady Liberty appears to have a bare breast.
• Type 2: The second type was changed to add three stars to the reverse, designers raised the eagle, and Lady Liberty was repositioned.
• Type 3: This coin's design was changed again in 1925 because banks were returning earlier Standing Liberty quarters to the mint with the year worn off. Therefore, the mint started recessing the year below the coin's rim.

Yes, some Standing Liberty coins with errors exist. In 2018, collectors found a new 1916 Standing Liberty error coin. It is missing the designer's M initial to the right of the date. Additionally, the olive branch near the letter "L" in Liberty is different than on the standard 1916 coin. Also, workers at the mint in San Francisco first stamped some quarters with the year 1917. Then, they over-stamped them to display 1918. If you look carefully, you can see the seven under the eight.

A Standing Liberty quarter must meet three conditions to receive the full-head designation. The first is that the three leaves in Liberty's hair must be evident. The second is that the hairline above Liberty's brow must be complete. Finally, the ear indication must be apparent. Workers at the mint in Philadelphia created all full-head quarters. Some years are more likely than others to have full-head Standing Liberty quarters, including 1917 Type 1, 1917 Type 2, 1925, 1929, and 1930. These coins usually have more value than other Standing Liberty coins in similar condition.

Like other coins, Standing Liberty coins are graded on a scale. Typical ratings include:

• Good: The date and lettering should be readable. Liberty's right leg and toes may appear gone while her left leg shows signs of wear. Her clothing lines may also show wear.
• Very good: Liberty's clothing over her right leg may only be visible at the sides. The date should be easily readable. You should be able to see her toes.
• Fine: Liberty's right leg may look flat, but is complete. Her left leg should be easy to see.
• About uncirculated: There should only be slight wear on Liberty's head and kneecap. There may also be slight wear on the shield's center and the highest points on the eagle's body.
• Select uncirculated: This coin should be in almost perfect condition with mint luster appearing.