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How to Collect Standing Liberty Quarters

This short-lived series was minted from 1916 to 1930, a run of only 14 years (no quarters were issued in 1922). The Standing Liberty Quarter, designed by Hermon MacNeil, was the replacement design for the Barber Quarter which had circulated since 1892. There was a lot of controversey about his design, which was a representation of neo-classical art with a slightly risque depiction of Lady Liberty. A modification was later made in 1917. Technical problems plagued the early years of the issue, as the date, which was not recessed properly, wore off after after a few years of circulation. Still, this is a beautiful coin, and acquiring a common date uncirculated specimen is a must for the "type set" collector. Assembling a complete, uncirculated set with "full" heads is a daunting prospect, especially with the rarity of some of the dates and mint marks. It reminds one of investing in fine art! You will be impressed if you have the opportunity to examine one of these quarters! Here are some tips for compiling a Standing Liberty Quarter collection.

Things You'll Need

A high quality magnifying glass
A good light source
A Dansco coin album for this series
A current copy of the "Red" Book of U.S. Coins

Instructions

- 1
  
  THE FIRST YEAR
  
  The 1916 coin was minted at the Philadelphia facility (only). Only 52,000 coins were struck. This is the issue which features the controversial image of Lady Liberty. Public resentment resulted in a design change. Uncirculated "full head" mint-state grades (especially MS 64 and 65) are very pricey.
- 2
  
  1917 VARIETY 1
  
  The first type or variety is the original design of Hermon MacNeil with the eagle flying close to the bottom rim of the coin. It was also the last coin of the series issued with the questionable image of Miss Liberty.
- 3
  
  1917 VARIETY 2
  
  The design was modified and shows Miss Liberty in a more appropriate manner. In addition to this, the eagle on the reverse side is flying high over three stars, which are placed at the bottom of the coin.
- 4
  
  1918 S (8 over 7)
  
  This is an error coin and not considered part of the regular set. An uncirculated example has a large premium, and Mint State 63+ issues command prices well over $20,000!
- 5
  
  1925 RECESSED DATE
  
  A modification was made to the coin, as dates of the previous releases were wearing off after a few years in circulation. A depression was made in the pedestal on which Liberty stands (and displays the date). The new recessed dates were more durable, and coins with this feature have clearer dates.
- 6
  
  1927 S (A KEY DATE)
  
  Only 326,000 1927 quarters were issued at the San Francisco mint, resulting in another scarce coin of the series.
- 7
  
  1930 (LAST YEAR)
  
  The last year of the series featured coins from the "P" and "S" mints. The total mintage exceeeded 7 million (both mints). The series had run its course and plans were underway to commemorate the birth (1732) of George Washington. After an absence of one year, the new Washington quarter was struck in time for the special 200th anniversary.

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