2016-08-26 Fri

Standing Liberty issues introduced in 1916 are not very attractive but the series has a few rare key-dates that are difficult to be found in well-struck, Uncirculated condition. Let’s take a look at some desirable yet affordable examples.

The Type I Standing Liberty quarter was struck in 1916 and 1917 featuring the original design with an exposed right breast. In 1917, it was altered by covering up the breast and adding stars below the eagle on the reverse. 1916 issue was only struck at the Philadelphia Mint and the 1917 issues are easily available for less than $100. MS-63’s tend to cost $300 or more. Uncirculated AU-58 can be bought for about $180.

The 1918-S Standing Liberty quarter features a rare over-date of this year, the 1918/7-S. An AU version of this coin can cost up to $100. The average collector can purchase one of the very limited number of AU-58FH (Full Head) coins for around $300.

The 1926-D Standing Liberty quarter has lower mintages for the type, and an original XF or AU version can come for $100. MS-65’s can be purchased for less than $500, and prices fall about $100 with every 1-point drop for Uncirculated coins.

The 1927-S Standing Liberty quarter in Uncirculated grades and well-circulated examples at the Fine level can be bought for $100. A problem-free VF/XF can cost up to $500. A certified VF-20 can come for $200. “Full Head” examples are extremely rare.

The Standing Liberty quarter series was a short series which ended abruptly in 1930. In 1932 the Washington quarter was introduced to commemorate the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth. A certified AU-55 or AU-58 can be bought for $100.