Standing Liberty Quarters were Issued from 1916-1930
Standing Liberty Quarters have been popular since their release and remain popular today! The image of Liberty holding a shield in a defensive posture amidst WWI has become synonymous with American coinage.
While it was only issued for 15 years, the Standing Liberty Quarter is one of America’s most loved numismatic designs and considered among the most beautiful. The depiction of Liberty (with longer hair) was even used as Columbia Pictures Corporation’s first logo from 1924-1927.
The History of Standing Liberty
While World War I was raging, the American people were ready for a new coin design. The Barber Quarter had been minted since 1892 and it was time for a new design. A new coin design “was intended to typify in a measure the awakening interest of the country to its own protection.”
The Standing Liberty Quarter was designed by Hermon Atkins MacNeil, a prominent sculptor whose works dealt with Native Americans and American history. MacNeil’s design featured Liberty in a portrayal that harkened to classic Greek culture.
Her left arm is raised and bears a protective shield while her right hand carries an olive branch. She is facing right (heraldic east) in the direction of the European war, and “stepping forward… in the defense of peace as her ultimate goal.”
How Popular Were Standing Liberty Quarters?
The Standing Liberty Quarter has been admired by numismatists since its release, which was delayed by a full year.
The 1916 and 1917 Standing Liberty quarters were not put into circulation until January 17, 1917, and the U.S. Treasury issued the following statement. “Issuance of the new (coins) was deferred today by the treasury Department until the beginning of 1917. The extraordinary demand for small coins is overtaxing the facilities of the mints, and officials believed calls for the new quarter would swamp the mints if they are issued at this time.”
How Popular Are Standing Liberty Quarters Today?
The Standing Liberty Quarter has grown in value and in popularity over the last 105 years. One sign of this popularity is the value of Standing Liberty Quarters against the value of Barber Quarters.
The 1916 Barber Quarter is worth $9 in Good condition and the first variety of 1917 Standing Liberty Quarter in Good condition is valued between $18-$30. The 1916 Barber Quarter has a population of 8,328,800 and the 1917 Standing Liberty Variety 1 has a population of 12,201,200.
Given that the two Quarters have the same 0.17875 oz Silver content and the 1916 Barber Quarter only has 2/3 the mintage as the first variety of 1917 Standing Liberty, you might think the Barber would have higher values but that is not the case.
To reinforce this, among all varieties and mints, the 1917 Standing Liberty Quarter has a total population of 37,857,600 coins and the lowest value in the Good grade attached to these is $18, which is twice the value of the 1916 Barber Quarter with a Good grade.
Standing Liberty remains one of the most popular coins and designs in American Numismatic history to this day.
Collecting U.S. Mint Quarters
Collectors admire the Standing Liberty quarter for its exquisite design and it remains a favorite for many today. These coins reflect America’s attitude and artistry during a transformative period nearing the end of World War I. Collectors cherish the intricate details of Liberty, holding a shield and olive branch, symbolizing peace and protection. The coin’s popularity has only grown over the decades, making it a prized addition to any collection.
For those looking to expand their collection of Liberty quarters to other quarter dollar series, our broad assortment of U.S. quarters offers a range of opportunities. Each coin, whether a Standing Liberty or another quarter dollar, tells a unique story and adds depth to any numismatic collection.
