1916 Standing Liberty Quarter

Historical Notes

The 1916 is the key date of the entire Standing Liberty Quarter series. With only 52,000 pieces minted, it is one of the most valuable and sought-after quarters in American numismatics.

The Standing Liberty Quarter series began in 1916 and ran through 1930. The Commission of Fine Arts selected sculptor Hermon A. MacNeil to design the coin to replace the aging Barber Quarter. His design features Liberty standing in a gateway with a shield and an olive branch. The reverse side depicts an eagle in flight. This series replaced the older design after the Mint decided it was time for a modern update to national coinage. The design underwent a significant change in 1917. The original Type 1 design showed Liberty with an exposed breast, which caused public outcry. MacNeil modified the design for the Type 2 version by adding a coat of chain mail to cover her chest. The Mint also lowered the date on the pedestal in 1925 to protect it from heavy wear. Production ended in 1930 because the government replaced the series with the Washington Quarter in 1932 to commemorate the bicentennial of George Washington's birth.

Start your collection with common dates like 1925, 1926, or 1928, which are widely available in lower circulated grades. Focus on coins with full, readable dates, as the date is the first feature to wear away on this design. Check the reverse of 1918/7-S overdates and 1921 issues with high magnification for authenticity, as these are frequent targets for counterfeiters. Avoid coins with heavy scratches or harsh cleanings, as these defects ruin the long-term value of the piece.