CoinValueGuide.net
Home / Quarters / Standing Liberty Quarter

Standing Liberty Quarter Value

1916โ€“1930 ยท 25ยข ยท 90% silver, 10% copper

Value by Grade

GradeEst. Value
Poor (P-1)$7.00
Good (G-4)$10.00
Fine (F-12)$35.00
Uncirculated (MS-63)$120.00
Gem (MS-65)$360.00
Perfect (MS-70)$1,800

Key Dates & Rare Varieties

Date/VarietyWhy It's SpecialValue Range
1916Only 52,000 struck โ€” one of the rarest 20th century quarters$4,000โ€“$50,000+
1918/7-SOverdate โ€” highly sought variety$1,000โ€“$15,000
1921Key date โ€” low mintage$500โ€“$8,000

Coin Specifications

Designer
Hermon A. MacNeil
Years
1916โ€“1930
Denomination
25ยข
Composition
90% silver, 10% copper
Diameter
24.3 mm
Weight
6.25 g

Quick Value

$35.00
Average circulated (Fine grade)
๐Ÿ“„ Printable PDF
2026 US Coin Values Guide
All series ยท All grades ยท Offline use
$2.99Download โ†’

Standing Liberty Quarter: History & Background

The Standing Liberty Quarter features Liberty standing in a gateway with a shield on the Type I (1916โ€“1917) obverse. Type II (1917โ€“1930) added chainmail to Liberty's bare breast after public outcry. The coin is notorious for its recessed date that wore quickly โ€” fully struck dates command premiums. The scarce 1916 and 1921 are the key dates.

How to Grade a Standing Liberty Quarter

Accurate grading is the single most important factor in determining a coin's value. A difference of just a few grade points can mean 10ร— or more in value. Examine the highest points of the design first โ€” these are where wear appears earliest. For the finest grades, luster, strike quality, and surface preservation all matter. Professional grading by PCGS or NGC adds certainty and typically increases resale value. Read our complete grading guide โ†’

What Affects Standing Liberty Quarter Value?

Condition & Grade

The grade spread for Standing Liberty Quarters is dramatic: a common-date example jumps from $7.00 in Poor to $120.00 in Uncirculated โ€” a 17ร— increase. Gem-quality MS-65 specimens can reach $360.00 or more. Even a single grade point difference at the upper end can double a coin's price.

Date & Mintmark

The Standing Liberty Quarter series has 3 notable key dates. The 1916 is valued at $4,000โ€“$50,000+, far above common dates. Mintmark location and variety (such as overdates or repunched marks) can multiply a coin's value significantly.

Precious Metal Content

With a composition of 90% silver, 10% copper and a weight of 6.25g, the Standing Liberty Quarter carries intrinsic metal value that sets a price floor. When silver prices rise, even heavily worn examples appreciate. The melt value provides downside protection that base-metal coins lack.

Strike Quality & Eye Appeal

Designed by Hermon A. MacNeil, the Standing Liberty Quarter (24.3mm diameter) can exhibit varying strike quality across different mint facilities and years. Coins with full, sharp design details, original luster, and attractive toning trade at premiums of 20โ€“50% above the same technical grade with average eye appeal.

Collector Notes: Standing Liberty Quarter

The Standing Liberty Quarter (1916โ€“1930) holds a distinctive place in US numismatics. Designed by Hermon A. MacNeil, this 25ยข coin was struck in 90% silver, 10% copper with a diameter of 24.3mm and weight of 6.25 grams. These physical specifications are essential for authentication โ€” any deviation from these measurements is a red flag for counterfeits.

Collectors approaching the Standing Liberty Quarter series should start by assembling a date-and-mintmark set in a consistent grade. Fine (F-12) offers a good balance of affordability and visual appeal for most dates, with clear design elements still visible. Budget roughly $35.00 per common date in Fine condition, then set aside a larger budget for the 3 key dates in the series.

For registry set collectors pursuing top grades, the Standing Liberty Quarter in MS-65 or better represents a more significant investment at $360.00+ per coin. Population reports from PCGS and NGC show that the supply of certified high-grade examples is limited, and competition among registry set collectors has driven premiums for condition-census coins.

Before purchasing any Standing Liberty Quarter valued above $100, we recommend reviewing our 2026 US Coin Values Quick Reference PDF ($2.99) which includes a complete grade-by-grade price breakdown and key date identification guide for this series.

Printable PDF Guide
Get the Complete Standing Liberty Quarter Value Chart โ€” All Dates, All Grades
Instant download ยท Grade-by-grade pricing ยท Key date identification
$2.99
Download โ†’

Standing Liberty Quarter: Frequently Asked Questions

โ–ถHow much is a Standing Liberty Quarter worth today?

A Standing Liberty Quarter (1916โ€“1930) is worth between $7.00 in Poor condition and $120.00 or more in Uncirculated condition. In the most commonly found Fine grade, expect around $35.00. Gem specimens graded MS-65 can reach $360.00 or higher. Values fluctuate with collector demand and the spot price of silver.

โ–ถWhat is the most valuable Standing Liberty Quarter?

The most valuable Standing Liberty Quarter is the 1916 โ€” only 52,000 struck โ€” one of the rarest 20th century quarters. This date is valued at $4,000โ€“$50,000+ depending on grade and condition. Always have potentially valuable dates authenticated by PCGS or NGC before selling.

โ–ถHow do I grade a Standing Liberty Quarter?

Grading a Standing Liberty Quarter starts with examining the highest points of the design, where wear appears first. Look for remaining luster, sharpness of details, and surface marks. The Sheldon scale runs from 1 (Poor) to 70 (Perfect). For this series, the jump from Fine (F-12, worth ~$35.00) to Uncirculated (MS-63, worth ~$120.00) is significant. Professional grading by PCGS or NGC costs $20โ€“$50 per coin and is recommended for coins that appear to be worth $100 or more. Our PDF guide ($2.99) includes a visual grading chart for this series.

โ–ถWhere is the best place to sell Standing Liberty Quarters?

For common-date Standing Liberty Quarters in circulated grades, local coin shops and eBay are practical options โ€” expect 70โ€“85% of retail value. For key dates or high-grade examples, Heritage Auctions or Stack's Bowers will reach the most serious buyers and typically achieve the strongest prices. PCGS or NGC certification is essential before consigning valuable coins to auction. For a detailed selling strategy, see our selling guide.

โ–ถAre there error varieties of the Standing Liberty Quarter?

Yes. Known Standing Liberty Quarter errors include doubled die obverses and reverses, repunched mintmarks, off-center strikes, and die cracks. This series has notable varieties such as the 1918/7-S. Always examine coins under magnification to check for die doubling, especially on lettering and dates.

โ–ถHow can I tell if my Standing Liberty Quarter is real?

Authentic Standing Liberty Quarters weigh 6.25 grams and measure 24.3 mm in diameter. Check the weight with a precision scale (digital scales accurate to 0.01g are available for under $20). The coin should be composed of 90% silver, 10% copper. Counterfeit coins often fail the weight test, show seams on the edge, or have mushy design details. For valuable dates, always obtain PCGS or NGC authentication โ€” the cost is minimal compared to the risk of buying or selling a counterfeit.

โ–ถWhat affects the value of a Standing Liberty Quarter the most?

The four biggest value drivers for Standing Liberty Quarters are: (1) Grade โ€” the difference between Good and Uncirculated is $110.00 for common dates; (2) Date and mintmark โ€” key dates like 1916 command large premiums; (3) Silver spot price โ€” sets a floor value for circulated examples; (4) Eye appeal โ€” original surfaces, attractive toning, and strong strikes increase desirability among collectors.

โ–ถHow many Standing Liberty Quarters were made?

The Standing Liberty Quarter was produced from 1916โ€“1930. Mintage varied widely by year and mint โ€” some dates had millions struck while key dates had far fewer. The scarce 1916 is especially sought after. Check our full value table above for key dates and their relative scarcity.

โ–ถShould I clean my Standing Liberty Quarter?

Never clean a Standing Liberty Quarter or any collectible coin. Cleaning removes the original surface and patina, which collectors prize โ€” a cleaned coin can lose 50% or more of its value compared to an original, naturally toned example. Even coins that look "dirty" often have desirable original toning. If you must remove loose debris, hold the coin by its edges and gently rinse with distilled water. Our coin storage guide has more preservation tips.

โ–ถIs the Standing Liberty Quarter a good investment?

Standing Liberty Quarters in key dates and high grades have historically appreciated well. Common dates in circulated grades are affordable entry points and carry intrinsic silver value as a floor. For investment purposes, focus on PCGS/NGC-certified examples in grades of Fine or better, and prioritize key dates with low mintages. Our PDF Quick Reference Guide ($2.99) covers all Standing Liberty Quarter dates and values to help identify the best opportunities.

Related Coins