Can You Dig It? - Standing Liberty Quarter Dollar

Published by Larry on Tagged Coin Collecting Basics, Instuctional, Promotional, Give-A-Ways, 1900's Coins

The Standing Liberty Quarter was designed by Hermon A. MacNeil. The initial design included a bare-breasted Liberty, which proved to be much for some of America’s more wealthy elitists. The complaints against the design forced a change in 1917, but the re-design was extreme too. Instead of covering Liberty’s breast with the same flowing material of the rest of her dress, the designer clothed her in a coat of mail! The reverse design was also re-worked in 1917; the eagle was moved more to the center of the coin and three of the thirteen stars that used to be on the sides of the reverse were now placed beneath the bird. In 1925, the dates on the coins were recessed, giving them more protection from wear. Well struck examples of the pre 1925 quarters are the most desirable and much attention is focused on Liberty’s head. ”Full Head” examples (those with complete details) often bring considerable premiums over poorly struck examples, but attention should also be paid to the rivets on the shield. Any coin with a Full Head and full rivets is a true prize. Mintmarks on this quarter (”D” for Denver or “S” for San Francisco) appear on the obverse just to the left of, and slightly above, the date. The small M that appears to the right of the date is the designer’s initial. The non recessed dated coins from 1916 to 1924 did not fare well in circulation and the dates disappeared quickly. A full head and shield 1916 MS 65 coin is valued at more than $25,000. This beautiful coin type is a favorite of mine and I have dug up numerous coins ranging from dateless in poor condition to mint state coins that had to be lost within a few days of possession. The coin pictured below is a 1926 San Fransisco Mint in Very Good to About Fine condition dug up in Tarpon Springs, FL on a Greek School property. This quarter will be May’s Blog giveaway coin. Leave a comment on any post between now and the 15th of May to qualify.