Coin Overview
- Year: 1917
- Denomination: 25 Cents (Quarter Dollar)
- Type: Type 1 (No stars below the eagle on the reverse)
- Mint: Philadelphia (no mintmark)
- Composition: 90% Silver, 10% Copper
- Weight: 6.25 grams
- Diameter: 24.3 mm
Type 1 vs. Type 2
The Standing Liberty Quarter was introduced in 1916, but there are two main design types in the early years:
- Type 1 (1916–1917):
- Liberty is shown bare-breasted, holding an olive branch in one hand and a shield in the other.
- The reverse features an eagle in flight but no stars below it.
- Type 2 (1917–1930):
- Modifications include covering Liberty’s chest with chain mail and adding three stars below the eagle.
The Type 1 design was produced for only a short time, making it a favorite among collectors.
Grading Details
- PCGS Grade: FR02 (Fair):
- A very low-grade coin with extensive wear.
- Major design elements are worn nearly smooth but are still recognizable.
- On this coin:
- Obverse: Liberty’s outline and some shield details are faintly visible, though nearly all other detail is obliterated.
- Reverse: The eagle’s silhouette is faintly visible, with no detailed feathers or stars remaining.
- Encapsulation by PCGS confirms authenticity despite the coin’s worn state.
Historical Context
The Standing Liberty Quarter replaced the Barber Quarter, aiming to bring a fresh, symbolic design to U.S. coinage:
- Obverse Symbolism: Liberty stands as a guardian at the gate, holding a shield for defense and an olive branch for peace.
- Reverse Symbolism: The eagle in flight symbolizes strength and freedom.
- Public Criticism: The initial bare-breasted design was met with some controversy, leading to the revised Type 2 design later in 1917.
G-4 Good—Date and lettering legible. Top of date worn. Liberty’s right leg and toes worn off. Much
wear evident on left leg and drapery lines.
VG-8 Very Good—Distinct date. Toes faintly visible. Drapery lines visible above Liberty’s left leg.
F-12 Fine—High curve of right leg flat from thigh to ankle. Only slight wear evident on left leg.
Drapery lines over right thigh seen only at sides of leg.
VF-20 Very Fine—Garment line across right leg worn, but visible at sides.
EF-40 Extremely Fine—Flattened only at high spots. Liberty’s toes are sharp. Drapery lines across
right leg evident.
AU-50 About Uncirculated—Slight trace of wear on head, kneecap, shield’s center, and highest point
on eagle’s body.
MS-60 Uncirculated—No trace of wear, but contact marks, surface spots, or faded luster possible.
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated—No trace of wear. Light blemishes. Attractive mint luster
