The 1917 Type 2 Standing Liberty Quarter is worth anywhere from $25 in worn condition to over $15,000 for rare, high-grade specimens. This coin is a favorite among enthusiasts because it captures a pivotal moment in American history when the design was modified for modesty and wartime symbolism.
| Condition | Average Value (Philadelphia) | Average Value (Denver/SF) |
|---|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $25 – $35 | $45 – $80 |
| Fine (F-12) | $65 – $85 | $120 – $250 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-50) | $150 – $220 | $350 – $600 |
| Mint State (MS-65 FH) | $1,200+ | $3,500+ |
History of the 1917 Type 2 Standing Liberty Quarter
If you just found an old quarter with a lady standing in a gateway, you might be holding a piece of controversial history. In 1917, the U.S. Mint underwent a significant mid-year design change. If you are unsure exactly what you have, using the best coin identifier app can help you distinguish between the two distinct varieties produced that year.
The “Type 1” design featured Lady Liberty with an exposed right breast. This caused a public outcry regarding the coin’s “obscenity.” By mid-1917, Hermon MacNeil redesigned the coin. The “Type 2” version covered Liberty in a coat of chainmail, symbolizing America’s readiness to enter World War I.
Additionally, the reverse of the coin was altered. On the Type 1, the eagle flies low with no stars beneath it. On your 1917 Type 2 Standing Liberty Quarter, the eagle was moved higher, and three stars were placed directly underneath it. Understanding these nuances is key to determining the true 1917 quarter value and historical significance.
Identifying the Mint Marks and Rarity
Like most early 20th-century American coins, the location where your quarter was struck plays a massive role in its market value. Quarters were produced in Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (“D”), and San Francisco (“S”).
You can find the mint mark on the obverse (front) of the coin. Look to the left of the date, just above the “1917.” If there is no letter, it was minted in Philadelphia. Philadelphia quarters are the most common, while those from Denver and San Francisco carry a significant premium due to lower mintage numbers.
The CoinHix app is an excellent tool for beginners to zoom in on these tiny letters. Because these coins saw heavy circulation, the mint marks are often worn down. Identifying a clear “S” or “D” can instantly double the value of the coin compared to a Philadelphia strike in the same condition.
| Mint Location | Mintage Number | Rarity Level |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia (No Mark) | 6,224,400 | Common |
| Denver (D) | 1,509,600 | Scarce |
| San Francisco (S) | 5,552,000 | Moderate |
Grading and the “Full Head” Designation
When determining the 1917 Type 2 Standing Liberty Quarter value, the “Full Head” (FH) designation is the holy grail for collectors. This refers to the amount of detail visible on Lady Liberty’s head. On most strikes, the hair and helmet details are blurry or flat.
To qualify as a Full Head, the coin must show a clear line between the hair and the helmet, a distinct ear hole, and a crisp jawline. This only applies to coins in Mint State (uncirculated) condition. A coin with a Full Head can be worth five to ten times more than a standard coin of the same numerical grade.
For those just starting, evaluating a coin’s condition is difficult. High-resolution photos in CoinHix can show you what a “Choice Uncirculated” coin looks like versus one that has been in a pocket for thirty years. Even if your coin isn’t a Full Head, it still retains high value if the date is fully legible.
Market Pricing for Worn vs. Uncirculated Coins
Most 1917 quarters found today are in “Good” or “Very Good” condition. This means the date is visible, but the figure of Liberty is mostly an outline, and the feathers on the eagle’s breast are worn smooth. Even in this state, the silver content and historical demand keep prices high.
As you move up into the “Extremely Fine” or “About Uncirculated” categories, the price begins to climb rapidly. Collectors are willing to pay a premium for any 1917 Type 2 that still has its original “mint luster”—that frosty, glowing appearance a coin has when it first leaves the press.
While looking at current 1917 Standing Liberty Quarter auction results and price trends, you will notice that even slight differences in wear on the shield or the high points of the legs can result in a price swing of several hundred dollars.
| Grade | 1917-P | 1917-D | 1917-S |
|---|---|---|---|
| VG-8 (Very Good) | $38 | $105 | $45 |
| XF-40 (Extremely Fine) | $110 | $310 | $160 |
| MS-63 (No FH) | $285 | $750 | $475 |
Why the 1917 Type 2 is a Solid Investment
Investing in a 1917 Type 2 Standing Liberty Quarter is often considered a safe bet for numismatists. Unlike modern coins that have mintages in the billions, these coins are genuinely scarce. Furthermore, they are made of 90% silver, providing a “price floor” based on the precious metal market.
The beauty of the Standing Liberty design is widely regarded as the peak of American coinage art. Because the dates on this series were “raised” above the design, they tended to wear off quickly. Finding a 1917 quarter with a clear, bold date is becoming increasingly difficult as more coins are tucked away into private collections.
If you are looking to sell, ensure you do not clean your coin. Cleaning a vintage quarter with chemicals or rags will leave micro-scratches that ruin its value. Professionals use apps like CoinHix to estimate value before sending their coins to a grading service like PCGS or NGC for official certification.
Protecting and Selling Your 1917 Quarter
Once you have identified your coin as a 1917 Type 2, your next step is preservation. Place the coin in a PVC-free plastic flip or a cardboard “2×2” holder. This prevents oils from your skin from causing further oxidation or damage to the silver surface.
Selling your coin can be done through local coin shops, reputable auction houses, or online marketplaces. Keep in mind that a coin shop will usually offer 60-70% of the retail value so they can make a profit. If your coin is in exceptional condition, an auction might be the best way to realize the full market potential.
Always double-check your coin against recent sales. This particular year is highly sought after because it represents the first year of the “covered” design. Whether you have a Philadelphia, Denver, or San Francisco strike, you are holding a valuable relic of the early 20th century.
FAQ
Q: How can I tell the difference between 1917 Type 1 and Type 2 quarters?
A: Check the reverse (back) of the coin. If there are no stars under the eagle, it is a Type 1. If there are three stars under the eagle, it is a Type 2. On the front, the Type 2 features Lady Liberty wearing a coat of chainmail over her chest.
Q: Is a 1917 quarter made of real silver?
A: Yes, all Standing Liberty Quarters minted from 1916 to 1930 are composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. This gives them an intrinsic “melt value” even if the coin is in very poor condition.
Q: What is a “Full Head” 1917 quarter?
A: A “Full Head” designation is given to uncirculated coins where the details of Liberty’s face, hair, and helmet are completely visible and sharp. These coins command much higher prices than those with flat or blurry strikes.
Q: Why is my 1917 quarter missing the date?
A: The Standing Liberty Quarter design featured a raised date that was prone to wearing off during circulation. “Dateless” quarters are common but are worth significantly less—usually just a small premium over their silver value.
