The 1917-S Type 2 Standing Liberty Quarter is worth anywhere from $60 in heavily worn condition to over $1,200 in choice mint state. This specific coin marks a fascinating moment in American history when the design was modified mid-year to add a coat of chain mail to Lady Liberty.
| Grade | Estimated Value (USD) |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $55 – $70 |
| Fine (F-12) | $110 – $140 |
| Extremely Fine (XF-45) | $250 – $310 |
| Uncirculated (MS-63) | $500 – $650 |
| Choice Uncirculated (MS-65) | $1,100 – $1,350+ |
Why the 1917-S Type 2 Standing Liberty Quarter is Special
If you have found a 1917 quarter with an “S” mint mark, you might be holding one of the most interesting transitional coins in U.S. history. Before you head to a dealer, using the best coin identifier app can help you confirm which subtype you have. In 1917, the San Francisco mint produced two distinct versions of the Standing Liberty Quarter.
The “Type 2” design was introduced because the public had concerns about the original “Type 1” design, which featured Liberty with an exposed breast. For the Type 2 revision, the sculptor Hermon MacNeil added a shirt of chain mail to Liberty and rearranged the stars on the reverse side. Three stars were moved below the soaring eagle, making the design more symmetrical.
Because the Type 2 was released midway through the year, the 1917-S Type 2 is generally scarcer in high grades than the Type 1. For a casual collector, identifying the difference is the first step in determining if that pocket change is actually a small fortune. Using the CoinHix app allows you to take a quick photo and see exactly which version you possess.
Understanding the San Francisco Mint Mark (S)
The “S” mint mark indicates that this quarter was struck at the San Francisco Mint. During this era, San Francisco often had lower mintage numbers compared to the Philadelphia Mint. While the 1917-S isn’t as rare as the legendary 1916 Standing Liberty, it still commands a significant premium over common silver coins.
Collectors look specifically for the tiny “S” located to the left of the date, near Liberty’s right foot. If your coin is very worn, identifying this mark can be difficult. Professional graders and apps like CoinHix utilize high-resolution imaging to detect these faint markings even on circulated specimens.
The rarity of this coin increases exponentially as the quality improves. While millions were minted, most were used in daily commerce and lost their fine details over decades of circulation. Check the 1917 quarter auction records for mint condition coins to see how dramatic the price jumps can be when a coin is perfectly preserved.
Grading and Condition: The Key to Value
The value of your 1917-S Type 2 Quarter depends almost entirely on its “Grade.” Coin grading is a scale from 1 to 70. Most coins found in jars or old collections fall into the “Good” to “Very Fine” range. At these levels, the coin will show significant wear, and the date might be slightly faint.
One of the biggest issues with early Standing Liberty Quarters is that the date was placed on a raised surface. This caused the date to wear off quickly. If you have a 1917-S Type 2 where the date is bold and clear, you are already ahead of the game. For those looking for precise market data, the current price trends for a 1917 Standing Liberty Quarter suggest that coins with “Full Head” details are the ultimate prize for collectors.
| Condition Name | Visual Characteristics | Market Value |
|---|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | Date is readable but very worn. Rims are flat. | $60 |
| Fine (F-12) | Liberty’s gown has some detail; eagle’s wings show feathers. | $125 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-50) | Traces of original mint luster; very slight wear on high points. | $375 |
The “Full Head” Distinction
If you are browsing coin forums or using CoinHix, you will likely see the term “FH” or “Full Head.” This refers to a coin struck with such force that the details of Liberty’s hair and the helmet-like ear cover are perfectly visible. Because the San Francisco mint often had “soft” strikes, finding a 1917-S Type 2 with a Full Head is incredibly rare.
A 1917-S Type 2 Quarter in MS-65 (Mint State 65) with a Full Head can be worth three to four times more than a coin of the same grade without that detail. It is the holy grail for Standing Liberty enthusiasts. When you examine your coin, look closely at Lady Liberty’s head under a magnifying glass. If you can see the distinct line of the helmet and facial features, you are looking at a high-value item.
Market Trends and Selling Your Coin
The market for 1917-S Type 2 Quarters has remained remarkably stable. Unlike “hype” coins that fluctuate wildly, these early silver quarters are considered “blue-chip” investments in the numismatic world. They are 90% silver, but their collector value far outweighs their silver melt value.
When you are ready to sell, do not take your coin to a generic “We Buy Gold” shop. These places often pay only the silver value. Instead, use a specialized app or visit an ANA-certified dealer. Identifying the sub-type and grade correctly is essential for getting a fair price.
| Feature | Type 1 Description | Type 2 Description |
|---|---|---|
| Liberty’s Chest | Exposed breast | Covered in Chain Mail |
| Reverse Stars | 7 on left, 6 on right | 5 on left, 5 on right, 3 below eagle |
| Relative Rarity | Common in low grades | Scarcity in high grades |
How to Care for Your Vintage Silver Quarters
If you find a 1917-S Quarter, the most important rule is: Do Not Clean It! Beginners often think that polishing a coin to make it shiny will increase its value. In reality, cleaning a coin leaves microscopic scratches that destroy its numismatic worth. A “cleaned” coin can lose up to 50-70% of its market value instantly.
Instead, handle the coin by its edges and store it in a PVC-free plastic flip or a cardboard “2×2” holder. This protects the delicate silver surface from oils on your skin and environmental moisture. Proper preservation ensures that your piece of history continues to appreciate in value over the coming decades.
FAQ
Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1917-S Standing Liberty Quarter?
A: The “S” mint mark is located on the front (obverse) of the coin. Look to the left of the date, just above the star that sits near Lady Liberty’s right foot. If there is no letter there, the coin was minted in Philadelphia.
Q: Is a 1917-S Type 2 quarter made of real silver?
A: Yes, all Standing Liberty Quarters minted between 1916 and 1930 are composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. They are significantly more valuable than modern quarters made of copper-nickel.
Q: What is the difference between Type 1 and Type 2?
A: The easiest way to tell is to look at the eagle on the back. If there are three stars directly underneath the eagle, it is a Type 2. Additionally, on the front, Liberty will be wearing a shirt of chain mail in the Type 2 version.
Q: How much is a 1917-S Type 2 with no date worth?
A: Unfortunately, Standing Liberty Quarters with worn-off dates are usually only worth their silver melt value (roughly $5-$10) or a small premium as “cull” collector pieces ($15-$20). The date is crucial for the high valuations mentioned above.
