The 1917-D Type 2 Standing Liberty Quarter is worth anywhere from $45 in worn condition to over $15,000 in pristine mint state. This specific coin marks a fascinating moment in American history when the U.S. Mint redesigned one of its most beautiful coins mid-year, creating a distinct “Type 2” variety that collectors still chase today.
| Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $45 – $55 |
| Fine (F-12) | $110 – $130 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | $250 – $300 |
| Uncirculated (MS-63) | $650 – $800 |
| MS-65 “Full Head” | $3,500+ |
Understanding the History of the 1917-D Type 2 Quarter
The year 1917 was a transitional one for the United States Mint. When the Standing Liberty Quarter was first released in 1916 (Type 1), Liberty’s right breast was exposed, and there were no stars below the eagle on the reverse. Public outcry regarding the “indecency” of the design, combined with military concerns as the U.S. entered WWI, led to a redesign.
If you are trying to identify which version you have, utilizing the best coin identifier app can save you hours of manual research. The Type 2 design, which began production in mid-1917, featured Liberty covered in a coat of chain mail and repositioned the stars on the reverse, placing three of them beneath the flying eagle.
The “D” mint mark on your coin signifies it was struck at the Denver Mint. While the Denver Mint produced over 6 million Type 2 quarters in 1917, they are much harder to find in high grades than those from the Philadelphia Mint. Because these coins were used heavily in daily commerce, most survivors are quite worn, making any well-preserved specimen a valuable treasure for your collection.
If you suspect you have a high-value coin, using a tool like CoinHix can help you compare your coin against high-resolution images of certified specimens. Authenticating the “D” mint mark is vital, as it is located just to the left of the date, above the star.
The “Full Head” Distinction and Its Impact on Value
For serious collectors of the 1917-D Type 2 Standing Liberty Quarter, one phrase matters more than any other: “Full Head.” Because this coin was struck with a relatively shallow die, the details of Lady Liberty’s hair and helmet are often flat or blurry. A “Full Head” (FH) designation is given by grading services to coins that exhibit a crisp, complete strike on Liberty’s head.
The difference in price for a Full Head version is staggering. While a standard MS-63 might sell for a few hundred dollars, a 1917-D Type 2 with a Full Head designation is among the most sought-after high-grade Standing Liberty Quarter prices in the market. It represents the pinnacle of Denver Mint craftsmanship from that era.
To check for a Full Head, look for the visible hairline, the ear hole, and the three distinct leaves on Liberty’s helmet. Even slight wear on these high points will disqualify a coin from the FH label. Using the CoinHix app allows you to zoom in on these specific details to see if your coin might qualify for this rare and expensive tier.
| Condition | Standard Price | Full Head (FH) Price |
|---|---|---|
| MS-63 | $750 | $1,650 |
| MS-64 | $950 | $2,800 |
| MS-65 | $1,250 | $5,500 |
| MS-66 | $2,400 | $15,000+ |
How to Grade Your 1917-D Type 2 Quarter at Home
Before you rush to a professional grader, you can perform a preliminary check on your 1917-D Type 2 Quarter’s condition. Grading is the primary driver of value. Because the Standing Liberty Quarter has many high points, it wears down quickly. The first places to lose detail are Liberty’s knee, her breast (now covered in mail), and the chest of the eagle on the reverse.
In “Good” condition (G-4), the date will be visible, but the lettering and rims will be worn nearly flat. Most of the inner detail of the shield and eagle will be gone. This is where most coins found in “junk silver” jars end up, yet they still hold significant 1917 quarter numismatic value due to their age and silver content.
In “Fine” (F-12) to “Very Fine” (VF-20) conditions, you will see a clear distinction between the lines of Liberty’s dress and the shield. The “D” mint mark should be clear and sharp. If you can see the individual feathers on the eagle’s wings, you are looking at an “Extremely Fine” or “About Uncirculated” coin, which commands a high premium.
CoinHix provides a guided grading assistant that helps you categorize your coin based on these visual landmarks. Since even a single grade jump can represent hundreds of dollars, taking the time to observe your coin under a good magnifying glass is a wise investment of time.
The Silver Content and Bullion Melt Value
While collectors care about the mint mark and the state of Liberty’s head, your 1917-D Type 2 Quarter is also valuable simply for its metal. These coins were minted from 90% silver and 10% copper. Each quarter contains approximately 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver.
When silver prices are high, even a completely worn or “cull” 1917-D quarter is worth more than its face value. However, you should never sell this coin for its scrap weight. Because the 1917-D Type 2 is a semi-key date, its collector value will almost always far exceed the melt value of the silver.
| Metal Composition | Percentage | Weight (Grams) |
|---|---|---|
| Silver | 90% | 5.625g |
| Copper | 10% | 0.625g |
If you find a quarter from this era that is so worn the date is missing, it is often sold at a price based on silver content plus a small premium. But for a 1917-D where the date is clear, the numismatic market is where you want to look for the best price.
Key Varieties and Errors to Watch For
While the 1917-D Type 2 is most famous for the “Full Head” strike, there are other nuances that can affect its market price. Some coins show evidence of “Double Die” errors, where the date or the lettering appears blurred or doubled. Though rare for this specific Denver issue, they do exist and can double a coin’s value overnight.
Another thing to look for is the “S” vs “D” mint mark confusion. Sometimes, a mint mark can be damaged or filled with grease during striking, making it look like a different letter. A Denver (D) mint mark is generally more valuable than a San Francisco (S) mint mark for the 1917 Type 2 in most grades.
Using a high-quality scanner or a mobile app like CoinHix can help you distinguish between a genuine mint mark and a mark caused by “post-mint damage.” Many people mistake a scratch for a mint mark, or a “flattened” D for an O. Knowing exactly what a Denver Mint D should look like is the first step to ensuring you aren’t under-selling your find.
Finally, check for “Proof-Like” surfaces. While no official proofs were struck at the Denver Mint in 1917, some early strikes from fresh dies have a reflective quality. These coins are exceptionally rare and are highly prized by specialists of the Standing Liberty series.
Where to Sell Your 1917-D Type 2 Standing Liberty Quarter
Once you have identified your coin and estimated its grade, you have several options for selling. For lower-grade coins (Good to Fine), a local coin shop is often the easiest route. They will likely pay 60-70% of the retail value, providing you with instant cash.
For higher-grade specimens, especially those you believe might be “Full Head,” professional auction houses or online marketplaces like eBay are better. However, for coins worth over $500, we strongly recommend having them authenticated and graded by PCGS or NGC. A certified coin is much easier to sell and often brings a significantly higher price because the buyer is guaranteed of its authenticity and grade.
If you are unsure whether your coin is worth the $30-$50 grading fee, consult a pricing database or a community forum. The CoinHix app can connect you with current market trends and past auction results, giving you the confidence to decide if your 1917-D Type 2 Quarter is a “raw” keeper or a professional grading candidate.
FAQ
Q: How can I tell the difference between a Type 1 and Type 2 1917-D Quarter?
A: Check the reverse (back) of the coin. The Type 1 has no stars under the eagle. The Type 2 has three stars under the eagle. On the front, the Type 2 Liberty is wearing a coat of chain mail, whereas the Type 1 has an exposed breast.
Q: Why is my 1917-D quarter worth more than a 1917-P?
A: The Denver Mint (D) generally produced fewer quarters than the Philadelphia Mint (P), and fewer of the Denver coins have survived in high grades. Scarcity drives the price higher for the Denver issues.
Q: Is a 1917-D quarter with a worn-off date worth anything?
A: Yes, but significantly less. A “dateless” Standing Liberty Quarter is usually valued for its silver content (melt value), which is usually around $4 to $6 depending on current market prices. However, if the Type 2 design is clear, it may still carry a small premium.
Q: Should I clean my 1917-D quarter to make it look better?
A: Never clean your coins! Cleaning creates microscopic scratches that professional graders can easily detect. A cleaned coin can lose up to 50-80% of its collector value. It is always better to leave the coin in its natural, “dirty” state.
