The 1919 Standing Liberty Quarter with no mint mark is worth anywhere from $25 in heavily worn condition to over $15,000 for high-grade specimens with a “Full Head” designation. This vintage silver coin is a favorite among collectors because of its beautiful Art Deco design and historical significance immediately following World War I.
| Condition | Estimated Value (USD) |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $22 – $28 |
| Fine (F-12) | $55 – $75 |
| Extremely Fine (XF-40) | $140 – $185 |
| Uncirculated (MS-63) | $350 – $500 |
| Gem Mint (MS-65 FH) | $2,500 – $15,000+ |
History and Significance of the 1919 Philadelphia Quarter
If you just found a 1919 quarter in an old jar or inherited a collection, you are holding a piece of American history. The Standing Liberty series was designed by sculptor Hermon Atkins MacNeil and replaced the Barber design in 1916. By 1919, the United States was transitioning out of the Great War, and these quarters were circulating heavily in daily commerce.
If your 1919 quarter has no small letter “S” or “D” near the lower-left star on the front, it was minted at the main Philadelphia facility. For those trying to verify what they have at home, using a best coin identifier app can help you confirm the subtype and mint location instantly. Philadelphia struck over 11 million quarters in 1919, which sounds like a lot, but finding them in high quality today is surprisingly difficult.
Most of these coins were “beaten up” during the Roaring Twenties. Because the date on the original design was raised, it wore away quickly. If you can see the date clearly on your 1919 coin, you already have something better than the average “filler” coin. Modern technology like CoinHix makes it easier to spot these subtle details that separate common change from a valuable asset.
Understanding the 1919 Standing Liberty Quarter No Mint Mark Value
The market for the 1919 quarter is robust because it is part of the “Type 2” design, which featured Liberty with a coat of chain mail armor. Collectors often look for this specific year to complete sets, but the price varies wildly based on tiny details. A coin that has been smoothed over by decades of pockets might only fetch its silver melt value plus a small premium, while a crisp, sharp coin is worth a fortune.
To get an accurate picture of the market, checking a 1919 Standing Liberty Quarter price chart is essential. For instance, a basic “Good” condition coin usually sells for around $25. This allows even casual collectors to own a 100-year-old silver quarter without breaking the bank.
However, once you move into the “About Uncirculated” or “Mint State” categories, the supply vanishes. There are very few survivors that haven’t been scratched, cleaned, or worn down. Because of this scarcity, professional grading by services like PCGS or NGC becomes vital. Many people use CoinHix to pre-screen their coins before spending money on professional grading fees.
| Grade Group | Approximate Price Range | Visual Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Low Grade (G-VG) | $20 – $35 | Date is visible but very flat. |
| Mid Grade (F-VF) | $50 – $110 | Main details of the gown are clear. |
| High Grade (XF-AU) | $150 – $300 | Strong luster and crisp lettering. |
| Mint State (MS+) | $400+ | No wear; appears as if fresh from the mint. |
The “Full Head” Secret: Why Some Quarters Sell for Thousands
The term “Full Head” (FH) is the most important phrase you will hear when discussing the 1919 Standing Liberty Quarter value. Because the strikes at the Philadelphia mint were often weak, the details on Liberty’s head—specifically the ear hole and the hair braided around the face—are often mushy or missing entirely.
A coin that is technically “new” (Uncirculated) but has a flat head might sell for $450. The same exact coin with a “Full Head” designation could sell for over $2,500. It is a massive difference that depends on a surface area smaller than a grain of rice. To see how these designations affect the bottom line, refer to this detailed 1919 quarter value guide and auction record.
To qualify for FH, all three of these things must be present: a clear hairline, a visible ear hole, and the helmet/cap must be distinct from the head. This is another area where the CoinHix app provides immense value, as it uses high-resolution photo recognition to help you identify if your coin has that elusive strike quality.
Silver Content and Intrinsic Worth
Even if your 1919 quarter is so worn that you can barely read the date (known as a “slick”), it still has inherent value because of its metal content. Every Standing Liberty Quarter minted between 1916 and 1930 is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper.
During times when silver prices are high, the “junk silver” value of these coins acts as a price floor. They contain 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver. While you shouldn’t sell a 1919 quarter for just its metal weight (since it’s a semi-rare date), it is good to know that your coin will never be worth “zero.”
| Metal Component | Percentage | Weight in Grams |
|---|---|---|
| Pure Silver | 90% | 5.625g |
| Pure Copper | 10% | 0.625g |
| Total Weight | 100% | 6.25g |
How to Identify a 1919 Philadelphia Quarter
Identifying this coin is simple once you know what to look for. On the front (obverse), Lady Liberty stands in a gateway, holding a shield and an olive branch. The date “1919” is at the very bottom. If you see no mint mark (no “D” or “S”) to the left of the lowest star on the bottom left, it is the Philadelphia issue.
The back (reverse) features an eagle in flight with thirteen stars. Because the 1919 issue was the revised “Type 2” design, the eagle is positioned higher on the coin than in the 1916 and early 1917 versions. You will also notice that Liberty’s chest is covered by chain mail, a change made to reflect the nation’s wartime posture.
Remember to never clean your coin. Many people think that shining up an old 1919 quarter will make it worth more, but the opposite is true. Cleaning a coin leaves microscopic scratches that destroy its numismatic value. A dirty, dark, original coin is always preferred by professional collectors over a shiny, scrubbed one.
Where to Sell Your 1919 Standing Liberty Quarter
When you’re ready to sell, you have several options. For common, worn examples, a local coin shop is the fastest way to get cash. They will usually pay 60-70% of the retail value. If you have a high-grade coin or a “Full Head” variety, you should consider a major auction house like Heritage Auctions or Stacks Bowers.
Online marketplaces like eBay are popular, but be careful of fees and shipping risks. Using an app like CoinHix can help you determine a fair asking price before you list it. Always take high-quality photos in natural light so potential buyers can see the condition of the date and Lady Liberty’s head detail.
| Sales Channel | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Local Coin Shop | Instant cash, no shipping | Lower payout percentage |
| eBay | Large audience, high prices | High fees, risk of returns |
| Major Auctions | Best for $1,000+ coins | Long wait times for payment |
FAQ
Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1919 Standing Liberty Quarter?
A: The mint mark is located on the front (obverse) of the coin. Look just to the left of the bottom star on the leftmost side of Liberty’s feet. If you see nothing there, it was made in Philadelphia and is a “No Mint Mark” coin.
Q: Is a 1919 quarter rare?
A: It is considered a semi-key date. While not as rare as the 1916 or the 1921, it is much harder to find than quarters from the late 1920s. In high grades, it is very rare.
Q: What does “Full Head” mean for this coin?
A: “Full Head” (FH) is a designation given to quarters where the strike is so sharp that all details on Liberty’s head are visible. This includes the hair, the ear, and the boundary of the helmet. FH coins are worth significantly more than standard strikes.
Q: Should I get my 1919 quarter graded?
A: If the coin looks brand new (Uncirculated) or has clear “Full Head” details, yes. Professional grading can increase the value by hundreds or even thousands of dollars. If it is heavily worn, the cost of grading might be more than the coin is worth.
