1917-S Type 2 Standing Liberty Quarter Value Guide
The 1917-S Type 2 Standing Liberty Quarter is worth anywhere from $35 in heavily worn condition to over $15,000 for elite mint state specimens. This intermediate-year coin is a favorite among collectors due to its historical design transition and the prestige of the San Francisco mint mark.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $35 – $45 |
| Fine (F-12) | $75 – $90 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-50) | $200 – $250 |
| Mint State (MS-63) | $450 – $600 |
| Mint State (MS-67 FH) | $12,000+ |
Understanding the 1917-S Type 2 Design Change
If you have discovered a 1917-S quarter in an old box or a family collection, you might be looking at a piece of American history. Before you try to sell it, you need to use a free coin identifier app to confirm which “Type” you have. In 1917, the U.S. Mint famously changed the design of the Standing Liberty Quarter mid-year.
Type 1 quarters showed Liberty with an exposed breast, which caused a public outcry regarding modesty. By the middle of 1917, the Mint released the Type 2 design. This new version covered Liberty’s chest with a coat of chainmail and rearranged the stars on the reverse side. The “S” on your coin signifies it was minted in San Francisco, which generally produced fewer coins than the main Philadelphia mint.
When you use CoinKnow, you can quickly see that the Type 2 is generally more common than the Type 1 for that year, but its value remains high because it is the first “clothed” version of this iconic series. To get a precise sense of the market, you should check the latest 1917-S Type 2 quarter auction results to see what buyers are currently paying for different grades.
Coin Grading and the Importance of the Date
The Standing Liberty series is notorious among collectors for one specific problem: the date wears off easily. On the 1917-S Type 2, the date is located on a pedestal that sits slightly above the rest of the coin’s design. This means that after just a few years in circulation, the date often disappeared entirely.
If you can clearly read the “1917” and see the “S” mint mark to the left of the date, your coin automatically holds significant value over its silver weight. Generally, a coin with a readable date is worth at least $35. If the date is “mushy” or faint, the price drops.
Many people use the CoinKnow app to zoom in on these fine details. Because the strike quality from the San Francisco mint could be inconsistent, identifying the level of detail on Liberty’s shield and head is vital. You can find more specific 1917-S quarter value benchmarks by comparing your coin to professional grading photos online.
| Grade Detail | Visual Indicators |
|---|---|
| Very Good (VG-8) | Date is clear; rims are full but worn. |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | Liberty’s dress has clear lines; some luster remains. |
| Uncirculated (MS-60) | No wear; original mint shine; minor marks. |
The “Full Head” (FH) Designation Premium
In the world of 1917-S Type 2 quarters, two letters can change the price from hundreds to thousands: FH. This stands for “Full Head.” To receive this designation from professional grading services like PCGS or NGC, the helmet on Liberty’s head must show full detail, including the ear hole and the three leaves on the helmet.
Because the dies used in 1917 often didn’t strike the metal hard enough, most quarters come out looking flat or “soft” on Liberty’s face. A 1917-S with a Full Head is the “Holy Grail” for many Standing Liberty enthusiasts. It represents a perfect strike.
If you believe your coin has these sharp details, CoinKnow can help you compare your coin’s imagery with known Full Head examples. This distinction is the reason why a standard Mint State 65 coin might sell for $1,000, while a Mint State 65 Full Head could easily fetch $3,500 or more at auction.
Historical Context: Why Collectors Love the 1917-S
The 1917-S Standing Liberty Quarter was minted during a time of immense global upheaval. As the United States entered World War I, the demand for coinage spiked. The San Francisco mint produced about 4.9 million Type 2 quarters that year, which sounds like a lot, but is actually quite low compared to modern quarters which are minted by the billions.
Collectors are drawn to the 1917-S because it represents the “corrected” vision of Hermon MacNeil’s design. The addition of the chainmail and the repositioning of the eagle on the reverse (moving it higher and adding stars below it) created a more balanced and dignified look.
For many everyday Americans, finding one of these in a silver jar is a thrill because the silver content alone (90% silver) makes it valuable, but the “S” mint mark provides that extra layer of numismatic rarity that collectors crave.
| Mint Location | Mintage Figure | Relative Rarity |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia (No Mint Mark) | 13,880,000 | Common |
| Denver (D) | 6,224,400 | Scarce |
| San Francisco (S) | 4,965,200 | Highly Desirable |
How to Identify a Genuine 1917-S Type 2
Because of the high value of the 1917-S Type 2 Standing Liberty Quarter, counterfeits do exist. Genuine coins will have the “S” mint mark located just to the left of the date. In the Type 2 design, the eagle on the back is flying higher, and there are three stars positioned directly underneath the eagle.
Another way to verify your coin is to check its weight. A genuine 90% silver quarter should weigh 6.25 grams. If your coin is significantly lighter or doesn’t have a “ring” when gently tapped, it might be a plated fake.
Before spending money on professional grading, use CoinKnow to get an initial assessment. Most coins found in “junk silver” bags are in Good to Very Good condition, but every once in a while, a preserved specimen surfaces that can pay for a family vacation.
FAQ
Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1917-S Standing Liberty Quarter?
A: The mint mark is found on the obverse (front) of the coin. Look just to the left of the date at the bottom. A small “S” indicates it was struck at the San Francisco Mint. If there is no letter, it was minted in Philadelphia.
Q: Does my 1917-S quarter have silver in it?
A: Yes, all Standing Liberty Quarters minted before 1931 are made of 90% silver and 10% copper. The silver melt value alone is usually around $4 to $6, but the collector value of a 1917-S is significantly higher than its metal weight.
Q: What is the difference between Type 1 and Type 2?
A: Type 1 was minted in early 1917 and features Liberty with an exposed chest and no stars below the eagle on the reverse. Type 2 features Liberty wearing chainmail armor and has three stars below the eagle on the reverse side.
Q: Is it worth getting my 1917-S quarter graded by PCGS or NGC?
A: It depends on the condition. If the coin has “Mint State” luster or appears to be a “Full Head” specimen, it is absolutely worth the $30-$50 grading fee, as it could increase the resale value by hundreds or thousands of dollars. For heavily worn coins worth under $50, grading is usually not worth the cost.
