1917 Type 1 Standing Liberty Quarter Value Guide
The 1917 Type 1 Standing Liberty Quarter is worth anywhere from $40 in worn condition to over $1,500 in high-grade mint state. This iconic coin is a favorite among collectors due to its unique historical design and the controversy that led to its mid-year modification.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value (No Mint Mark) | Estimated Value (D or S Mint) |
|---|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $35 – $45 | $60 – $85 |
| Fine (F-12) | $75 – $90 | $120 – $160 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | $150 – $180 | $250 – $350 |
| Uncirculated (MS-63) | $300 – $450 | $650 – $900 |
The History and Unique Design of the 1917 Type 1 Quarter
If you just found a 1917 quarter in a box of old family belongings, you might have stumbled upon one of the most beautiful coins in American history. To accurately identify your find, you can use a free coin identifier app to see if you have the Type 1 or Type 2 variety.
The Standing Liberty Quarter was first released in late 1916, designed by sculptor Hermon Atkins MacNeil. The “Type 1” design features Lady Liberty standing in a gateway, holding a shield and an olive branch. However, what makes the 1917 Type 1 famous is Liberty’s exposed right breast.
Society at the time found this design too “scandalous,” which led the Mint to update the design mid-way through 1917. The new “Type 2” version covered Liberty in a coat of chainmail. Because the Type 1 was only produced for a few months, it remains highly sought after by history buffs and coin enthusiasts alike. Using the CoinKnow app can help you distinguish these subtle design differences instantly.
How to Identify a Genuine 1917 Type 1 Standing Liberty Quarter
Identifying this coin requires looking at a few specific features. On the front (obverse), Lady Liberty stands between two stone pedestals. In the Type 1 version, there are no stars below the eagle on the back (reverse). Instead, the eagle is positioned lower in the field, surrounded by stars on the left and right only.
Another key feature is the date. Unfortunately, early Standing Liberty Quarters were designed with the date on a raised pedestal. This caused the date to wear away very quickly in circulation. If you can clearly see “1917,” the coin is already more valuable than a “dateless” specimen.
If you are unsure whether your coin is a 1917 or a later year, the CoinKnow mobile application provides high-resolution imaging to assist with identification. Many amateurs mistake the 1917 Type 2 for a Type 1, but the chainmail chest and the three stars below the eagle on the reverse are the “smoking guns” that prove it is a Type 2.
| Feature | Type 1 Description | Type 2 Description |
|---|---|---|
| Liberty’s Chest | Exposed (Bare) | Covered by Chainmail |
| Reverse Stars | None below the eagle | 3 stars below the eagle |
| Eagle Position | Higher in the center | Slightly lower |
Grading and Condition: Why It Matters for Your 1917 Quarter
In the world of coin collecting, condition is everything. A 1917 Type 1 quarter that looks “grey” and flat might only be worth the price of its silver content plus a small premium. However, a coin that still has its original mint luster and sharp details can fetch thousands.
Collectors specifically look for the “Full Head” (FH) designation. This means that the details on Liberty’s head, including her hair and the ear hole, are clearly visible. Because the strike was often weak on these coins, a “Full Head” 1917 Type 1 is a rare prize. You can check the current 1917 Type 1 MS quarter values to see how much of a premium a high-grade specimen carries compared to a standard one.
Most coins found in everyday “junk silver” bags will be in “Good” or “Very Good” condition. In these grades, Liberty’s gown will be worn smooth, and the rivets on the shield will be gone. Even in this state, the 1917 Type 1 is worth significantly more than a modern Washington quarter.
Mint Marks and Rarity: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco
The 1917 Type 1 was struck at three different mints: Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S). You can find the mint mark on the front of the coin, just to the left of Liberty’s feet, right above the date.
The Philadelphia mint produced the most (over 8 million), making it the most common. The Denver and San Francisco mints produced significantly fewer, making “1917-D” and “1917-S” coins more valuable in almost every grade. If you find an “S” mint mark, you are looking at a coin that collectors highly prize for its scarcity.
Understanding the rarity of these mintages is key to knowing if you should have your coin professionally graded by companies like PCGS or NGC. Before spending money on grading fees, use the CoinKnow tool to get a baseline estimate of your coin’s potential grade. This can save you from spending $50 to grade a coin that is only worth $40.
| Mint Mark | Mintage (Type 1) | Rarity Level |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia (None) | 8,740,000 | Common |
| Denver (D) | 1,509,200 | Scarce |
| San Francisco (S) | 1,952,000 | Scarce |
Current Market Trends for the 1917 Standing Liberty Quarter
The market for early 20th-century silver coins is currently very strong. Many investors are turning away from volatile stocks and into “hard assets” like rare silver quarters. Because the 1917 Type 1 is 90% silver, it has an intrinsic “melt value,” but its numismatic (collector) value is what really drives the price.
Currently, the valuation of 1917 quarters remains steady, with high-grade “Full Head” examples actually increasing in price at recent auctions. Even a mid-grade coin is a great entry point for a new collector who wants a piece of American history that isn’t too expensive.
Remember, never clean your coins! A dirty, tarnished 1917 quarter is worth much more to a collector than one that has been scrubbed bright with silver polish. Cleaning creates microscopic scratches that permanently destroy the coin’s numismatic value. If your coin has a dark patina, leave it alone; collectors call that “original skin,” and it’s a mark of authenticity.
Summary of What to Look For
To wrap up, if you have a 1917 quarter, first check the reverse. If there are no stars under the eagle, you have a Type 1. Next, check for a mint mark near Liberty’s feet to see if it’s from Denver or San Francisco. Finally, examine the date and the details on Liberty’s head to determine the grade.
Even if your coin is heavily worn, it is still a 90% silver treasure from the era of World War I. For many Americans, finding one of these in a jar of coins is the perfect “spark” to start a lifelong hobby of coin collecting.
FAQ
Q: Is my 1917 Type 1 quarter made of real silver?
A: Yes, all Standing Liberty Quarters minted in 1917 are composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. This gives them an inherent bullion value regardless of their condition as a collectible.
Q: What is the most expensive 1917 Type 1 quarter ever sold?
A: High-grade specimens with the “Full Head” designation can sell for over $20,000 at elite auctions. Most circulated examples, however, sell for between $40 and $150.
Q: Where can I sell my 1917 Standing Liberty Quarter?
A: You can sell your coin to local coin shops, through reputable online auction houses like Heritage Auctions, or to collectors on specialized forums. Always get multiple appraisals before selling a high-value coin.
Q: How can I tell if my 1917 quarter is a Type 1 or Type 2?
A: The easiest way is to look at the reverse (back). The Type 1 has no stars underneath the flying eagle. The Type 2 has three stars positioned directly below the eagle.
