1919-D Standing Liberty Quarter Value: What Is It Worth?

The 1919-D Standing Liberty Quarter is worth anywhere from $65 in heavily worn condition to over $15,000 for high-grade Mint State specimens. This specific coin from the Denver Mint is a favorite among collectors due to its rarity and the beautiful, intricate design that defines early 20th-century American coinage.

History and Design of the 1919-D Standing Liberty Quarter

The Standing Liberty Quarter series, designed by Hermon Atkins MacNeil, remains one of the most artistic pieces of currency ever minted by the United States. Produced between 1916 and 1930, it features Lady Liberty standing between two pedestals, holding a shield of defense and an olive branch of peace.

If you have discovered one of these in an old cigar box or a jar of change, you might need a free coin identifier app to confirm the date and mint mark. By 1919, the U.S. was emerging from the shadows of World War I, and the demand for circulating coinage was high.

The Denver Mint produced nearly 2 million of these quarters in 1919. While that might sound like a large number, it is significantly lower than the production at the Philadelphia Mint that same year. Because many of these coins were used extensively in daily commerce, finding one today with clean, crisp details is quite a challenge for the average person. Using a tool like CoinKnow can help you distinguish between a common date and a rare find like the 1919-D.

Identifying the 1919-D Quarter Mint Mark

To determine the 1919-D Standing Liberty Quarter value, you must first verify that it was actually struck in Denver. The mint mark is the small letter located just above and to the left of the date on the obverse (front) of the coin.

A “D” signifies Denver, an “S” signifies San Francisco, and no letter at all means it was made in Philadelphia. The 1919-D is particularly sought after because Denver struck fewer quarters than Philadelphia in 1919, creating a supply-and-demand gap that drives up the price.

Checking the mint mark under a magnifying glass is the first step any amateur numismatist should take. If the letter is worn away, the coin is generally valued as a “Type 2” Standing Liberty Quarter, but it won’t command the premium of a verified 1919-D. Professional apps like CoinKnow allow you to snap a photo and instantly recognize these tiny details that the naked eye might miss.

Determining Value Based on Condition and Grading

Collectors use a 70-point scale to grade coins. For a 1919-D quarter, the “grade” is the single most important factor in its financial worth. Most coins found today are in “Good” or “Very Good” condition, meaning the date is visible, but Liberty’s features are flat.

An essential part of the 1919-D Standing Liberty Quarter price data is understanding how “Full Head” (FH) details impact the price. On these quarters, the strike was often weak on Liberty’s head.

If the three leaves in Liberty’s hair and the ear hole are clearly visible, the coin is designated “Full Head.” This designation can turn a $2,000 coin into a $15,000 coin instantly. For everyday Americans, even a worn version without these details is still a significant treasure worth well over its face value.

Why the 1919-D Quarter Is a Key Date

In the world of coin collecting, a “key date” is a year and mint combination that is harder to find than others. While the 1916 is the “King” of the series, the 1919-D and 1919-S are considered semi-key dates.

These coins were minted in the millions, but because the 1919-D was released into circulation during a period of heavy economic growth, most of them were worn down to nothing. Finding one with a clear date is already a win.

Comprehensive resources on 1919 Standing Liberty Quarter value info show that the Denver strike is often more valuable than the San Francisco strike in higher grades. If you aren’t sure which version you have, utilizing CoinKnow‘s database can provide current market trends and auction results to give you a realistic expectation of what a coin dealer might offer you.

What to Look Out for: Cleaning and Damage

One mistake many beginners make is trying to “clean” their old coins to make them look shiny. This is the fastest way to destroy the 1919-D Standing Liberty Quarter value. Collectors prefer “original skin,” which is the natural patina or tarnish a coin acquires over a century.

Cleaning a coin with polish or even soap and water creates microscopic scratches that professional graders like PCGS or NGC will spot immediately. A cleaned coin typically sells for 50% to 70% less than an uncleaned coin of the same grade.

If your 1919-D has a hole drilled in it, heavy scratches, or has been bent, its value drops significantly, often to the price of its silver content plus a small premium. However, because the 1919-D is a rarer date, it will always hold more value than a common 1925 or 1930 quarter, regardless of its flaws.

The Silver Content and Precious Metal Value

Even if your 1919-D Standing Liberty Quarter is so worn that the date is barely visible, it still holds “intrinsic” value because of its metal composition. These quarters were minted from 90% silver and 10% copper.

Before 1965, all U.S. quarters were made of silver. At current silver prices, the raw metal in a quarter is usually worth around $4 to $6. However, you should never sell a 1919-D for its silver weight!

Even the most beat-up 1919-D is worth at least $40-$50 to a collector because of its scarcity. If someone offers you “melt value” for this specific date, they are likely trying to take advantage of you. Always check a reliable pricing guide or use CoinKnow to get an accurate appraisal before visiting a pawn shop or local coin dealer.

Where to Sell Your 1919-D Standing Liberty Quarter

If you’ve confirmed you have a genuine 1919-D in good condition, you have several options for selling. Local coin shops are the most convenient, though they will typically offer you 60% to 70% of the retail value so they can make a profit.

For higher-grade examples—those worth over $500—auction houses like GreatCollections or Heritage Auctions are better choices. They reach a global audience of serious collectors who are willing to pay top dollar for a “Full Head” 1919-D.

Online marketplaces like eBay are also popular, but you must be wary of fees and shipping risks. Regardless of where you sell, having professional photos and an accurate grade description is vital. Most successful sellers use a combination of expert guides and mobile appraisal tools to ensure they don’t leave money on the table.

FAQ

Q: Is the 1919-D Standing Liberty Quarter made of pure silver?

A: No, it is made of 90% silver and 10% copper. This was the standard for U.S. silver coins until 1964. The silver content gives it a base value, but its collector value is much higher.

Q: Where is the mint mark located on a 1919-D quarter?

A: The “D” mint mark is on the obverse (the side with Lady Liberty). Look just to the left of her feet, right above the date. It is quite small, so you might need a magnifying glass to see it clearly.

Q: Why is my 1919-D quarter missing the date?

A: Standing Liberty Quarters minted before 1925 had the date “raised” above the rim. This caused the date to wear off very quickly in circulation. Coins with “no date” are worth significantly less, though a 1919-D can often still be identified by certain design traits.

Q: How much is a 1919-D Standing Liberty Quarter worth if it is in perfect condition?

A: A 1919-D in “Gem” condition (MS-65 or higher) with a Full Head designation can sell for $15,000 to $25,000 at auction. These are extremely rare and usually found only in high-end private collections.

Q: Should I get my 1919-D quarter professionally graded?

A: If your coin appears to be in “Extremely Fine” or “Uncirculated” condition, yes. Grading by PCGS or NGC can cost $30-$60 but can add hundreds or even thousands of dollars to the resale value by certifying the coin’s authenticity and grade.