1929-S Standing Liberty Quarter Value: Full Pricing Guide
The 1929-S Standing Liberty Quarter is worth anywhere from $10 in worn condition to over $350 in high-grade mint state. This San Francisco-minted coin is a favorite among collectors because it represents the penultimate year of this beautiful series before the Great Depression and the introduction of the Washington quarter.
| Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $8.50 – $12.00 |
| Fine (F-12) | $15.00 – $22.00 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | $45.00 – $60.00 |
| Uncirculated (MS-63) | $150.00 – $210.00 |
| Full Head (MS-65 FH) | $850.00 – $1,200.00+ |
Identifying Your 1929-S Standing Liberty Quarter
If you’ve recently inherited a coin collection or found a shiny silver coin in an old jar, you might be holding a piece of American history. The Standing Liberty Quarter, designed by Hermon Atkins MacNeil, is widely considered one of the most artistic coins ever produced by the U.S. Mint. To verify what you have, you can use a free coin identifier app to instantly recognize the design and date.
The 1929-S specifically refers to quarters struck at the San Francisco Mint. In 1929, the San Francisco Mint produced 1,764,000 of these quarters. While that sounds like a lot, many were lost to circulation or melted down for their silver content during hard economic times. Identifying the “S” mint mark is the first step in determining the rarity.
If you aren’t sure where to look, CoinKnow can guide you through the process. On the 1929-S quarter, the mint mark is located on the obverse (front) of the coin, just to the left of the date. If you see a small “S,” you have the San Francisco issue. If there is no letter, it was minted in Philadelphia. If there is a “D,” it came from Denver.
Understanding the Gradual Value of 1929-S Silver Quarters
The price of a 1929-S Standing Liberty Quarter depends heavily on how much “wear and tear” it has seen over the last nine decades. Most coins found today are in “Good” or “Very Good” condition, meaning Liberty’s features are flat and the date is barely visible. Because these coins are 90% silver, they will always be worth at least their weight in precious metal, but collectors pay much more for better-preserved specimens.
When assessing your coin, look closely at the details of Liberty’s shield and the rivets on the wall she is standing behind. If you can see the feathers on the eagle’s breast on the reverse, the value starts to climb significantly. You can find more detailed 1929-S quarter price data for different preservation levels to see where your coin falls.
For beginners, the CoinKnow app offers a visual grading tool that compares your coin to high-resolution images of certified grades. This helps you avoid the mistake of selling a potential “Mint State” coin for the price of a “circulated” one. Even a small difference in grade can mean a hundred-dollar difference in your pocket.
| Grade Designation | Visual Characteristics | Market Price |
|---|---|---|
| Very Good (VG-8) | Full rims, but Liberty is very flat. | $12 – $15 |
| Very Fine (VF-20) | Details in the drapery are visible. | $25 – $35 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-50) | Trace wear on high points; original luster. | $75 – $95 |
| Mint State (MS-60) | No wear, but may have scratches. | $130 – $160 |
The “Full Head” (FH) Premium Explained
In the world of Standing Liberty Quarters, there is a specific designation that can triple or quadruple the price: the “Full Head.” To be considered “Full Head,” the 1929-S quarter must show complete detail in Liberty’s hair, her helmet (or cap), and the ear hole must be visible. Because the San Francisco mint often suffered from “weak strikes” in 1929, finding a coin with a perfectly struck head is extremely rare.
A standard MS-65 (Gem Uncirculated) 1929-S might sell for around $300. However, if that same coin is certified as MS-65 FH, the value can easily skyrocket to $1,000 or more. This is because collectors prize the strike quality as much as the lack of scratches. When using CoinKnow, make sure to use a magnifying lens to check Liberty’s head before listing your coin for sale.
Many casual owners overlook this detail and sell their coins for a fraction of their potential worth. Professional grading services like PCGS or NGC are usually required to officially designate a coin as “Full Head.” If you believe your 1929-S is in pristine condition, researching the current 1929-S quarter worth for FH specimens is a vital step before visiting a coin dealer.
Silver Content vs. Numismatic Value
Even if your 1929-S Standing Liberty Quarter is in terrible condition—perhaps it was used as a lucky charm and is worn smooth—it still has “junk silver” value. These quarters are composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. When the price of silver goes up, the floor price of these quarters follows.
During times of economic uncertainty, the bullion value of these coins makes them a great hedge against inflation. A single 1929-S quarter contains roughly 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver. To find the “melt value,” you simply multiply the current spot price of silver by 0.1808.
| Silver Price per Ounce | Minimum Melt Value |
|---|---|
| $20.00 | $3.62 |
| $25.00 | $4.52 |
| $30.00 | $5.42 |
However, it is important to remember that the 1929-S is a “semi-key” date. It is almost always worth more as a collectible than as scrap metal. Even the most beat-up 1929-S will usually fetch $8 to $10 from a collector, which is nearly double the silver melt value. Never melt down a Standing Liberty Quarter without checking its date and mint mark first!
Where to Sell Your 1929-S Quarter
Once you’ve used CoinKnow to identify and estimate the grade of your coin, you might be ready to turn it into cash. You have several options: local coin shops, online auctions, or specialized coin shows. Each has its pros and cons.
Local coin shops are the fastest way to get paid. A reputable dealer will usually offer you 60% to 75% of the “retail” value. They need to make a profit when they resell it, so don’t expect the full book price. If your coin is worth more than $200, you might consider an online auction like eBay or a dedicated numismatic auction house like Heritage Auctions.
Before selling, always check recent “Sold” listings rather than “Asking” prices. People can ask whatever they want, but the “Sold” prices reflect what buyers are actually willing to pay. This ensures you have a realistic expectation of the cash you will receive for your 1929-S San Francisco quarter.
| Sales Channel | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Local Coin Store | Immediate cash, safe. | Lower payout (wholesale). |
| eBay / Online | Highest potential price. | Fees, shipping, risk of returns. |
| Coin Show | Multiple offers at once. | Requires travel and time. |
FAQ
Q: Is the 1929-S Standing Liberty Quarter rare?
A: It is considered a semi-key date. While not as rare as the 1916 or 1921 issues, its mintage of 1.76 million makes it much harder to find than the common 1926-1930 Philadelphia issues. It is especially rare in high grades with “Full Head” details.
Q: Does cleaning the coin increase its value?
A: No! Never clean your coins. Cleaning causes microscopic scratches that collectors can easily spot. A cleaned coin can lose 50% or more of its numismatic value. Even if the coin looks dirty or dark, leave the “patina” alone.
Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1929 quarter?
A: The mint mark is on the obverse side. Look to the left of the date near the bottom of Liberty’s gown. An “S” indicates San Francisco, a “D” indicates Denver, and no mark means it was made in Philadelphia.
Q: How much silver is in a 1929-S quarter?
A: Every 1929-S quarter contains 6.25 grams of 90% silver, which equates to approximately 0.1808 ounces of pure silver. This provides a “floor” value based on the current price of silver.
