1917 Type 2 Standing Liberty Quarter Value Guide
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The 1917 Type 2 Standing Liberty Quarter is worth anywhere from $35 in worn condition to over $15,000 for high-grade specimens. This specific coin marks a fascinating moment in American history when the U.S. Mint redesigned the quarter mid-year to address public concerns about the original artwork.
| Condition | Approximate Market Value |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $35 – $45 |
| Fine (F-12) | $65 – $80 |
| Extremely Fine (XF-40) | $140 – $180 |
| Uncirculated (MS-63) | $350 – $450 |
| Choice Mint State (MS-65 FH) | $1,200 – $3,500+ |
Understanding the 1917 Type 2 Redesign History
If you’ve recently discovered a pocket of old change or inherited a collection, you might be holding a 1917 Standing Liberty Quarter. This year is unique because two distinct versions were produced. The “Type 1” design, released early in 1917, featured Lady Liberty with an exposed breast. Due to public outcry regarding modesty and tactical concerns about how the coins stacked, the Mint revised the design.
In the Type 2 version, Liberty’s chest was covered with a coat of chainmail, and the reverse side was modified as well. This transition makes the 1917 coins highly collectible. If you are unsure which version you have, using a top coin identifier and value app can help you distinguish between the two types and provide an instant estimate based on current market trends.
The 1917 Type 2 is a cornerstone of any serious numismatic collection. It represents the “corrected” vision of artist Hermon MacNeil and remains one of the most beautiful designs ever struck by the United States. Many beginners use CoinKnow to track the rarity of these early 20th-century quarters, as the app provides deep insights into why certain mint marks or design variations carry such significant premiums.
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Identifying the 1917 Type 2 Standing Liberty Quarter
To figure out what your coin is worth, you first need to confirm it is a Type 2. On the front (obverse), look at Liberty’s chest. If it is covered in mail, it’s a Type 2. On the back (reverse), the Type 2 design features three stars positioned directly below the soaring eagle, whereas the Type 1 had no stars in that location.
The mint mark is another crucial factor. Quarters were produced in Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S). You can find the mint mark on the obverse, just to the left of Liberty’s foot, above the “1917” date.
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| Mint Mark | Location | Scarity Level |
|---|---|---|
| No Mark (Philadelphia) | Left of Date | Commonly Found |
| D (Denver) | Left of Date | Varies by Grade |
| S (San Francisco) | Left of Date | Highly Sought After |
The condition of the coin, or its “grade,” is the biggest driver of value. While many circulated examples are worth their weight in silver plus a collector premium, well-preserved coins can reach astronomical heights. You can check the current market values for Standing Liberty Quarters to see how quickly prices climb as the condition improves from “Good” to “About Uncirculated.”
The Importance of the Full Head (FH) Designation
When researching the 1917 Type 2 Standing Liberty Quarter value, you will often see the letters “FH” listed next to the grade. This stands for “Full Head.” On the Standing Liberty Quarter, the head of Liberty was one of the highest points of the design and often failed to strike fully due to the pressure required by the coin presses.
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A “Full Head” designation means that the details of Liberty’s hair, the headband, and the ear are crisp and fully visible. This is a rare feature and can double or triple the value of the coin. For collectors using CoinKnow, identifying an FH specimen is the “Holy Grail” of 1917 coins.
Even if the rest of the coin looks brand new, if the head lacks detail, it will not receive the FH status. This distinction separates a $400 coin from a $1,500 coin. For a deeper look at price trends, you can explore the detailed 1917 Standing Liberty Quarter price charts to understand the premium paid for high-strike quality.
Grading Your 1917 Quarter: What to Look For
If you aren’t ready to send your coin to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC, you can do a “living room” assessment. For a 1917 Type 2 coin to be considered in “Good” condition, the date must be clearly readable. Many early Standing Liberty Quarters had their dates worn away completely because the date was too prominent on the design.
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In “Fine” condition, you should see the major lines in Liberty’s drapery and the shield. In “XF” or “Extremely Fine,” nearly all the details are present, with only light wear on the highest points like the breast and the right knee.
| Grade Detail | Key Indicators |
|---|---|
| Good (G) | Rims are flat; date is readable but faint. |
| Fine (F) | Shield details are visible; some feathering on eagle. |
| Uncirculated (MS) | Strong original mint luster; no signs of wear. |
Keep in mind that cleaning your coin will instantly degrade its value. Collectors prefer “original skin,” which is the natural toning or patina that develops over 100 years. If you find a shiny 1917 quarter, it’s much better if that shine is original luster rather than the result of a polish cloth. CoinKnow users often share photos of found coins to get community feedback on whether a coin’s surface appears original or “cleaned.”
Key Rare Varieties and Errors
While the 1917 Type 2 is a fairly standard issue, there are some minor varieties that collectors look for. Most errors in this series revolve around die cracks or slightly off-center strikes. However, the most significant “variety” is really just the mint mark location and the strike quality.
The 1917-S (San Francisco) Type 2 typically carries a higher value in higher grades compared to the Philadelphia or Denver mints. This is because fewer specimens were preserved in pristine condition on the West Coast at the time.
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If you find a coin that looks “odd”—perhaps the stars are blurry or Liberty looks slightly doubled—you might have a mint error. While not as famous as the 1916 Doubled Die, any 1917 Type 2 with a genuine mint error can fetch a significant price at auction, sometimes hundreds of dollars above the standard “book” value.
Final Valuation: Why Prices Fluctuate
The value of the 1917 Type 2 Standing Liberty Quarter is also tied to the spot price of silver. These coins are 90% silver and 10% copper. When silver prices rise, the “floor” value of the coin increases. However, for a 1917 quarter, the numismatic (collector) value is almost always much higher than the raw silver value.
Market demand shifts over time. Currently, there is a high interest in early 20th-century silver, making it a great time to sell or appraise your finds. Whether you choose to hold onto it as an investment or sell it to a local coin shop, knowing the specific grade and designation (like Type 2 vs Type 1) is the only way to ensure you get a fair price.
FAQ
Q: How can I tell the difference between 1917 Type 1 and Type 2 quarters?
A: Check Liberty’s chest on the front. Type 1 has an exposed breast, while Type 2 is covered with chainmail. On the back, Type 2 has three stars under the eagle, which are missing on Type 1.
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Q: Is a 1917 quarter with no date worth anything?
A: Unfortunately, Standing Liberty Quarters with “slick” or worn-off dates are worth significantly less, usually only their silver melt value plus a tiny premium (around $5-$8). However, the 1917 is easier to identify even without a date due to the Type 1 vs Type 2 design differences.
Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1917 Type 2 Quarter?
A: The mint mark is located on the obverse (front) of the coin. Look just to the left of the date, near Liberty’s left foot. If there is no letter, it was minted in Philadelphia.
Q: What is the most expensive 1917 Type 2 quarter ever sold?
A: High-grade specimens (MS-67 or higher) with the “Full Head” designation have sold for over $15,000 at major auction houses like Heritage Auctions. Value is entirely dependent on the specific grade and strike quality.
