1929-S Standing Liberty Quarter Value: What Is It Worth?

The 1929-S Standing Liberty Quarter is worth anywhere from $15 in worn condition to over $1,200 in pristine mint state. This San Francisco minted coin is a favorite among collectors due to its beautiful Art Deco design and its historical significance as one of the final years of this iconic series.

Grade	Estimated Value
Good (G-4)	$15 – $18
Fine (F-12)	$30 – $35
Extremely Fine (XF-40)	$65 – $80
Uncirculated (MS-63)	$250 – $300
Gem Mint (MS-65 FHD)	$1,100+

History of the 1929-S Standing Liberty Quarter

If you have discovered a 1929-S Standing Liberty Quarter in an old jar or a family collection, you are holding a piece of American history from the eve of the Great Depression. This coin features the famous design by sculptor Hermon A. MacNeil, depicting Lady Liberty stepping through a gate flanked by two walls.

The “S” mint mark indicates that this specific coin was produced at the San Francisco Mint. While millions were made, finding one in high quality today is a challenge because these quarters circulated heavily during the 1930s. To ensure you have an authentic specimen, many collectors use a top coin identifier and value app to scan the details and verify the mint mark and date.

By 1929, the design had undergone several modifications, most notably the recessed date. Early versions of this series had the date “raised,” which caused it to wear away quickly. By 1929, the date survived much better, which is why we can still identify these treasures today. Using a tool like CoinKnow can help you distinguish between the subtle varieties of this year.

How to Identify the 1929-S Mint Mark

Identifying a 1929-S Standing Liberty Quarter starts with looking for the mint mark. Unlike modern quarters where the mint mark is on the right side of the portrait, the Standing Liberty series hides it on the obverse (front). You can find the small “S” just to the left of the date, next to Liberty’s left foot.

The San Francisco Mint produced 1,764,000 quarters in 1929. While this isn’t the rarest mintage in the series, it is significantly lower than the Philadelphia output. Because of this lower production, the “S” mark adds a premium to the coin’s price, especially when compared to those without a mark.

If the area near the date is worn smooth, it can be difficult to see the “S.” In such cases, professional photography or a high-magnification lens is required. You can also compare your coin against high-resolution images found on CoinKnow to see exactly where the letter should be positioned relative to the stars.

Grading and 1929-S Standing Liberty Quarter Prices

The condition, or “grade,” of your coin is the most important factor in determining how much money it is worth. Coins are graded on a scale from 1 to 70. Most 1929-S quarters found by casual hunters fall into the “Good” to “Fine” range, meaning they have significant wear but the date is still legible.

When a coin looks shiny and has no signs of wear on Liberty’s knee or the eagle’s breast, it enters the “Uncirculated” category. For those curious about high-end market trends, checking the current 1929-S quarter auction prices can provide a realistic view of what collectors are paying for “Full Head” (FH) versions.

A “Full Head” designation means Liberty’s helmet and facial features are perfectly struck. This is very rare for San Francisco coins of this era. Check the table below for a deeper look at how the grade impacts the market value of your 1929 silver quarter.

Condition Name	Technical Grade	Typical Sale Price
About Uncirculated	AU-50	$110 – $140
Choice Uncirculated	MS-64	$350 – $425
Gem Uncirculated	MS-65	$700 – $850

The Importance of the “Full Head” Designation

One of the most confusing things for beginners is the “Full Head” (FH) status. On a Standing Liberty Quarter, the head is the highest point of the design. During the minting process, if the die didn’t strike with enough pressure, the detail on the head would remain flat.

Collectors pay massive premiums for a 1929-S that shows three distinct hair curls and a clear ear hole. If your coin has these details, the value could triple or quadruple instantly. Conversely, many accurate 1929-S quarter value guides show that even a Mint State coin without a Full Head will sell for much less than one with the strike detail.

To determine if your coin qualifies, use a magnifying glass to inspect the brow, the hair, and the helmet. If the lines are crisp and sharp, you might be sitting on a “Gem” coin. If you aren’t sure, the CoinKnow app can help by comparing your coin’s portrait to certified examples of “Full Head” specimens.

Silver Content and Melt Value

Even if your 1929-S Standing Liberty Quarter is in terrible condition—perhaps it’s bent, scratched, or worn nearly flat—it still has “intrinsic” value because of its metal content. These quarters were minted from 90% silver and 10% copper.

Each coin contains approximately 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver. This means that as the price of silver fluctuates on the stock market, the minimum value of your coin changes as well. Even when numismatic (collector) interest is low, the silver value ensures your coin is worth a healthy multiple of its 25-cent face value.

Silver Price per Ounce	Approximate Melt Value
$20.00	$3.62
$25.00	$4.52
$30.00	$5.42

Common Varieties and Errors to Look For

While there aren’t many widely recognized “major” errors for the 1929-S Standing Liberty Quarter, eagle-eyed collectors often look for minor doubling or die cracks. Because the dies were used until they were nearly worn out, you may see thin raised lines (die cracks) running across the surface.

One interesting thing to look for is the “S” mint mark size. While not as famous as the 1928 “Small S” and “Large S” varieties, variations in mint mark clarity can affect the aesthetic appeal. If your coin looks “different” than others you see online, it might be worth having a professional take a look.

Remember, never clean your coins! A “dirty” coin with original patina is worth much more than a shiny coin that has been scrubbed with chemicals. Cleaning creates microscopic scratches that will permanently lower the grade and value of your 1929-S quarter.

FAQ

Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1929 Standing Liberty Quarter?

A: You can find the mint mark on the front of the coin, located just to the left of the date and to the right of the lowest star on the left-hand side. An “S” stands for San Francisco, a “D” for Denver, and no mark means Philadelphia.

Q: Is the 1929-S quarter rare?

A: It is considered a semi-key date in the series. While not as rare as the 1916 or the 1921, it is much harder to find in high grades than the Philadelphia versions of the same year.

Q: How much silver is in a 1929-S quarter?

A: The coin is made of 90% silver. It contains about 6.25 grams of total weight, with 5.625 grams being pure silver.

Q: Should I get my 1929-S Quarter professionally graded?

A: If you believe your coin is in “Uncirculated” condition or has a “Full Head,” it is definitely worth sending to a service like NGC or PCGS. Grading can increase the resale value by hundreds of dollars by providing an official guarantee of its quality.