1917-D Type 1 Standing Liberty Quarter Value Guide
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The 1917-D Type 1 Standing Liberty Quarter is worth anywhere from $40 in heavily circulated condition to over $1,200 in high-grade mint state. This beautiful coin, struck at the Denver Mint during the first full year of the series, is a favorite among American history buffs and treasure hunters alike.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $40 – $55 |
| Fine (F-12) | $90 – $115 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | $220 – $275 |
| Uncirculated (MS-63) | $550 – $700 |
| Uncirculated (MS-65 FH) | $1,850+ |
Why the 1917-D Type 1 Quarter is a Rare Treasure
Finding a 1917-D quarter in your attic or a grandparent’s old jar is more than just a lucky break; it is a brush with one of the most controversial designs in U.S. Mint history. To accurately identify your find, using a top coin identifier and value app is the best first step to ensuring you don’t overlook a valuable variety. The Standing Liberty series began in 1916, but the 1917-D Type 1 represents the final moment of the original, unmodified design before the Mint made significant changes to Liberty’s attire.
The “D” mint mark indicates this coin was struck at the Denver Mint, which produced significantly fewer quarters than Philadelphia that year. Type 1 quarters are instantly recognizable by Liberty’s bare breast on the obverse and the lack of stars below the eagle on the reverse. Because these coins were struck during a time of global upheaval and the U.S. entry into World War I, many were used heavily in daily commerce, making high-quality survivors extremely rare today.
If you are unsure whether you have a Type 1 or Type 2, the CoinKnow app can help you distinguish between the two by analyzing the eagle’s position and Liberty’s protective armor. Type 1 coins are generally more prized by collectors for their artistic merit and historical significance as a “short-lived” design.
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Identifying the 1917-D Mint Mark and Type 1 Variety
To confirm the value of your 1917-D Standing Liberty Quarter, you must first verify the mint mark and the design type. The “D” for Denver is located just above the date, to the left of Liberty’s foot. If the area is worn smooth, the coin is still worth its silver weight, but the “D” mark adds a significant premium for collectors.
The Type 1 design features a “bare-breasted” Liberty holding a shield and an olive branch. The reverse side is even more distinctive: the majestic eagle is flying through a field of 13 stars, but notably, there are no stars positioned underneath the bird. By late 1917, the Mint changed to Type 2, adding chain mail to Liberty’s chest and moving three stars below the flying eagle.
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Detailed 1917-D Type 1 Standing Liberty Quarter price charts show that even in lower grades, the Denver strike holds its ground much better than the generic Philadelphia issues. Seeing the differences in person can be tricky, so using CoinKnow to zoom in on the specific design elements is highly recommended for beginners.
Grading Your 1917-D Standing Liberty Quarter
The price of a 1917-D quarter is almost entirely dependent on its “grade” or state of preservation. Because the date on Standing Liberty Quarters was positioned on a raised pedestal, it was often the first part of the coin to wear away. A coin with a clear, readable “1917” is worth significantly more than one where the date has vanished.
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In “Good” condition, the coin will show heavy wear, and Liberty’s body will mostly look like an outline. In “Fine” condition, major details of the drapery be visible. However, top-tier collectors look for “Full Head” (FH) designations. This means the details on Liberty’s helmet—specifically the ear hole and the hair—are perfectly struck.
| Grade Detail | Visual Indicators | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| VG-8 (Very Good) | Liberty’s gown is worn but the date is clear. | $65 – $80 |
| VF-20 (Very Fine) | Moderate wear; some detail in the shield. | $140 – $160 |
| AU-50 (About Uncirculated) | Slight wear on the highest points like the knee. | $375 – $450 |
The “Full Head” Premium for Denver Strikes
For the 1917-D Type 1 Standing Liberty Quarter, the “Full Head” (FH) designation is the holy grail of collecting. Many quarters struck at the Denver branch mint suffered from “weak strikes,” meaning the metal didn’t fully fill the deepest parts of the die. As a result, the head of Liberty often looks flat or blurry even on a brand-new coin.
If you find a coin that has a fully defined head with a clear hairline and a distinct ear, the value sky-rockets. A standard Mint State 65 coin might sell for $1,000, but a Mint State 65 Full Head can easily double or triple that price. These specific 1917-D Standing Liberty Quarter values are closely tracked by investors who view high-grade Denver silver as a stable asset.
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If you aren’t sure if your coin qualifies for the Full Head designation, the CoinKnow app can help you compare your coin’s detail against high-resolution professional images. Most coins found in circulation will not be “Full Head,” but it is always worth checking!
Silver Content and Bullion Value of the 1917-D Quarter
Even if your 1917-D Type 1 Standing Liberty Quarter is in poor condition or the date is unrecognizable, it still has “junk silver” value. These coins were struck in 90% silver and 10% copper. Each quarter contains approximately 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver. While you should never sell a 1917-D just for its silver—because its numismatic (collector) value is almost always higher—it provides a “floor” for the price.
Currently, with silver prices fluctuating, the raw material value of a Standing Liberty Quarter is usually between $4 and $6. However, because 1917 is an early date in the series, even a “slick” (worn smooth) coin that can be identified as a Type 1 from Denver will usually sell for $20 to $30 to a filler-set collector.
| Metal Component | Percentage | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Silver Content | 90% | 6.25 grams (Total) |
| Copper Content | 10% | 0.625 grams |
Where to Sell Your 1917-D Type 1 Quarter
Once you’ve used CoinKnow to identify your coin and determine its approximate grade, you might wonder where to turn next. For a 1917-D quarter in high grade (EF-40 or above), you should consider professional grading by services like PCGS or NGC. A certified coin is much easier to sell for its full market value because the buyer has a guarantee of authenticity.
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For mid-range or lower-grade coins, local coin shops or reputable online auctions are great options. Avoid “we buy gold” kiosks or pawn shops, as they often pay only the silver melt value and ignore the historical premium of the 1917-D Denver strike. Collectors on platforms like eBay are actively searching for this specific year and mint mark to complete their Type 1 sets.
Always remember: do not clean your coin! Cleaning a 1917-D Standing Liberty Quarter will strip away its natural “patina” and can reduce its collector value by 50% or more. Collectors prefer a dirty, authentic-looking coin over a shiny, scrubbed one every time.
FAQ
Q: What is the difference between a Type 1 and Type 2 1917-D Quarter?
A: The Type 1 has Liberty with a bare breast and no stars under the eagle on the reverse. The Type 2 has Liberty wearing chain mail and three stars positioned under the eagle on the reverse.
Q: Where is the mint mark on the 1917-D Standing Liberty Quarter?
A: You can find the “D” mint mark on the obverse (front) of the coin. It is located just above the date, to the left of the opening in the wall where Liberty is standing.
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Q: Why is my 1917-D quarter missing the date?
A: The Standing Liberty Quarter design had a flaw where the date was raised higher than other parts of the coin. This caused the date to wear off very quickly during circulation. “Dateless” quarters are common but still hold silver value.
Q: Is the 1917-D more valuable than the 1917-P?
A: Generally, yes. The Denver (D) and San Francisco (S) mints typically had lower production numbers than the main Philadelphia (P) mint, making the “D” and “S” mint marks more desirable for collectors.
Q: How much silver is in a 1917-D quarter?
A: It contains 90% silver, which is about 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver metal. However, its historical value is almost always higher than the price of the silver itself.
