1917 Type 1 Standing Liberty Quarter Value and Price Guide
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The 1917 Type 1 Standing Liberty Quarter is worth anywhere from $35 in worn condition to over $1,500 in high-grade mint state. This beautiful silver coin is a favorite among collectors due to its unique historical design and relatively low survival rate in pristine condition.
| Condition Grade | Estimated Value (USD) |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $35 – $45 |
| Fine (F-12) | $65 – $80 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | $150 – $185 |
| Uncirculated (MS-63) | $350 – $450 |
| Full Head (MS-65 FH) | $1,100+ |
Why the 1917 Type 1 Standing Liberty Quarter is Special
If you just found an old quarter with a lady standing between two pillars, you might be holding a piece of American art history. In 1917, the U.S. Mint was in the middle of a massive redesign of its coinage. The “Standing Liberty” design replaced the “Barber” quarter and was intended to reflect a nation prepared for World War I while still desiring peace. Because there were two distinct designs released that year, identifying yours correctly is the first step in determining its worth.
The 1917 Type 1 is famous because it features Lady Liberty with her right breast exposed. Shortly after production began, the design was changed to “Type 2,” where her chest was covered with a coat of chainmail. While rumors suggested the change was due to public modesty, historians note that the U.S. was entering the war, and a more “armored” Liberty felt appropriate. If you are unsure which version you have, using a top coin identifier and value app can help you distinguish between the subtle design changes instantly.
Collectors highly prize the Type 1 because of its shorter production window. While millions were made, many were discarded or heavily worn down in circulation. Finding one with sharp details is quite a challenge today. If you want to dive deeper into the market trends, you can explore the current 1917 quarter value trends and auction results to see how much similar coins have sold for recently.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Identifying the Philadelphia vs San Francisco Mints
To know the true value of your 1917 Type 1 Standing Liberty Quarter, you must check for a mint mark. In 1917, these quarters were struck at three different locations: Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S). To find the mint mark, look at the bottom left side of the coin, just above the date, to the left of Liberty’s foot.
The Philadelphia Mint produced the most coins, making them the most common. However, the “S” mint mark from San Francisco is often more sought after by collectors who aim to complete a full set. Interestingly, Denver did not produce Type 1 quarters in 1917, only Type 2. So, if you see a “D” on a 1917 quarter, it is automatically a Type 2 coin!
For those who find checking these tiny letters difficult, the CoinKnow app uses advanced image recognition to find these marks for you. It’s a great way to ensure you haven’t overlooked a rare “S” mint version that could be worth a significant premium over the standard Philadelphia strike.
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| Mint Location | Mint Mark | Rarity Level |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | None | Common |
| San Francisco | S | Scarce |
| Denver | N/A (Type 2 Only) | N/A |
Determining the Grade and Condition of Your Coin
Condition is everything in the world of coin collecting. Most 1917 quarters you find will be “circulated,” meaning they were used to buy bread or milk a hundred years ago. Over time, the details of Liberty’s gown and the eagle’s feathers on the back wear away. A coin in “Good” condition will have a visible date, but Liberty will look more like a silhouette.
As you move up to “Fine” or “Extra Fine,” the shield Liberty is holding will show more distinct lines. The most valuable coins are “Mint State” (MS), which look exactly like they did the day they left the mint. Within the MS category, there is a special designation called “Full Head.” This refers to Lady Liberty having a perfectly struck face and hair details.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Because grading is subjective and difficult for beginners, referencing detailed 1917 Type 1 MS pricing data is essential before selling. Even a tiny scratch or a bit of cleaning can drastically reduce the value. Never clean your coins, as this removes the “patina” and can lower the value by 50% or more.
The Importance of the Full Head (FH) Designation
If you’re looking at your 1917 Type 1 Standing Liberty Quarter and her hair and face look incredibly sharp, you might have a “Full Head” coin. The U.S. Mint struggled to get the metal to flow into the highest parts of the die, so the hair and ear region of Liberty’s head often came out blurry or flat.
A “Full Head” (FH) designation is only given to coins that are already in Mint State condition. It acts as a massive multiplier for the price. For example, a standard MS65 might sell for $600, but an MS65 FH could fetch over $1,200 at a high-end auction. It is the ultimate goal for serious collectors.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
You can use the CoinKnow app to zoom in on your coin’s details and compare them to high-resolution examples of Full Head strikes. This allows you to see if your coin has that extra level of detail that brings in the big bucks from professional buyers.
| Condition Detail | Description | Price Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Flat Head | Liberty’s face/hair is smooth. | Standard Value |
| Partial Head | Some hair lines visible. | Moderate Premium |
| Full Head (FH) | Complete hair and ear detail. | 2x to 5x Premium |
Silver Melt Value vs Collector Value
One question people often ask is, “Is my coin just worth its weight in silver?” All Standing Liberty Quarters made between 1916 and 1930 are composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. This means that even if the coin is so worn that you can barely see the date, it still has “melt value.”
As of today’s silver prices, a 1917 quarter usually has at least $4 to $6 worth of pure silver in it. However, the 1917 Type 1 is a “semi-key date,” meaning its collector value almost always exceeds its silver value. Unless the coin is bent, holed, or completely destroyed, you should never sell it for just the silver content.
Using the CoinKnow app can help you track the daily fluctuations in silver prices while also keeping an eye on the numismatic (collector) premium. This ensures you never leave money on the table by selling a rare coin to a gold and silver buyer who only pays for the metal weight.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
How to Safely Store and Sell Your 1917 Quarter
Once you’ve identified your 1917 Type 1 Standing Liberty Quarter, you need to protect it. The silver used in these coins is relatively soft. Handling it with your bare hands can leave oils that cause dark spots (toning) over time. Always hold the coin by its edges, or better yet, wear cotton gloves.
Storing your coin in a PVC-free plastic flip or a cardboard “2×2” holder is the best way to keep it safe from the environment. If you believe your coin is in exceptional condition (MS60 or higher), you might consider getting it “slabbed” or graded by a professional service like PCGS or NGC. This provides a guaranteed grade that makes the coin much easier to sell for a high price.
When you’re ready to sell, avoid pawn shops. They typically pay the lowest rates. Instead, look for reputable local coin dealers or specialized online auctions. Knowing the exact value before you walk in the door is your best defense, so keep your research handy!
FAQ
Q: How can I tell the difference between a Type 1 and Type 2 1917 Quarter?
A: On the Type 1 (Early 1917), Lady Liberty has an exposed breast and the reverse (back) has no stars below the flying eagle. On the Type 2 (Late 1917), Liberty is wearing a chainmail vest and the reverse has three stars underneath the eagle.
Q: Is a 1917 quarter with no mint mark rare?
A: A 1917 quarter with no mint mark was made in Philadelphia. While it is the most common of the 1917 quarters, it is still quite valuable compared to modern quarters because of its silver content and historical design.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Q: What does “Standing Liberty” mean?
A: It refers to the design by Hermon Atkins MacNeil, which shows Liberty standing in a gateway, holding a shield for defense and an olive branch for peace. It is widely considered one of the most beautiful designs in U.S. history.
Q: Should I clean my 1917 Type 1 Quarter to make it look newer?
A: No! Never clean your coins. Collectors prefer original surfaces, even if they are dark or dirty. Cleaning creates micro-scratches that ruin the coin’s value and can make a $100 coin worth only its silver weight of $5.
Q: Where is the best place to find the value of my specific coin?
A: You can use a combination of online price guides and mobile tools like CoinKnow. For high-value coins, checking recent “sold” listings on eBay or professional auction house archives gives the most accurate real-world price.
