$1 FV 90% Silver Standing Liberty Quarters – Full Date

In the tumultuous years of the early 20th century, as America stood on the precipice of global conflict, a coin emerged that would capture the spirit of a nation poised between peace and war. The Standing Liberty Quarter, minted from 1916 to 1930, became a powerful symbol of American values and readiness during a pivotal moment in history.

Designed by sculptor Hermon Atkins MacNeil, the Standing Liberty Quarter was born out of a desire to reinvigorate American coinage with artistry that reflected the nation's ideals. MacNeil's vision was clear: to create a coin that embodied both America's commitment to peace and its preparedness for conflict. The result was a masterpiece of numismatic art that continues to captivate collectors and historians alike.

The coin's obverse features Lady Liberty in a stance of alertness, stepping forward through a gateway. In her left hand, she holds a shield, ready to defend the nation, while her right hand offers an olive branch, symbolizing America's preference for peace. This duality perfectly encapsulated the national sentiment as the United States teetered on the edge of entering World War I.

Perhaps most intriguing is the coin's evolution over its short lifespan. The initial 1916 design featured Liberty with an exposed breast, a artistic choice that sparked controversy in more conservative circles. In response, the design was modified in 1917, adding a chain mail vest to Liberty's attire – a change that not only quelled public outcry but also reinforced the coin's martial symbolism as America entered the Great War.

The Standing Liberty Quarter's reverse is equally rich in symbolism. An eagle in full flight dominates the scene, wings spread wide, embodying the strength and freedom of the nation. Thirteen stars, representing the original colonies, flank the majestic bird, creating a design that is both dynamic and deeply rooted in American history.

As we hold these quarters today, we're not just handling pieces of silver; we're touching fragments of American history. Each coin tells a story of a nation in transition, of artistic controversy and adaptation, and of the delicate balance between peace and preparedness that defined an era.

Design Features

The obverse of the Standing Liberty Quarter is a study in allegorical artistry. Lady Liberty stands in a gateway, her figure both graceful and powerful. Her left arm bears a shield emblazoned with the stars and stripes, while her right hand extends an olive branch. The inscription "LIBERTY" arches above her, with the year of minting below her feet. MacNeil's attention to detail is evident in every fold of Liberty's flowing drapery and in the determined expression on her face.

On the reverse, an eagle soars against a plain field, its wings outstretched in a display of majesty and strength. The national motto "E PLURIBUS UNUM" is inscribed between the eagle's wings, while "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "QUARTER DOLLAR" encircle the design. The placement of thirteen stars around the eagle not only balances the composition but also reinforces the coin's patriotic symbolism.

Product Highlights

• Metal Type: SILVER – Hedge
• Purity: 0.9
• Weight: 0.715 oz
• Grade: Average Circulated
• Manufacturer: United States Mint
• Mint Mark: Various
• Grading Service: None
• IRA Eligible: No
• Obverse: Standing Liberty holding shield and olive branch
• Reverse: Eagle in flight with spread wings

Investment Appeal

The Standing Liberty Quarter represents a unique intersection of historical significance, artistic merit, and precious metal content. With a silver purity of 90%, these coins offer tangible value beyond their numismatic appeal. Their status as relics of a pivotal period in American history adds a layer of collectible desirability that can transcend fluctuations in silver prices.

For investors, the appeal lies in the coin's recognized status among collectors and its inherent silver value. The limited mintage period of just 15 years makes the Standing Liberty Quarter series relatively scarce compared to longer-running coin programs. This scarcity, combined with the coins' historical importance, creates potential for appreciation beyond mere silver content.

Collectors are drawn to the series for its artistic beauty and the challenge of acquiring high-grade specimens. The coin's design, particularly the early examples with Liberty's exposed breast, holds a certain mystique that continues to fascinate numismatists. Additionally, the series includes several key dates and varieties, such as the rare 1916 issue and the elusive 1918/7-S overdate, which add depth and excitement to the collecting experience.

By acquiring Standing Liberty Quarters, one invests not just in silver, but in a tangible piece of American cultural heritage. These coins offer a hedge against economic uncertainty while providing the satisfaction of owning a work of art that encapsulates a defining moment in U.S. history. Whether as part of a diverse investment portfolio or the cornerstone of a numismatic collection, Standing Liberty Quarters stand as enduring symbols of American resilience and artistry.