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The Certified 1918 Standing Liberty Quarter, graded AU55 by NGC, is a remarkable example of one of the most visually striking and historically significant coins in American numismatics. The Standing Liberty Quarter, designed by sculptor Hermon A. MacNeil, was first introduced in 1916, replacing the Barber Quarter, and remained in production until 1930. This quarter design is renowned for its classical beauty and symbolism, representing the ideals of liberty and peace during a time of global conflict, with World War I having just ended in 1918. The 1918 issue, struck during a pivotal year in American and world history, is a highly sought-after coin, particularly in higher grades. The AU55 designation indicates that this coin exhibits minimal wear, with sharp details and excellent eye appeal, making it an attractive piece for collectors who appreciate both the artistry and historical significance of the Standing Liberty series.
The obverse of the 1918 Standing Liberty Quarter features a full-length figure of Lady Liberty standing confidently between two large columns. Liberty is depicted holding an olive branch in her right hand, symbolizing peace, while her left hand carries a shield, representing her readiness to defend the nation if necessary. The shield’s position, slightly open, suggests that peace is desired but that the country remains vigilant. Liberty is dressed in flowing robes, and her breast is partially exposed, a feature that was modified in later versions of the design due to public outcry. The inscriptions "LIBERTY" appear prominently at the top of the coin, with the date "1918" positioned below Liberty’s feet. In this AU55 example, the obverse retains much of its original detail, with only light wear visible on Liberty’s head, shield, and gown. The overall strike is strong, and the coin’s surfaces are clean and attractive, with traces of original mint luster still present, particularly around the protected areas of the design.
The reverse of the 1918 Standing Liberty Quarter showcases a soaring American bald eagle, depicted in flight with its wings outstretched. The eagle is surrounded by a semicircle of 13 stars, representing the original colonies, with the inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "E PLURIBUS UNUM" placed above the eagle and the denomination "QUARTER DOLLAR" inscribed below. The reverse design is both simple and elegant, emphasizing the strength and freedom symbolized by the eagle in flight. On this AU55 coin, the reverse exhibits sharp details in the eagle’s feathers and wings, with light wear visible only on the high points. The clean fields and well-preserved surfaces give the coin a pleasing appearance, and the luster that remains adds to its overall eye appeal, making it a standout piece among coins of this grade.
The 1918 Standing Liberty Quarter was struck at multiple U.S. mints, including Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. This particular example, without a mintmark, was minted at the Philadelphia Mint, which was the primary facility for producing the nation’s circulating coinage. The Philadelphia Mint had a long history of producing high-quality coins, and the 1918 Standing Liberty Quarter is no exception, with many examples exhibiting strong strikes and sharp details. The total mintage for the 1918 Philadelphia issue was 14,240,000 coins, making it one of the more common dates in the series. However, finding well-preserved examples like this AU55 piece can be a challenge, as many of these coins saw heavy circulation, particularly in the years following World War I.
The Standing Liberty Quarter series underwent several design modifications during its production run. The original design, introduced in 1916, featured a bare-breasted depiction of Liberty on the obverse, which was later modified in 1917 to cover her chest with a coat of mail in response to public criticism. The 1918 issue features this modified design, which remained in place for the rest of the series. Additionally, the early Standing Liberty Quarters (from 1916 to 1924) were struck with a relatively high relief, which often led to weaker strikes, particularly in areas like Liberty’s head and the eagle’s wings. Despite this, many collectors prefer the early issues for their artistic merit and historical significance.
The Standing Liberty Quarter is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, a standard alloy for U.S. silver coinage during the early 20th century. Each coin weighs 6.25 grams and has a diameter of 24.3 millimeters. The silver content not only gives the coin intrinsic value but also contributes to its overall beauty, with the bright, reflective surfaces of the coin showcasing the intricate details of the design. Over time, many Standing Liberty Quarters were worn down through circulation, and some were melted for their silver content, making high-grade examples like this AU55 piece increasingly rare and valuable. The coin’s silver composition also adds to its appeal as both a collectible and an investment.
The AU55 grade from NGC indicates that this 1918 Standing Liberty Quarter is in About Uncirculated condition, with only slight wear on the highest points of the design. Coins in this grade retain much of their original detail and luster, making them attractive to collectors who seek coins with strong eye appeal without the higher premiums associated with Mint State examples. The light wear on this coin is consistent with brief circulation, and its overall sharpness and luster make it an excellent choice for collectors of early 20th-century U.S. coinage. The AU55 grade represents a balance between quality and affordability, offering collectors a well-preserved example of a classic American coin at a reasonable price.
The Certified 1918 Standing Liberty Quarter AU55 NGC is a beautiful and historically significant coin that embodies the artistic and patriotic spirit of early 20th-century America. Its sharp details, minimal wear, and attractive luster make it a standout piece in any collection. As part of the Standing Liberty Quarter series, the 1918 issue holds a special place in American numismatic history, representing both the ideals of liberty and the nation’s resilience during a time of global conflict. Whether appreciated for its design, rarity, or historical significance, this AU55 quarter is a valuable addition to any serious collection.