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The 1919-S Standing Liberty Quarter is a notable coin in the history of American numismatics, reflecting both the evolving artistry of U.S. coinage and the challenges of its production during the early 20th century. The Standing Liberty Quarter series, first introduced in 1916, replaced the Barber Quarter and was designed by artist Hermon A. MacNeil. The 1919-S issue is a key date in the series, as it was struck at the San Francisco Mint and features the iconic design of Liberty standing confidently with a shield and an olive branch, flanked by a heraldic eagle on the reverse side. The coin is highly regarded by collectors due to its relatively low mintage and its place in a historic series of U.S. coinage. Certified AU55 by PCGS, this example is a well-preserved piece of numismatic history, offering insight into both the artistry and the conditions of coin production during this era.
The design of the Standing Liberty Quarter is bold and symbolic. The obverse features Liberty standing tall, draped in a gown, holding a shield in her left hand and an olive branch in her right. This representation of Liberty was meant to symbolize freedom and peace. The shield prominently displays 13 stars, representing the original colonies, and an eagle is seen perched above. The reverse of the coin depicts an eagle in flight, symbolizing strength and liberty. The coin’s motto, "E Pluribus Unum," meaning "Out of many, one," reinforces the unity of the United States. The 1919-S issue follows the Type 1 design that was initially introduced in 1916, before being modified in 1917 with the Type 2 version, where Liberty’s attire was changed for modesty reasons. This makes the 1919-S a Type 1 coin, highly valued for its historical design and role in American coinage.
The San Francisco Mint, where this coin was struck, was one of the key mints for producing coins during this time. In the years following the end of World War I, the U.S. economy was recovering, and the mint was tasked with meeting both the needs of circulation and the growing interest in collecting. The 1919-S Standing Liberty Quarter was part of a series that experienced relatively low mintages compared to other years, and as a result, the coin has become more desirable among collectors. The total mintage of the 1919-S Standing Liberty Quarter was approximately 1.6 million coins, making it one of the lower mintage years in the series. Its scarcity, combined with its historical significance and artistic design, makes the 1919-S highly sought after by numismatists and coin collectors.
In terms of condition, this 1919-S Standing Liberty Quarter is graded AU55 by PCGS, which indicates that it is in excellent condition for a coin of its age. The AU55 grade is one step below mint state, meaning the coin exhibits light wear, particularly on the high points of the design, but still retains a significant amount of original detail. The surfaces of the coin show some minor abrasions, which is typical for coins that have seen circulation, but the overall visual appeal is strong. The details on Liberty's shield and the eagle on the reverse are clear and sharp, and the coin’s original luster is still evident, contributing to its desirability among collectors. Coins graded AU55 are prized for their combination of affordability and high visual appeal, especially when compared to higher-grade examples that may command much higher prices.
The 1919-S Standing Liberty Quarter was produced during a period of transition in U.S. coinage. Following World War I, the United States was in the midst of both economic and social change, and the Standing Liberty Quarter itself was part of a broader shift in how coinage was viewed both domestically and abroad. The coin’s design was created to reflect the values of the time: strength, freedom, and unity. However, the Standing Liberty series was met with some controversy due to the depiction of Liberty on the obverse, which initially showed her partially unclad, leading to the redesign in 1917 that fully clothed her. This history makes the 1919-S particularly significant, as it is part of the original design, representing a moment in U.S. numismatic history before the redesign took place.
The value of the 1919-S Standing Liberty Quarter is influenced by several factors. Its relatively low mintage makes it a rarer coin, and its historical context as part of a transitional period in U.S. coinage adds to its appeal. Additionally, the certified AU55 grade from PCGS ensures that this coin has been professionally graded and its authenticity and condition have been verified. Coins with such certification tend to command higher premiums in the market because collectors can trust their quality and authenticity. The 1919-S in this grade is a fantastic piece for anyone looking to add an example of the Standing Liberty series to their collection, especially given its scarcity and significance within the broader history of American coinage.
In conclusion, the 1919-S Standing Liberty Quarter is an important and desirable coin for collectors of U.S. currency. Its design, with its allegorical representation of Liberty and its symbolic reverse, encapsulates the values of the time while also marking a significant moment in the history of American coinage. With a mintage of just 1.6 million coins and a certified grade of AU55, this example stands out for its condition and scarcity. As part of the larger Standing Liberty series, the 1919-S is an essential coin for those looking to complete a collection or invest in a historically significant piece of U.S. coinage. Its enduring appeal continues to make it a prized item for both seasoned collectors and new enthusiasts alike.