-
Inventory:
1 In Stock
- Product ID: 53086
Checkout
The Certified 1920 Standing Liberty Quarter, graded MS64 by PCGS, is an exceptional example from one of the most iconic coin series in U.S. history. The Standing Liberty Quarter, designed by renowned sculptor Hermon A. MacNeil, was introduced in 1916 and remained in production until 1930. This design replaced the Barber Quarter, which had been in circulation since 1892. The 1920 issue comes from a period when the United States was recovering from the aftermath of World War I and entering the Roaring Twenties. The MS64 grade indicates that this coin has near-gem qualities, with only slight imperfections, making it an attractive and highly desirable collectible for numismatists.
The obverse of the 1920 Standing Liberty Quarter features a stunning image of Lady Liberty standing confidently between two pillars. Liberty is depicted holding a shield in her left hand, symbolizing her readiness to defend the nation, and an olive branch in her right hand, representing peace. The shield is slightly lowered, indicating the nation's desire for peace but its preparedness for defense. Liberty is dressed in a flowing robe, and the revised design from 1917 covers her chest with a coat of mail, which was added after public criticism of the original bare-breasted depiction. The inscription "LIBERTY" is displayed prominently above her head, while the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" is positioned along the base of the pillars. The date "1920" is placed at the bottom of the obverse. In this MS64 example, the obverse exhibits sharp details, particularly in Liberty’s face, shield, and gown. The coin retains much of its original mint luster, giving it a brilliant appearance, and the light contact marks are barely noticeable, enhancing its overall eye appeal.
The reverse of the 1920 Standing Liberty Quarter is equally striking, featuring a majestic eagle in flight, with its wings outstretched. The eagle is surrounded by a semicircle of 13 stars, representing the original colonies. The inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "E PLURIBUS UNUM" are positioned above the eagle, while the denomination "QUARTER DOLLAR" is inscribed below. The reverse design is simple yet powerful, symbolizing the strength and freedom of the United States. On this MS64 coin, the reverse is well-struck, with excellent detail in the eagle’s feathers and wings. The luster on the reverse is strong, and the coin’s surfaces are clean and attractive, with minimal signs of wear. The overall quality of the strike and the preservation of the details make this coin a standout piece in the Standing Liberty Quarter series.
The 1920 Standing Liberty Quarter was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, which did not include a mintmark on the coin, as was customary for coins produced at this facility. The Philadelphia Mint was the primary mint responsible for producing the nation’s coinage, and it was known for producing high-quality strikes. The mintage of the 1920 Standing Liberty Quarter was 27,860,000, making it a relatively common date in the series. However, despite the relatively high mintage, finding well-preserved examples in higher grades, such as this MS64 piece, can be challenging due to the coin’s age and its tendency to wear quickly in circulation.
The Standing Liberty Quarter series underwent several design changes during its production run. The original 1916 design featured Liberty with her breast exposed, but this was modified in 1917 to include a chain mail covering, addressing concerns about modesty. Additionally, earlier issues of the Standing Liberty Quarter were struck with a higher relief, which often led to weak strikes, particularly in Liberty’s head and the eagle’s wings. By 1920, the mint had refined the production process, and many of the coins from this period exhibit strong strikes and better detail. The MS64 grade of this particular example indicates that it retains the majority of its original detail, with minimal imperfections that do not detract from the overall beauty of the coin.
The composition of the 1920 Standing Liberty Quarter is 90% silver and 10% copper, a standard alloy for U.S. silver coinage at the time. The coin weighs 6.25 grams and has a diameter of 24.3 millimeters. The high silver content not only gives the coin intrinsic value but also contributes to its brilliant luster and appealing appearance. Over time, many Standing Liberty Quarters were worn down through circulation or melted for their silver content, making well-preserved examples like this MS64 coin increasingly rare and valuable.
The MS64 grade assigned by PCGS indicates that this 1920 Standing Liberty Quarter is in near-gem condition, with only minor imperfections visible under close inspection. Coins in this grade exhibit strong eye appeal, with sharp details, minimal contact marks, and bright luster. Collectors value MS64 coins for their combination of quality and affordability, as they offer an attractive appearance without the higher premiums associated with gem MS65 or higher grades. This coin’s clean surfaces, sharp strike, and vibrant luster make it an outstanding example of the Standing Liberty Quarter series and a valuable addition to any collection.
The Certified 1920 Standing Liberty Quarter MS64 PCGS is a remarkable piece that combines historical significance, beautiful design, and exceptional preservation. As part of the Standing Liberty Quarter series, this coin represents a key moment in U.S. history, symbolizing both the nation’s ideals of liberty and its readiness for peace and defense in the aftermath of World War I. With its sharp details, strong luster, and high-grade condition, this MS64 quarter is a must-have for collectors of early 20th-century American coinage, offering both aesthetic appeal and historical value.