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The 1929 Standing Liberty Quarter, certified MS64 by PCGS, is an exemplary piece from one of the most admired and historically significant quarter designs in U.S. numismatics. The Standing Liberty Quarter series, which ran from 1916 to 1930, is cherished for its bold and artistic design, capturing the nation's evolving identity during the early 20th century. The 1929 issue came toward the end of the series, a time when the U.S. economy was entering the turmoil of the Great Depression. As such, coins from this period carry an added layer of historical context, reflecting the societal changes and challenges of the era. The Standing Liberty Quarter was replaced in 1932 by the Washington Quarter, making the 1929 issue one of the last in the series, further enhancing its desirability among collectors.
The design of the Standing Liberty Quarter is credited to sculptor Hermon A. MacNeil, who drew inspiration from classical imagery and the themes of liberty and patriotism. The obverse of the 1929 Standing Liberty Quarter features a striking depiction of Liberty, standing confidently with a raised shield in her left hand and an olive branch in her right. Her shield symbolizes the nation’s readiness to defend itself, while the olive branch represents the desire for peace. Liberty is depicted in a flowing robe, her right breast initially exposed in the earlier versions of the coin, but covered by chainmail in the later design modifications starting in 1917. Above her head, the word "LIBERTY" is inscribed, while the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" appears to the left and right of her figure. Below her feet, the date "1929" is inscribed. The obverse design of the Standing Liberty Quarter is celebrated for its symbolism and the sense of movement it conveys, offering a timeless representation of the nation's ideals.
The reverse of the 1929 Standing Liberty Quarter is equally dynamic, featuring a bold image of a flying eagle in full flight, soaring across the face of the coin. Surrounding the eagle are the inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "E PLURIBUS UNUM," while the denomination "QUARTER DOLLAR" appears at the bottom. The eagle, with its wings fully extended, is a symbol of strength and freedom, themes that are central to American coinage and national identity. The reverse design is simpler than the obverse, but it complements the overall composition, creating a balance between the two sides of the coin. The high-relief design elements, combined with the sharpness of the strike, make the reverse of the Standing Liberty Quarter especially appealing to collectors.
The 1929 Standing Liberty Quarter was minted at three facilities: Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S). The Philadelphia Mint, where this coin was struck, produced 11,140,000 quarters in 1929, a modest mintage compared to other years in the series. The absence of a mint mark on the coin indicates its origin from Philadelphia. Quarters from this mint are known for their strong strikes and overall high quality, though like many coins from the era, they were heavily circulated, which means that high-grade examples like this MS64 are relatively scarce. The Philadelphia Mint was the original facility for producing U.S. coins and remained a critical part of the nation's coinage operations during the Standing Liberty Quarter’s run.
The mintage of the 1929 Standing Liberty Quarter reflects the economic realities of the late 1920s, a time when the U.S. was on the cusp of the Great Depression. While silver coinage was still widely used in commerce, demand for quarters was decreasing as the economic situation worsened. The year 1929 is a pivotal moment in U.S. history, with the stock market crash in October signaling the beginning of a decade-long economic downturn. As such, coins from this period, including the 1929 Standing Liberty Quarter, offer not only artistic and numismatic value but also serve as tangible reminders of the nation's economic struggles during one of its most challenging eras.
The 1929 Standing Liberty Quarter in MS64 condition, certified by PCGS, is an excellent example of a coin that has been preserved in near-pristine condition despite being nearly a century old. MS64 (Mint State 64) is a high grade for this issue, indicating that the coin exhibits no signs of wear from circulation and retains much of its original mint luster. However, as is typical with coins in this grade, there may be minor contact marks or abrasions visible under magnification. These marks are often the result of the coin being stored in bags with other coins during its time at the mint. Despite these minor imperfections, the coin still displays sharp details and strong eye appeal, particularly in the high-relief areas of Liberty’s figure and the eagle’s wings on the reverse.
The 1929 Standing Liberty Quarter in MS64 is a beautiful and historically significant coin, representing one of the final issues of a beloved U.S. coin series. Its design, by Hermon A. MacNeil, captures the essence of Liberty and the nation’s ideals in a way that few other coins have achieved. The coin’s mintage from the Philadelphia Mint, combined with its high grade and sharp strike, make it a desirable addition to any collection of classic American coinage. Furthermore, its connection to the economic and historical events of the late 1920s adds an additional layer of meaning for collectors who appreciate the rich history behind the coins they acquire. As one of the last coins struck before the series was discontinued, the 1929 Standing Liberty Quarter holds a special place in U.S. numismatic history.