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The Standing Liberty Quarter is one of the most iconic and enduring designs in the history of U.S. coinage. Minted between 1916 and 1930, the series featured a stunning design by Hermon A. MacNeil and quickly became beloved for its depiction of Liberty standing in a proud, defiant pose. The Standing Liberty Quarter Type 3 Set, which spans the years 1925 to 1930, includes a group of coins that represent the final years of the series before it was replaced by the Washington Quarter in 1932. The Type 3 variety, which was introduced in 1925, was notable for a redesign that filled in the exposed breast of Liberty, which had been controversial since the coin’s initial release in 1916. The 1917 G-VG example is also a part of the collection, representing one of the early years of the series. Collectors who pursue this set are not only seeking coins with historical significance but also those that showcase the evolving designs and standards of U.S. coinage during a time of significant social and economic change.
The design of the Standing Liberty Quarter has become synonymous with the American ideal of liberty. On the obverse, the coin features a full-length depiction of Liberty, standing with her right arm outstretched in a gesture of protection and holding a shield in her left hand. The shield symbolizes the defense of the United States, while the laurel wreath held by Liberty in her left hand represents victory and peace. Surrounding Liberty are the words “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST,” reinforcing the national values of freedom and faith. The reverse side of the coin shows an eagle in flight, with the inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “QUARTER DOLLAR” surrounding it. The eagle symbolizes strength and resilience, key traits associated with the United States. The Standing Liberty design is widely regarded for its bold, classical beauty and for capturing the spirit of the nation during the early 20th century.
The Standing Liberty Quarter was initially introduced in 1916 as part of the U.S. Mint’s ongoing effort to replace the Barber coinage, which was deemed outdated. Designed by MacNeil, the Standing Liberty Quarter was initially minted with an exposed breast on the figure of Liberty, a design choice that caused controversy and was seen as too provocative by some. In 1925, following public outcry, the U.S. Mint introduced the Type 3 design, which filled in the exposed breast to make the coin more acceptable to the public. The Type 3 Standing Liberty Quarters, minted from 1925 to 1930, represent the culmination of MacNeil’s design and the efforts of the U.S. Mint to refine the coin to better meet the tastes and values of the American public at the time. The 1925-1930 years saw the coin’s design become more settled, and it was widely appreciated for its detailed and majestic depiction of Liberty.
The mintage of the Standing Liberty Quarter varied throughout the years, with the 1925-1930 series having a relatively lower mintage compared to earlier years. The 1925-1930-S coins, which were minted in San Francisco, are especially rare, and their limited mintage adds to their value and desirability among collectors. In fact, the 1925-1930-S coins are some of the more challenging to find in good condition, and their rarity makes them key pieces in any collection of U.S. quarters. The 1917 G-VG example, while part of an earlier series, is also a highly sought-after piece due to its significance as one of the first coins in the series and its role in representing the transition between the initial and later designs. The 1917 G-VG coin is generally available in grades that show wear from circulation, but it remains an important item in the historical development of the series.
The 1925-1930-S coins from the Standing Liberty Quarter Type 3 set were minted in relatively small numbers, with the San Francisco mint being known for producing a slightly lower quantity of quarters compared to the Philadelphia and Denver mints. For example, in 1925, only 1.7 million Standing Liberty Quarters were minted in San Francisco, a stark contrast to the 6.2 million produced at the Philadelphia Mint that same year. This lower mintage made the 1925-1930-S coins more scarce, especially in higher grades, and therefore more valuable in the collector market. The limited mintage of these coins, combined with their historical significance as part of the final years of the Standing Liberty series, adds to their desirability among collectors of U.S. coinage. The 1925-1930-S coins are often harder to find in uncirculated condition, making those in higher grades particularly rare and valuable.
The 1917 G-VG example of the Standing Liberty Quarter represents a coin that has been in circulation, showing visible signs of wear but still retaining key design elements. Coins in G-VG (Good to Very Good) condition are typically worn, with portions of the design faded or flattened due to handling and time spent in circulation. However, these coins remain important for collectors who are focused on obtaining a complete representation of the series. In the case of the 1917, the coin’s wear does not completely obscure the main features, such as the portrait of Liberty and the eagle on the reverse, and it remains an essential piece for collectors who wish to appreciate the early stages of the Standing Liberty design. While the 1917 G-VG example may not be as visually striking as higher-grade specimens, it is still valuable for its historical significance and its role in completing a set of the Standing Liberty Quarters.
The coins from the 1925-1930-S period in the Standing Liberty Quarter Type 3 Set are generally found in various conditions, with the coins that have survived in better shape being highly prized. Coins in grades such as Fine, Very Fine, or Extremely Fine show wear but still retain much of their original design details, making them attractive for collectors who prefer coins that are not overly worn. Uncirculated examples of these coins are extremely rare, especially in the case of the 1925-1930-S issues, and they are highly valued in the market. An uncirculated example of the 1925-1930-S coin would exhibit sharp, crisp detail with no wear or abrasions, showcasing the full beauty of MacNeil’s design. These high-grade examples command a significant premium over coins in lower grades, and finding them in uncirculated or near-mint condition is a major goal for collectors of the series.
Collecting the Standing Liberty Quarter Type 3 Set, which includes the 1925-1930-S and 1917 G-VG examples, offers a chance to own a piece of U.S. coinage history. The design, which represents Liberty at a pivotal moment in U.S. history, captures the essence of American ideals and remains one of the most admired coin designs in the world. The coins from the final years of the series, particularly the 1925-1930-S coins, are highly sought after by numismatists, due to their rarity and their role in the transition to the Washington Quarter. Collectors who focus on U.S. coinage from the early 20th century find the Standing Liberty Quarters to be an essential part of their collections, as the series offers insight into the social and artistic movements of the time, as well as the evolution of coin design in America.
In conclusion, the Standing Liberty Quarter Type 3 Set 1925-1930-S and 1917 G-VG coins represent an important and captivating segment of U.S. coinage. With its striking design, rich historical context, and relatively limited mintage, the series remains one of the most cherished and collected groups of U.S. quarters. The 1925-1930-S coins, in particular, are prized for their rarity and the difficulty of finding them in good condition. The 1917 G-VG coin, while more worn, offers collectors a glimpse into the early stages of the series. Together, these coins form a valuable and attractive set for those interested in U.S. coinage, history, and design.