1916 Standing Liberty Quarter
Base
About This Coin
The 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter is a United States quarter from the Standing Liberty Quarters 1916-1930 series. The obverse features Liberty standing in a gateway between two walls, holding an olive branch and a shield, while the reverse displays an eagle in flight. Designed by Hermon A. MacNeil. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 6.25 grams, 24.3 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Hermon MacNeil's Standing Liberty Quarter replaced the Barber design in 1916. The original Type I design (1916-1917) depicted Liberty with an exposed breast, which was covered with chain mail armor in the Type II design (1917-1930). A recessed date was also introduced because the original raised date wore away rapidly. The 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter (mintage 52,000) is one of the most desirable 20th-century coins. Full Head (FH) designation specimens command substantial premiums. How do you distinguish a 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter from a 1917? Hairlines: The 1916 quarter shows a bold, single strand of hair at the back of the head with a tiny feather on top, while the 1917 quarter features a bolder secondary hairline that looks like two distinct pieces of hair. Gown and Foot: On the 1916 quarter, the drapery/gown tightly hugs Liberty's foot all the way down. On the 1917 Type 1, the cloth pulls up and away from the left side of her foot. Mints and Markings: The 1916 quarter was struck only at the Philadelphia Mint (no mint mark). The 1917 Type 1 was struck in Philadelphia, Denver (D), and San Francisco (S).
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 across all of this coin's strike types, from published price guides and, in some cases, recorded auction sales. For most coins the range runs from a well-worn example (around G-4) to an uncirculated one, but individual coins can sell for more or less depending on grade, eye appeal and demand. Compare recent sales of similar coins for a closer estimate.
Specifications
Strike Types & Varieties(1)
Other Base Coins in This Series
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