Standing Liberty Quarter
The Standing Liberty Quarter entered circulation in early 1917, although a small number of the pieces were minted in 1916. The coins were struck each subsequent year through 1930, with the exception of 1922 when no quarters were minted. The series has been considered of prime numismatic interest and many collectors assembled sets of Standing Liberty Quarters by date and mintmark. The full set is relatively easy to complete in circulated grades, with the exception of a few key dates. In uncirculated condition, the set becomes a very difficult task to complete especially with fully struck devices or the "Full Head" designation.
image from www.coinpage.com
When the Barber design was to be replaced on three different denominations, a competition was declared to select the designers for the new coins. For the quarter dollar, the new type was designed by a Massachusetts sculptor born in 1866 Hermon A. MacNeil. As the name of the coin suggests, the obverse features a standing figure of Liberty presumably within an opening of a small gate adorned with thirteen stars. She is holding a shield in her left hand, and an olive branch in her right. The word LIBERTY is on above, and the date is under Liberty’s feet. The motto IN GOD WE TRUST is split over both walls. The reverse features an eagle flying level to the right, with 7 stars to the left and 6 to the right. Under the eagle is the denomination QUARTER DOLLAR and both UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and E PLURIBUS UNUM are above the eagle in the field.
The first type, called “Type 1”, was only struck in late 1916 and during the first months of 1917. It featured Liberty with an exposed breast, and according to numismatic myth there was a public outcry against this design, urging MacNeil to alter it. However, recent research of correspondence between MacNeil and the Mint has shown that the design was altered only because of MacNeil's wishes, who felt that the design was not up to his usual standard. The new Type 2 coins were introduced during the latter part of 1917.
The altered Standing Liberty Quarter design was slightly strengthened on both sides, with significant changes to the devices. On the new obverse hub, Liberty wears a jacket of Armor. Q. David Bowers has suggested that this might have been done to strengthen the Military appearance of the design, introduced in the middle of the First World War. The reverse was altered as well, with the stars rearranged. Five stars were now on either side of the eagle, and under it another three were placed, moving the Eagle slightly higher in the field. This design, with a small change in 1925, continued to be used until the end of the series.
Before 1925, the date was placed in the same relief as other parts of the design, unprotected by the rim. As such, during circulation, many pieces had their dates completely worn off, a situation similar to the Buffalo Nickel. Heavily circulated pieces with a full date are scarce, especially when in grades Very Good or below. As such, for a complete set of circulated coins, most pre-1925 dates will be above Very Good.
