Standing Liberty Quarter (Reverse View), c. 1916-1930
Coin/Bullion · United States Mint (Philadelphia, Denver, or San Francisco mints)
Pattern: Standing Liberty Quarter, designed by Hermon Atkins MacNeil
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
United States Mint (Philadelphia, Denver, or San Francisco mints)
Material
Coin Silver; 90% Silver and 10% Copper
Dimensions
Diameter: 24.3 mm; Original weight: 6.25 grams (likely slightly less due to significant circulation wear).
Description
A heavily circulated 90% silver United States Quarter Dollar. This piece shows the iconic 'Flying Eagle' reverse design of the Standing Liberty series. The coin exhibits deep grey toning and significant flattening of the high points, indicating years of active use in commerce during the early 20th century.
Key Features
The distinctive posture of the eagle in flight and the specific arrangement of the legends 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' and 'QUARTER DOLLAR' identify this specifically as the MacNeil design.
Material & Composition
Coin Silver; 90% Silver and 10% Copper
Finish & Decoration
Circulated strike with matte-like relief. Features an eagle in flight on the reverse, flanked by stars (though stars are heavily worn in this specimen).
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' and 'QUARTER DOLLAR'. Mint marks (D or S) would be located on the obverse near the date; Philadelphia issues have no mint mark.
Construction Details
Die-struck at a federal mint using a hydraulic coin press.
Functional Features
Reeded edge (now mostly smoothed by wear) to prevent clipping; legal tender denomination of 25 cents.
Handle & Grip Details
No handle; designed for tactile use and circulation as currency.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-struck but based on a hand-sculpted clay model by a renowned Beaux-Arts sculptor, showing high-relief artistic intent despite mechanical production.
Authentication Indicators
Correct font style, characteristic 'wiping' wear patterns consistent with genuine 90% silver coinage, and accurate design proportions.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America; likely Philadelphia, Denver, or San Francisco mint facilities.
Era & Period
Early 20th Century; Neoclassical/Beaux-Arts Period (World War I era through the Great Depression).
Age Estimate
Circa 1917-1930; the reverse design with the eagle positioned higher on the coin (Type 2) suggests it was minted after mid-1917.
Cultural Significance
Represented American ideals of liberty and military preparedness during the WWI era; part of the 'Renaissance of American Coinage' initiated by Theodore Roosevelt.
Condition Notes
About Good (AG) to Good (G) condition. There is heavy wear across the entire surface; the eagle's feathers are smoothed, and the rim is beginning to merge with the lettering. Significant tarnish and surface abrasions are present.
Value Estimate
$5.00 - $8.00 (primarily based on silver melt value, given the heavy wear and common-date appearance).
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean or polish. Numismatic value is best preserved by keeping the coin in a PVC-free flip or capsule to prevent further abrasion.
Similar Pieces
Barber Quarter (pre-1916), Washington Quarter (post-1932). Washington quarters from 1932-1964 also contain 90% silver but feature a different motif.
Interesting Facts
The Standing Liberty design was so controversial upon release (due to Liberty's exposed breast on the obverse) that the U.S. Mint modified the design in 1917 to cover her with a coat of chainmail.