
For many, the Standing Liberty quarter was a popular and beautiful design change when the then mandatory minimum 25-year run had been achieved by the Barber series. Launched in 1916, in the middle of World War I, it personified the American Spirit while transitioning from the classical nature of previous designs to more modern and overtly artistic features–perhaps a bit too much so for some tastes. The design was called “obscene” and “filthy” by some religious leaders. This backlash led to a PG-rated version (Type II) in 1917 that covered Liberty’s exposed breast and provided symmetry to the 13 stars on the reverse. Later modifications (1925) were made to rectify premature date wear on the coinage year.
The series as a whole is rare in high grades and especially, for Full Head examples. Type coin collectors in search of first year, original Mint State examples will be tempted by the brilliant full head example featured in lot 5023 of our November Showcase Auction:
Sharply struck, with full head and rivet detail, this blast white specimen looks like it just left the mint, in a bag of its own. While the total mintage for this coin is relatively high (13.88 million), examples like this one graded MS-67 FH (PCGS) are quite rare. Bidding is sure to be spirited.
For more information about the Stack’s Bowers Galleries November 2024 Showcase Auction visit StacksBowers.com. To consign your coins or paper money to one of our future sales call 800-458-4646 or email [email protected].