The Standing Liberty quarter was a U.S. coin that was minted from 1916 to 1930. The coin was a quarter only design, designed by sculptor Hermon Atkins MacNeil and features the image of a standing Liberty on the obverse, with an eagle in flight on the reverse. Due to its design many circulated example have had the year worn off. Some beginner collectors feel they found a rarity without a date, when in fact its very common just like the buffalo nickel.
The Standing Liberty quarter was introduced as a replacement for the Barber quarter, which had been in use since the 1890s. The new design was part of an effort to modernize the nation’s coinage and reflect the country’s emerging role as a world power.
The obverse of the Standing Liberty quarter features the figure of Liberty, with one hand holding a shield and the other holding an olive branch. The design was intended to symbolize the United States’ desire for peace, but also its willingness to defend itself if necessary. The reverse of the coin features an eagle in flight, with the sun rising behind it.
The Standing Liberty quarter underwent several design changes during its production run. The original design featured Liberty with an exposed breast, which was seen as controversial and caused public outcry. The design was modified in 1917 to feature a chain mail shirt, which covered Liberty’s chest.
The Standing Liberty quarter was widely used in circulation but was also popular with coin collectors due to its unique design and historical significance. Today, the coin remains a popular collectible item and is highly valued by numismatists and collectors alike.
These are often mixed in when buying circulated quarter bags, especially the worn ones without the year.