1917 D Type 1 Standing Liberty Quarter Value and Price Guide for Collectors
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
The 1917-D Type 1 Standing Liberty Quarter is worth anywhere from $45 in worn condition to over $1,200 in choice mint state. If you have discovered one of these beautiful silver coins in an old jar or a family collection, you may be holding a valuable piece of American history that collectors highly prize.
Identifying Your 1917-D Type 1 Standing Liberty Quarter
Before you determine the value, you must ensure you have the “Type 1” variety minted in Denver. In 1917, the United States Mint changed the design of the Standing Liberty Quarter mid-year. The Type 1 design features Lady Liberty with her right breast exposed and no stars below the eagle on the reverse. Because of public outcry regarding its “indecency,” the Mint revised it to Type 2, where Liberty is covered in chainmail and the eagle’s reverse has three stars below it.
To confirm your coin was minted in Denver, look for a small “D” mint mark. On the Standing Liberty Quarter, this is located just to the left of Liberty’s feet, above the date. If you’re struggling to see these tiny details, using a top coin identifier app can help you zoom in and confirm the mint mark and variety instantly.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Knowing the difference between these types is crucial for pricing. The 1917-D Type 1 is generally more sought after than the high-production Type 2 coins from the same year. If your coin is in good shape, even the CoinHix app can provide contemporary market comparisons to help you decide if it’s worth sending to a professional grading service.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
How Much Is a 1917-D Type 1 Standing Liberty Quarter Worth
The market for these coins is very active, as they are part of a series beloved for its artistic beauty. Common circulated examples that show significant wear typically sell for between $40 and $80. However, as the condition improves, the price climbs steeply. A coin that retains its original mint luster and shows crisp details on Liberty’s shield and gown can easily fetch several hundred dollars.
For those looking for high-end specimens, the 1917-D Type 1 is a “conditional rarity.” This means while many exist, few survive without scratches or heavy rubbing. You can find detailed 1917-D Type 1 MS Standing Liberty Quarter price charts that track recent auction results for coins in uncirculated condition.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Checking your coin against a 1917 Standing Liberty Quarter value guide is the best way to get a baseline price. Keep in mind that “Full Head” (FH) designations—where Liberty’s hair and helmet details are perfectly struck—can double or triple the value listed for standard strikes.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Market Value |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $42 – $50 |
| Very Good (VG-8) | $55 – $65 |
| Fine (F-12) | $80 – $95 |
| Very Fine (VF-20) | $110 – $135 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | $175 – $210 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-50) | $300 – $350 |
| Mint State (MS-63) | $550 – $700 |
| Mint State (MS-65 FH) | $1,250+ |
The Impact of the Denver Mint Mark on Value
In 1917, the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco mints all produced Standing Liberty Quarters. The Denver Mint (D mark) had a relatively low mintage for the Type 1 variety, striking only about 1.5 million coins. Compared to the nearly 8.7 million struck in Philadelphia, the 1917-D is significantly scarcer.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
This scarcity creates a premium for Denver coins. Even in lower grades, collectors are willing to pay more for a “D” mint mark than a coin with no mint mark from Philadelphia. If you are unsure if your coin has a “D” or an “S” (San Francisco), use the CoinHix app to compare high-resolution photos of different mint marks.
Collectors often look for “Even Wear” on circulated coins. If the date is still visible but the rest of the coin is flat, it is still worth more than its silver melt value. As of today, the silver content alone is worth several dollars, but the numismatic (collector) value of the 1917-D Type 1 is what really drives the price into the triple digits.
Grading and Preserving Your Standing Liberty Quarter
The condition, or “grade,” of your coin is the most important factor in its final sale price. Professional coin graders use a 1-to-70 scale. For a 1917-D Type 1, the difference between an AU-58 (Almost Uncirculated) and an MS-62 (Mint State) can be hundreds of dollars.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
One common mistake beginners make is cleaning their coins. Never scrub or polish your 1917-D quarter! Collectors prefer “original skin,” which is the natural patina or toning the coin has developed over the last century. Cleaning a coin with chemicals or clothes will create micro-scratches that significantly lower its market value.
To keep your coin safe, place it in a PVC-free plastic flip or a cardboard “2×2” holder. This prevents further wear and protects the delicate silver surface from oils on your fingers. If you suspect you have a high-grade example, the CoinHix platform recommends getting it certified by a service like PCGS or NGC to lock in its value and authenticity.
FAQ about 1917-D Standing Liberty Quarters
Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1917-D Standing Liberty Quarter?
A: The “D” mint mark is located on the obverse (front) of the coin. Look just to the left of Lady Liberty’s feet, right above the year 1917.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Q: Is the 1917-D Type 1 made of real silver?
A: Yes, all Standing Liberty Quarters minted between 1916 and 1930 are made of 90% silver and 10% copper.
Q: What is the “Full Head” (FH) designation?
A: This is a term used by graders for coins that have a exceptionally sharp strike. On a Type 1 coin, it means the hair details and the ear are fully visible and not blended into the rest of the head.
Q: Why did they change the design in 1917?
A: The Mint changed the design from Type 1 to Type 2 primarily to add chainmail to Lady Liberty’s chest for a more “modest” appearance and to rearrange the stars on the reverse to improve the coin’s striking quality.