The 1917-D Type 2 Standing Liberty Quarter is worth anywhere from $45 in worn condition to over $1,500 in high-grade mint state. Finding one of these in your attic or a family collection is an exciting discovery because of its historical significance and precious metal content.

Condition / Grade	Estimated Value
Good (G-4)	$45 – $55
Fine (F-12)	$90 – $110
Extremely Fine (EF-40)	$180 – $220
Uncirculated (MS-63)	$450 – $600
Gem Condition (MS-65 FH)	$1,200+

Identifying Your 1917-D Type 2 Standing Liberty Quarter

When you first hold a 1917 quarter, the most important step is identifying whether you have the “Type 1” or the “Type 2” design. In 1917, the U.S. Mint famously changed the design mid-year. If you are unsure which variety you have, using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish between the two versions instantly.

The Type 2 design, which we are focusing on here, is easily identified by Lady Liberty’s chest being covered in chain mail and the three stars located underneath the eagle on the reverse side. The Denver Mint mark (“D”) is located on the obverse to the left of the date. Because collectors often prefer the Type 2 for its more “modest” design compared to the bare-breasted Type 1, demand remains consistently high among numismatists.

Using an app like CoinKnow can help you zoom in on these specific details. Many beginners mistake the Philadelphia mint (no mark) for the Denver mint, but that tiny “D” can double the value of the coin in certain conditions. Always check the area just above and to the left of the date to confirm the Denver origin.

Market Demand and 1917-D Quarter Worth

The market for Standing Liberty Quarters is incredibly robust. Because these coins were made of 90% silver, they have a “floor” value based on their metal content, but the numismatic (collector) value is what really drives the price up. The 1917-D Type 2 is particularly desirable because it represents the first year of the redesigned series.

If you have a specimen that looks relatively clean, you should check the current 1917 Standing Liberty Quarter market prices to see how recent auctions have performed. Generally, Denver Mint coins from this era had lower mintages than those from Philadelphia, making them scarcer and more valuable to those trying to complete a full set.

The popularity of the series means that even coins in lower grades find buyers quickly. If you are looking to sell, knowing the exact grade is paramount. CoinKnow offers a great platform for hobbyists to compare their coins against high-resolution images of professionally graded coins, ensuring you don’t sell a rare treasure for “junk silver” prices.

Mintage Figure	Silver Content	Scarcity Level
6,224,400	0.1808 oz Pure Silver	Moderate – Scarce in high grades

The “Full Head” (FH) Designation and Its Value Impact

For the serious investor, the term “Full Head” (FH) is the gold standard for Standing Liberty Quarters. This refers to the strike quality of Lady Liberty’s head on the coin. On most 1917-D Type 2 quarters, the metal didn’t flow fully into the dies, resulting in a flat or blurred appearance of the helmet and hair.

When a coin has a “Full Head,” it means you can clearly see the ear hole and the details of the helmet. This can astronomically increase the 1917-D Liberty Quarter value. A standard MS-65 grade might sell for $800, but an MS-65 FH version can easily fetch over $1,500 at auction.

Condition is everything in the world of 1900s silver coinage. If you discover a coin that has been tucked away in an envelope for decades, avoid cleaning it! Cleaning a coin actually reduces its value significantly by scratching the surface. Collectors want original “luster”—that satiny glow that comes from the minting process.

Comparing the 1917 Denver Type 2 to Other Variations

To understand why the 1917-D Type 2 is special, we have to look at its peers. The Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S) mints all produced quarters this year. The Denver coins are generally considered more difficult to find in high grades than the Philadelphia ones.

While the 1917-S is often the “key” date for this year, the 1917-D Type 2 is a close second in terms of collector interest. Many everyday Americans find Type 1 quarters because they were minted in large quantities during the first half of the year, but the Type 2 represents the settled design that would be used until 1930.

Mint Mark Location	Commonality	Premium Price?
None (Philadelphia)	Most Common	No
D (Denver)	Less Common	Yes
S (San Francisco)	Scarcest	Highest Premium

How to Grade Your Standing Liberty Quarter at Home

Grading isn’t just for professionals; you can get a ballpark estimate yourself. Look first at the date. On the 1917-D Type 2, the date was slightly recessed, meaning it didn’t wear off as quickly as later years (like the 1920s), but it is still the first place to look. If the date is flat and hard to read, the coin is likely in “Good” condition.

Next, look at Lady Liberty’s shield. On a “Fine” or “Very Fine” coin, you should see the rivets on the edge of the shield and some detail in the eagle’s feathers on the back. If the eagle’s breast is completely flat, the coin has seen substantial circulation. CoinKnow is a helpful tool here, as it provides a side-by-side comparison of different grades so you can see where your coin fits.

Finally, check for “eye appeal.” A coin with dark, ugly toning or heavy scratches will sell for less than a coin with a light golden patina. Even if a coin is worn, if it has a clean surface without major “bag marks” (the nicks caused by coins hitting each other in mint bags), it will command the higher end of the price range.

Where to Sell Your 1917-D Type 2 Standing Liberty Quarter

Once you’ve determined that your 1917-D Type 2 Standing Liberty Quarter is worth a significant amount, your next step is finding a buyer. For coins worth under $200, local coin shops are often the most convenient option, though they will typically offer you 60-70% of the retail value so they can make a profit.

For high-value items, especially those in Uncirculated or Full Head condition, consider professional grading service like PCGS or NGC followed by an auction house like Heritage Auctions. Selling on eBay is another option, but you must be careful with shipping and insurance for high-value silver coins.

Always remember to research current sales before accepting an offer. The market fluctuates based on the spot price of silver and the current interest in Standing Liberty Quarters. Keeping an eye on recent trends through specialized apps will ensure you get every penny your historical treasure is worth.

FAQ

Q: Why did they change the design in 1917?

A: The original Type 1 design featured Lady Liberty with an exposed breast. Due to public complaints about “indecency” and the practical need to make the coin more durable for circulation, the mint added a coat of chain mail to her chest and rearranged the stars on the reverse side.

Q: Is my 1917 quarter rare if it has no mint mark?

A: No, that simply means it was minted in Philadelphia. While it is still valuable because it is an old silver coin, the Philadelphia versions are generally the most common and least valuable compared to the “D” (Denver) and “S” (San Francisco) versions.

Q: How much silver is in a 1917-D Standing Liberty Quarter?

A: Every Standing Liberty Quarter minted between 1916 and 1930 is made of 90% silver and 10% copper. Each coin contains approximately 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver.

Q: What is the most expensive 1917-D Type 2 ever sold?

A: High-grade specimens with the Full Head designation can sell for several thousand dollars. Examples in MS-67 FH have been known to cross the $5,000 threshold at major numismatic auctions.