The 1917 Type 2 Standing Liberty Quarter is worth anywhere from $30 in heavily worn condition to over $500 in high-grade mint state. This particular coin is a favorite among American families who discover old jars of change because it represents a fascinating moment in United States Mint history where the design changed mid-year.

Condition	Estimated Value (Philadelphia)	Estimated Value (S or D Mint)
Good (G-4)	$30 – $45	$40 – $75
Fine (F-12)	$65 – $85	$90 – $150
Extra Fine (XF-40)	$115 – $140	$160 – $220
Uncirculated (MS-63)	$250 – $350	$400 – $650

Identifying the Rare 1917 Type 2 Standing Liberty Quarter

If you have found an old silver quarter in your collection, the first step is to determine if you have a Type 1 or Type 2 coin. In 1917, the U.S. Mint famously redesigned the Standing Liberty Quarter mid-operation. To verify your find, you can use a top coin identifier app to instantly distinguish between the varieties.

The Type 2 design features Liberty with a chainmail shirt covering her chest, which was added to make the coin look more “modest” following public outcry. Another major change occurred on the reverse side: the eagle was moved higher up, and three stars were placed directly beneath it. These structural changes make the 1917 Type 2 a distinct and highly sought-after piece compared to its predecessor.

To get the most accurate results when searching your attic, many hobbyists rely on the CoinKnow app. It allows you to snap a photo and receive instant pricing data. Whether you have a common Philadelphia issue or a rare branch mint version, knowing exactly what you hold is the key to getting a fair price.

Historical Significance and Mint Locations

The 1917 Standing Liberty Quarter arrived during a time of global upheaval as the United States entered World War I. This coin was produced at three different locations: Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S). You can find the mint mark located just to the left of Liberty’s feet, right above the date.

The Denver and San Francisco mintages are generally lower than the Philadelphia output, making them more valuable in today’s market. Because these coins were made of 90% silver and 10% copper, many were worn down quickly in circulation. Finding one with all the fine details visible on Liberty’s chainmail or the eagle’s feathers is quite a challenge for the average person.

If you are looking for specific pricing trends, referencing the 1917 Standing Liberty Quarter price charts can help you see how values have climbed over the last decade. Rare dates in high grades are currently seeing significant interest from investors.

Mint Mark	Location	Production Volume
None	Philadelphia	Approx. 13 Million
D	Denver	Approx. 6 Million
S	San Francisco	Approx. 5.5 Million

Grading Factors for Your 1917 Quarter

When people ask “how much is my coin worth?”, the answer almost always depends on the “grade” or condition. For the 1917 Type 2, the most critical area to inspect is the date and the “Full Head” (FH) designation. Because the date was raised on the original design, it was often the first part to wear away, which is why a clear date significantly boosts the market value for 1917 Standing Liberty Quarters.

Collectors often use the CoinKnow app’s visual guides to determine if their coin falls into the “About Uncirculated” or “Mint State” categories. A “Full Head” coin—meaning all the details of Liberty’s helmet and hair are visible—can command a premium of 50% to 100% over a standard strike.

Even if your coin is heavily worn and the date is barely visible, it is still worth significantly more than its face value of 25 cents. At a minimum, the silver content alone makes it worth several dollars, but because it is a “Type” coin, collectors are willing to pay much more than the metal value.

Design Feature	What to Look For
Liberty’s Head	Look for separation between the helmet and the face.
Shield Detail	Lower grades will show a flat shield; high grades show distinct rivets.
Date	Check for boldness. If the date is “flat,” the value drops.

Why the Type 2 is So Special to Collectors

The transition from Type 1 to Type 2 in 1917 is one of the most famous “mid-stream” changes in U.S. coinage history. Hermon Atkins MacNeil, the designer, was reportedly unhappy with how the original coins were striking, and the Mint was also concerned about the durability of the dies. By rearranging the stars and adding the chainmail armor, they created a more “rugged” coin that could withstand the rigors of commerce better than the original.

For many Americans, owning a 1917 Type 2 Standing Liberty Quarter is a way to touch a piece of history from the era of the Great War. This was the last time the U.S. utilized such an artistic, neoclassical style before moving toward more modern, simplified designs.

If you are unsure whether your quarter is a Type 1 or Type 2, the easiest way to tell is by looking at the reverse. If there are no stars below the flying eagle, it is a Type 1. If there are three stars below the eagle, it is a Type 2. Accurate identification is important because the prices vary wildly between the two. Using the CoinKnow app can help you avoid making a mistake and potentially losing out on hundreds of dollars.

Variety	Key Identifying Feature (Reverse)
1917 Type 1	No stars under the eagle.
1917 Type 2	Three stars positioned directly under the eagle.

How to Sell and Protect Your Silver Quarter

If you have decided to sell your 1917 Type 2 Standing Liberty Quarter, the most important rule is: Never clean your coin. While it might look dirty or tarnished, collectors prefer “original skin.” Cleaning a coin with chemicals or even a soft cloth creates tiny scratches that can destroy up to 90% of its collector value.

Instead, place the coin in a PVC-free plastic holder or a cardboard “2×2” flip. This prevents further wear and finger oils from damaging the surface. When you’re ready to sell, you can take it to a reputable local coin shop or list it on a specialized auction site. Having a rough idea of the value beforehand by checking online price guides ensures you don’t accept a low-ball offer.

Always remember that professional grading by companies like PCGS or NGC is usually only worth the cost if your coin is in exceptionally high condition (Uncirculated). For most “found” coins that show signs of being used at the grocery store a century ago, a simple self-assessment and a check with a price app will suffice.

FAQ

Q: How can I tell if my 1917 Quarter is a Type 2?

A: The fastest way to identify a Type 2 is to look at the eagle on the back. If there are three stars located directly underneath the eagle’s wings, it is a Type 2. Additionally, on the front, Liberty will be wearing a chainmail shirt covering her chest.

Q: Does the mint mark affect the 1917 Type 2 value?

A: Yes, significantly. Coins minted in Denver (D) and San Francisco (S) are generally more valuable than those from Philadelphia (no mint mark). For example, an “S” mint coin in Fine condition might be worth $20-$40 more than a Philadelphia coin in the same