1919 Standing Liberty Quarter Value: No Mint Mark Prices
The 1919 Standing Liberty Quarter is worth anywhere from $25 in worn condition to over $25,000 for rare, high-grade specimens. If you have found one of these beautiful vintage coins, you might be holding a significant piece of American history that carries a surprising premium over its face value.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value (No Mint Mark) |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $25 – $35 |
| Fine (F-12) | $55 – $70 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | $120 – $160 |
| Uncirculated (MS-63) | $280 – $450 |
| Full Head (MS-65 FH) | $1,500+ |
History and Significance of the 1919 Standing Liberty Quarter
The Standing Liberty Quarter series remains one of the most iconic designs ever minted by the United States. Introduced in 1916 to replace the “boring” Barber design, it features Lady Liberty standing between two pedestals, holding a shield and an olive branch. For many everyday Americans, finding a 1919 quarter is like discovering a time capsule. Because these coins were used heavily in daily commerce, finding one with a clear date is actually quite a feat.
If you aren’t sure what you’re looking at, using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish between the different varieties of this coin. The 1919 Philadelphia issue (the “No Mint Mark” version) saw a high mintage of over 11 million coins. While this sounds like a lot, the survival rate in high grades is remarkably low.
During this era, people rarely thought to save quarters as collectibles, meaning most went through decades of friction. When you use CoinKnow to analyze your collection, you’ll find that the “Type 2” design of 1919—which features Liberty covered in chainmail and three stars below the eagle on the reverse—is the variant most common today.
Understanding the No Mint Mark Philly Strike
When a 1919 quarter has no mint mark, it means it was struck at the main Philadelphia Mint. Unlike the “S” for San Francisco or “D” for Denver, the Philadelphia facility left the mint mark area blank. On this specific design, look just to the left of the date and above the star for a small letter. If it is empty, you have the Philadelphia variety.
The mintage for Philadelphia in 1919 was 11,336,000. While the San Francisco and Denver mints produced fewer coins that year, the Philly strike is still highly sought after because it often features better “strike” quality. This means the details of Lady Liberty’s hair, shield, and feet are often sharper than those found on branch mint coins.
For collectors, the 1919 quarter value is heavily dictated by the specific details remaining on the coin. Even a small amount of wear on the high points of Liberty’s chest or the eagle’s wings can drop the price by hundreds of dollars. Many users enjoy using CoinKnow to zoom in on these features to see if their coin is worth more than the average “junk silver” price.
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Composition | 90% Silver, 10% Copper |
| Silver Content | 0.18084 troy oz |
| Diameter | 24.3 mm |
| Total Mintage | 11,336,000 |
Grading Matters: From Good to Mint State
Condition is everything when it comes to the 1919 Standing Liberty Quarter. Because the date was placed on a raised pedestal in the original design (Type 1) and early Type 2 coins, it was the first thing to wear away. A 1919 quarter where the date is fully visible is already a win for a casual collector.
In “Good” condition, the coin will be very flat, with Liberty just an outline and the date barely readable. As you move into “Fine” and “Extra Fine” grades, you start to see the lines in Liberty’s gown and the individual feathers on the eagle. Professional graders look closely at the “knees” of Liberty and the “breast” of the eagle to determine the level of circulation.
The real money lies in “Mint State” or uncirculated coins. According to the 1919 quarter prices for MS grades, a coin that looks like it just came off the press can be worth thousands. Coins graded MS-65 and above are rare, and finding one with original mint luster—that “frosty” look—is the goal of every serious philatelist or numismatist.
The “Full Head” Designation Explained
If you’ve spent any time looking at high-end coin auctions, you’ve likely seen the letters “FH” attached to a grade. This stands for “Full Head.” It is the pinnacle of the Standing Liberty Quarter series. For a 1919 quarter to receive this designation, Lady Liberty’s head must be fully struck with all details visible.
Specifically, the three leaves in her hair, the indentation of the ear, and the line of the hairline must be sharp and distinct. Because the Philly mint often had issues with weak strikes, a 1919 FH coin is a massive rarity. While a standard MS-63 might sell for $350, a 1919 MS-63 with a Full Head could easily double or triple that price.
Using CoinKnow can assist you in comparing your quarter’s head detail to high-resolution images of “Full Head” examples. Most found coins will not meet this criteria because the head was a high point that wore down quickly, but it is always worth checking!
| Grade | Regular Strike Price | Full Head (FH) Price |
|---|---|---|
| MS-62 | $250 | $400 |
| MS-64 | $550 | $950 |
| MS-66 | $1,200 | $4,500 |
Why You Should Check Your 1919 Silver Quarter Value Today
Aside from the numismatic (collector) value, every 1919 Standing Liberty Quarter is made of 90% silver. This means even if your coin is so worn that the date is gone (often called a “Slick”), it still has “melt value.” As silver prices fluctuate, the base value of this coin remains several dollars regardless of its condition.
However, many people make the mistake of cleaning their coins to make them look shiny. This is a fatal error in the coin collecting world. Cleaning a 1919 quarter will actually remove the microscopic layers of metal and ruin its collectible value. Even a dirty, dark grey coin is worth more to a collector than a polished one.
If you are a beginner, the best thing you can do is place the coin in a soft protective flip and research its attributes. The market for the 1919 No Mint Mark quarter is very liquid, meaning there are always buyers looking to complete their sets. Whether yours is a $25 filler or a $5,000 gem, it represents a fascinating moment in post-WWI American history.
FAQ
Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1919 Standing Liberty Quarter?
A: The mint mark is located on the obverse (front) of the coin, just to the left of the date. If there is no letter there, it was minted in Philadelphia. If you see an “S”, it’s from San Francisco; a “D” indicates Denver.
Q: Is a 1919 quarter made of real silver?
A: Yes, all US quarters minted in 1919 are composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. They contain approximately 0.18 ounces of pure silver, giving them intrinsic value even if they are heavily worn.
Q: My 1919 quarter has no date. Is it still worth anything?
A: Quarters with no date are generally sold for their silver value (melt value), which is usually around $5 to $8 depending on the current silver market. However, if any part of the 1919 date is visible, the value jumps significantly to at least $20-$25.
Q: How can I tell if my 1919 quarter has a “Full Head”?
A: A Full Head coin must show clear separation between Lady Liberty’s hair and her face, the three leaves on her helmet/crown must be distinct, and the ear hole must be visible. This is very rare for 1919 Philadelphia strikes.
