1929 Standing Liberty Quarter Value and Price Guide for No Mint Mark Coins
The 1929 Standing Liberty Quarter is worth anywhere from $8 in worn condition to over $150 in mint state. This beautiful silver coin is a favorite among collectors, and if you recently found one in an old jar or a family collection, you might be holding onto a piece of American history that carries a significant premium over its face value.
Understanding the 1929 Standing Liberty Quarter with No Mint Mark
The Standing Liberty Quarter series is widely considered one of the most artistic designs in the history of the United States Mint. Designed by sculptor Hermon Atkins MacNeil, the coin features Lady Liberty stepping through an opening in a wall, symbolizing the nation’s readiness for defense during the era of World War I. By 1929, the design had been slightly modified to ensure the date was recessed, preventing it from wearing away as quickly as it did on earlier versions from 1916 and 1917.
When you look at a 1929 quarter and notice there is no small letter “S” or “D” near the date or the star on the left, it means the coin was struck at the main Philadelphia Mint. In 1929, the Philadelphia Mint produced over 11 million of these quarters. While this was a high mintage for the time, many were lost to heavy circulation or melted down for their silver content during various economic shifts. To get an instant estimate of what your specific coin looks like compared to museum-quality pieces, you can download the CoinKnow app, which helps beginners identify coin varieties of all types.
How Much Is a 1929 Quarter Worth Today
The value of a 1929 Standing Liberty Quarter is primarily determined by its physical condition or “grade.” Because these coins were made of 90% silver, they always have a baseline value tied to the current price of silver bullion. However, for collectors, the numismatic value far exceeds the melt value. A coin that shows significant wear, where Liberty’s gown and the eagle’s feathers are smoothed out, will typically sell for $8 to $15.
As the level of detail increases, so does the price. If you have a coin that looks like it nearly just came from the bank, featuring a crisp date and sharp lines on the shield, you are looking at a much higher payout. For those curious about the highest tier of collectibility, the market value for 1929 silver quarters in mint state can reach several hundred dollars, especially if the coin has been professionally graded by a service like PCGS or NGC.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value (USD) |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $8.00 – $10.00 |
| Fine (F-12) | $12.00 – $18.00 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | $25.00 – $40.00 |
| Uncirculated (MS-60) | $85.00 – $110.00 |
| Choice Uncirculated (MS-65+) | $180.00 – $350.00+ |
Key Factors Influencing No Mint Mark Variety Values
There are three main factors that determine if your 1929 Philadelphia quarter is a common find or a hidden treasure. First is the “Full Head” (FH) designation. Many collectors look specifically at the head of Lady Liberty; if the details of her hair and the sprig on her helmet are fully visible and sharply struck, the coin earns an FH status, which can double or triple the value. Most quarters from this era were weakly struck, so finding a “Full Head” 1929 quarter is quite rare.
Second, the presence of original “mint luster” significantly boosts the price. This is the satin-like sheen found on coins that never entered circulation. If your coin looks dull or grey, it has likely been handled frequently. Third, clean surfaces without deep scratches or “rim dings” are essential. If you aren’t sure how to check for these subtle details, using the CoinKnow app can provide a guided way to examine your coin’s focal points. For more detailed breakdowns, you can view the current price guide for 1929 quarters and compare your find against recent auction records.
Identifying Mint Marks and Silver Content
If you are looking at your quarter and trying to find the mint mark, look at the bottom left of the coin, just to the left of the date. If that area is empty, it was made in Philadelphia. If you see a small “S,” it was made in San Francisco, and a “D” indicates Denver. While the Philadelphia “no mint mark” version is the most common, it is still highly sought after because 1929 was one of the final years this series was produced before the Mint switched to the Washington Quarter in 1932.
Every 1929 Standing Liberty Quarter is made of 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver. This means that even if the coin is so worn that the date is barely visible, it is still worth much more than 25 cents. At current silver prices, the “melt value” provides a safety net for your investment. However, we always recommend checking the coin thoroughly before selling it for scrap silver, as even a slightly better-than-average condition can make it worth five times its weight in silver to a collector. Using a tool like CoinKnow ensures you don’t accidentally sell a high-grade specimen for its metal value alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the 1929 no mint mark quarter rare?
A: While over 11 million were minted, they are considered “semi-scarce” in high grades. Most found in circulation today are heavily worn.
Q: How can I tell if my 1929 quarter is silver?
A: All United States quarters minted in 1929 are composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. You can verify this by checking the edge; a silver coin will not have a copper-colored stripe.
Q: Where is the best place to sell my 1929 Liberty Quarter?
A: For coins in average condition, a local coin shop is the easiest route. For coins that appear to be in “Like New” or Uncirculated condition, consider having them professionally graded and sold through specialized numismatic auctions.
Q: What does “Full Head” mean for this coin?
A: Full Head (FH) refers to a strike that is so sharp that all the details on Liberty’s head are visible. It is a premium designation that significantly increases the coin’s market value.
