The Birth of the Standing Liberty Quarter The Standing Liberty Quarter was born out of the desire for a coin that symbolized America's response to World War I. Designed by sculptor Hermon A. MacNeil, the coin's obverse featured Lady Liberty standing tall, wearing chain mail, holding a shield in her left hand, and an olive branch in her right. The reverse side showcased an eagle in flight, flanked by 13 stars representing the original colonies. A Controversial Design Change Shortly after its initial release, the Standing Liberty Quarter faced criticism due to Lady Liberty's exposed right breast, considered inappropriate for the time. As a result, in 1917, the design was altered to feature a more modest portrayal of Lady Liberty, covering her chest with a coat of mail. This modification sparked further interest among collectors, making the 1917 and 1917-D editions particularly valuable today. The Mintage Varieties Throughout its production, the Standing Liberty Quarter saw various minting techniques, resulting in different mintmarks and mint years. The coin was minted in Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. Each mint mark and year carries its own rarity, contributing to the coin's allure among collectors. Understanding the mintage varieties is essential for those seeking to build a comprehensive collection. The Three Distinct Types The Standing Liberty Quarter can be categorized into three distinct types based on the changes in design and relief. The first type, minted from 1916 to mid-1917, is known as the "Type 1" or "Bare Breast" variety. The second type, minted from mid-1917 to 1924, is referred to as the "Type 2". One significant modification is the inclusion of a chainmail shirt on Lady Liberty, which adds a distinctive feature to her portrayal. Lastly, the third type, minted from 1925 to 1930, is called the "Type 3." The date on the Standing Liberty Quarter was recessed below the rim, providing protection to the numerals and reducing the likelihood of wear. The key date for Standing Liberty quarters is 1916, with a mintage of only 52,000 coins. Even well-worn 1916 Standing Liberty Quarters can sell for over $1,000. Other key dates for Standing Liberty quarters include: 1921 Philadelphia This issue is also expensive, even for coins graded “Good-4” and “Very Good-8”. 1923 San Francisco (1923-S) This issue is also expensive, even for coins graded “Good-4” and “Very Good-8”. The design of the Standing Liberty Quarter was modified in 1917 to add a coat of mail and raise the eagle higher on the reverse. "FH" stands for "Full Head" and is a term used to describe Standing Liberty quarters with well-struck features in the head area. These quarters are highly sought after and can command a significant premium. The Standing Liberty quarter was designed by Hermon Atkins MacNeil and minted from 1916 to 1930. The design features Liberty standing forward with a shield and olive branch, while an eagle is depicted in flight on the reverse. The fine details of Liberty's head are prone to weakness and can sometimes appear flat or "dished". To qualify as a Full Head quarter, the coin must have a fully struck head with the three leaves on her head and a complete hairline behind her eye. The 1916 issue of the Standing Liberty quarter usually has full or nearly full heads, as do the 1917 Type I quarters from all three mints. - @foxxs.den.genetics