Numismatic

1917-S Standing Liberty Quarter Type-I VF

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The year 1917 marked a pivotal moment for United States coinage, particularly with the introduction of the Standing Liberty Quarter. Struck at the San Francisco Mint, this specific silver piece represents the Type-I design, which was only produced for a brief period. With a purity of 90 percent silver, the coin contains approximately 0.1808 troy ounces of precious metal, making it a tangible piece of early twentieth-century American currency. On the obverse side, the figure of Liberty is depicted stepping forward through an opening in a wall or gate. In one hand she holds a defensive shield, while her other hand extends an olive branch as a symbol of peace. The inscription "IN GOD WE TRUST" is visible alongside the date of 1917 and the "S" mint mark, which indicates its origin in San Francisco. The design was created by sculptor Hermon MacNeil, whose artistry brought a fresh, dynamic energy to the nation's pocket change. The reverse of this Type-I quarter showcases a majestic eagle soaring through the air, flanked by the traditional Latin motto "E PLURIBUS UNUM" and the country's name. This soaring eagle design, combined with the standing figure on the obverse, makes the 1917-S quarter one of the most visually compelling and celebrated designs in the history of United States coinage. Out of a mintage of 1,952,000 pieces, surviving examples in Very Fine condition offer a clear look at these intricate details.