Numismatic

1917 Standing Liberty Quarter Type-II VG

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The year 1917 marked a significant transition for the United States quarter, resulting in the distinctive Type II Standing Liberty design. Struck in 90% fine silver, this coin represents a fascinating moment in American numismatic history when the imagery on the nation's coinage was actively updated. The Philadelphia Mint produced over 13 million of these quarters, which contain approximately 0.17875 troy ounces of precious metal. On the obverse, the design presents a powerful, militaristic depiction of Liberty. She is shown stepping through a stone gateway, clad in protective chainmail while holding both a defensive shield and an olive branch of peace. The inscription "IN GOD WE TRUST" is split across the field, flanking her figure. This armored presentation of Liberty was a major departure from the earlier Type I design of the same year. The reverse of the Type II quarter features a majestic eagle soaring in mid-flight. Surrounding the central bird are the legends "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "E PLURIBUS UNUM", along with the denomination expressed as "QUARTER DOLLAR". This combination of defensive strength and natural majesty makes the 1917 Type II quarter an enduring object of study for those interested in early twentieth-century American coinage.