The 1917-S Type 2 Standing Liberty Quarter is worth anywhere from $30 in heavily worn condition to well over $5,000 in high mint state grades — and a truly pristine example can push into five figures at major auction houses. If you’ve come across one of these coins, you may be sitting on a genuinely valuable piece of American history.
What Makes the 1917-S Type 2 Different From Other Standing Liberty Quarters
Before diving into values, it helps to know exactly what you have. The Standing Liberty Quarter was redesigned mid-year in 1917, giving collectors two distinct types produced in the same year. The Type 1 shows Liberty with a bare breast; the Type 2, introduced later that year, depicts Liberty wearing a coat of mail, giving her a more modest and armored appearance. On top of that, the small “S” mintmark below the eagle on the reverse tells you this coin was struck at the San Francisco Mint — which produced 5,552,000 of these Type 2 quarters in 1917.
Because both types share the same year and the design change happened partway through production, the 1917-S Type 2 is considered collectible in its own right. If you’re not sure which type you have, a good coin identification app can help you compare the design details quickly, or you can use CoinKnow to scan your coin and get an immediate identification right from your phone.
How Much Is the 1917-S Type 2 Standing Liberty Quarter Worth Today
Value depends heavily on grade — how well-preserved the coin is. Standing Liberty Quarters are notoriously difficult to find in high grades because Liberty’s date and head wore away quickly in circulation. Here’s a general look at what the market shows:
| Grade | Condition Description | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| G-4 (Good) | Heavy wear, date visible | $30 – $45 |
| VG-8 (Very Good) | Moderate wear, design clear | $45 – $70 |
| F-12 (Fine) | Light-to-moderate wear | $70 – $120 |
| VF-20 (Very Fine) | Light wear on high points | $120 – $200 |
| EF-40 (Extremely Fine) | Slight wear, sharp details | $200 – $350 |
| MS-63 (Mint State) | Uncirculated, minor contact marks | $800 – $1,500 |
| MS-65 (Gem) | Exceptional luster and strike | $3,500 – $6,000+ |
For a closer look at up-to-date Standing Liberty Quarter price data across mint state grades, comparing auction records can help you gauge where your coin stands in today’s market.
Key Factors That Affect the 1917-S Type 2 Quarter Value
Beyond the grade, a few other things can push the value of your 1917-S Type 2 Standing Liberty Quarter up or down significantly.
Full Head (FH) designation: This is a big one. When Liberty’s head shows full, sharp detail — helmet lines crisp and complete — it qualifies for a “Full Head” designation from grading services like PCGS or NGC. An FH coin can be worth two to three times more than a non-FH example in the same grade. Because the San Francisco strike quality varied, finding a strong FH on a 1917-S Type 2 is genuinely exciting.
Strike quality: San Francisco quarters from 1917 tend to be well-struck overall, but softness on Liberty’s shield and head is still common. A coin with a bold, complete strike is rarer and more desirable.
Toning and luster: Original, undisturbed luster and natural toning add appeal. Coins that have been cleaned — even gently — lose significant value to serious collectors.
Want a fast breakdown of what your 1917 Standing Liberty Quarter is worth based on grade and mint? That can be a great starting point before you visit a dealer or submit to a grading service.
Should You Get Your 1917-S Type 2 Quarter Graded
If your coin looks uncirculated or shows minimal wear with good eye appeal, professional grading is usually worth the cost. A PCGS or NGC holder not only authenticates your coin but can dramatically increase its resale value — especially if it earns a Full Head designation. For circulated coins in the G through VF range, the grading fee may not pencil out unless the coin looks particularly sharp. CoinKnow can give you a quick preliminary assessment so you know whether professional grading makes financial sense before you spend the money.
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FAQ
Q: How do I tell if my 1917 quarter is a Type 1 or Type 2?
A: Look at Liberty on the obverse. Type 1 shows her with a bare breast and an open right side. Type 2 gives her a coat of chain mail covering the chest. The Type 2 also added three stars below the eagle on the reverse. If you’re still unsure, CoinKnow can identify the type for you from a photo.
Q: Is the 1917-S Type 2 Standing Liberty Quarter rare?
A: With over 5.5 million minted, it’s not rare in circulated grades. However, high-grade examples — especially those with Full Head designation — are genuinely scarce and command strong collector premiums.
Q: Where is the best place to sell a 1917-S Type 2 Standing Liberty Quarter?
A: For circulated coins, a local coin dealer or eBay can work well. For uncirculated or Full Head examples, consider major auction houses like Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers, where competitive bidding among serious collectors can drive the final price well above retail estimates.
