The 1917 Type 2 Standing Liberty Quarter is worth anywhere from $30 in heavily worn condition to over $2,000 or more in high mint state grades. If you’ve recently come across one of these beauties in an old coin collection or a dusty box in the attic, you’re holding a piece of American history that could be surprisingly valuable.
What Makes the 1917 Type 2 Different from Type 1
If you’re trying to figure out exactly which version of the 1917 Standing Liberty Quarter you have, the difference is easy to spot once you know what to look for. The Type 2 design — introduced midway through 1917 — features Lady Liberty wearing a coat of mail (chainmail) over her previously bare chest. The reverse also shows the eagle positioned higher on the coin, with three stars beneath it rather than none. This redesign came about largely due to public outcry over Liberty’s exposed figure on the Type 1.
The Type 2 design was created by sculptor Hermon Atkins MacNeil and went on to be used through 1930. If you’re unsure which type you have, a coin identification app can help you quickly tell them apart just by scanning the coin with your phone. Apps like CoinKnow make the identification process straightforward, even if you’ve never collected coins before.
Both Philadelphia (no mint mark) and San Francisco (S) mints produced the Type 2 quarter in 1917, and mint mark location matters when it comes to value.
1917 Type 2 Standing Liberty Quarter Value by Grade and Mint Mark
The condition of your coin — referred to as its “grade” — is the single biggest factor in determining its worth. A well-worn coin that saw decades of pocket change is worth far less than one that was set aside early and kept in excellent condition.
Here’s a general value breakdown for the 1917 Type 2 Standing Liberty Quarter:
| Grade | 1917 (Philadelphia) | 1917-S |
|---|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $30 – $45 | $35 – $55 |
| Fine (F-12) | $60 – $90 | $75 – $110 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | $150 – $250 | $175 – $280 |
| Mint State (MS-63) | $500 – $800 | $600 – $950 |
| Mint State (MS-65) | $1,500 – $2,500+ | $2,000 – $3,500+ |
For a deeper look at Standing Liberty Quarter auction records and graded price data, it’s worth checking historical sales to see what collectors are actually paying right now.
How to Check the Condition of Your Coin
Grading coins accurately takes practice, but you can get a rough sense of where your coin falls just by examining it under good light. Look at the head of Lady Liberty and the high points of the eagle on the reverse — these areas wear first. If you can see strong detail in Liberty’s face and the chainmail on her chest, your coin is in better shape than most.
One important note for this series: Standing Liberty Quarters are notorious for having weak strikes, especially on the date. A coin can look uncirculated but still have a flat or partially missing date — this does not necessarily indicate wear, but it does affect value. Full head (FH) coins — where Liberty’s helmet shows complete detail — command a significant premium.
If you want a quick estimate without digging through price guides, CoinKnow offers a user-friendly way to look up values by date, mint mark, and grade right from your phone.
Where to Sell a 1917 Type 2 Standing Liberty Quarter
Once you know what you have, you’ll want to think about where to sell it. For worn examples worth under $100, online platforms like eBay work perfectly well. For higher-grade examples, consider submitting to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC first — a certified coin in a holder will almost always sell for more than a raw, ungraded one.
Coin dealers, local coin shows, and auction houses are also solid options. Before you accept any offer, make sure you’ve done your homework. You can review detailed 1917 quarter value information by grade and mint mark to make sure you’re getting a fair price. Knowledge is your best protection against lowball offers.
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FAQ
Q: How do I tell if my 1917 Standing Liberty Quarter is Type 1 or Type 2?
A: Look at Lady Liberty’s chest on the obverse. If she is wearing a coat of chainmail, you have a Type 2. If her chest appears bare or lightly draped, it’s a Type 1. Also check the reverse — Type 2 has three stars below the eagle.
Q: Is a 1917-S Type 2 quarter worth more than the Philadelphia version?
A: Generally, yes. The San Francisco mint produced fewer Type 2 quarters in 1917, making them slightly scarcer. In higher grades especially, the 1917-S tends to command a modest premium over the Philadelphia issue.
Q: Does cleaning my coin affect its value?
A: Yes, significantly. A cleaned coin — even one that looks shiny and attractive — is considered damaged by collectors and will sell for much less than an original, uncleaned example. If you have an old coin, leave it as-is and consult CoinKnow or a professional before doing anything to it.
