The 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter is one of the rarest and most intriguing coins ever minted by the United States. Despite its small size and short production run, this coin has left a big mark in the world of coin collecting. Let’s dive into the unique history, design, and controversy surrounding this coin, which has fascinated collectors for decades.
A Brief History of the Standing Liberty Quarter
In 1916, the U.S. Mint introduced the Standing Liberty Quarter to replace the Barber Quarter, which had been in circulation for 25 years. Although it was planned for a 1917 release, production began in the last few weeks of 1916.
Because of this rushed schedule, only a limited number of these coins were made. In fact, the 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter is one of the rarest coins from the 20th century.
The coin’s design was created by Hermon MacNeil, who won a competition held by the U.S. Mint. Interestingly, two other artists, including the famous Adolph A. Weinman, also competed. However, MacNeil’s design stood out and was chosen for this historic coin.
The Million-Dollar Secret: 1-Dollar Coins That Could Make You Rich Overnight!
Design Controversies and Changes
One of the most controversial aspects of the 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter is its depiction of Lady Liberty. On the obverse side of the coin, Lady Liberty is shown holding a shield in one hand and an olive branch in the other.
The shield symbolizes defense, while the olive branch represents peace. But what caused the real controversy was that Lady Liberty’s chest was exposed. This led to public complaints, as the design was seen as too provocative for the time.
When George Morgan took over as Chief Engraver in 1917, he made significant changes to MacNeil’s original design. Morgan covered Lady Liberty’s chest with chain mail to make it more conservative.
He also adjusted the eagle’s position on the reverse side of the coin and moved a few stars below the eagle. These changes resulted in what is now known as the Type 2 Standing Liberty Quarter, which was minted from 1917 onwards.
Limited Mintage: A Collector’s Dream
The 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter is especially valued by collectors because of its limited production. Only 52,000 of these coins were made. This makes it one of the lowest-mintage coins from the 20th century. Because so few were produced, owning one of these coins is a badge of honor for collectors.
Invest Smart: Rare Coins Worth Over $1,000 You Need to Know About!
How to Identify a 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter
Many of these coins have worn down over time, making it difficult to see the date. However, there are some unique features that can help you spot a 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter.
The most noticeable difference is in Lady Liberty’s appearance. On the 1916 version, she has only one distinct hair curl, and her gown touches her foot. On later versions, the gown curls up instead.
Another key detail is the placement of the stars on the reverse side of the coin. In the 1916 and early 1917 versions, the stars are next to the eagle. In later versions, the stars are moved below the eagle. If you find a dateless Standing Liberty Quarter with stars beneath the eagle, it is definitely not from 1916.
Where Can You Find the 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter Today?
Most of the 1916 Standing Liberty Quarters were released into circulation, which means they can still be found in coin collections today. Many are in private collections, but some are also available for purchase.
If you’re interested in owning one, be sure to check reputable auction houses like Heritage Auctions. Sometimes, you can also find these coins on online marketplaces like eBay.
However, be cautious of counterfeits and always buy from trusted sources that offer certified coins.
From Spare Change to Goldmine: 15 Rare Coins You Should Check
Conclusion
The 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter may be small, but it has a fascinating history filled with controversy, rare design elements, and a limited mintage. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out, owning one of these coins is a unique opportunity to hold a piece of American history.
Just be sure to look for those key features, like Lady Liberty’s one hair curl and the star placement, to ensure you’re getting the real deal.