The 1917-S Type 1 Standing Liberty Quarter is worth anywhere from $65 in worn condition to over $1,500 in high-grade mint state. This San Francisco minted coin is a favorite among collectors because of its beautiful design and the unique historical context of being produced during a major design transition.
Understanding the Unique Appeal of the 1917-S Type 1 Design
When you find a 1917-S Standing Liberty Quarter, you are holding a piece of American artistic controversy. This specific coin belongs to the “Type 1” category, which was only minted in 1916 and part of 1917. The design by Hermon MacNeil features Lady Liberty standing between two pedestals, but what makes the Type 1 unique is her exposed right breast. Public outcry regarding modesty led the Mint to change the design later in 1917 (Type 2), covering Liberty in a coat of chainmail.
Because the Type 1 design was only produced for such a short window, these coins are inherently more collectible than the more common Type 2 versions. If you are unsure which version you have, using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish between these two varieties instantly. The “S” mint mark is located just to the left of Liberty’s feet, above the date. These West Coast strikes are known for their sharp details, making them highly desirable in the numismatic market.
Many people who inherit old coin collections find that the 1917-S is the highlight of their folders. To get a better sense of how your specific coin looks compared to museum-grade specimens, you can use the CoinHix app, which uses high-resolution imaging to analyze the Wear-and-tear on your currency.
Detailed Price Guide for 1917-S Standing Liberty Quarters
The value of your 1917-S quarter is almost entirely dependent on its “grade,” which refers to how much detail remains on the surface. Because these silver coins circulated heavily during World War I and the Great Depression, finding one that hasn’t been smoothed down by decades of pocket wear is a rare occurrence. Current market trends for the 1917-S Type 1 quarter price in MS condition show that collectors are willing to pay a massive premium for coins that still look like they just came off the press.
It is important to look for the “Full Head” (FH) designation on these coins. A “Full Head” 1917-S means Liberty’s hair and helmet detail are 100% visible and sharply defined. Coins with this designation can sometimes double or triple the values shown in standard price charts. By checking the CoinHix database, you can see real-time auction results for both standard and Full Head varieties to ensure you don’t sell your coin for less than it’s worth.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Market Value |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $65 – $80 |
| Fine (F-12) | $110 – $135 |
| Extremely Fine (XF-40) | $190 – $225 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-50) | $280 – $350 |
| Mint State (MS-63) | $550 – $700 |
| Mint State (MS-65 Gem) | $1,100 – $1,650 |
| MS-65 Full Head (FH) | $2,500+ |
How the San Francisco Mint Mark Affects Rarity
The 1917-S was struck at the San Francisco Mint, which typically produced fewer coins than the main Philadelphia Mint. In 1917, San Francisco minted approximately 1.9 million Type 1 quarters. While this might sound like a lot, it is significantly lower than the survival rate of later years. Because so many of these were spent during hard economic times, the number of high-quality survivors is quite low.
Professional coin graders look specifically at the luster—the way light dances across the silver surface. A coin from the San Francisco mint often has a slightly different “look” than those from Denver or Philly. If you are examining your coin at home, look for the small “S” to the left of the date. If the “S” is blurry or the date is missing entirely, the value drops significantly, as the date on Standing Liberty Quarters was notorious for wearing off quickly.
You can find more specific details on the factors that determine 1917 quarter worth by reviewing historical grading standards. This will help you understand why one coin sells for $70 while another that looks almost identical sells for $500. Knowing these nuances is the difference between a casual hobbyist and a smart investor.
Key Features to Look for on Your 1917-S Quarter
When evaluating your coin, start with the date. On the 1917-S Type 1, the date is slightly recessed, but it was still one of the highest points of the coin’s design. If the 1917 is clear and bold, you are already ahead of the curve. Next, flip the coin over to the reverse. The Type 1 reverse features an eagle in flight with no stars beneath it. In the subsequent Type 2 design, the Mint moved the eagle higher and added three stars underneath it.
Check the rivets on the shield Liberty is holding. In high grades, these should be distinct circles. On the CoinHix app, you can compare your coin to “Ideal” versions to see exactly where your specimen falls on the scale. Most everyday people find coins in “Good” to “Very Good” condition, where the outline of Liberty is visible but many of the fine garment lines have faded away. Even in this condition, the silver content alone makes it worth significantly more than its twenty-five-cent face value.
Finally, never clean your coin. Many people think that polishing an old silver quarter will make it more valuable, but for collectors, cleaning a 1917-S Type 1 is a disaster. Harsh chemicals or cloths leave micro-scratches that “detail” the coin, often cutting its market value by 50% or more. Patina, even if it looks dark or “dirty,” is actually a protective layer that collectors find beautiful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can I tell the difference between a Type 1 and Type 2 1917-S Quarter?
A: The easiest way to tell is by looking at Lady Liberty’s chest and the reverse side. The Type 1 has an exposed breast and no stars under the eagle on the back. The Type 2 has Liberty covered in chainmail and three stars positioned under the flying eagle.
Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1917-S Standing Liberty Quarter?
A: The “S” mint mark is located on the obverse (front) of the coin. Look just to the left of the date, near Liberty’s right foot (your left side when looking at the coin). If there is no letter there, it was minted in Philadelphia.
Q: Is a dateless 1917-S Quarter worth anything?
A: While a quarter with a completely worn-off date is worth significantly less, a 1917-S Type 1 can be identified even without a date because of the unique design. However, it will typically only sell for its silver melt value plus a small premium, usually around $15 to $25.
Q: What is a “Full Head” 1917-S Quarter?
A: “Full Head” is a designation used by grading services like PCGS or NGC. It means that the strike was so strong that all the details of Liberty’s hair and the ear hole are visible. It is the “holy grail” for Standing Liberty Quarter collectors and commands a massive price premium.
