Own this Standing Liberty Quarter – Minted About a Century Ago
The Standing Liberty quarter was produced between 1916 and 1930. It was made with 90% silver and 10 % copper and symbolized America’s stand in World War I.
By 1916, the previous design for the US quarter had been in use for more than 25 years. (According to an Act of Congress passed in 1890, a ... more
Own this Standing Liberty Quarter – Minted About a Century Ago
The Standing Liberty quarter was produced between 1916 and 1930. It was made with 90% silver and 10 % copper and symbolized America’s stand in World War I.
By 1916, the previous design for the US quarter had been in use for more than 25 years. (According to an Act of Congress passed in 1890, a coin’s design could be changed after 25 years without Congressional authorization.) In late 1915, Robert Woolley, the new US Mint Director, met with the Commission of Fine Arts to ask for recommendations of sculptors to submit sketches for the new quarter design. The work of sculptor Hermon MacNeil was chosen for the obverse of the coin. Originally, Adolph Weinman was asked to design the reverse, but he was also given the task to work on the new dime and half dollar, so MacNeil was told to design both sides of the quarter.
The obverse of the coin features the goddess of Liberty. She is facing east, toward Europe where World War I was raging. Her shield is also facing in the same direction. Liberty holds an olive branch, a symbol of peace, in the other hand. She is walking through a gate, which is inscribed with the words, “In God We Trust.”
Officials at the US Mint made major changes to MacNeil’s design without consulting him. After he complained about the changes, the Mint was given permission to have the sculptor modify the design. He added a chain mail vest to Liberty’s outfit, a warning to America’s enemies that she was ready to defend her allies.
The reverse of the Standing Liberty quarter pictures an American eagle in flight. It is flying toward the right.
The Standing Liberty quarter was struck mostly at the Philadelphia Mint, with fewer produced at the Denver and San Francisco Mints. No quarters were made in 1922. In late 1924, the Mint realized the date was consistently wearing off of quarters that had been in circulation for a while. In response, Mint officials decided to recess the date in the design beginning in 1925. This seemed to take care of the problem.
The last Standing Liberty quarter was struck in 1930. The following year, Congress voted to replace the design with one picturing George Washington. It honored the bicentennial of his birth.
Year Issued: 1928
Face Value: $0.25
Mint: San Francisco
Mintage: 2,644,000
This 1928 Standing Liberty quarter reflects the artistry of older US coins. It has been preserved for decades and is ready to become part of your collection. Order yours today.
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