Gary's 20th Century Type Set
25c STANDING LIBERTY TYPE 1 (1916-17)

Owner Comments:

Production of the “Type 1” Standing Liberty Quarter began on December 16, 1916. However, when designer Hermon A. Macneil saw his newly minted quarter for the first time, he complained that the design resembled one he had earlier dismissed. Considering his complaints along with other factors, the US Mint changed the main devices on the Standing Liberty Quarter in 1917, resulting in two major varieties that year. The Standing Liberty Quarter is rich in symbolism and portrays Lady Liberty standing at the “gateway to America”. In her left hand is a shield and in her right hand is an olive branch. Lady Liberty, ever vigilant, is prepared to defend liberty, but is committed to peace. With World War 1 raging in Europe, this coin made a powerful statement to the American people and their potential foes and allies in Europe that we would defend liberty even at the cost of stepping through the “gate” to fight a war outside our borders. On April 6, 1917, the United States entered the war. Coins in this series with a fully struck head earn a “Full Head” designation with their grade. Desiring to own at least one “Full Head” Standing Liberty Quarter, I purchased this beautiful, “Type 1” MS-64, 1917 “Full Head” example for my collection.