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The 1917-D Type 1 Standing Liberty Quarter is worth anywhere from $45 in heavily worn condition to over $1,200 in high-grade mint state. This specific coin, minted in Denver during the first year of the series, is a favorite among collectors for its historic design and silver content.
| Condition | Estimated Value (USD) |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $40 – $55 |
| Fine (F-12) | $85 – $110 |
| Extremely Fine (XF-40) | $175 – $220 |
| Uncirculated (MS-63) | $375 – $500 |
| Gem Mint (MS-65 FH) | $1,100 – $1,500+ |
Understanding the History of the 1917-D Type 1 Standing Liberty Quarter
When you find an old silver quarter in a drawer or a collection, the first thing you notice about the 1917-D Standing Liberty Quarter is its stunning artwork. Designed by Hermon Atkins MacNeil, this coin replaced the long-running Barber Quarter. The “Type 1” designation is crucial here. In early 1917, Lady Liberty was depicted with a bare right breast. By mid-year, the design was changed to “Type 2,” where she was covered in chain mail due to public modesty concerns.
If you are unsure which variety you have, using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish between Type 1 and Type 2 instantly. The Type 1 1917-D is particularly desirable because it represents the purest form of MacNeil’s artistic vision before the military-style revisions. The Denver (D) mint mark makes this coin rarer than the Philadelphia version, as fewer were produced.
Because these coins are over a century old, the condition varies wildly. Most coins found in circulation today are “slick,” meaning the date has worn away. However, if you can clearly see the date “1917” and a small “D” near the bottom left of the obverse, you are holding a valuable piece of American history. Many collectors use CoinKnow to track the market fluctuations of these early 20th-century silver pieces.
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How the Denver Mint Mark Impacts 1917 Quarter Values
The “D” on your quarter stands for Denver. In 1917, the Denver Mint produced just over 1.5 million Type 1 quarters. While that sounds like a lot, it is a small fraction compared to modern mintages. The scarcity of high-quality Denver strikes drives the price up for collectors.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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When evaluating your coin, look for the “D” located just to the left of Liberty’s foot, above the date. If the coin is very worn, this mark might be faint. To get an accurate reading on what collectors are currently paying, you can check the latest 1917 Standing Liberty Quarter price trends to see if your “D” mint mark adds the expected premium over the Philadelphia version.
| Mint Mark | Mintage Type 1 | Rarity Level |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia (No Mark) | 8,740,000 | Common |
| Denver (D) | 1,509,200 | Scarce |
| San Francisco (S) | 1,952,000 | Scarce |
Grading Your 1917-D Type 1 Standing Liberty Quarter
Grading is the process of determining a coin’s physical condition. For a 1917-D Type 1 Standing Liberty Quarter, the grade is the single biggest factor in its value. Because the design has high points—like Liberty’s knee and the shield—these areas tend to wear down first. In “Good” condition, Liberty is just a silhouette. In “About Uncirculated,” you can still see the fine lines in her gown.
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Many people use CoinKnow to compare their coin against high-resolution photos of graded specimens. This helps you decide if it is worth sending the coin to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC. A “Full Head” (FH) designation is another bonus; if Liberty’s helmet and facial features are perfectly struck, the value can double or triple.
Reviewing the current market values for 1917-D MS quarters shows that even a one-point difference in grade can mean hundreds of dollars in profit. Always handle your coin by the edges to prevent oils from your skin from damaging the metal.
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| Grade Group | Visual Characteristics | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Circulated (G to VF) | Heavy wear, date visible but flat. | $45 – $130 |
| About Uncirculated (AU) | Slight wear on high points, some luster. | $250 – $350 |
| Mint State (MS) | No wear, original mint shine. | $450 – $1,500+ |
The Importance of “Full Head” (FH) Details
In the world of 1917-D Type 1 Standing Liberty Quarter collecting, “Full Head” is a term you will hear often. It refers to a coin that was struck with enough pressure to fully bring out the details of Liberty’s head. Most quarters of this era have “weak strikes,” where the head looks like a smooth blob.
A 1917-D with a Full Head is significantly more valuable to investors. To qualify as FH, the three leaves on Liberty’s helmet must be visible, and the hairline must be distinct. Even if the rest of the coin is beautiful, if the head is flat, it won’t reach the highest tier of pricing. tools like CoinKnow can help you learn what to look for when inspecting these tiny details.
Collectors pay a massive premium for Denver-minted Type 1 coins with this designation because Denver strikes were notoriously less sharp than Philadelphia strikes. If you think your coin has a Full Head, it is definitely worth getting it professionally appraised by a reputable coin shop or a grading company.
Silver Content and Melt Value for the 1817-D Quarter
Even if your 1917-D Type 1 Standing Liberty Quarter is so worn that the date is barely visible, it still holds “junk silver” value. These quarters are made of 90% silver and 10% copper. Each coin contains roughly 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver. This means that as the price of silver goes up, the “floor” price of your coin also rises.
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However, you should never sell a 1917-D quarter just for its silver melt value. Because this is a “Key Date” or semi-key year for the series, the collector value (numismatic value) is almost always higher than the raw silver price. Even the most beat-up 1917-D Type 1 is usually worth at least $30-$40, which is significantly more than the $5-$6 worth of silver inside it.
If you are looking to sell, avoid “We Buy Gold” shops that only pay melt value. Instead, find a collector or a specialized coin dealer who understands the historical value of the Standing Liberty series. Using an app to check the silver spot price can give you a baseline, but the history of the Denver Mint is where the real profit lies.
| Metal Composition | Weight | Silver Content (oz) |
|---|---|---|
| 90% Silver, 10% Copper | 6.25 grams | 0.1808 oz |
FAQ about 1917-D Type 1 Standing Liberty Quarter Value
Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1917-D Type 1 Standing Liberty Quarter?
A: The “D” mint mark is located on the front (obverse) of the coin. Look to the left of Lady Liberty’s feet, just above the date. If there is no letter there, the coin was minted in Philadelphia.
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Q: Why is the Type 1 more expensive than the Type 2?
A: The Type 1 was only produced for a few months before the design was changed. Its unique “exposed” design and the fact that it was the first year of the coin’s release make it a must-have for people building a complete set of American quarters.
Q: Should I clean my 1917-D quarter to make it look newer?
A: No! Never clean your coins. Cleaning causes microscopic scratches that professional graders can easily spot. A cleaned coin can lose up to 50% or more of its collector value. A natural “patina” or toning is much more desirable.
Q: How can I tell the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 if the date is worn?
A: On Type 1 coins, there are no stars below the eagle on the back (reverse). On Type 2 coins, the eagle was moved higher, and three stars were placed directly underneath it. This is the easiest way to identify the type even on heavily worn coins.