Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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The 1919 Standing Liberty Quarter is worth anywhere from $25 in worn condition to over $15,000 in pristine, uncirculated gem state. Finding one of these century-old coins in your possession is an exciting discovery, as they are part of a series many collectors consider the most beautiful in American history.
| Condition | Estimated Value (No Mint Mark) |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $22 – $28 |
| Fine (F-12) | $55 – $75 |
| Extremely Fine (XF-40) | $150 – $190 |
| Uncirculated (MS-63) | $450 – $600 |
| Choice Uncirculated Full Head (MS-65 FH) | $3,500+ |
Identification of the 1919 Standing Liberty Quarter No Mint Mark
The 1919 Standing Liberty Quarter is a silver coin composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. When you find one without a mint mark, it means it was struck at the Philadelphia Mint. At the time, Philadelphia was the primary minting facility and did not use a “P” mark on quarters, unlike the branches in Denver (D) or San Francisco (S).
If you are unsure whether your coin is a genuine silver treasure or a common pocket change item, using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish the subtle features of this 1917-1930 series. The 1919 Philadelphia issue had a healthy mintage of over 11 million coins, but because these coins circulated heavily, high-grade specimens are quite scarce.
The design by Hermon A. MacNeil features Lady Liberty stepping through a gate, holding a shield and an olive branch. On the reverse, an eagle is shown in mid-flight. Because the date was positioned on a raised pedestal in the early years of the series, many 1919 quarters eventually became “dateless.” If you can clearly see the “1919” on your coin, you already have a piece worth more than its silver melt value. To get a high-speed estimate, the CoinKnow app is a great tool for beginners.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Grading and Determining 1919 Quarter Value
The condition, or “grade,” of your coin is the most significant factor in its market price. Professional numismatists use a 70-point scale to determine quality. For the 1919 Standing Liberty Quarter, even small details in Liberty’s chainmail or the feathers of the eagle can double the price.
Collectors are particularly obsessed with the “Full Head” (FH) designation. This refers to the amount of detail visible on Lady Liberty’s helmet/hair. If the hairline and the ear hole are crisp and clear, the coin is designated “Full Head” and commands a massive premium. For those curious about specific pricing tiers for graded coins, you can check this 1919 Standing Liberty Quarter Price Guide for detailed MS-level data.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Most coins found in old jars or inherited collections fall into the “Good” to “Fine” categories. In these grades, the date is visible, but the shield and drapery are mostly flat. Using CoinKnow allows you to compare your coin’s photo with high-resolution examples of different grades to see where yours fits.
| Grade Designation | Visual Description | Market Value (Approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Good (G) | Date is faint but readable; rims are flat. | $25 |
| Fine (F) | Liberty’s gown has some lines visible. | $70 |
| Very Fine (VF) | Shield details are becoming distinct. | $110 |
| About Uncirculated (AU) | Very slight wear on high points; original luster. | $275 |
The Significance of the No Mint Mark Philadelphia Strike
In 1919, the Philadelphia Mint produced 11,324,000 Standing Liberty Quarters. While this was a large number compared to the San Francisco (S) mint which only produced 1.8 million, the Philadelphia coins are still highly sought after because they represent the “standard” of the era.
Because these coins were made of 90% silver, many were melted down over the decades as silver prices rose. This makes surviving examples in high grades very rare today. Even a common “No Mint Mark” 1919 quarter is worth significantly more than its $4 to $5 silver bullion value. You can find more analysis on 1919 quarter value trends to see how these prices have increased over the last five years.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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If you find a coin that looks “too shiny,” be careful. It might have been cleaned, which actually lowers the numismatic value. A natural, “circulated” grey look is often more desirable to collectors than a polished, cleaned surface. Using tools like CoinKnow can help you identify if a coin’s surface is original or potentially damaged by cleaning.
Comparing the 1919 Quarter to Other Years
The 1919 quarter belongs to the Type 2 Standing Liberty variety. The Type 1 (issued in 1916 and part of 1917) featured a bare breast for Lady Liberty, which was changed to a mail-covered chest in the Type 2 version due to public modesty concerns and the need for a more “military” prepareness look during World War I.
Compared to the 1916 (which is worth thousands) or the 1921 (the key date of the series), the 1919 No Mint Mark is considered more accessible for collectors. However, it still holds more prestige and value than the common 1925-1930 dates.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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| Year / Mint | Mintage | Avg. Value (VG Condition) |
|---|---|---|
| 1919 (No Mark) | 11.3 Million | $35 |
| 1919-D | 1.9 Million | $150 |
| 1919-S | 1.8 Million | $165 |
Why the Full Head (FH) Designation Matters
If you are lucky enough to find a 1919 Standing Liberty Quarter that appears to be in “brand new” condition, you need to look at Lady Liberty’s head under a magnifying glass. On most strikes from the Philadelphia Mint in 1919, the detail on the head is quite weak.
A “Full Head” 1919 quarter is one where all the details of the helmet are visible, including the three leaves and the ear. Because the mintage dies were often slightly misaligned or worn, very few coins came out of the press with a perfect strike. A 1919 quarter in MS-65 grade might be worth $800, but that same coin with a “Full Head” designation can easily sell for over $4,000 at auction.
The high demand for these clear strikes keeps the market for the 1919 No Mint Mark very competitive. Always protect your coins in a PVC-free flip or capsule to prevent further wear.
Where to Sell Your 1919 Standing Liberty Quarter
Once you’ve used CoinKnow to identify your coin and estimate its grade, you might wonder how to turn it into cash. For common circulated grades (G to VF), your best bet is often a local coin shop or a reputable online marketplace like eBay. Collectors are always looking for honest, raw coins to fill out their folders.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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For high-end or uncirculated coins, especially those you suspect might be “Full Head,” you should consider professional grading. Services like PCGS or NGC will verify the authenticity and grade of your coin, which is essentially required if you plan to sell a coin worth more than $500. A graded coin is much easier to sell to serious investors.
Before you sell, always check recent “Sold” listings rather than “Asking” prices. The market for the 1919 Standing Liberty Quarter is robust, primarily because silver collectors and date-set collectors are always buying.
FAQ
Q: Why doesn’t my 1919 quarter have a mint mark?
A: In 1919, the Philadelphia Mint did not use a mint mark on quarters. If your coin has no letter near the bottom left (above the date), it was struck in Philadelphia. Denver coins have a ‘D’ and San Francisco coins have an ‘S’.
Q: Is a 1919 Standing Liberty Quarter made of real silver?
A: Yes, all Standing Liberty Quarters (1916-1930) are composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. They contain approximately 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Q: What is the most valuable 1919 quarter ever sold?
A: High-grade specimens with the Full Head (FH) designation have sold for over $20,000 at major auctions. For No Mint Mark versions, an MS-67 FH example can reach incredible heights because they are so rare.
Q: Can I find a 1919 quarter in my pocket change?
A: It is extremely unlikely. Because of their silver content and age, these coins were removed from circulation by collectors and silver hoarders decades ago. However, they are frequently found in “estate” coin collections or hidden hoards in older homes.
Q: Does the Standing Liberty Quarter have any known errors in 1919?
A: While there aren’t many famous “major” errors for the 1919 Philly strike like the 1918-S 8/7 overdate, collectors do look for die cracks and “Full Head” strikes which are considered the ultimate version of the coin.