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The 1929-D Standing Liberty Quarter is worth anywhere from $10 in worn condition to over $350 in choice mint state. This beautiful Depression-era coin is a favorite among collectors, representing one of the final years of a series famous for its artistic elegance and historical significance.
| Condition Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $8 – $12 |
| Fine (F-12) | $15 – $22 |
| Extra Fine (XF-40) | $45 – $60 |
| Uncirculated (MS-63) | $160 – $210 |
| Gem Uncirculated (MS-65) | $350 – $450+ |
History of the 1929-D Standing Liberty Quarter
If you have discovered a 1929-D Standing Liberty Quarter in an old jar or a family collection, you are holding a piece of American history from the very year the Great Depression began. Identifying your find is easier than ever using a top coin identifier app, which can help you distinguish between various mint marks and years. The Standing Liberty series was designed by Hermon Atkins MacNeil and features Lady Liberty stepping through a gate, holding a shield and an olive branch.
The “D” mint mark on this 1929 quarter indicates it was struck at the Denver Mint. In 1929, the Denver Mint produced 5,044,000 quarters. While this might sound like a large number, many of these coins were heavily used in daily commerce. Because people were struggling during the economic downturn, fewer people could afford to save “uncirculated” coins, making high-quality versions of the 1929-D quite rare and valuable today.
Using the CoinKnow app can help you verify if your coin is the 1929 Denver issue or perhaps the more common Philadelphia version. The series is particularly famous because it was replaced by the Washington Quarter in 1932. Collectors love the 1929-D because it represents the “Type 3” design, where the date is recessed into the pedestal to prevent it from wearing away—a common problem with earlier versions of this coin.
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How Your 1929-D Quarter Grade Affects Value
The single most important factor in determining the 1929-D Standing Liberty Quarter value is the “grade” or physical condition of the coin. Professional collectors use a 70-point scale to determine quality. For everyday Americans, it is usually enough to categorize the coin into broad groups like Good, Fine, or Uncirculated. A coin that has been carried in pockets for years will typically fall into the “Good” category, showing significant wear on Liberty’s gown and the eagle’s feathers.
If your coin still shows sharp details in the chainmail or the feathers on the eagle’s wing, you might be looking at a “Fine” or “Very Fine” specimen. These mid-tier coins are highly sought after by casual collectors who want a nice-looking coin without paying thousands of dollars. To get a closer look at the market, you can check the 1929-D Standing Liberty Quarter auction prices to see what similar coins have sold for recently.
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For those lucky enough to find a coin that looks like it just came from the mint, the value skyrockets. These “Mint State” (MS) coins have no wear at all and retain their original “luster” or shine. A 1929-D in MS-65 condition is a trophy for any collection. If you aren’t sure where your coin falls, CoinKnow allows you to take a photo and receive an AI-driven estimate of the grade.
| Grade Detail | Visual appearance | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| G-4 Good | Date is readable but gown is flat. | $8 – $12 |
| VG-8 Very Good | Some details in the drapery appear. | $12 – $18 |
| F-12 Fine | Skirt lines are visible. | $20 – $30 |
| VF-20 Very Fine | Liberty’s right leg shows detail. | $35 – $50 |
The “Full Head” (FH) Designation Premium
When researching 1929-D Standing Liberty Quarter value, you will often see the letters “FH” attached to certain prices. This stands for “Full Head.” On this specific coin design, the strike was often weak on Lady Liberty’s head. As a result, finding a coin where the helmet and hair details are perfectly visible is quite difficult. A 1929-D with a Full Head designation can be worth twice as much as a standard strike of the same grade.
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To qualify for FH, every detail of the helmet and the hairline must be crisp and complete. This is usually only possible on coins that are in “Uncirculated” condition. Most coins found in change or old boxes will not have a Full Head because that area is one of the first to wear down. However, it is always worth checking with a magnifying glass or a tool like CoinKnow to see if your coin has those rare, crisp details.
The Denver Mint in 1929 was known for producing generally well-struck coins, so your chances of finding an FH specimen are better with the 1929-D than with some other years in the series. Still, because of the scarcity, serious collectors will pay a massive premium for this feature. Finding an FH coin is like finding a hidden treasure within your existing treasure.
Where to Find the Mint Mark on a 1929 Quarter
If you are trying to verify your 1929 quarter value and mint mark locations, you need to look at the “obverse” or the front of the coin. On the Standing Liberty Quarter, the mint mark is located just to the left of the date. If you see a small “D,” the coin was made in Denver. If you see an “S,” it was made in San Francisco. If there is no letter at all, it was minted in Philadelphia.
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The 1929-D is generally considered more valuable than the 1929 Philadelphia (no mint mark) in lower grades, though they are both relatively common in very worn conditions. The San Francisco (1929-S) is also a popular coin but has a slightly different market value. Knowing exactly which mint mark you have is vital for an accurate valuation.
If the area near the date is too worn to see clearly, try tilting the coin under a bright light. Sometimes the ghost of a mint mark will remain even when the rest of the detail is gone. If you’re still stuck, using a mobile app to zoom in can provide the clarity you need to confirm you have the Denver-struck version.
| Mint Mark | Location | Rarity Level |
|---|---|---|
| D (Denver) | Left of Date | Moderate |
| S (San Francisco) | Left of Date | Moderate |
| None (Philadelphia) | Left of Date | Common |
Key Factors Influencing Price Beyond Grade
While the grade is the primary driver of the 1929-D Standing Liberty Quarter value, other factors can influence what a dealer or collector will pay. “Eye appeal” is a term used by numismatists to describe how attractive a coin is at first glance. A coin might have a high technical grade, but if it has ugly dark spots or scratches, its value might drop significantly. Conversely, a coin with beautiful “toning” (natural coloration that develops over time) can sell for much more than the standard price.
Cleaning your coins is a big “no-no” in the world of coin collecting. If you find a 1929-D and it looks dirty, leave it alone! Cleaning a coin with chemicals or even a soft cloth creates micro-scratches that can slash the value by 50% or more. Collectors prefer “original skin” or the natural patina a coin has developed over the decades. A dirty coin is worth more than a ruined, cleaned coin.
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Finally, market demand plays a role. If a lot of collectors are currently trying to complete a Standing Liberty set, prices might rise. Because the 1929-D is one of the final four years of the series, many “short-set” collectors (who only collect the final years of a series) look for this specific coin. Checking current auction trends on CoinKnow is a great way to see if the market is hot or cold for late-date Standing Liberty Quarters.
Summary of the 1929-D Quarter Value
In conclusion, the 1929-D Standing Liberty Quarter is a classic American coin that holds its value well. While most found examples are worth around $10 to $25, high-quality specimens can be worth hundreds or even thousands if they possess the coveted “Full Head” strike. This coin represents the end of an era in American coinage and is a prized addition to any collection.
Whether you are a seasoned collector or someone who just happened upon an old coin, understanding the nuances of the 1929-D is essential. Take the time to look for the “D” mint mark, evaluate the wear on Lady Liberty’s gown, and avoid the temptation to clean the coin. With these steps, you will be well on your way to determining the true worth of your historical find.
FAQ
Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1929-D Standing Liberty Quarter?
A: The mint mark is a small “D” located on the front (obverse) of the coin, just to the left of the date and to the right of the lowest star. If there is no letter, it was minted in Philadelphia.
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Q: Is the 1929-D quarter made of silver?
A: Yes, all Standing Liberty Quarters minted between 1916 and 1930 are composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. This means the coin always has “melt value” based on the current price of silver, even if it is badly damaged.
Q: What makes the “Full Head” version so special?
A: The Full Head (FH) designation means the coin was struck with enough pressure to fully render the details of Lady Liberty’s helmet. Most quarters from this era have “soft” strikes where the head appears flat, making the detailed FH coins very rare and valuable.
Q: Should I get my 1929-D quarter professionally graded?
A: You should only consider professional grading (like PCGS or NGC) if the coin appears to be in Uncirculated condition or has a very clear Full Head. For coins worth less than $100, the cost of grading usually exceeds the value added to the coin.