Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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The 1929-S Standing Liberty Quarter is worth anywhere from $15 in worn condition to over $500 in high-grade mint state. Finding one of these silver treasures in a drawer or an old jar is an exciting moment for any American, as it represents a classic era of US coinage art.
| Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $12 – $15 |
| Fine (F-12) | $20 – $25 |
| Extremely Fine (XF-45) | $45 – $60 |
| Uncirculated (MS-60+) | $150 – $1,200+ |
History of the 1929-S Standing Liberty Quarter
The Standing Liberty Quarter series is widely considered one of the most beautiful designs ever produced by the United States Mint. First released in 1916, the design by sculptor Hermon Atkins MacNeil features Lady Liberty stepping through a gateway, holding a shield and an olive branch. By 1929, the design had undergone a few modifications to improve its durability and appearance.
The “S” mint mark on your 1929 quarter indicates it was struck at the San Francisco Mint. During this particular year, San Francisco produced 1,764,000 quarters. While this might sound like a large number, it is relatively low compared to modern quarters, making the 1929-S a desirable find for collectors today. If you are unsure if your coin is authentic, using a top coin identifier app can help you verify the details instantly.
Most of these coins saw heavy circulation during the Great Depression. Because Americans were struggling financially, quarters were spent quickly rather than saved. This means that finding a 1929-S in pristine, “brand new” condition is quite rare. If you have one that looks shiny and sharp, you could be looking at a significant payday. Using tools like CoinKnow can help you track the market trends for these silver relics.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Assessing the 1929-S Quarter Condition and Grade
In the world of coin collecting, the “grade” or condition of your coin is the most important factor in determining its price. A coin that has been passed around in pockets for decades will have worn-down edges and a flat design. Conversely, a coin that was tucked away in a safe shortly after it was minted will retain its original luster and detail.
Collectors use a 70-point scale to grade coins. For the 1929-S Standing Liberty Quarter, the most critical areas to look at are Liberty’s head, the rivets on her shield, and the date. On earlier versions of this coin, the date wore off easily, but by 1929, the Mint had recessed the date so it would last longer. This is why the 1929-S is more likely to have a visible date than a quarter from 1917.
To get an accurate sense of the market, you should check out the latest 1929-S Standing Liberty Quarter price data for coins in various states of preservation. Even a small increase in grade, such as moving from “About Uncirculated” to “Mint State,” can double or triple the value of the coin.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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| Grade Designation | Visual Description |
|---|---|
| Good (G) | Heavily worn; Liberty’s outline is visible but lacks detail. |
| Fine (F) | Moderate wear; some detail in the drapery and shield is visible. |
| Extremely Fine (XF) | Light wear on the highest points; nearly all details are sharp. |
| Mint State (MS) | No wear; original mint luster (shine) is fully present. |
The Importance of the Full Head (FH) Designation
When researching the value of your 1929-S quarter, you might see the letters “FH” listed next to some prices. This stands for “Full Head.” On the Standing Liberty Quarter, the detail on Lady Liberty’s head was often poorly struck or wore down extremely quickly. A “Full Head” designation means that every detail of the helmet and hair is perfectly clear and visible.
A 1929-S quarter with a Full Head is significantly more valuable than one without it. Collectors are willing to pay a massive premium for this strike quality because it is so rare to find a specimen where the dies struck the metal perfectly. If you think you might have a high-quality coin, looking up specific 1929-S quarter value info can help you see the price difference between a standard strike and an FH strike.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Many beginners overlook the FH detail, but it can be the difference between a $200 coin and a $1,500 coin. If you’re struggling to see the details with the naked eye, a magnifying glass or a high-resolution photo in the CoinKnow app can help you examine the delicate lines of Liberty’s face and helmet to determine if you have a winner.
Silver Content and Melt Value
Even if your 1929-S Standing Liberty Quarter is in very poor condition—perhaps it’s scratched, bent, or heavily worn down—it still has intrinsic value because of its metal content. These quarters were minted with 90% silver and 10% copper. This is what collectors refer to as “junk silver,” but there is nothing “junk” about its worth.
Each Standing Liberty Quarter contains approximately 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver. This means that as the price of silver fluctuates on the global market, the minimum value of your coin changes as well. Even if the coin has no “numismatic” (collector) value, it will always be worth at least its weight in silver.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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| Silver Composition | Weight | Silver Content |
|---|---|---|
| 90% Silver, 10% Copper | 6.25 Grams | ~0.1808 oz |
During times when silver prices are high, these coins become even more popular. It’s a good idea to keep an eye on precious metal charts if you own several of these coins. However, usually, a 1929-S in decent condition will be worth more to a collector than to a silver refiner.
Where to Find the Mint Mark
Identifying your quarter correctly is the first step in valuation. The “S” mint mark for San Francisco is located on the obverse (the front side) of the coin. If you look at the date at the bottom, you will see Lady Liberty standing between two walls. The mint mark is located just to the left of the date, near the bottom of the left-side wall.
If there is no letter there, it means your coin was minted in Philadelphia (which typically has a higher mintage and slightly lower value in some grades). If there is a “D”, it was minted in Denver. The 1929-S is a favorite among West Coast collectors, and its presence in a collection often completes a “date and mint” set.
If you are having trouble spotting the tiny letter, don’t worry. You can use CoinKnow to zoom in and identify the mint mark and other diagnostic features that might indicate a rare variety or error. Understanding these small details is what separates a casual hobbyist from a successful coin flipper.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Common Errors for the 1929-S Quarter
While the 1929-S is not as famous for errors as some other years, there are still things to look for that can boost the value. Some coins from this era exhibit “doubled dies,” where the image appears to have a shadow or a double outline. Others might have “die cracks” or small bumps of extra metal caused by a breaking mold.
Errors are highly sought after by a specific niche of collectors. If you find a 1929-S with a strange marking or a distorted image, don’t clean it! Cleaning a coin with chemicals or a cloth can actually destroy its value. A dirty, original coin is always more valuable than one that has been polished.
The value of an error coin can vary wildly, often selling for hundreds of dollars above the standard retail price. Always consult with a professional or use a reliable database to see if your specific anomaly is a recognized error. Keeping your coin in a protective sleeve or “flip” will help preserve any unique characteristics it might have.
FAQ
Q: Is the 1929-S Standing Liberty Quarter made of real silver?
A: Yes, it is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. This was standard for all U.S. quarters, dimes, and half dollars minted before 1965.
Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1929-S Quarter?
A: The “S” mint mark is located on the front of the coin, just to the left of the date at the bottom of the design.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Q: How can I tell if my 1929-S quarter is “Full Head”?
A: A Full Head (FH) coin must show a clear, distinct line between Liberty’s helmet and her face, and all the details of the helmet must be visible without any flat spots.
Q: Is it worth getting my 1929-S quarter professionally graded?
A: If the coin is in Mint State (uncirculated) or appears to be a Full Head variety, it is likely worth the cost of professional grading (PCGS or NGC). If it is heavily worn, the cost of grading might be more than the coin is worth.
Q: Why is my 1929 quarter worth more than a 1965 quarter?
A: 1929 quarters are valuable because they contain silver and have a much lower mintage. Modern quarters (1965 to present) are mostly made of copper and nickel and usually have no silver content.