Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
The 1917-S Type 2 Standing Liberty Quarter is worth anywhere from $40 in worn condition to over $1,200 in choice mint state. This specific coin marks a fascinating moment in American history when the Mint redesigned our currency for better durability and public modesty during World War I.
| Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $40 – $55 |
| Fine (F-12) | $75 – $95 |
| Extremely Fine (XF-40) | $150 – $185 |
| Uncirculated (MS-63) | $350 – $425 |
| Gem Uncirculated (MS-65 FH) | $1,100+ |
Understanding the History of the 1917-S Type 2 Quarter
The year 1917 was a transitional period for United States coinage. When the Standing Liberty Quarter was first released in 1916, the design (known as Type 1) featured an exposed right breast on Lady Liberty. This caused significant public outcry, leading the Mint to revise the design.
If you have discovered one of these coins in an old collection, you might want to use a top coin identifier app to confirm the specific variety you hold. The Type 2 design, which began mid-year in 1917, featured Lady Liberty covered in chain mail (a nod to the country’s entrance into the Great War) and changed the eagle on the reverse by moving it higher and adding stars below it.
The “S” mint mark indicates this coin was struck at the San Francisco Mint. San Francisco quarters from this era are highly sought after by collectors because of their generally lower mintage numbers compared to the Philadelphia Mint. While billions of quarters are made today, the 1917-S Type 2 had a mintage of only about 5.4 million, making it a relatively scarce find for everyday Americans. With the CoinKnow app, you can quickly verify which mint mark you have and how it affects the rarity of your specific piece.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Identifying Type 1 vs Type 2 1917 Quarters
Before checking the price, you must determine if your 1917-S quarter is a Type 1 or a Type 2. The differences are striking once you know where to look. On a Type 1 coin, Liberty’s chest is uncovered, and the reverse side features no stars underneath the flying eagle.
The Type 2 version—which is the focus of this guide—shows Liberty wearing a coat of mail. Furthermore, the reverse side was redesigned so that three of the thirteen stars are positioned directly beneath the eagle. This adjustment wasn’t just for aesthetics; the Mint also recessed the date on the Type 2 coins starting in 1925 to prevent it from wearing away so quickly.
Because 1917 was the only year both designs were produced, collectors are often willing to pay a premium for high-quality examples of both. You can find detailed 1917-S quarter price trends and auction records to see how the Type 2 compares to the earlier design in today’s market. Many people use CoinKnow to differentiate these varieties by photographing the reverse of the coin.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
How Grading Affects the 1917-S Standing Liberty Value
In the world of coin collecting, “grade” is everything. Grading is a process that measures the amount of wear and tear a coin has sustained. For a 1917-S Standing Liberty Quarter, even a small difference in detail can mean a difference of hundreds of dollars.
For most casual finders, your coin will likely fall into the “Circulated” category. This means it spent decades in pockets and cash registers. If the date is still visible and Liberty’s shield still has a rim, you have a valuable coin. If the coin looks brand new, as if it just left the mint, it is “Uncirculated.”
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
The most important detail on these quarters is the “Full Head” (FH) designation. This refers to the strike quality on Lady Liberty’s head. If the helmet and ear details are perfectly visible, the coin is significantly more valuable. Researching comprehensive 1917 quarter value data shows that “Full Head” coins can sell for double or triple the price of standard strikes.
| Grade Designation | Appearance | Typical Price |
|---|---|---|
| AG-3 (About Good) | Date is readable but very worn. | $30 – $35 |
| VF-20 (Very Fine) | Detail in gown and shield is clear. | $110 – $130 |
| AU-50 (About Uncirculated) | Trace wear on knees and breast. | $240 – $280 |
| MS-65 (Mint State) | No wear, beautiful luster. | $850 – $1,000 |
The Importance of the “S” Mint Mark
Collectors pay close attention to where a coin was minted. In 1917, the Standing Liberty Quarter was minted at Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S). The 1917-S Type 2 is generally more valuable than the Philadelphia version but slightly less common than the Denver version in higher grades.
The mint mark on a Standing Liberty Quarter is found on the obverse (front) of the coin. Look just to the left of Lady Liberty’s feet, next to the star on the bottom left. If you see a small “S,” you have the San Francisco minting. If you’re having trouble seeing it, the CoinKnow app features a magnification tool that helps identify these tiny letters.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
San Francisco was known for having varying strike qualities during this era. While some 1917-S quarters are sharp and beautiful, others may look “mushy” even if they aren’t worn down. Coins with a sharp strike and clear mint mark are always the easiest to sell to dealers or at auction.
Common Errors and Varieties to Look For
While the 1917-S Type 2 is primarily valued for its grade and silver content, there are minor errors that can increase the interest of specialized collectors. Look for “doubled die” errors, where the lettering or the date appears to have a shadow or a second ghost-like image slightly offset from the main strike.
Another common issue for coins of this era is “cleaning.” Many people in the past tried to make their old coins look shiny by scrubbing them with polish or baking soda. To a professional collector, a cleaned coin is worth significantly less—often only half the value of an uncleaned coin with natural patina.
Always handle your 1917-S quarter by the edges to avoid getting finger oils on the surface. If you aren’t sure if your coin has been cleaned or if it’s a rare error, using an app like CoinKnow to compare it against high-resolution images of authentic, original coins can save you from a costly mistake.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
| Feature | Impact on Value |
|---|---|
| Full Head (FH) | Increases value by 50% – 200% |
| Cleaned Surface | Decreases value by 50% or more |
| Strong Luster | Adds “Eye Appeal” premium |
| Missing Date | Worth mostly silver melt value ($5-$10) |
Selling Your 1917-S Type 2 Quarter
If you’ve determined that your coin is worth a significant amount, your next step is deciding how to sell it. For coins valued under $100, a local coin shop is often the easiest route. They will typically offer you 60-70% of the retail value, which allows them to make a profit.
For high-grade coins worth over $500, you might consider professional grading services like PCGS or NGC. A certified “slabbed” coin is much easier to sell for its full market price on auction sites like eBay or Heritage Auctions. Verified pricing data is key to ensuring you get a fair deal.
Keep in mind that the market for silver coins also fluctuates with the price of silver bullion. Because these quarters are 90% silver, they will never be worth less than their weight in silver, even if they are completely worn flat. However, the 1917-S Type 2 is a true collector’s item, and its numismatic (collector) value far exceeds its scrap silver value.
FAQ
Q: Is a 1917-S quarter made of real silver?
A: Yes, all Standing Liberty Quarters minted from 1916 to 1930 are composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. This gives them an intrinsic “melt value” regardless of their condition.
Q: Why is my 1917 quarter’s date missing?
A: The early Standing Liberty Quarters had the date raised above the rest of the design. This caused the date to wear off very quickly in circulation. Coins without a date are unfortunately worth very little above their silver weight.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Q: How can I tell if my 1917-S is the Type 2 variety?
A: Look at Lady Liberty’s chest. If she is wearing a coat of chain mail, it is a Type 2. Additionally, check the reverse side; if there are three stars positioned directly underneath the eagle, it is a Type 2.
Q: Where is the “S” mint mark located?
A: The “S” for San Francisco is located on the front of the coin, to the left of Lady Liberty’s feet, just above the date.
Q: Is it worth getting my 1917-S quarter graded?
A: It depends on the condition. If the coin has very sharp details and appears nearly new, professional grading can add hundreds of dollars to the resale value. If it is heavily worn, the grading fees might cost more than the coin is worth.