The 1917 Type 2 Standing Liberty Quarter is worth anywhere from $20 in heavily worn condition to over $2,000 or more in mint state, making it one of the more valuable early 20th-century silver quarters you might come across. If you’ve found one of these coins and you’re wondering whether it’s worth holding onto, you’re in the right place — this guide will walk you through everything you need to know in plain, simple terms.
What Makes the 1917 Type 2 Different From Type 1?
The Standing Liberty Quarter was redesigned twice in a very short period, and 1917 is unique because both designs — Type 1 and Type 2 — were minted in the same year. The Type 2, introduced mid-year, features a noticeably different design from its predecessor.
The most obvious change is that Lady Liberty’s chest is now covered with chain mail armor, replacing the exposed design of the Type 1. The eagle on the reverse was also raised higher and stars were added below it. On the obverse, a date was placed in a recessed area to help protect it from wear — a smart fix, since dates on the earlier type often wore off completely.
These design changes make the Type 2 its own collectible category entirely. If you want to quickly confirm which version you have, a free coin identifier app can help you match your coin to the correct type in seconds. Getting this detail right matters a lot when it comes to determining value.
1917 Type 2 Standing Liberty Quarter Value by Grade and Mint Mark
The 1917 Type 2 quarter was struck at three mints: Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S). Mint marks appear on the obverse, to the right of the date. Each mint produced different quantities, which directly affects rarity and value.
Here’s a general value breakdown based on grade and mint mark:
| Mint Mark | Good (G-4) | Fine (F-12) | Extremely Fine (EF-40) | MS-63 | MS-65 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1917 (P) | $20–$25 | $35–$50 | $120–$160 | $450–$600 | $1,800–$2,500 |
| 1917-D | $25–$35 | $50–$70 | $150–$200 | $550–$750 | $2,200–$3,000 |
| 1917-S | $30–$40 | $60–$80 | $175–$225 | $600–$850 | $2,500–$3,500 |
For the most current and detailed 1917 Standing Liberty Quarter price data across all grades and mint marks, it’s worth checking a live pricing database rather than relying on older printed guides, since market values shift over time.
How Condition Affects the 1917 Type 2 Quarter Value
Condition is everything in coin collecting. A 1917 Type 2 Standing Liberty Quarter that has been sitting in a drawer for decades might have significant wear, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s worthless — it just affects where it falls on the grading scale.
Collectors look at the high points of the design first: Lady Liberty’s shield, her gown details, and the eagle’s feathers on the reverse. If those areas show smooth, flat spots, the coin is likely graded Good to Fine.
A coin with sharp, visible details and minimal wear can grade Extremely Fine or even Mint State, which is where values jump dramatically. Full head details on Liberty — known as “Full Head” (FH) — can push a coin’s value significantly higher than a standard example of the same grade. For a deeper look at what your 1917 quarter is worth based on its specific condition, a dedicated coin value resource can give you a more precise estimate.
How to Get a Quick Estimate for Your Coin
If you’ve just found a 1917 Type 2 Standing Liberty Quarter and want a quick sense of its worth, the fastest route is to use a coin identification and valuation app. CoinHix is a popular choice among everyday collectors and beginners alike — you can photograph your coin and get an instant value estimate without needing any prior knowledge.
CoinHix is especially helpful when you’re not sure whether your coin is Type 1 or Type 2, or if you’re trying to figure out the mint mark. The app walks you through each detail in a user-friendly way.
Beyond apps, you can also take your coin to a local coin dealer or submit it to a grading service like PCGS or NGC if you believe it may be in higher uncirculated condition. Professional grading adds credibility and often increases resale value at auction.
Is the 1917 Type 2 Standing Liberty Quarter Worth Keeping?
Absolutely. Even in worn condition, this coin contains 90% silver — about 0.1808 troy ounces — which gives it intrinsic metal value regardless of its numismatic grade. With silver prices typically in the range of $25–$30 per ounce, the melt value alone is around $4.50 to $5.50 at minimum.
On top of that, collector demand for this series remains steady. The 1917 Type 2 is a historically significant transitional coin, and examples in any grade above Good tend to attract interest from collectors building full Standing Liberty sets.
Whether you plan to sell it, hold onto it, or just find out more about it, knowing what you have is the first step. CoinHix makes that first step easy for anyone who isn’t a coin expert.
FAQ
Q: How do I know if my 1917 quarter is Type 1 or Type 2?
A: Look at Lady Liberty’s chest. If it’s bare or lightly draped, it’s Type 1. If she’s wearing chain mail armor, it’s Type 2. Also check the eagle on the reverse — Type 2 has a higher eagle with stars beneath it.
Q: What is the most valuable 1917 Type 2 Standing Liberty Quarter?
A: The 1917-S in high mint state grades, especially with a “Full Head” designation, tends to command the highest prices — sometimes $3,500 or more for exceptional examples. Top-graded coins certified by PCGS or NGC can sell for even more at auction.
Q: Can I find out my coin’s value without visiting a dealer?
A: Yes. Apps like CoinHix let you photograph and identify your coin at home, giving you an instant estimate of its value based on current market data. It’s a convenient first step before deciding whether to get a professional appraisal.
