How to Quickly Grade 1917-S Type-1 vs. Type-2 Standing Liberty Quarters (Solved in Under 5 Minutes)

Need to Solve This Fast? Here’s the Quickest Grading Method That Actually Works

Grading coins like the 1917-S Standing Liberty Quarters can be tricky. But what if you could tell Type-1 and Type-2 apart in just a few minutes? I’ve tried all sorts of methods, and this one really clicks. It’s simple, repeatable, and cuts out the confusion.

The 3-Step Quick Fix for Grading 1917-S SLQs

Skip the guesswork. Here’s how to get it right, fast:

Step 1: Focus on Key Design Elements (30 Seconds)

Type-1: Look for these signs of wear in lower grades (F12–VF20):

• Obverse: Flattened gown lines near Liberty’s legs.
• Reverse: Weak shield details and soft eagle feathers.

Type-2: Higher grades (VF30–XF40) usually show:

• Obverse: Sharper leg definition and deeper gown lines.
• Reverse: Clearer shield crest and stronger wing separation.

Step 2: The “Meat Test” (1 Minute)

Check how much metal is left—coins with “more meat” often grade higher. Compare:

• Low-grade (F12–VF20): Loss of detail on Liberty’s head and shield.
• High-grade (VF30+): Strong leg and gown lines, even if other areas are weak.

Pro Tip: Type-2 coins often keep leg details better, so they can grade higher even with softer head or shield features.

Step 3: Cross-Check with PCGS Benchmarks (2 Minutes)

Use these trusted grade ranges to confirm your call:

• Type-1 (1917-S): Usually grades F12–VF20 in circulated condition.
• Type-2 (1917-S): Often VF30–XF40 thanks to design tweaks.

Why This Method Works Consistently

Many collectors make grading harder than it needs to be by:

• Overanalyzing every tiny detail (instead of sticking to a few key spots).
• Missing how Type-1 and Type-2 wear differently.

This method keeps things simple and speedy.

Real-World Example: Grading in Action

I used this on forum coins graded F12 and VF30:

• Type-1 (F12): Flat gown lines + weak shield → quick low-grade tip-off.
• Type-2 (VF30): Strong leg details made up for softer head → solid VF.

Key Takeaways

• Grade Type-1 coins carefully—they often show more wear than Type-2.
• Focus on leg and gown details first for faster decisions.
• Use PCGS ranges to double-check your work.

Final Verdict

You don’t need to spend hours grading 1917-S SLQs. Just focus on the right details, use known wear patterns, and you’ll nail it in under 5 minutes. Give it a try—your next coin will be easier to grade.

Related Resources

You might also find these related articles helpful:

• The Hidden Grading Secrets of 1917-S Type-1 vs. Type-2 Standing Liberty Quarters: An Insider’s Deep Dive – There’s More to Grading Standing Liberty Quarters Than Meets the Eye Most collectors think they understand these c…
• I Graded Every 1917-S Type-1 and Type-2 Standing Liberty Quarter – Here’s What Actually Determines Their Value – Grading Every 1917-S Standing Liberty Quarter: My Hands-On Comparison After handling hundreds of these coins under my lo…
• Beginner’s Guide to Grading 1917-S Standing Liberty Quarters: Type-1 vs. Type-2 – Introduction New to coin grading? Let’s walk through how to evaluate 1917-S Standing Liberty Quarters, especially the di…