Advanced Grading Secrets: 1917-S Type-1 vs Type-2 Standing Liberty Quarters – Pro Techniques for Spot-On Evaluations

Think you know Standing Liberty Quarters? These pro grading secrets will surprise even experienced collectors

Grading 1917-S Standing Liberty Quarters isn’t just about spotting wear – it’s about understanding how Type-1 and Type-2 coins age completely differently. While most collectors check for basic details, the real magic happens when you learn to read the subtle tells between these two variants. I’ll show you exactly how the pros get within striking distance of PCGS grades every time.

Type-1 vs Type-2: Why They’re Like Different Coins

The Obvious (and Not-So-Obvious) Differences

That famous bare leg on Type-1 coins? More than just a design change – it creates unique grading challenges you won’t find on the chainmail-protected Type-2. Watch for these key variations:

• Type-1 legs wear down faster (hello, high points!)
• Type-2 chainmail changes how we evaluate surface preservation
• The visual “weight” trick – Type-2 often looks better than it is

What Your Grading Eye Should Catch First

When I’m evaluating a 1917-S, I always start with these Type-2 indicators:

• Shield details (the grading make-or-break spot)
• Softness in Liberty’s gown folds
• How wear patterns “sit” on the chainmail texture

The Insider’s Grading Playbook

1. The Two-Step Grade (That Saves You Money)

Here’s a trick I learned from veteran graders: evaluate each side separately first. Take this 1917-S Type-1 example:

• Front (obverse): Strong XF details (45-50 range)
• Back (reverse): Shows more wear at VF-30
• Smart final call: VF-35 (even when PCGS went conservative at F12)

2. The “Meat Index” – Your New Best Friend

This simple calculation helps quantify what’s left of the original design:


// Works for both types - just adjust the base values
function calculateMeatIndex(coinType) {
const baseWear = (type === 'Type-1') ? 0.8 : 0.7;
const shieldWeight = 0.4, legWeight = 0.3;
return (shieldDetail * shieldWeight) +
(legDetail * legWeight) * baseWear;
}


Side-by-Side: What Separates Good Grades From Great Ones

Grading From Photos Like a Pro

Online auctions got you frustrated? Here’s how to compensate for bad photos:

• Angle trick: Imagine the light source and “mentally correct” shadows
• Reflection hack: Dull areas might be glare, not wear
• Zoom wisely: Focus on shield and leg areas first

The Real Grading Difference Maker

After years of handling these coins, here’s what matters most: Type-1 and Type-2 1917-S quarters age as differently as apples and oranges. Master these techniques – the two-step grade, meat index math, and photo tricks – and you’ll start seeing what the grading services see. Just remember: that chainmail on Type-2 coins isn’t just decoration, it’s a whole different grading ballgame.

Related Resources

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