Is Your Standing Liberty Quarter Real? Authentication Guide for This Classic Coin

The Standing Liberty Quarter: A Brief Historical Overview

The Standing Liberty Quarter, minted from 1916 to 1930, represents one of the most artistic achievements in American numismatics. Designed by Hermon Atkins MacNeil, this coin series showcases Lady Liberty standing guard at the gates of the sea, holding an olive branch in one hand and a shield in the other. The design’s intricate details and symbolism make it a favorite among collectors, but also create specific challenges for authentication.

Why Authentication Matters for Standing Liberty Quarters

With counterfeits flooding the market, knowing the specific diagnostic points for this item is critical. The Standing Liberty Quarter’s popularity, combined with its relatively high value in better grades, makes it a prime target for counterfeiters. Understanding the key authentication markers can save collectors from costly mistakes and preserve the integrity of their collections.

Weight and Metal Composition: The First Line of Defense

Authentic Standing Liberty Quarters were struck in 90% silver and 10% copper, with a standard weight of 6.25 grams. This weight is consistent across all dates and mint marks. When authenticating a coin, a precise digital scale is essential. Counterfeit coins often deviate from this standard weight, either being too light (indicating incorrect alloy composition) or too heavy (suggesting added material or incorrect dimensions).

The specific gravity test can also be revealing. A genuine Standing Liberty Quarter should have a specific gravity of approximately 10.34 g/cm³. This test requires specialized equipment but provides additional confirmation of authenticity.

Magnetic Properties: A Simple but Effective Test

Standing Liberty Quarters should be non-magnetic. Using a strong neodymium magnet, you can quickly test if a coin is attracted to the magnet. If the coin shows any magnetic attraction, it’s an immediate red flag indicating either a counterfeit or a coin that has been altered with magnetic materials. This simple test can eliminate many fakes before more detailed examination is needed.

Die Markers and Design Details

Understanding the specific die characteristics of authentic Standing Liberty Quarters is crucial for authentication. Type 1 (1916-1917) coins feature Lady Liberty with an exposed right breast and no stars below the eagle on the reverse. Type 2 coins (1917-1924, 1925-1930) have the breast covered with chain mail and three stars below the eagle.

Key die markers to examine include:

• The quality and depth of the head detail on Type 1 coins (the “full head” designation significantly impacts value)
• The definition of the shield’s horizontal lines
• The clarity of the olive branch details
• The sharpness of the eagle’s feathers on the reverse

Common Counterfeit Types and How to Spot Them

Several counterfeit types commonly appear in the market:

Altered Date Counterfeits

Many counterfeits involve altering the date on common-date coins to make them appear as rare dates. For Standing Liberty Quarters, the 1916 and 1918/7-S overdate are particularly targeted. Examine the date under magnification for signs of tooling, uneven spacing, or unnatural wear patterns.

Re-cast Coins

Re-cast counterfeits often have a mushy appearance with loss of fine detail. The surfaces may appear porous or have tiny bubbles. These coins typically fail the weight test and may show signs of having been cast in molds rather than struck.

Contemporary Counterfeits

Older counterfeits from the early 20th century often used different silver content or base metal cores. These may pass basic visual inspection but fail specific gravity tests or show unusual toning patterns that don’t match authentic circulated coins.

Testing Methods for Authentication

Visual Examination

Begin with a thorough visual inspection using a quality magnifying glass (5x-10x magnification). Look for:

• Even wear patterns consistent with the coin’s alleged grade
• Natural luster (or appropriate toning for circulated coins)
• Sharpness of design elements, particularly on high points
• Any signs of tooling, re-engraving, or repair

Specific Gravity Testing

This non-destructive test requires a precision scale and a water container. The process involves:

1. Weighing the coin dry (W1)
2. Weighing the coin suspended in water (W2)
3. Calculating specific gravity: SG = W1 / (W1 – W2)

A genuine Standing Liberty Quarter should calculate to approximately 10.34 g/cm³.

Die Variety Research

Many Standing Liberty Quarters have known die varieties that can aid in authentication. Resources like the Cherrypickers’ Guide to Rare Die Varieties provide detailed information about specific markers for different dates and mints. Familiarizing yourself with these varieties can help identify coins that match known authentic characteristics.

The Type 1 vs. Type 2 Distinction

The transition from Type 1 to Type 2 design in 1917 creates specific authentication considerations. Type 1 coins (1916-1917) should show the exposed breast and lack stars below the eagle. Type 2 coins should display the chain mail covering and three stars below the eagle. Counterfeiters sometimes alter Type 2 coins to resemble the more valuable Type 1, so understanding these design differences is essential.

Professional Authentication Services

For high-value Standing Liberty Quarters, professional authentication through services like PCGS, NGC, ANACS, or ICG provides the highest level of confidence. These services employ multiple expert authenticators and use advanced testing equipment to verify authenticity, grade the coin, and encapsulate it in tamper-evident holders.

Conclusion: Protecting Your Investment

The Standing Liberty Quarter remains one of the most beloved series in American numismatics, combining artistic beauty with historical significance. However, this popularity makes authentication knowledge essential for collectors at all levels. By understanding weight specifications, magnetic properties, die markers, common counterfeit types, and proper testing methods, you can confidently build your collection while avoiding costly mistakes.

Remember that authentication is a skill that develops with experience. Start with common-date, lower-value coins to practice your authentication techniques before moving to more valuable pieces. Join local coin clubs, attend shows, and handle as many authentic coins as possible to develop your eye for genuine specimens. With proper knowledge and careful examination, you can ensure that each Standing Liberty Quarter in your collection is the genuine article, preserving both its monetary and historical value for future generations.

Related Resources

You might also find these related articles helpful:

• Finding 1964D Lincoln Penny in the Wild: A Cherry Picker’s Guide – Uncovering Hidden Treasures in Everyday Change You don’t always need a dealer to find valuable coins. Sometimes th…
• Can 1964D Lincoln Penny Be Made Into Jewelry? A Crafter’s Guide – Introduction: The Crafting Potential of a 1964D Lincoln Penny Not every coin is suitable for crafting. Let’s look …
• Smart Buying Guide: How to Buy A Quick question — One Time shipping Insurance for a higher value piece Without Getting Ripped Off – Understanding the Insurance Challenge When adding a high-value collectible to your collection, securing the best deal re…