The Hidden Nuances of Grading 1917-S Standing Liberty Quarters: Why Type-1 vs. Type-2 Differences Are Critical
September 15, 2025I Graded Every 1917-S Type-1 and Type-2 Standing Liberty Quarter – Here’s What Actually Determines Their Value
September 15, 2025
Introduction
New to coin grading? Let’s walk through how to evaluate 1917-S Standing Liberty Quarters, especially the differences between Type-1 and Type-2. This beginner’s guide gives you the basics, clears up confusion, and helps you grade with more confidence.
Understanding Standing Liberty Quarters
Hermon A. MacNeil designed the Standing Liberty Quarter, minted from 1916 to 1930. The 1917-S coins from San Francisco stand out because they come in two types:
- Type-1: Liberty’s right breast is bare.
- Type-2: Chainmail covers her chest, a change made after some public feedback.
Beyond looks, these types differ in strike quality and how they wear. That affects grading a lot.
Grading Fundamentals
Grading coins means checking their condition—look for wear, luster, and detail. For SLQs, pay attention to:
Liberty’s Head and Shield
These high points wear first. On a nice coin, Liberty’s hair and the shield’s details stay sharp.
Leg and Gown Lines
These help tell Type-1 and Type-2 apart. Type-2 coins often keep more detail here, which can mean a higher grade.
Date and Mint Mark
The date and “S” mint mark should be clear. If they’re worn or faint, the grade drops.
Common Misconceptions
Beginners often believe these myths:
- Myth: Type-2 coins are always in better shape. The design is tougher, but wear still varies.
- Myth: Only details matter for high grades. Luster and surface quality count too.
- Myth: Grading is totally objective. Even pros disagree—you might see the same coin graded F12 by one and XF40 by another.
Practical Grading Exercise
Let’s try grading those 1917-S SLQs:
Type-1 (F12)
This one got F12 (close to F15). Look for:
- Heavy wear on Liberty’s head and shield.
- Gown lines are weak or gone.
- The date and mint mark are there but not strong.
Type-2 (VF30)
This Type-2 graded VF30 (near VF35). Notice:
- Leg and gown lines are clearer than on Type-1.
- Moderate wear on shield and head, but details remain.
- Date and “S” are easy to read.
Actionable Takeaways
To get better at grading:
- Study High-Grade Examples: Look at Mint State coins to see how details should appear.
- Use a Magnifying Glass: It helps spot small wear marks.
- Compare Side by Side: Put graded coins next to ones you’re unsure about.
- Consult the Red Book: The Guide Book of United States Coins has clear grading standards.
Conclusion
Grading 1917-S Standing Liberty Quarters means knowing Type-1 vs. Type-2 differences, spotting key wear areas, and steering clear of myths. Focus on Liberty’s head, shield, legs, and gown. Grading blends art and science—with practice, you’ll get more accurate. Enjoy your collecting journey!
Related Resources
You might also find these related articles helpful:
- The Hidden Nuances of Grading 1917-S Standing Liberty Quarters: Why Type-1 vs. Type-2 Differences Are Critical – Here’s What Most Collectors Miss About 1917-S Standing Liberty Quarters Grading 1917-S Standing Liberty Quarters i…
- How I Mastered Grading 1917-S Type-1 vs. Type-2 Standing Liberty Quarters (Complete Guide) – The 1917-S Quarter Mystery That Drove Me Crazy (Solved) Let me tell you about the night I nearly gave up coin collecting…
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