My 6-Month Journey Grading 1917-S Standing Liberty Quarters: How I Learned to Spot the Differences Between Type-1 and Type-2

I’ve Been Grading These Coins for Months. Here’s What I Wish I Knew Sooner

Over the past six months, I’ve spent countless hours grading 1917-S Standing Liberty Quarters. My focus? Spotting the subtle but crucial differences between Type-1 and Type-2 coins. What began as a casual curiosity quickly grew into a passion—and a humbling reminder of how much there is to learn. Let me share my journey, the errors I made, and the practical tips I picked up along the way.

The Challenge That Started It All

It all started when I got my hands on two 1917-S Standing Liberty Quarters—one Type-1 and one Type-2. Confident in my basic grading skills, I assumed identifying their conditions would be simple. Boy, was I mistaken.

Initial Missteps

My first big error? Thinking I could grade both types using the same standards. The Type-1, with its exposed breast design, tends to wear differently than the modified Type-2. I initially graded the Type-1 as VF20 and the Type-2 as VF30. Later, I found out professionals had rated them F12 and VF30. That was a real eye-opener.

Why the Discrepancy?

• Design Differences: The Type-1’s delicate features—like gown lines and the shield—wear down faster, which means harsher grading.
• Strike Quality: The Type-2’s “meatier” leg and gown areas often hold up better in circulation.
• Photo Pitfalls: Lighting and angles in photos can hide key details, something I learned when my initial grades didn’t match PCGS results.

Lessons Learned the Hard Way

If I could go back, here’s what I’d tell my past self to skip months of trial and error.

1. Focus on These Key Areas

For Type-1:

• Check the breast and gown lines—early wear here really drops the grade.
• The shield’s horizontal lines are a dead giveaway; if they’re faint, it’s probably F15 or lower.

For Type-2:

• Pay close attention to the leg and modified gown—these areas keep their detail longer.
• Don’t put too much weight on head detail; it’s often less sharp than on Type-1 coins.

2. Grading Is Relative, Not Absolute

A VF30 coin might look “better” than an F12, but for Standing Liberty Quarters, the Type-1’s design naturally leads to lower grades. Comparing them side by side can be misleading—they’re really different animals.

“The Standing Liberty design is stunning in Mint State, but it didn’t wear well in circulation. That’s why grading it needs a special approach.”

3. Trust the Process (But Verify)

At first, I doubted the PCGS grades, sure my eye was keener. But after examining hundreds of coins, I saw that pros notice nuances—like strike quality and wear patterns—that beginners often miss.

Real Results: How My Grading Improved

After months of practice, my accuracy shot up. Here’s what worked for me:

• Studied Certified Examples: I followed PCGS-graded coins to learn how wear patterns relate to grades.
• Handled Raw Coins: Feeling the surfaces in person taught me more than any photo ever could.
• Joined Communities: Hearing about others’ mistakes—like overgrading Type-1 coins—saved me a lot of time.

Key Takeaways

If you’re getting into Standing Liberty Quarters:

1. Type matters more than you think. Always grade Type-1 and Type-2 separately.
2. Photos lie. Inspect coins in hand or trust reputable graders.
3. Patience pays. This series rewards careful study—rush, and you’ll likely misgrade.

Final Thoughts

Grading these coins taught me both humility and precision. What felt like a simple hobby turned into a masterclass in paying attention to details. Whether you’re new to collecting or have been at it awhile, I hope my stumbles and discoveries help you save time and avoid frustration.

Related Resources

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