QUARTER DOLLAR 1916-1917

The 1916 coin is, by far, the more rare of two years. Only 52,000 were made in 1916 and well over 10,000,000 in 1917. The design was far ahead of its time, as Miss Liberty appeared partially nude. Hermon A. MacNeil, a well-known sculptor, produced this new design, replacing the familiar Barber motif. The obverse depicts Miss Liberty standing in a gateway, her right breast exposed, wearing a gown, holding a branch in her right hand and a shield in her left. Perhaps the designer was intending to portray the seduction of Freedom as immigrants began pouring into this country in search of everything Miss Liberty stood for. LIBERTY is in an arc above, while IN GOD WE TRUST is lettered on the wall or parapet to each side of where she stands. The date is on a pedestal beneath her feet. The reverse shows an eagle flying to the right, with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and E PLURIBUS UNUM above, with QUARTER DOLLAR below. Seven stars are to the left and six to the right.

While examples of the 1916 date are rare, the type set collector desiring a Standing Liberty quarter of 1917 will have no difficulty in acquiring one from any desired grade from Good through AU. Uncirculated pieces are fairly scarce, while superb Uncirculated coins are very elusive. Unlike their later counterparts, Type I quarters are usually sharply struck at Miss Liberty's head and on the shield. Most Uncirculated pieces possess full details.

Considering the relatively few number of these coins minted, you would be well advised to hold onto any specimen of great detail. It may be your last chance to see Miss Liberty in such adornment or lack of. The style was discontinued part way through 1917.