The 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter is a 25-cent coin that was produced by the United States Mint from 1916 to 1930. It was designed by sculptor Hermon Atkins MacNeil. It features a depiction of the figure of Liberty on the obverse (front) of the coin, standing facing to the left with an olive branch in her left hand and a shield in her right hand. The reverse (back) of the coin features an eagle in flight.
The Standing Liberty Quarter is made of 90% silver and 10% copper and has a diameter of approximately 24.3 millimeters. It weighs 6.25 grams. The coin was produced in both a business strike (circulation) version and a proof version for collectors.
The 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter is considered to be a key date in the series because it is the first year of production and relatively low numbers were minted. As a result, it is highly sought after by collectors and is considered to be a valuable coin.
There was some controversy surrounding the design of the 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter due to the depiction of Liberty on the obverse of the coin. The original design, created by sculptor Hermon Atkins MacNeil, featured Liberty standing with her right breast exposed and a flowing gown that left her legs partially visible. This design was deemed inappropriate by some members of Congress and the public, and it was modified in 1917 to cover Liberty's chest with a chain mail vest and to extend the folds of her gown to cover her legs.
Despite the modifications to the design, the Standing Liberty Quarter continued to be the subject of controversy for several more years. Some people felt that the design was too modern and did not adequately represent the tradition and values of the United States. Others argued that the design was too difficult to understand or that it was not aesthetically pleasing. As a result, the design of the Standing Liberty Quarter was changed again in 1925 to a more conservative design featuring a fully clothed Liberty holding a shield and olive branch. This design was used until the series ended in 1930. Learn more about this great hobby, read Quick Guide to Coin Collecting, 2nd Edition.
