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The Certified Standing Liberty Quarter 1916 F Details PCGS is a historically significant and exceptionally rare coin that marks the debut of one of the most iconic designs in American numismatics. The 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter was the first year of issue for this elegant and artistic coin, designed by Hermon A. MacNeil. Its release coincided with a critical moment in U.S. coinage history, as the Mint sought to modernize and beautify circulating coinage following the success of the new Barber coinage replacements introduced in 1916. The coin’s extreme rarity, combined with its unique artistic value and its status as the series' inaugural issue, makes any example a coveted treasure, even in a detail-graded condition.
The origins of the Standing Liberty Quarter lie in a larger effort during the early 20th century to rejuvenate U.S. coinage with new and more beautiful designs. The Barber series, introduced in 1892, had grown stale in public opinion. President Theodore Roosevelt had earlier initiated the “Renaissance of American Coinage,” leading to masterpieces like the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle and the Buffalo Nickel. In 1916, the dime, quarter, and half dollar were all redesigned. Hermon A. MacNeil, an accomplished sculptor, was commissioned to redesign the quarter, and the result was a striking depiction of Liberty that was both classical and symbolic of national strength and ideals.
The obverse of the 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter features Liberty in a standing pose, facing forward with her right breast exposed, holding an olive branch in her right hand and a shield in her left. The shield is raised in a defensive posture, symbolizing preparedness, while the olive branch represents peace. The word “LIBERTY” arcs over her head, and the date “1916” is positioned at the bottom. This original depiction, often referred to as the “Type 1” design, was bold and evocative, reflecting America’s position during a time of global tension. However, the partial nudity of Liberty proved controversial, prompting a redesign the following year.
The reverse of the coin displays an American bald eagle in mid-flight, wings spread and powerful in motion. The eagle is encircled by the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” with the denomination “QUARTER DOLLAR” below. The naturalistic depiction of the eagle reinforces the strength and freedom that the nation sought to project. The 1916 reverse does not include the three stars beneath the eagle, which would be added in the revised 1917 design. This omission helps differentiate it from the more common 1917 Type 1 issue and confirms its status as a first-year coin.
Minted exclusively at the Philadelphia Mint, the 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter had a shockingly low mintage of just 52,000 pieces. The low production number was largely due to the coin being struck very late in the year, and many banks continued distributing Barber Quarters well into 1917. As a result, most of the 1916 quarters were not saved and instead entered circulation, where they quickly wore. Few high-grade examples remain, and even heavily circulated pieces are valuable. Detail-graded specimens, such as this PCGS-certified F (Fine) Details example, offer collectors an opportunity to own this numismatic rarity at a more accessible price point.
The F Details grade from PCGS indicates that the coin shows moderate circulation wear, consistent with a Fine numeric grade (typically F12), but has some issue—such as cleaning, scratches, environmental damage, or other impairments—that precludes it from receiving a straight grade. Despite this, the coin remains genuine and clearly identifiable as the 1916 issue. In this grade, key features such as Liberty’s outline, shield, and olive branch are still visible, though lacking finer details. The eagle on the reverse will retain most of its form, though with flattened feather details. PCGS encapsulation assures authenticity and adds significant confidence to any transaction involving the coin.
Given the extreme rarity of the 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter, even examples with flaws are in strong demand. It is one of the most desirable key dates in 20th-century American coinage and a cornerstone of the Standing Liberty series. Collectors seek out any available specimens due to the scarcity and the short mintage window, and the issue is considered essential for completing a full set. Additionally, its design was changed significantly in 1917, making the 1916 coin unique among its peers and a standalone type coin, further increasing its numismatic appeal.
Historical context enhances the significance of the 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter. Struck during a time when the United States remained neutral in World War I, the coin’s imagery subtly reflected the national mood—a longing for peace (olive branch) tempered by the need for strength and defense (shield). This duality captured the complexities of America’s position on the world stage and the ideals of its citizenry. By 1917, as war approached, the design was altered, and Liberty was modestly covered in chain mail, symbolizing greater readiness for conflict. The original 1916 version remains a unique testament to a brief and idealistic moment in American coin design.
Though designated as having details, the coin still exhibits the charm and historical importance that makes it one of the most significant collectible quarters in U.S. numismatics. For collectors willing to accept surface impairments, a Details-graded 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter represents an opportunity to obtain this legendary rarity without paying the steep premiums associated with higher numeric grades. It is particularly attractive to collectors assembling complete sets or those who value the coin's historical and artistic importance more than technical perfection.
Surviving 1916 quarters are avidly tracked by numismatists and investors alike. Even worn and impaired examples can command strong premiums, and their value has steadily increased over the decades due to low supply and strong demand. With its status as a key date, a low mintage of only 52,000, and its status as the debut of a bold new design, the 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter continues to be one of the most respected and coveted issues in the realm of classic U.S. coinage. The Certified 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter F Details PCGS stands as a historically rich and visually compelling piece that continues to capture the imagination of collectors more than a century after its creation.