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The Certified 1928 Standing Liberty Quarter graded MS63FH by PCGS represents a well-preserved, choice uncirculated example of one of America’s most artistically admired coin series. The "FH" designation, which stands for "Full Head," signifies that the coin exhibits a full, bold strike on Liberty’s head, an important collector benchmark for Standing Liberty quarters. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint with no mintmark, the 1928 issue falls in the later years of the series and is notable for its generally sharp strikes and appealing design. With its Mint State 63 grade, this coin offers collectors a desirable combination of original luster, respectable eye appeal, and historical significance—all authenticated and certified by PCGS, one of the leading third-party grading services in the numismatic world.
The Standing Liberty Quarter was introduced in 1916 to replace the Barber quarter, part of a broader artistic revitalization of American coinage in the early 20th century. The design was created by sculptor Hermon A. MacNeil, whose imagery depicted Liberty standing confidently in a gateway, holding a shield in her left hand and an olive branch in her right. She appears as both a defender and a peacemaker—a powerful duality reflecting the pre-World War I American sentiment. The reverse features a majestic eagle in flight, flanked by 13 stars representing the original colonies. The series went through design changes in 1917, most notably covering Liberty’s exposed breast and modifying other features for clarity and durability.
By 1928, the Standing Liberty Quarter had firmly established its place in U.S. coinage, and the Philadelphia Mint struck 6,336,000 pieces that year. While not considered a key date, the 1928 issue is still sought after due to its strong strike characteristics and elegant appearance. Coins from this year are relatively accessible in Mint State grades, but Full Head (FH) examples are scarcer and more desirable, as the designation guarantees superior strike quality in one of the most critical areas of the obverse. Full Head coins exhibit three complete and separated hairlines on Liberty’s head, a feature often missing on weakly struck or worn specimens.
Graded MS63FH by PCGS, this 1928 Standing Liberty Quarter is considered Choice Uncirculated, meaning it has no signs of wear from circulation and retains full original mint luster. In this grade, the coin may display a few noticeable contact marks or light abrasions in non-focal areas but still offers strong visual appeal and overall eye-catching quality. Luster may range from satiny to slightly frosty, with some examples exhibiting attractive peripheral toning. The fields and devices should remain free of distracting blemishes, and the strike on this Full Head specimen will be sharp enough to showcase MacNeil’s artistry in full detail.
PCGS’s Full Head designation significantly enhances this coin’s desirability and value. Unlike the Full Bands designation used for Mercury dimes, Full Head on Standing Liberty quarters not only indicates a superior strike but also confirms that the obverse has been well-executed—a challenging feat in this series due to the intricacies of the design. The eagle on the reverse is typically well-struck on 1928 issues, showing detailed feathers and strong wing definition, but the Full Head detail on the obverse is less frequently encountered, which makes certified FH examples especially appealing to advanced collectors and registry competitors.
As with all Standing Liberty Quarters from 1917 onward, the 1928 issue is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. The coin contains 0.1808 troy ounces of silver, giving it some intrinsic bullion value. However, the numismatic premium far outweighs its metal content, particularly for certified MS63FH specimens. This series is one of the few in U.S. numismatics where strike quality is so highly emphasized, and the FH designation serves as a crucial indicator of the coin’s place in the upper echelons of the market.
PCGS certification ensures that the coin has been authenticated, graded according to strict professional standards, and attributed with the Full Head designation. The coin is sealed in a tamper-evident, sonically sealed holder with a clear label displaying its date, mint, grade, and certification number. PCGS is widely trusted in the numismatic community, and coins in their holders are highly liquid and recognized across the world. Registry collectors in particular seek PCGS-certified Full Head Standing Liberty quarters for set competition and collection enhancement.
The Standing Liberty Quarter series only lasted from 1916 through 1930, making it relatively short-lived by U.S. coin standards. However, its artistic and technical challenges make it one of the most rewarding series to collect. Building a complete set in Mint State, especially with Full Head designations, is a formidable challenge, as early dates and certain mintmarks can be extremely rare in such condition. The 1928 MS63FH serves as a prime candidate for inclusion in such a set—it is affordable compared to the rarest dates but still offers the satisfying combination of a crisp strike and uncirculated quality.
In terms of market appeal, the 1928 MS63FH PCGS is an excellent entry point into high-end Standing Liberty quarter collecting. It offers a well-defined Full Head example at a grade level where prices remain accessible to intermediate and advanced collectors alike. With a strong reputation for strike quality, luster, and preservation, 1928 Full Head pieces often outperform their generic counterparts in demand. Whether viewed as a type coin, a date/mint addition, or a certified investment in early 20th-century American numismatics, this MS63FH example checks all the boxes.
In conclusion, the Certified 1928 Standing Liberty Quarter graded MS63FH by PCGS is a standout piece that combines artistry, condition, and strike excellence in a compact and historic silver coin. Its Full Head designation elevates it into a higher tier of collectible quality, while the MS63 grade guarantees a beautiful, nearly gem-level appearance. As part of a short but beloved series, this coin appeals to type collectors, registry competitors, and investors seeking certified vintage silver with strong numismatic upside. It remains a shining representative of one of America’s most compelling coinage designs and a testament to the artistry of the early 20th-century Mint.