-
Inventory:
OUT OF STOCK
- Product ID: 56294
Checkout
The Certified Standing Liberty Quarter 1929 AU58 PCGS is an exceptional example of the final years of one of America’s most artistically significant coin series. Graded About Uncirculated 58 by Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), this piece exhibits full detail, strong luster, and only the slightest high-point friction—placing it just shy of Mint State. As a late-date example of the Standing Liberty quarter series, the 1929 issue reflects the culmination of over a decade of design evolution and minting refinement. Its superior preservation, nearly uncirculated condition, and certification by PCGS make it a desirable acquisition for both type collectors and series specialists.
Designed by Hermon A. MacNeil and introduced in 1916, the Standing Liberty quarter replaced the Barber quarter and remained in production through 1930. The series is divided into two major design types: Type 1 (1916–1917), which featured a bare-breasted Liberty, and Type 2 (1917–1930), which featured Liberty covered in chain mail and included revised design elements. The 1929 quarter is a Type 2 issue and displays the modified, more modest rendering of Liberty, as well as a repositioned eagle on the reverse and a recessed date for increased protection against wear. By 1929, the U.S. Mint had refined its striking quality, and most quarters from this year are known for their sharpness and luster.
The obverse of the 1929 Standing Liberty quarter features Liberty standing confidently in a recessed archway. She holds a shield in her left hand, facing forward in a protective stance, while her right hand extends an olive branch symbolizing peace. The inscription “LIBERTY” arches across the top, and the date “1929” appears at the bottom. In AU58 condition, this coin retains full design detail, including the intricate folds in Liberty’s gown, the rivets on the shield, and the facial features. The high points—such as Liberty’s knee, breastplate, and parts of the shield—may show the faintest trace of wear, but the fields remain lustrous and largely mark-free. Cartwheel brilliance is often present, especially when the coin is tilted under light.
The reverse of the coin depicts an eagle in flight, soaring upward with wings fully spread and tail feathers flared. The inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” are above the eagle, while “QUARTER DOLLAR” is struck along the lower rim. The 1929 issue does not bear a mintmark on this particular example, indicating it was struck at the Philadelphia Mint. In AU58, the reverse displays full feather detail on the eagle’s wings and body, with strong luster throughout the fields. Slight friction may appear on the wing tips or body of the eagle but is barely perceptible to the naked eye.
The 1929 Philadelphia issue had a mintage of 11,140,000 coins, a relatively robust figure for the series. While not a key date in terms of rarity, it is one of the final issues of the Standing Liberty quarter and holds historical significance as part of the last peacetime coinage before the economic collapse of the Great Depression. The final year of the series would come just one year later in 1930, after which the design was replaced by the Washington quarter in 1932. Because of this, 1929 coins serve as a sort of farewell to one of the most artistically admired designs in U.S. coinage.
PCGS’s AU58 grade places this coin at the very cusp of Mint State, meaning it displays full detail and luster but has experienced extremely light friction on the highest surfaces, likely from brief contact or slight movement through the minting or banking process. AU58 coins are popular among collectors because they offer nearly the same visual appeal as uncirculated examples but at a fraction of the cost. With only the subtlest distinction separating an AU58 from an MS62, these coins are often chosen by collectors who prioritize detail and affordability over numerical perfection.
Certified coins like this are encapsulated in PCGS’s secure, tamper-evident holders that guarantee both authenticity and accurate grading. This certification is especially valuable for series like the Standing Liberty quarter, where strike quality, luster, and surface preservation can vary widely. PCGS, as one of the most respected grading services, provides market confidence and collector assurance, which often enhances the coin’s desirability and long-term value.
From a numismatic perspective, the Standing Liberty quarter occupies a unique place in American coin design. MacNeil’s composition reflects classical influences and conveys a symbolic message of readiness and peace during a time of changing national identity. The Type 2 version—such as this 1929 coin—offers collectors a more refined and fully realized vision of the original concept, adjusted to meet public sensibilities and improve die life. Collectors appreciate the balance of artistry and practicality seen in these later issues, as well as their place in the broader context of early 20th-century American history.
In terms of appearance, an AU58 1929 quarter typically exhibits strong luster, minimal surface distractions, and original toning or color consistent with silver coinage stored in proper conditions. Light golden, rose, or blue hues may appear at the rims, adding to the coin’s visual appeal. The presence of such toning often signals that the coin has not been cleaned or mishandled, further enhancing its desirability. All design elements—from Liberty’s facial expression to the eagle’s feathers—remain fully visible and strike sharply, making this coin an excellent candidate for inclusion in a high-quality type or date set.
The Certified Standing Liberty Quarter 1929 AU58 PCGS represents a nearly pristine example of a beloved American classic. With its strong strike, original surfaces, and elegant design, this coin bridges the gap between collector-grade and investment-level numismatics. It captures the final years of a short-lived but visually striking series, making it a highly desirable piece for collectors of early 20th-century U.S. silver or enthusiasts of historically rich coinage. As the series' twilight approaches in 1930, this 1929 issue stands as a final salute to a truly iconic design in American numismatics.