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The Certified 1929 Standing Liberty Quarter graded MS65 by NGC is a superb example of late-series brilliance from one of the most artistic coin designs ever produced by the United States Mint. The Standing Liberty series, minted from 1916 through 1930, was created by Hermon A. MacNeil to embody the nation's ideals of liberty, strength, and peace. By 1929, the Type 2 version of the design had been well established, characterized by a more conservative rendering of Liberty and improved technical strike characteristics. This MS65 specimen, certified by the Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC), reflects gem-quality preservation, showcasing full detail, vibrant luster, and minimal abrasions—traits highly prized by collectors and type set builders.
The obverse of the 1929 quarter features a standing figure of Liberty positioned in a classical niche, carrying a shield in her left hand and an olive branch in her right. By this stage in the series, the Type 2 design, introduced mid-1917, had replaced the original bare-breasted depiction with a chainmail-covered bodice to respond to public sentiment. This design balances martial readiness and a diplomatic stance. In this Mint State 65 example, Liberty’s figure is sharply struck, with fully defined shield details, clear facial features, and crisply rendered folds in her gown. The olive branch, symbolic of peace, is also distinct. The motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” appears inscribed behind Liberty’s figure, while the date “1929” is prominently displayed below her feet. The fields of the obverse are clean and lustrous, with no major marks or distractions, upholding the coin’s gem-level designation.
The reverse displays a high-flying American eagle with wings stretched upward in full flight. This design, too, was refined in the Type 2 version. Three five-pointed stars are placed beneath the eagle, while thirteen others—representing the original colonies—are positioned around the periphery. The inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “QUARTER DOLLAR” encircle the reverse, and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” lies just beneath the eagle’s wings. On this MS65 coin, the eagle’s body and wings are fully struck, with precise detailing in the feathers and sharp delineation in the tail and claws. The fields surrounding the eagle are free of detracting abrasions, and the frosty luster characteristic of original Mint State coins radiates outward in full cartwheel effect. The artistry and precision in this piece embody the technical excellence achieved by the U.S. Mint in its final years of Standing Liberty quarter production.
The 1929 Standing Liberty Quarter was produced at the Philadelphia Mint, as evidenced by the absence of a mintmark below the date. With a total mintage of 11,140,000 pieces, the 1929 issue had the second-highest mintage of any year in the series. While this might suggest a common issue, the number of survivors in Mint State—particularly those certified as MS65 or higher—is substantially smaller. Most coins from this year entered circulation and saw regular use, especially as the country approached the financial uncertainty of the Great Depression. As such, sharply struck and well-preserved examples like this one are sought after for their combination of beauty and scarcity at higher grades.
Each 1929 Standing Liberty Quarter is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, with a standard diameter of 24.3 mm and a mass of 6.25 grams. These specifications were consistent throughout the series. The Philadelphia Mint, responsible for this issue, was known for producing coins with clean fields and bold strikes, especially in the later years of the series. Coins from this era generally exhibit good detail, particularly when compared to earlier dates, many of which are notorious for weak strikes. On this MS65 example, the superior strike and preservation indicate the coin was likely saved soon after minting, avoiding extensive handling and environmental wear.
MS65, or Mint State 65, is a “gem uncirculated” grade that indicates a coin with strong eye appeal, full original luster, and only minor, unobtrusive contact marks. For the 1929 Standing Liberty Quarter, this means Liberty’s head, shield, and gown are fully outlined and free from flatness, and the eagle’s wing feathers are crisp and complete. The coin should exhibit a bright, attractive surface, often with a frosty or semi-prooflike sheen depending on the specific strike and die state. Coins graded at this level are popular among both seasoned collectors and investors due to their visual appeal and long-term desirability.
By 1929, the Standing Liberty design was in its final phase, with the Washington Quarter slated to replace it just one year later in 1932. The transition marked the end of a brief but artistically significant series. The 1929 issue, therefore, is among the last of its kind and is a staple for those building a complete date set or type set of 20th-century American silver coinage. The Philadelphia Mint’s version is especially favored for its high-quality strikes, and when found in gem condition like this MS65 example, it is often used to represent the series in high-end type sets due to its availability and affordability relative to earlier or lower-mintage dates.
NGC certification adds an extra layer of assurance to this coin’s authenticity, grade accuracy, and marketability. Collectors rely on NGC for their rigorous grading standards and detailed encapsulation that protects the coin while enhancing its presentation. With MS65 examples, collectors gain the visual and technical excellence that allows a coin’s artistry to shine, with none of the distracting marks or dulling that can appear on lower-grade specimens. The certified holder preserves both value and condition over time, making this a secure and attractive acquisition for any advanced numismatic collection.
In conclusion, the Certified 1929 Standing Liberty Quarter MS65 NGC is a high-grade, visually striking silver coin that showcases the end of one of America’s most elegant coinage designs. Its historical importance, superb preservation, and graceful imagery make it a standout piece whether displayed individually or as part of a complete set. With gem Mint State surfaces, a bold strike, and the respected NGC certification, this coin offers collectors an opportunity to own a beautiful artifact of late 1920s America—a time of artistic brilliance and impending economic transformation, encapsulated in silver.