The 1917-D Type 1 Standing Liberty Quarter is worth anywhere from $30 in heavily worn condition to well over $2,000 in high-grade mint state — and top examples have sold for tens of thousands at major auctions. If you’ve found one of these coins in an old collection or coin jar, you may be sitting on something genuinely valuable.
What Makes the 1917-D Type 1 So Special
The 1917-D Type 1 Standing Liberty Quarter holds a unique place in American numismatic history. It was struck at the Denver Mint for only one year in this original design — where Liberty’s right breast was exposed, giving the coin an artistic boldness that caused public controversy at the time. Congress quickly pushed for a redesign, making Type 1 coins a one-year-only issue. That short production window, combined with the coin’s historical story, makes it a favorite among collectors today.
The “D” mintmark means it was made in Denver, and you’ll find it on the obverse (front) of the coin, just to the right of the date. Denver struck 6,524,400 of these quarters in 1917, which sounds like a lot — but decades of circulation, cleaning, and loss have made high-quality examples genuinely scarce. If you’ve got one and want a quick look at what it might be worth, a free coin identification app can help you get a ballpark before you dive deeper. Tools like CoinHix make it easy to identify your coin and pull up real market data right from your phone.
How to Check the Coin’s Condition (Grade)
Coin grading is everything when it comes to value. The difference between a Good-4 and an MS-65 example of the 1917-D Type 1 can be thousands of dollars. Here’s what to look for:
– Poor/Fair: The coin is barely identifiable. Date and mintmark may be visible, but little else.
– Good (G-4 to G-6): The outline of Liberty and the shield are visible. Most fine details are worn flat.
– Fine (F-12 to F-15): Moderate wear across the high points. Liberty’s head and upper body show some detail.
– Extremely Fine (EF-40 to EF-45): Light wear on the highest points. Most design elements are sharp and clear.
– Mint State (MS-60 to MS-67): No wear at all. Luster, strike quality, and surface preservation determine the exact grade.
Pay close attention to Liberty’s shield on the left side and her head — these areas wear first. The date on Standing Liberty Quarters is notoriously vulnerable to wear because it sat on a raised area of the design, so a clear, fully readable date is a positive sign for value.
1917-D Type 1 Standing Liberty Quarter Value Chart
Here’s a breakdown of approximate retail values based on grade:
| Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $30 – $45 |
| Very Good (VG-8) | $50 – $70 |
| Fine (F-12) | $80 – $120 |
| Very Fine (VF-20) | $130 – $175 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | $200 – $300 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-55) | $350 – $500 |
| MS-63 | $600 – $900 |
| MS-65 | $1,500 – $2,500 |
| MS-67 | $10,000+ |
Values fluctuate with the silver market and collector demand. For the most current 1917-D Type 1 Standing Liberty Quarter price data across all grades, check the latest auction results and retail pricing for this exact coin — the numbers update regularly and reflect what buyers are actually paying today.
What Affects the Value Beyond Grade
Grading alone doesn’t tell the whole story. Several other factors can push your 1917-D Type 1 higher or lower in value:
Strike quality is a big one. Standing Liberty Quarters were often weakly struck, especially on Liberty’s head and the eagle’s breast feathers. A coin with a full head (sometimes called “FH”) commands a significant premium. Collectors actively seek these out.
Original surfaces matter too. Many old quarters were cleaned by well-meaning owners who wanted them to shine. Unfortunately, cleaning damages the metal’s surface at a microscopic level and almost always reduces value — sometimes dramatically. A coin with original, untouched surfaces is always more desirable.
Toning can be a plus or minus. Natural, even toning that developed over decades is generally accepted and can even add beauty. Artificial or uneven toning is a red flag.
Finally, certification from PCGS or NGC adds credibility and can increase what buyers are willing to pay, especially for higher-grade examples. If you think your coin might be MS-63 or better, professional grading is worth considering. You can also browse detailed 1917 quarter value information by grade and mintmark to understand how your specific coin compares before deciding whether to submit.
Should You Sell, Hold, or Get It Graded
If your 1917-D Type 1 is circulated and in Good to Fine condition, you might get $30 to $120 from a coin dealer or on eBay. That’s still real money for a coin you found lying around. If it looks uncirculated — meaning no wear, with luster still visible — definitely don’t clean it, don’t flip it quickly, and consider having it graded by a professional service.
The best approach is to document what you have, compare it to graded examples online, and use a tool like CoinHix to track current prices. This app pulls live market data and lets you compare your coin to recent sales, which takes a lot of the guesswork out of the process. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, having that data in your pocket makes a real difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I know if my quarter is a Type 1 or Type 2?
A: Look at Liberty’s upper body on the obverse. On Type 1 (1916–1917), her right breast is exposed. On Type 2 (1917–1930), the design was modified to add chainmail covering her chest. If yours shows bare skin above the shield, it’s a Type 1.
Q: Is the 1917-D worth more than the 1917 Philadelphia mint quarter?
A: The 1917 Philadelphia issue (no mintmark) has a similar mintage and value range. In most grades, the two are fairly close in price, though collector preference and strike quality can tip the scales. The Denver (D) and San Francisco (S) issues are all considered desirable Type 1 coins.
Q: Where’s the best place to sell a 1917-D Type 1 Standing Liberty Quarter?
A: For circulated examples, eBay or a local coin dealer is fine. For higher-grade coins (EF-40 and above), consider major auction houses like Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers, where serious collectors compete and prices reflect true market value. Using CoinHix to research recent sales beforehand will help you set realistic expectations and avoid leaving money on the table.
