The 1930-S Standing Liberty Quarter is worth anywhere from $8 in heavily worn condition to well over $200 in mint state, with some high-grade examples fetching $500 or more at auction. If you’ve recently discovered one of these beautiful coins, you’re in the right place to find out exactly what you’ve got.
The 1930-S is a San Francisco Mint issue from the final year of the Standing Liberty Quarter series, and collectors pay close attention to it. Before we dive into the numbers, one of the easiest ways to identify and get a quick value estimate on coins like this is by using a free coin identification app — it can save you a lot of time before you visit a dealer or do deeper research. If you want to get serious about tracking your collection’s worth, CoinHix is one of the best tools available to everyday collectors right now.
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What Makes the 1930-S Standing Liberty Quarter Special
The Standing Liberty Quarter was designed by sculptor Hermon Atkins MacNeil and minted from 1916 to 1930. The 1930-S was struck at the San Francisco Mint and represents the very last year of production for this beloved design. That “S” mintmark — found on the obverse, to the left of the date — sets it apart from the Philadelphia issue of the same year.
What makes this coin particularly interesting is the combination of its historical significance and its relatively modest mintage. Only 1,556,000 pieces were struck in San Francisco that year, which is a fairly low number compared to many other 20th-century quarters. Low mintage generally means stronger collector demand, and that directly affects value. The design itself — Lady Liberty striding forward with a shield and olive branch — is considered one of the most artistically stunning in U.S. coinage history, which adds to its desirability on the market.
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1930-S Standing Liberty Quarter Values by Grade
Coin value is almost entirely dependent on condition, or “grade.” A coin that’s been passed through many hands for decades will be worth far less than one that’s been carefully preserved. Here’s a general value breakdown:
| Grade | Description | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | Heavy wear, major design visible | $8 – $12 |
| Fine (F-12) | Moderate wear, all features clear | $20 – $30 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | Light wear on high points | $60 – $90 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-55) | Slight wear, nearly full luster | $120 – $175 |
| Mint State (MS-63) | Uncirculated, minor marks | $200 – $350 |
| Mint State (MS-65+) | Gem quality, full strike preferred | $500 – $1,500+ |
For the most accurate and up-to-date pricing data, you can check the 1930-S Standing Liberty Quarter market prices across all mint state grades to see what certified examples are actually selling for right now.
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The Full Head Designation and Why It Matters
One thing that can dramatically increase the value of your 1930-S Standing Liberty Quarter is a variety known as the “Full Head” (FH). On most circulated examples, the details of Lady Liberty’s helmet are worn smooth. But on coins that were well-struck and never circulated, those helmet details — the rivets and the cheek line — remain fully visible.
A coin graded MS-64 FH can easily be worth two to three times more than a standard MS-64 without the Full Head designation. The Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) both recognize the FH designation and apply it during their grading process. If your coin appears to have sharp, complete helmet detail, it’s absolutely worth submitting to a professional grading service — the premium can be significant. Many collectors specifically seek out Full Head examples, making them considerably harder to find in true gem condition.
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How to Sell or Get Your 1930-S Quarter Appraised
Once you have a sense of your coin’s grade, you might wonder how to sell it or get a professional opinion. Your main options include local coin dealers, coin shows, online auction platforms like eBay or Heritage Auctions, and certified grading submission through PCGS or NGC.
For a quick and reliable reference before you take any action, the detailed 1930 quarter value breakdown by mint mark and condition is a great place to start your research. It helps you walk into any negotiation informed and confident.
If you want to manage multiple coins in your collection and track their values over time, CoinHix makes it incredibly easy. The app lets you log your coins, see current market data, and understand trends — all from your phone. It’s a practical tool whether you’re a first-time finder or a seasoned hobbyist.
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FAQ
Q: Is the 1930-S Standing Liberty Quarter rare?
A: It’s considered a scarcer coin within the series, with just over 1.5 million minted in San Francisco. It’s not extremely rare, but lower-mintage issues like this one always attract more collector interest, especially in higher grades.
Q: How do I tell if my quarter has the “S” mintmark?
A: Look on the obverse (front) of the coin, just to the left of the date at the bottom. The “S” mintmark is small but visible with good lighting or a magnifying glass. No mintmark means it was struck in Philadelphia.
Q: Should I clean my 1930-S Standing Liberty Quarter before selling it?
A: Absolutely not. Cleaning a coin — even gently — removes the original surface and can permanently destroy its numismatic value. A cleaned coin will always be worth significantly less than an unaltered example in the same grade. Leave it as-is and let a professional evaluate it in its natural state. CoinHix can also help you understand condition-based pricing so you know what you’re working with before making any decisions.
