1916 Standing Liberty Quarter NGC VF25 CAC

The 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter holds a special place in United States numismatic history. It was the first year of issue for one of the nation’s most beautiful coin designs, and its combination of rarity, artistry, and historical significance makes it one of the great 20th-century key dates. Collectors treasure this coin not only for its low mintage but also for the story it tells about American coinage during a transformative era.

By 1916, the U.S. Mint was beginning to modernize its coin designs. Earlier in the decade, the Barber coinage, designed by Charles E. Barber and in use since 1892, was considered outdated. President Theodore Roosevelt’s earlier “Renaissance of American Coinage” had already brought about the Saint-Gaudens double eagle, the Indian Head eagle, the Lincoln cent, and the Buffalo nickel. In this spirit of renewal, the Mint sought to replace the Barber quarter with something more artistic and emblematic of the country’s ideals.

The task went to sculptor Hermon A. MacNeil, whose design of Liberty as a standing figure remains one of the most celebrated in U.S. numismatics. The obverse depicts Liberty facing right, standing in a gateway, holding a shield in one hand and an olive branch in the other. The shield suggests readiness to defend the nation, while the olive branch represents peace. This dual symbolism reflected the United States’ position in 1916, still neutral in World War I but aware of its potential role in global affairs. The reverse features a bold eagle in flight, surrounded by stars, symbolizing strength and independence.

The 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter was struck in very small numbers. Only 52,000 pieces were produced at the Philadelphia Mint, making it one of the lowest mintages for any U.S. coin of the 20th century. The rarity was due to timing: the design was not finalized until late in the year, and production began only in December. By 1917, full-scale production was underway, and the design would undergo modifications, but the inaugural 1916 issue remained a standout rarity.

Surviving examples of the 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter are highly prized, especially when certified and endorsed by CAC. The present piece, graded VF25 by NGC, represents an appealing mid-level circulated example. Very Fine 25 indicates that the coin retains clear major details, including Liberty’s outline, her shield, and most of the eagle’s form on the reverse. While high-grade Mint State pieces are exceedingly rare and command enormous premiums, coins in this grade strike an excellent balance between affordability and historical significance.

The CAC sticker further enhances the desirability of this example. CAC approval signifies that the coin meets strict quality standards for its assigned grade, giving collectors confidence in its originality, eye appeal, and lack of problems. This assurance is especially valuable in a key-date issue where buyer demand is consistently strong.

The 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter appeals to multiple collecting interests. Type collectors appreciate it as the first-year issue of one of America’s most artistic coin designs. Series specialists view it as an indispensable rarity needed to complete the Standing Liberty Quarter set. Even general U.S. coin collectors recognize its significance as a symbol of the new direction in early 20th-century coinage art.

In VF25 condition with CAC approval, this coin has a pleasing look and strong eye appeal while remaining accessible compared to higher-grade examples. It represents an opportunity to own one of the classic key dates of 20th-century numismatics in a collectible and attractive state of preservation.

In summary, the 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter NGC VF25 CAC is a coin that combines beauty, rarity, and history. With its tiny mintage, celebrated design, and certified quality, it stands as a cornerstone of any serious U.S. coin collection. Few issues capture the drama and artistry of American coinage as vividly as this first-year Standing Liberty Quarter, making it one of the most desirable coins of its century.