1918/7-S Standing Liberty Quarter PCGS F12 CAC

The 1918/7-S Standing Liberty Quarter is one of the most important and widely recognized varieties in all of 20th-century U.S. coinage. This overdate is a true rarity, eagerly sought by both specialists in the Standing Liberty series and collectors who focus on classic errors and varieties. Its dramatic story of production, extremely limited availability, and lasting appeal have secured its reputation as one of the premier key coins in American numismatics.

The Standing Liberty Quarter series began in 1916 when sculptor Hermon A. MacNeil’s artistic design replaced the long-running Barber quarter. The new design was intended to capture both the ideals of liberty and the spirit of the nation during the turbulent years of World War I. Liberty was depicted standing in a gateway, holding a shield to symbolize defense and an olive branch to symbolize peace. The reverse displayed an eagle in flight, bold and dignified against a field of stars.

Within just a few years of its debut, however, the series produced one of its greatest rarities. The 1918/7-S overdate was created when a 1917-dated working die was repunched with the date for 1918. As a result, the numeral 8 was punched over the 7, creating a bold and unmistakable overdate. Unlike many varieties that require magnification to appreciate, the overdate on this coin is clear to the naked eye, making it one of the most dramatic minting errors of its time.

The San Francisco Mint struck this unusual coin, and its production numbers were exceedingly small. Estimates suggest that only a few tens of thousands may have entered circulation before the error was caught. Today, experts believe that just a few thousand examples survive in all grades. This scarcity places the 1918/7-S among the most elusive and valuable issues in the entire Standing Liberty series.

The present example, graded F12 by PCGS, offers a pleasing and collectible representation of this major rarity. A grade of Fine 12 indicates that moderate wear has softened the high points of the design, but Liberty’s major features, the shield, and the eagle on the reverse are all distinct and clear. The overdate remains bold and visible, ensuring that the variety is easily recognized even at this circulated grade level. For many collectors, coins like this strike the perfect balance between affordability and desirability, providing an authentic example of a great rarity without reaching the extreme price levels commanded by higher-grade survivors.

This coin also carries the CAC endorsement, which further underscores its quality. The CAC sticker affirms that the coin is a solid and original example for its grade, with no significant problems and attractive overall appearance. Collectors often pay special attention to CAC-approved coins, especially when acquiring major rarities, because the endorsement provides an additional layer of assurance about the coin’s integrity and market acceptability.

The 1918/7-S Standing Liberty Quarter appeals to a wide range of collectors. For those specializing in the Standing Liberty series, it is an absolute necessity and one of the defining challenges of building a complete set. For collectors of varieties, it represents one of the most famous and visually striking overdates in U.S. coinage history. Even broader collectors of key-date American coins value it as an iconic rarity with a story that reflects the imperfections of early 20th-century minting practices.

In F12 with CAC approval, this coin stands out as an accessible yet highly significant example of a great rarity. It allows collectors to secure a piece of numismatic history that is instantly recognizable and universally respected.

In summary, the 1918/7-S Standing Liberty Quarter PCGS F12 CAC is far more than just a date-and-mintmark combination. It is a coin that combines rarity, error significance, and historical artistry in a way few other issues can match. With its bold overdate, modest mintage, and status as one of the key rarities of the series, it is an essential addition to any serious collection of American coins.