The 1919-S Standing Liberty Quarter is worth anywhere from $20 in heavily worn condition to well over $500 in higher grades, with top mint state examples selling for thousands at auction. If you found one of these beautiful coins in an old collection or coin jar, you’re holding something genuinely special.
The Standing Liberty Quarter series is one of the most beloved in American numismatics, and the 1919-S — struck at the San Francisco Mint — carries strong collector demand. Before diving into values, a quick tip: if you’re not sure which mint mark your quarter carries, use the CoinHix app to scan and identify your coin instantly. It’s a fast, reliable way to get started.
History and Background of the 1919-S Standing Liberty Quarter
The Standing Liberty Quarter was designed by sculptor Hermon Atkins MacNeil and first released in 1916. The design features Lady Liberty standing in a gateway, draped in a flowing gown, holding a shield and an olive branch — a stunning piece of American artistic heritage. The “S” mint mark on your coin tells you it was produced at the San Francisco Mint, which in 1919 struck 1,836,000 of these quarters. That’s a relatively modest mintage compared to Philadelphia issues of the same era, and lower mintage generally means more collector interest and higher values. The coin falls under the Type 2 variety, which features a fully covered head on Liberty — an important detail for grading purposes.
1919-S Standing Liberty Quarter Value by Grade
Condition is everything when it comes to coin values. Here’s a general breakdown of what the 1919-S Standing Liberty Quarter is worth based on its grade:
| Grade | Description | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | Heavily worn, major details visible | $20 – $30 |
| Very Good (VG-8) | Moderate wear, design clear | $35 – $55 |
| Fine (F-12) | Light to moderate wear | $60 – $90 |
| Very Fine (VF-20/30) | Light wear on high points | $100 – $175 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | Slight wear, sharp details | $200 – $325 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-55) | Trace wear only | $375 – $500 |
| Mint State (MS-63+) | No wear, original luster | $600 – $2,500+ |
For the most current market prices, check out this detailed 1919-S Standing Liberty Quarter price chart across mint state grades, which tracks real auction results and dealer listings.
What Makes a 1919-S Quarter Worth More
Not all 1919-S Standing Liberty Quarters are created equal, and a few factors can push the value significantly higher. First, the date: on this series, the date was raised and often wore off quickly in circulation. A coin with a full, sharp date commands a premium — sometimes 20% to 30% more than examples with a weak or partially visible date. Second, look at Liberty’s head. Type 2 designs with a fully detailed helmet and face in high grades are especially desirable. Third, the Full Head (FH) designation from grading services like PCGS or NGC can dramatically increase value. An MS-65 FH example can easily sell for $3,000 or more. Professional grading is well worth the cost for nicer coins in this series. You can also explore a comprehensive breakdown of 1919 quarter values including the S mint mark to compare your coin against recent sales.
How to Identify and Evaluate Your 1919-S Quarter at Home
Start by looking at the reverse of the coin for the “S” mint mark, located just below the eagle. Then examine the obverse closely — check the date at the bottom left and Liberty’s head at the top right. Use a magnifying glass to spot wear on the high points of the design, particularly Liberty’s chest, knee, and shield. Good lighting is essential. If you’re unsure about the grade or authenticity, CoinHix offers a convenient scanning tool that evaluates coin details and gives you a value estimate based on current market data. It’s one of the easiest ways to get a second opinion without heading straight to a dealer.
Should You Sell, Hold, or Get It Graded
If your 1919-S Standing Liberty Quarter is in circulated condition below VF, it’s a solid coin worth $30–$175 and may be fine to sell as-is to a coin dealer or through an online marketplace. But if your coin looks sharply struck, shows good luster, and has a clear full date, it could be worth significantly more with professional grading. PCGS and NGC both offer submission services, and a certified high-grade example will sell faster and for more money at major coin shows or online auctions. When in doubt, use CoinHix to scan your coin first — it takes just seconds and gives you a realistic starting point before you commit to any decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I know if my quarter is the 1919-S and not a Philadelphia or Denver issue?
A: Look at the reverse of the coin just below and to the right of the eagle. A small “S” indicates San Francisco. No mint mark means Philadelphia, and a “D” means Denver. The 1919-S is the most valuable of the three 1919 issues in higher grades.
Q: Is a worn 1919-S Standing Liberty Quarter still worth keeping?
A: Absolutely. Even heavily worn examples in Good condition are worth $20 or more in silver melt value alone, and collector demand keeps premiums above melt for most 1919-S quarters regardless of grade.
Q: What does “Full Head” mean on a Standing Liberty Quarter?
A: The Full Head designation refers to coins where Liberty’s helmet shows three distinct leaves and her facial features — including the ear, cheek, and jawline — are fully struck and visible. It’s a major premium feature, and coins with the FH designation in mint state are worth several times more than standard examples of the same grade.
