Long the most sought-after Standing Liberty quarter, the 1916
is scarce in virtually all grades, due in part to its low original-mintage
figure of just 52,000 examples. Of those, only 2,500 to 3,500 exist today in
all grades. Though Barber quarters were issued in great numbers in 1916 from the
Philadelphia and Denver mints, Standing Liberty quarters would not be struck at
all in Denver, and only late in the year in Philadelphia. In fact 1916 Standing
Liberty quarters were struck during the final two weeks of December and all
were released with the first batches of 1917 quarters in mid-January. Most
entered circulation with little notice by the public, and few were saved.
Thankfully a handful of alert collectors recognized the coins’ importance as
the first of their kind. It is to them, we owe appreciation for the existence
of fantastic examples such as that offered in the Stack’s Bowers Galleries
November Collectors Choice Auction.
Graded MS-63 FH by PCGS, the offered coin has lustrous
silvery surfaces graced by just a touch of gold at the peripheries and ice blue
iridescence at the centers. The strike is sharp throughout, as evidenced by the
all-important Full Head designation. The devices are fully realized and invite
careful study. Marks are limited; the most notable is a vertical line on
Liberty’s gown above her forward facing leg that is well concealed by the
flowing fabric and folds. This is an extremely handsome example of the issue,
and is certain to be a highlight of the next numismatic cabinet it enters. With
intense market pressure from better-date type collectors and specialists of the
series, bids are sure to be numerous and strong, so be ready if this jewel has
caught your eye.
Be sure to view this and the other offerings in the November
Collectors Choice Online Auction. There are many quality collector coins as
well as highlights like a stellar MCMVII High Relief, Wire Rim, CAC-approved
Saint-Gaudens double eagle and an AU-58 CAC 1916-D Mercury dime. Take a peek,
you will not be disappointed!
