1929 Standing Liberty Quarter Value Guide (2025 Prices)

1929 Standing Liberty Quarter values range from $9 to $72,000. Learn prices for 1929-P, 1929-D, and 1929-S quarters, plus Full Head premiums and authentication tips.

Quick Answer

The 1929 Standing Liberty Quarter is worth $9 to $72,000 depending on mint mark, condition, and strike quality.

  • 1929-P (Philadelphia): $12–$2,750 (common date)
  • 1929-D (Denver): $12–$75,000 (key date, Full Head rarities command massive premiums)
  • 1929-S (San Francisco): $12–$47,500 (semi-key, better availability than 1929-D)

The "Full Head" (FH) designation is critical—1929-D quarters with sharp strikes can be worth 16 times more than weakly struck examples in the same grade.

What's Your 1929 Quarter Worth?

Select your coin's mint mark and condition to get a value estimate.

Mint Mark — Where was your coin made?
D
Denver
P
Philadelphia
S
San Francisco
Mint mark location: Obverse
Condition — How worn is your coin?
Heavy Wear
Very smooth, details hard to see. Looks like it circulated for decades.
Moderate Wear
Main design visible, but high points are clearly worn flat.
Light Wear
Most details sharp, only slight wear on the highest points.
No Wear (Uncirculated)
Looks brand new with original luster. No signs of circulation.

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About Rare Varieties & Errors
This tool estimates typical values for standard coins only. If your coin has unusual features (minting errors, repunched dates, doubled dies), it may be worth significantly more. Consider posting photos on r/coins or CoinTalk for community feedback.

1929 Standing Liberty Quarter: A Classic Silver Quarter with Hidden Rarities

The 1929 Standing Liberty Quarter represents the penultimate year of one of America's most beautiful coin series. Struck in 90% silver across three mints—Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco—this coin serves as an accessible entry point for collectors while harboring some of the most dramatic condition rarities in 20th-century numismatics. Common-date examples in circulated grades trade just above their $8.67 silver melt value, while top-condition specimens have realized $72,000 at auction.

1929 Standing Liberty Quarter showing obverse with Liberty figure and reverse with eagle

The 1929 Standing Liberty Quarter features Hermon MacNeil's Type 2a design with recessed date and chain mail detail

What makes 1929 particularly interesting is the vast gulf between typical examples and those with exceptional strike quality. The 1929-D Denver issue, with its notoriously weak strikes, can trade for $450 in MS-65 grade—or $7,500 for the same grade with a "Full Head" designation, a 16-fold premium based solely on how sharply the coin was struck at the mint. This guide examines values across all three mints, explains critical grading diagnostics, and documents the die varieties and mint errors that add further complexity to this classic series.

How to Identify Your 1929 Standing Liberty Quarter

All 1929 quarters share the same "Type 2a" design characteristics, making identification straightforward once you understand the key features. The Type 2a design, used from 1925 through 1930, features two critical diagnostics that distinguish it from earlier issues: Liberty wears a protective layer of chain mail across her midsection (covering the bare-breasted Type 1 design of 1916-1917), and the date "1929" is recessed into a raised platform rather than being exposed on the coin's surface. This recessed date was introduced in 1925 to combat the rapid date wear that plagued earlier Standing Liberty Quarters.

The obverse depicts Liberty standing in a gateway between two walls, her right hand holding an olive branch aloft, her left hand gripping a shield emblazoned with stars and stripes. The word "LIBERTY" appears in the upper arc, with "IN GOD WE TRUST" beneath it. The recessed date sits at the bottom, protected by its platform design. On the reverse, an eagle soars in flight with wings spread, positioned in front of radiating sun rays. Thirteen stars arc across the top, representing the original colonies, with the denomination "QUARTER DOLLAR" and the motto "E PLURIBUS UNUM" completing the design.

Close-up of mint mark location on 1929 Standing Liberty Quarter obverse

Mint mark location: on the small wall at the gateway, left of Liberty's front foot

Mint Mark Locations and Identification

The mint mark, when present, is located on the obverse (front) of the coin. It appears on the small wall at the gateway where Liberty stands, positioned to the left of her front foot and just to the left of the first digit "1" in the date. This location requires good lighting and often magnification to identify clearly, as the mint marks are small and can be weakly struck on some examples.

The three mint marks you may encounter are:

  • No mint mark (1929-P): Philadelphia issue, the most common with 11,140,000 struck
  • "D" mint mark (1929-D): Denver issue, the key date with only 1,358,000 struck
  • "S" mint mark (1929-S): San Francisco issue, semi-key with 1,764,000 struck

If you cannot locate the mint mark area clearly, refer to the identification images in this guide. Be aware that on weakly struck examples (particularly common on 1929-D), the mint mark itself may appear faint or incomplete, but this does not affect the coin's authenticity—it simply reflects the striking characteristics of that particular mint and die state.

1929 Standing Liberty Quarter Value Guide by Mint and Grade

Standing Liberty Quarter values are driven by three primary factors: mint mark, grade (condition), and strike quality. The current silver spot price of $47.94 per troy ounce establishes a melt value floor of $8.67 for all 1929 quarters, rendering older price guides that list low-grade coins below this threshold obsolete. All values in this section reflect certified, problem-free coins as of November 2025, sourced from PCGS, NGC, and CoinWorld price guides, supplemented by recent auction records.

⚠️ Price Guide Discrepancies

Significant variance exists between published price guides, particularly for circulated grades and Full Head specimens. When buying or selling, always consult multiple current sources and recent auction comparables for your specific coin.

1929 (Philadelphia) Standing Liberty Quarter Values

The Philadelphia issue is the most common 1929 quarter, with a mintage exceeding 11 million. It serves as an affordable type coin for the Standing Liberty series and is readily available in all grades through MS-65. However, it becomes a significant rarity at the MS-67 level, particularly with Full Head designation. An August 2024 auction realized $72,000 for a PCGS MS-67+FH example, demonstrating that even common-date coins can achieve five-figure prices at the highest condition tiers.

Regular Strike (Non-Full Head) Values:

GradeNGC Price GuideCoinWorld
G-4$12.75$5.50*
VF-20$22$12
EF-40$50$30
AU-50$85$65
MS-60$150$115
MS-63$275$225
MS-65$485$425
MS-67$2,250$2,750

*CoinWorld's G-4 value of $5.50 is below current melt value and should be considered outdated.

Full Head (FH) Strike Values:

GradeNGC Price GuideCoinWorld
AU-55$110
MS-63$400$350
MS-65$525$900
MS-66$645$1,500
MS-67$1,400$7,500

Note: Significant discrepancy exists at MS-67 level. NGC's value appears inconsistent with auction results.

Recent Auction Records (Full Head):

1929-D (Denver) Standing Liberty Quarter Values

The 1929-D is the key date of the year and one of numismatics' most dramatic condition rarities. With a mintage of only 1,358,000, it would be scarce in any grade, but its true rarity lies in strike quality. The Denver Mint's dies produced notoriously weak, flat strikes on this issue, with an estimated 98% of the mintage failing to achieve Full Head detail. Fewer than 100 Gem Full Head examples are believed to exist, creating a massive value differential: a typical MS-65 non-FH coin trades for $450, while an MS-65 Full Head commands $7,500—a 16-fold premium based solely on how sharply the coin was struck at the mint.

Strike quality comparison showing weak strike versus Full Head strike on 1929-D quarters

Strike comparison: typical 1929-D shows flat head details (left) versus rare Full Head strike (right)

Regular Strike (Non-Full Head) Values:

GradeCoinWorld
G-4$5.50*
VF-20$20
EF-40$40
AU-50$75
MS-60$135
MS-63$225
MS-65$450

*CoinWorld's G-4 value is below current melt value and should be considered outdated.

Full Head (FH) Strike Values:

GradePCGS Price GuideCoinWorld
AU-50$315
AU-58$725
MS-63$1,250$1,150
MS-64$2,600$2,000
MS-65$7,500$5,000
MS-66$11,500$13,000
MS-66+$75,000

Recent Auction Record (Full Head):

1929-S (San Francisco) Standing Liberty Quarter Values

The San Francisco issue has a moderately low mintage of 1,764,000 but benefits from better survival rates in uncirculated condition than the 1929-D. The onset of the Great Depression in late 1929 resulted in many bags and rolls of newly struck coins being saved rather than entering circulation, leading to greater availability of mint state examples. The 1929-S is considered the most common San Francisco Type 2 quarter with Full Head detail, though such examples remain scarce in absolute terms. The highest graded example, a PCGS MS-68, realized $31,200 at auction in January 2020.

Regular Strike (Non-Full Head) Values:

GradePCGSNGCCoinWorld
G-4$12.50$5.50*
VG-8$20$12.50$8
VF-20$40$22$15
EF-40$75$50$35
AU-50$100$85$65
MS-60$250$150$135
MS-63$360$250$225
MS-65$650$440$450
MS-67$2,000$1,350$1,750

*CoinWorld's G-4 value is below current melt value. Note 30%+ variance across guides in most grades.

Full Head (FH) Strike Values:

GradePCGSNGCCoinWorld
AU-50$105
AU-58$135
MS-63$360$400
MS-65$1,500$575$1,000
MS-66$2,500$1,200$2,000
MS-67$6,000$3,500$6,000
MS-67+$47,500

Recent Auction Record (Regular Strike):

Standing Liberty Quarter Grading Guide

The Standing Liberty Quarter series is widely regarded as one of the most challenging to grade accurately in American numismatics. The primary difficulty stems from the conflict between strike quality and circulation wear—a coin can be fully Uncirculated yet display flat, incomplete details due to weak striking, while a sharply struck coin may show slight wear and still present superior eye appeal. This is why the "Full Head" (FH) designation is so critical: it provides third-party verification that the coin was sharply struck to begin with, allowing for accurate assessment of its true grade and value.

Grade comparison of 1929 Standing Liberty Quarters in G-4, AU-50, and MS-65 condition

Grade comparison: G-4 shows heavy wear on high points, AU-50 retains most detail, MS-65 displays full luster

Circulated Grades (Good through About Uncirculated)

Good-4 (G-4): Heavy wear throughout with the date barely visible in the recessed area. Liberty's figure shows only an outline with no internal detail. The shield is worn nearly smooth, and the chain mail detail is completely gone. On the reverse, the eagle's breast and wing edges are flat, with feather details obliterated. At current silver prices, these coins trade primarily on melt value plus small numismatic premiums.

Very Fine-20 (VF-20): Moderate wear with all major design elements visible. Liberty's gown shows some fold lines, and the chain mail is partially visible though worn flat in spots. The shield retains some star and stripe detail. Liberty's left leg shows wear on the high point of the knee, and the head is significantly worn with no leaf detail visible (this would be true even on a strongly struck coin). On the reverse, the eagle's breast shows some feather definition, and the wings retain partial detail along the edges.

Extremely Fine-40 (EF-40): Light wear on the high points, with most design detail present. Liberty's gown retains clear fold lines and chain mail texture across most areas. The shield's stars and stripes are well-defined. The high point of Liberty's left knee shows distinct wear, and this is a key diagnostic for distinguishing EF from AU grades. On the reverse, the eagle's breast shows clear feather separation, and the wing edges retain most detail. Original luster, if present at all, appears only in protected areas.

About Uncirculated-50 (AU-50): Traces of wear on the highest points only. Liberty's head, the high point of her left knee, and the center of her shield show light friction. The critical distinction is that full design detail remains visible, including most chain mail links. On the reverse, the eagle's breast and wing tips show slight wear. Original mint luster is still visible in protected areas, covering perhaps 50% of the coin's surfaces. At AU-58, luster covers 75-90% of surfaces with wear restricted to small areas on the very highest points.

Mint State Grades (MS-60 through MS-70)

MS-60 to MS-63: No circulation wear, but significant contact marks, bagmarks, or surface imperfections from the minting and storage process. MS-60 coins may have numerous large marks, including in prime focal areas like Liberty's gown or the eagle's breast. MS-63 examples show fewer and smaller marks, with cleaner cheek and field areas. Luster may be diminished on lower-end examples. Strike quality varies dramatically—a weakly struck MS-63 1929-D may show less head detail than a sharply struck AU-58 coin from a different year.

Full Head designation diagnostic showing three leaves, helmet outline, and ear hole on Standing Liberty Quarter

Full Head criteria: three distinct leaves, complete helmet outline, and visible ear hole

MS-65 (Gem Uncirculated): Above-average strike with strong, crisp details. Contact marks are minor and located away from prime focal areas. The coin displays strong, cartwheeling luster when rotated under a light source. This is the grade level where the Full Head premium becomes most significant—MS-65 non-FH and MS-65 FH coins often show a 2x-5x price differential. Original silver-gray color with light, attractive toning is typical. Any problems such as cleaning, dipping, or retoning will prevent a coin from achieving this grade at major services.

MS-67 and Higher: Virtually flawless under 5x magnification with exceptional strike, luster, and surface preservation. Only one or two trivial marks may be present, and these must be in inconspicuous locations. At this level, coins are significant condition rarities regardless of mintage, and the Full Head designation is expected. The 1929-P in MS-67+FH represents the population peak for the series, with values reaching $72,000 as documented at auction. MS-68 and MS-69 examples are exceedingly rare for 1929 dates, and no MS-70 Standing Liberty Quarters are known to exist for this year.

Key wear points diagram on 1929 Standing Liberty Quarter showing Liberty's head, knee, and shield

Key wear points: Liberty's head, knee high point, and shield center show wear first

The Full Head (FH) Designation

The Full Head designation is assigned by major grading services (PCGS and NGC) to Standing Liberty Quarters that meet specific strike quality criteria. For Type 2 coins (1917-1930, including all 1929 issues), PCGS requires: (1) three complete and distinct leaves in the helmet, (2) a complete outline on the bottom of the helmet, and (3) a clear and distinct ear hole visible on Liberty's head. NGC's criteria are similar: the three leaves must be totally visible, the hairline along Liberty's brow must be complete, and the ear indentation must be evident.

The FH designation dramatically increases value, particularly for the 1929-D issue where sharp strikes are exceptionally rare. Only an estimated 2% of 1929-D quarters received adequate strike quality to qualify, creating one of the most dramatic premium structures in 20th-century numismatics. When examining potential Full Head coins, use at least 5x magnification and strong lighting to verify all three diagnostic points are present.

Authentication and Counterfeit Detection

While 1929 Standing Liberty Quarters are not primary targets for counterfeiters compared to key dates like the 1916 or 1927-S, vigilance remains essential when purchasing uncertified examples, particularly those in higher grades or with claimed Full Head strikes. The relatively modest values for circulated coins make counterfeiting them economically unviable, but mint state examples with sharp strikes can command prices that make fraud profitable.

Comparison of original versus cleaned 1929 Standing Liberty Quarter showing hairline scratches

Authentication: cleaned coins show parallel hairlines and lack of original luster

The most common form of counterfeiting in the Standing Liberty series is date alteration, where a forger takes a more common date and alters it to resemble a key date. Be particularly wary of any 1929 coin where the "29" appears tooled, shows an unusual texture compared to the surrounding field, or displays scratching or discoloration around the numerals. Under magnification, altered dates often reveal differences in the depth, style, or crispness of the digits compared to the other numerals. Genuine dates were struck into the coin during the minting process and should show consistent depth and metal flow patterns.

Another authentication concern specific to Standing Liberty Quarters is the use of mismatched dies by counterfeiters. Some forgers of rare Type 1 coins have been caught using a Type 1 obverse (bare-breasted Liberty) with a Type 2 reverse, or vice versa. While less likely on a 1929 coin, always verify that both the obverse and reverse match the Type 2a diagnostics: chain mail on the obverse and the corresponding eagle design on the reverse. Any mismatch suggests a fabricated piece.

Cast counterfeits, made by creating a mold from a genuine coin and pouring molten metal, can be detected through several telltale signs. Look for a "soapy" or soft appearance to the surfaces, with mushy details that lack the sharp, crisp quality of struck coins. Genuine coins display "cartwheel" luster—a rotating band of light that moves across the surface when the coin is tilted under a light source. Cast fakes lack this luster and instead show a dull, non-reflective surface. Additionally, inspect the edge carefully; a visible seam running along the reeded edge is definitive proof of a cast copy.

The most important authentication step for any significant purchase is to buy only coins certified by PCGS or NGC and encapsulated in their tamper-evident holders. Third-party grading provides verification of authenticity, grade accuracy, and the presence or absence of the Full Head designation. Given the dramatic price differentials involved—particularly for 1929-D Full Head coins—the cost of certification is insignificant compared to the risk of purchasing a problem coin, altered date, or outright fake.

Preservation and Care Guidelines

Standing Liberty Quarters in original, problem-free condition command significant premiums over cleaned or improperly handled examples. The silver composition makes these coins susceptible to toning, tarnish, and environmental damage, while improper cleaning can permanently reduce value by 50% or more. Understanding proper preservation techniques is essential whether you're storing a small collection or maintaining investment-grade specimens.

The cardinal rule for all collectible coins is simple: never clean them. What appears to collectors as unattractive toning or tarnish often represents desirable "original surfaces" that serious buyers and grading services highly value. Cleaning attempts invariably leave microscopic scratches ("hairlines") visible under magnification, even when using supposedly gentle methods like jewelry cleaners or silver polish. Once a coin is cleaned, it cannot be restored to its original state, and the damage is permanent. If you inherit or purchase coins that appear dirty or dark, resist the temptation to improve them—consult a professional numismatist or submit them to a grading service in their current state.

Proper storage is critical for preservation. Standing Liberty Quarters should be housed in inert holders specifically designed for coin storage. Acceptable options include individual 2x2 cardboard flips with Mylar windows (not PVC), polystyrene coin flips, or capsules made of inert plastic. Never use PVC-containing "vinyl" flips, as these emit corrosive chemicals that cause green verdigris spots on silver coins—damage that cannot be reversed. For certified coins already in PCGS or NGC holders, no additional storage is needed beyond protecting the sealed holder from scratches.

When handling coins, always hold them by their edges between your thumb and forefinger, never touching the obverse or reverse surfaces. The oils, acids, and salts present on human skin can leave fingerprints that may permanently etch into the silver over time. For valuable mint state coins, consider wearing cotton gloves during handling. Work over a soft surface like a towel to prevent damage if a coin is accidentally dropped.

Environmental control is equally important. Store coins in a climate-controlled space with stable temperature and humidity. Extreme fluctuations accelerate toning and can cause the formation of milk spots or other surface imperfections. Keep coins away from sources of sulfur (rubber bands, certain papers, wool) and chlorine, both of which react aggressively with silver. A bank safe deposit box provides excellent protection from theft, fire, and environmental hazards, though some collectors prefer home safes for easier access.

Die Varieties and Diagnostics

The Standing Liberty Quarter series is not known for a wide array of major collectible die varieties compared to series like Morgan Dollars or Indian Head Cents. The year 1929 has only one recognized repunched mint mark (RPM) variety that appears in authoritative variety references, and it carries minimal premium value in the current market.

1929-S Repunched Mint Mark (RPM-001)

The 1929-S RPM-001 is the sole documented die variety for this year. It is designated as CONECA WRPM-001 and NGC VP-001, though authoritative sources conflict on the precise location of the secondary mint mark. CONECA lists it as "S/S Northwest," indicating the under-mark is visible to the northwest of the primary "S," while Variety Vista references list it as "S/S East." This discrepancy suggests either multiple dies with different RPM characteristics or inconsistency in cataloging methodology.

To identify this variety, you'll need magnification of at least 10x and good lighting. Examine the "S" mint mark on the obverse, located on the small wall to the left of Liberty's front foot. Look for a faint secondary "S" punched underneath the primary mint mark, creating a shadow or doubling effect. The secondary impression may be visible as extra metal to the northwest or east of the primary mark, depending on which die state you're examining. In many cases, only one or two portions of the under-mark are visible, such as the top curve or bottom tail of the "S."

The 1929-S RPM carries minimal market premium at present. It is not listed in PCGS or NGC price guides, indicating it has not achieved standardized, universally recognized value among mainstream collectors. Anecdotal retail evidence shows modest premiums in circulated grades: examples in VF to EF condition have been offered at $38 to $65, representing only a slight increase over the $40-$75 baseline value for standard 1929-S coins in these grades. The variety is primarily of interest to specialist collectors of Standing Liberty Quarters or RPM varieties specifically, rather than representing a significant value proposition for general collectors.

1929-D Repunched Mint Mark Status

While occasional anecdotal references to a 1929-D RPM may appear in retail listings or auction descriptions, this is not recognized as a collectible variety by authoritative die variety references. The CONECA RPM file lists documented varieties for 1927-D and 1928-D Standing Liberty Quarters but does not include any entry for 1929-D. Similarly, DoubledDie.com, which maintains CONECA listings, makes no mention of a 1929-D RPM. Any coins described as "1929-D RPM" in commercial settings should be viewed skeptically and do not carry premium value in the numismatic research community.

Mint Errors and Value Ranges

Mint errors are one-off mistakes from the minting process that create unique, collectible coins. Unlike die varieties, which affect multiple coins from the same die, errors are typically singular occurrences resulting from mechanical malfunction, planchet problems, or operator mistakes. Error values are highly variable and depend on the error type, severity, visual appeal, and underlying coin grade. All values cited below are based on recent auction records and retail offerings as of November 2025.

1929-S Standing Liberty Quarter broadstrike error showing expanded diameter and plain edge

Broadstrike error: struck without collar, resulting in wider diameter and plain edge

Broadstrike Error

A broadstrike occurs when the coin is struck without the retaining collar in place. The collar is a metal ring that surrounds the planchet during striking, containing the metal and creating the coin's reeded edge. Without this collar, the metal spreads outward during the strike, creating a coin that is noticeably wider, flatter, and thinner than normal. The most distinctive diagnostic is the edge: instead of reeding, a broadstruck coin has a completely plain, smooth edge.

Broadstrikes are dramatic, visually striking errors that are immediately obvious to collectors. A 1929-S broadstrike certified by PCGS in MS-62 grade was valued at approximately $3,500 to $3,750 in recent pricing. This represents a substantial premium over a standard 1929-S MS-62, which would be worth approximately $250-$350. The premium reflects both the error's rarity and its visual appeal.

Clipped Planchet

Clipped planchet errors occur during the blanking process, when circular blanks (planchets) are punched from a continuous strip of metal. If the strip advances incorrectly, subsequent punches may overlap with areas where blanks were already removed, creating a planchet with a curved section missing—a "clip." Double or multiple clipped planchets result when this happens more than once. The missing section is typically crescent-shaped, and the coin will weigh less than standard weight.

Clipped planchet values vary dramatically based on the clip size and coin grade. A 1929-S quarter with a double clipped planchet was recently offered at $199.99. Larger clips (20% or more of the coin missing) generally command higher premiums than small clips, and clips that remove part of the date or design elements are particularly desirable to error collectors.

Struck Through Error (Grease)

Struck through errors occur when the dies strike through a foreign substance—most commonly grease—that has built up on the die face. This prevents the design from being fully impressed on the planchet, resulting in weak or missing details. Grease-filled dies typically affect specific design elements: letters, date digits, or portions of Liberty's figure may appear faint or completely absent. Unlike wear, which affects the highest points first, struck-through areas can affect any portion of the design depending on where the grease was located.

These are relatively common errors with modest premiums. A 1929 struck-through grease error (cleaned example) sold at auction for $126. An uncleaned, problem-free example would likely realize a higher value. The extent of the error matters significantly—a coin missing just one or two letters carries less premium than one where major design elements are obscured.

Lamination Error

Lamination errors are planchet flaws where impurities in the 90% silver alloy cause a piece of the coin's surface metal to flake, peel, or blister. These defects can occur at any point in the coin's life but are inherent to the planchet's composition and structure from the minting process. Laminations range from small spots to large areas and may occur on the obverse, reverse, or edge.

Value depends heavily on the lamination's size, location, and whether it has actually flaked away or remains as a raised blister. Based on a similar-date example, a Standing Liberty Quarter (1919 date) with a lamination error certified by ANACS in AU-50 grade was offered at $225. Laminations that affect the date or key design elements typically carry lower premiums as they detract from the coin's appearance more than they add novelty value.

Die Clash Error

Die clash errors occur when the obverse and reverse dies strike each other directly without a planchet between them. This transfers a faint, incuse outline of the reverse design (the eagle) onto the obverse die, and vice versa. Subsequent coins struck from these dies show a faint "ghost image" of the opposite side's design. On Standing Liberty Quarters, you might see faint eagle wing outlines in the fields around Liberty, or portions of Liberty's figure visible in the reverse fields.

Die clashes are relatively minor and common errors with modest collector interest. A 1929 die clash strike-through error (note: this may represent a combination error) was offered at $26.99, indicating minimal premium over standard value. Die clashes are most collectible when the transferred design is bold and clearly visible; weak or barely discernible clashes add little to no value.

Recent Auction Results and Market Analysis

Auction records provide valuable insight into the upper reaches of the 1929 Standing Liberty Quarter market, documenting prices realized for top-condition specimens and Full Head rarities. The following results reflect the most significant sales from 2020 through 2024, demonstrating the substantial premiums paid for exceptional quality and sharp strikes.

1929 (Philadelphia) Auction Highlights

The 1929-P Philadelphia issue demonstrates how even common-date coins can achieve extraordinary prices at the highest grade levels. In August 2024, Heritage Auctions sold a PCGS MS-67+FH example for $72,000(Heritage Auctions, August 2024), establishing a new record for the date and representing one of the finest-known examples. This same coin had previously sold in March 2020 for $66,000(Stack's Bowers, March 2020), demonstrating appreciation of 9% over four years despite general market volatility.

At the MS-66FH level, prices are more accessible but still substantial. Stack's Bowers sold an MS-66FH (PCGS) example in April 2024 for $1,800(Stack's Bowers, April 2024), while an NGC MS-67FH coin realized $5,280(Stack's Bowers, June 2024) the following month. The NGC coin's lower price compared to the PCGS MS-67+FH reflects both the absence of the plus grade and potential market preference for PCGS-certified coins at the highest levels.

1929-D (Denver) Auction Record

The 1929-D holds the distinction of being one of numismatics' most dramatic condition rarities, with only an estimated 2% of the mintage achieving Full Head detail. This scarcity is reflected in auction results. In August 2021, Heritage Auctions sold the finest-known example, a PCGS MS-66+FH, for $58,800(Heritage Auctions, August 2021). This price represents nearly a 100-fold premium over the typical MS-66 non-FH value of approximately $600-$700, illustrating the extreme rarity of sharp strikes for this issue.

The PCGS Price Guide currently lists MS-66+ non-FH at $75,000 for Full Head examples, though this appears to be a theoretical value as no sales at that level have been publicly recorded. The MS-66+FH auction price of $58,800 likely represents the practical market ceiling until a finer example emerges.

1929-S (San Francisco) Auction Record

The 1929-S benefits from better striking quality and higher survival rates than the 1929-D, though top-grade examples remain scarce. The finest-known 1929-S is a PCGS MS-68 (non-Full Head designation as the coin may predate FH attribution or have minor head weakness) that realized $31,200(Heritage Auctions, January 2020). This represents the population peak for the date, with no MS-69 examples currently known.

These auction results underscore the importance of strike quality and surface preservation in the Standing Liberty Quarter market. Collectors and investors seeking top-tier examples should expect to pay substantial premiums for coins certified by major services at MS-66 and higher levels, particularly those with the Full Head designation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is my 1929 Standing Liberty Quarter worth?

Your 1929 quarter's value depends on three factors: mint mark (P, D, or S), condition, and strike quality. Circulated common dates start around $12-$20, while uncirculated examples range from $150 to $72,000 for exceptional specimens. The 1929-D is the key date, and coins with "Full Head" (FH) designation command 2x-16x premiums over typical strikes.

How do I identify the mint mark on my 1929 quarter?

The mint mark is located on the obverse (front), on the small wall at the gateway where Liberty stands. Look to the left of her front foot and just to the left of the first digit "1" in the date. You'll find either a "D" (Denver), "S" (San Francisco), or no mark at all (Philadelphia). Use good lighting and magnification if needed—mint marks can be small and weakly struck.

What does "Full Head" mean and why does it matter?

Full Head (FH) is a designation awarded by PCGS and NGC to coins with exceptionally sharp strikes. The criteria include three distinct leaves in Liberty's helmet, a complete helmet outline, and a visible ear hole. FH coins are dramatically more valuable—a 1929-D MS-65 without FH trades for $450, while an MS-65 FH commands $7,500, a 16-fold difference based solely on strike quality.

Should I get my 1929 quarter professionally graded?

Professional grading is recommended for any coin you believe to be in uncirculated condition or approaching it, and it's essential for 1929-D coins regardless of grade. PCGS and NGC certification costs $20-$50 per coin but provides authentication, grade verification, and protection in a sealed holder. For common-date circulated coins worth under $50, certification costs exceed the coin's value and isn't economically sensible.

How can I tell if my 1929 quarter has been cleaned?

Cleaned coins show telltale signs under magnification: fine parallel "hairline" scratches across fields and devices, an unnaturally bright or sterile appearance, and lack of original cartwheeling luster. Compare your coin to certified examples—original surfaces show natural toning and luster that moves across the coin when rotated under light. Cleaning permanently reduces value by 50% or more and cannot be reversed.

What's the current silver melt value of a 1929 quarter?

As of November 2025, with silver at $47.94 per troy ounce, the melt value is $8.67. Each 1929 quarter contains 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver (90% silver composition). This melt value represents the absolute minimum worth for even the most worn examples, making older price guides listing values below this threshold obsolete.

Are there any valuable varieties or errors for 1929 quarters?

The 1929-S has a documented repunched mint mark variety (RPM-001) showing a doubled "S," though it carries minimal premium ($38-$65 in circulated grades). Dramatic mint errors like broadstrikes ($3,500+), clipped planchets ($200), and laminations ($225) are more valuable but extremely rare. Most 1929 quarters are standard strikes without varieties.

Why is the 1929-D so much more valuable than other 1929 quarters?

The 1929-D has the lowest mintage of the three mints at 1,358,000 coins, but its true rarity lies in strike quality. Denver's dies produced notoriously weak, flat strikes—an estimated 98% lack Full Head detail. This creates a massive value gulf: common weakly-struck examples trade modestly ($450 in MS-65), while sharp Full Head examples are major rarities ($7,500 in MS-65, $58,800 record for MS-66+FH).

Research Methodology and Sources

The values and information presented in this guide are compiled from authoritative numismatic sources, including the PCGS CoinFacts database, NGC Coin Explorer, and the CoinWorld price guide. Auction records are sourced from Stack's Bowers and Heritage Auctions, with specific sale dates and prices cited throughout. Technical specifications are verified against multiple sources including Standing Liberty Quarter reference materials.

Price data reflects market conditions as of October-November 2025. The numismatic market is subject to fluctuation based on precious metal spot prices, collector demand, and the appearance of exceptional specimens at auction. The $8.67 melt value cited is calculated using the November 5, 2025 silver spot price of $47.94 per troy ounce as reported by JM Bullion. This melt value will fluctuate daily with silver prices, and collectors should reference current spot prices when evaluating coins near their intrinsic metal value.

Grading interpretations and Full Head criteria are based on official PCGS and NGC standards as published in their respective grading references and educational materials. Die variety information is sourced from CONECA listings maintained at DoubledDie.com and Variety Vista. Error coin values reflect recent eBay sales data and specialized dealer offerings.

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