1916 Standing Liberty Quarter. MS-62 (PCGS).A tinge of lavender and violet iridescence graces each side of this lovely Mint State specimen, introducing just a hint of color to the pearlescent surfaces. The luster is lively and uninterrupted throughout, varying between a fine satiny texture and a coarse mate-like texture in select areas. A trivial mark below IB of LIBERTY is apparent under a glass, though there is otherwise a vacuum of notable blemishes and the eye appeal is strong for the assigned grade. <p>Mintage for this initial year of issue struggled to 52,000 pieces, a mere fraction of other prized rarities that are so well known today. Apparently the Philadelphia Mint received word of the new Standing Liberty quarter design was being adopted in late 1916 and a set of dies were prepared. Recall that Barber Quarters were issued in significant numbers in 1916 from both the Philadelphia and Denver mints. These new 1916 Standing Liberty Quarters were struck in the second half of December that year and all were released with the first batches of the new 1917 quarters in mid January by the Philadelphia Mint. Most entered circulation with little fanfare, and stayed there. Thankfully a few were saved by alert collectors as the first of their kind. From the Collection of Thaddeus A. Tatum III. Earlier ex Heritages sale of January 2010, lot 2527.