1916 Standing Liberty Quarter. MS-66 FH (PCGS). This is a simply outstanding example of one of the most desirable silver coin issues attributed to the 20th century United States Mint. Intensely lustrous, frosty-white surfaces are free of both toning and grade-limiting blemishes. Virtually pristine in hand, in fact, with razor sharp striking detail that touches even the most intricate design elements.<p>Hermon A. MacNeils Standing Liberty quarter design of 1916 is generally considered one of the high-water marks of American coin design, along with the Winged Liberty (a.k.a. "Mercury") dime and Walking Liberty half dollar. Although it is widely believed that the addition of the chain mail to Liberty was precipitated due to widespread public outcry regarding the exposed breast, there is no evidence that this was the case. The chain mail was actually added to symbolize Libertys preparedness to defend the nation with the coming of the United States involvement in World War One.<p>The 52,000 1916-dated quarters were struck late in the year and released in mid-January alongside the first 1917-dated quarters. The small mintage and the simultaneous release meant that interest in the new design was not confined to just the 1916 quarters and, with far more coins struck, the 1917 Type I is the issue that met most of the public demand for keepsakes of the new quarter design. Consequently, 1917 Type I quarters are far more available than their 1916 counterparts, the latter one of the most highly regarded and sought after 20th century U.S. Mint issues. The present coin is an exceptional survivor that would serve as a highlight in the finest numismatic cabinet.