1916 Standing Liberty Quarter. MS-61 (NGC). Offered is a Mint State example of the legendary 1916 Standing Liberty quarter. Lightly toned in iridescent gold, both sides reveal the most vivid patina under direct lighting. The strike is impressively sharp for a non-Full Head example, and we note only trivial softness to Libertys head, the shield and, on the reverse, the eagles breast. Satiny in texture, if a tad glossy, this is a desirable example of a key date issue that would do justice to an advanced collection.<p>Hermon A. MacNeils Standing Liberty quarter 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. MacNeil submitted plaster models which the Mints engravers and sculptors modified significantly, apparently without input from MacNeil. Although it is often stated that the addition of the chain mail to Liberty in 1917 resulted from widespread public outcry regarding the exposed breast, there is no evidence that this was the case. Numismatic scholar Roger W. Burdette has not uncovered any supporting documentation to that effect. In fact, MacNeil had proposed the design change (along with some modifications to the reverse) in reaction to the Mints modifications to his original designs before the coins were even released to the general public. The chain mail was added to symbolize Libertys preparedness to defend the nation with the coming of the United States involvement in World War I.<p>The 52,000 1916-dated Standing Liberty quarters were struck late in the year and released in mid-January alongside the first 1917-dated quarters. As far more 1917 Type I quarters were struck, those were more likely to be saved as keepsakes. The 1916 Standing Liberty quarter has become one of the most sought after 20th century U.S. Mint issues. Here is a pleasing example for the assigned grade that should attract very strong bidding.<p>
