The 1917-D Type 2 Standing Liberty Quarter is worth anywhere from $30 in heavily worn condition to well over $2,000 in high mint state grades — and certain certified examples have sold for thousands more at auction. If you found one of these coins in an old collection or a coin jar, you may be sitting on something genuinely valuable.
The 1917-D Type 2 is one of the most historically interesting quarters ever made. It was minted in Denver during a pivotal year when the U.S. Mint redesigned the Standing Liberty Quarter mid-year, adding mail armor to Lady Liberty’s previously bare chest and moving the date to a recessed position. Knowing which “type” you have matters a lot for value. If you’re not sure how to tell, you can use a free coin identifier app to get a quick read on your coin right from your phone.
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What Makes the 1917-D Type 2 Quarter Different from Other Issues
The Standing Liberty Quarter series ran from 1916 to 1930, but 1917 is special because it’s the only year with two distinct design types struck at multiple mints. The Type 2 design — introduced partway through 1917 — gave Liberty a chain mail vest over her previously exposed upper body. Whether this was done for artistic reasons or public modesty remains a fun debate among collectors.
The “D” mint mark tells you this coin was struck at the Denver Mint. You’ll find the mint mark on the obverse, to the left of the date. Denver produced 1,952,000 Type 2 quarters in 1917, making the mintage relatively modest compared to the Philadelphia issue. Lower mintage almost always supports stronger collector demand over time.
The design also features a full-length Liberty walking through a gateway flanked by stars, with an eagle in flight on the reverse. It’s widely considered one of the most beautiful American coin designs ever produced, which keeps collector interest high year after year.
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1917-D Type 2 Standing Liberty Quarter Value by Grade
Coin values change based on condition. Here’s a breakdown of what collectors and dealers typically pay based on grade:
| Grade | Description | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| G-4 (Good) | Heavy wear, outline visible | $30 – $40 |
| VG-8 (Very Good) | Moderate wear, some detail | $45 – $65 |
| F-12 (Fine) | Even wear, clear lettering | $80 – $120 |
| VF-20 (Very Fine) | Light wear on high points | $150 – $220 |
| EF-40 (Extremely Fine) | Slight wear, sharp details | $350 – $500 |
| MS-63 (Mint State) | Uncirculated, minor marks | $1,200 – $1,800 |
| MS-65 (Gem Mint State) | Virtually flawless | $3,500+ |
For the most up-to-date market prices, you can check out detailed graded sale data for the 1917 Standing Liberty Quarter across mint state grades to see what certified examples are actually selling for right now.
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How to Check the Condition of Your 1917-D Quarter
One of the most important things you can do is honestly assess your coin’s condition before assuming it’s worth big money. The single biggest value killer for Standing Liberty Quarters is wear on the high relief areas — particularly Liberty’s head and the shield on her left arm.
Pick up the coin and look at it under a good light at a slight angle. If Liberty’s face details are sharp and the rivets on the shield are visible, you’re looking at a nicer example. If those features are flat and worn smooth, the coin is in lower circulated grade territory.
The date is another thing to check. Because early Standing Liberty Quarters had a raised date, it often wore off completely. The Type 2 design moved the date into a recessed area specifically to fix this — so if your 1917-D Type 2 still has a clear, bold date, that’s a good sign for value.
CoinKnow is a great tool here. The CoinKnow app lets you scan your coin and get an instant grade estimate along with a current market value, which takes all the guesswork out of the process.
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Key Factors That Affect the 1917-D Type 2 Quarter’s Worth
Beyond grade, there are a few other things that experienced collectors look at when evaluating a 1917-D Type 2 quarter.
Strike quality matters a great deal with this series. Some Denver-mint coins from this era came off the press weakly struck, especially on Liberty’s head and the eagle’s breast feathers. A well-struck example commands a premium even at the same technical grade.
Luster is also critical for mint state coins. Original, unbroken cartwheel luster can push a coin’s value significantly higher than a cleaned or polished example of the same grade. Cleaning is one of the most common reasons coins get “details” grades from certification services like PCGS or NGC — and a “details” designation can cut the value in half or more.
For a deeper look at the full value breakdown of the 1917 quarter across all mint marks and types, it’s worth reviewing current auction records alongside price guide data.
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FAQ
Q: How can I tell if my coin is a Type 1 or Type 2 Standing Liberty Quarter?
A: Look at Lady Liberty’s upper body. On the Type 1, her chest is exposed. On the Type 2, she’s wearing a chain mail vest covering her upper torso. This change was made partway through 1917, so both types were struck that year.
Q: Is a 1917-D Type 2 quarter rare?
A: It’s not considered a rare coin in lower circulated grades, but it becomes genuinely scarce in high mint state condition. Finding a well-struck, fully lustrous example grading MS-64 or better is quite challenging, and those coins carry serious premiums.
Q: Should I clean my 1917-D Standing Liberty Quarter before selling it?
A: Absolutely not. Cleaning a coin — even with gentle soap and water — can destroy its natural surfaces and significantly reduce its value. Collectors and grading services strongly prefer original, untouched coins. If you want to preserve your coin’s value, store it in a soft flip or a coin holder and leave it exactly as you found it. CoinKnow and other resources will consistently tell you the same thing: never clean an old coin.
