The 1920 Standing Liberty Quarter with no mint mark is worth anywhere from $10 to $20 in heavily worn condition, climbing to $50–$150 in fine grade, and potentially $500 or more in mint state. If you found one of these old quarters tucked away in a drawer or inherited coin collection, you’re in the right place to find out exactly what it’s worth.
What Makes the 1920 Standing Liberty Quarter Special
The Standing Liberty Quarter is one of the most beloved coin designs in American history. Designed by sculptor Hermon Atkins MacNeil, it features Lady Liberty standing in a gateway, shield in hand, with an eagle in flight on the reverse. The design ran from 1916 to 1930, and the 1920 issue is among the more commonly encountered dates — but that doesn’t mean it’s worthless.
The Philadelphia Mint produced the no mint mark version of this coin, and it had a mintage of about 6.3 million pieces. While that’s a decent number, finding one in well-preserved condition is genuinely rare after more than a century of circulation.
Many people use a free coin identifier app to quickly scan and identify old quarters like this one right from their phone. It’s a fast and easy starting point if you’re not sure what you’re looking at.
1920 Standing Liberty Quarter Value by Grade
The value of a 1920 Standing Liberty Quarter (no mint mark) depends heavily on its condition — or “grade” as coin collectors say. The difference between a worn coin and a lightly circulated one can be hundreds of dollars.
One of the most important things to check on this coin is the head of Liberty and the date. On earlier versions of this design, the date wore off quickly. The 1920 issue uses the “Type 2” design with a recessed date, which holds up better over time.
Here’s a general value breakdown based on grade:
| Grade | Description | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | Heavy wear, design visible but flat | $10 – $15 |
| Very Good (VG-8) | Moderate wear, some detail remains | $15 – $25 |
| Fine (F-12) | Even wear, major features clear | $30 – $55 |
| Very Fine (VF-20/30) | Light wear on high points | $60 – $120 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | Slight wear, sharp detail overall | $130 – $200 |
| Mint State (MS-63+) | Uncirculated, original luster | $400 – $1,000+ |
For the most current auction results and market pricing, you can check out detailed 1920 Standing Liberty Quarter price data across mint state grades to see what these coins are actually selling for right now.
How to Tell the Condition of Your 1920 Quarter
You don’t need to be a professional numismatist to get a rough idea of what your coin is worth. Start by looking at Lady Liberty’s body and shield — these are the high points that wear first. If the details on her gown and shield still show clear lines and texture, your coin is in better shape.
Next, flip it over and check the eagle’s breast feathers. On coins in Very Fine or better condition, you should be able to see individual feathers clearly defined.
Hold the coin under a lamp and tilt it slightly to catch the light. If you see a faint shine or “cartwheel” luster, that’s a sign the coin may still have original mint surfaces — which is a big deal for value.
CoinKnow is a handy app that walks you through exactly this kind of visual inspection and gives you a value estimate based on what you describe. It’s especially useful when you’re sorting through a collection and want quick answers without visiting a dealer.
Full 1920 Quarter Value Information and What Affects the Price
Beyond grade, a few other factors can influence what your 1920 Standing Liberty Quarter is worth. Eye appeal matters — a coin that looks bright and original will sell for more than one that’s been cleaned or has spots.
Coins that have been cleaned are actually worth less to collectors, even if they look shinier. Dealers can spot cleaning under magnification, and it reduces collector value significantly.
Full Head (FH) designation is another major value driver. If Liberty’s helmet shows full, sharp detail with all three leaves and hair strands visible, a professional grading service may award it a “Full Head” designation, which can multiply the coin’s value several times over.
You can explore a full breakdown of 1920 quarter values including Full Head premiums and variety details to understand exactly where your coin falls on the value spectrum.
Should You Get Your 1920 Quarter Professionally Graded
If your coin appears to be in Very Fine condition or better, professional grading through PCGS or NGC may be worth the investment. Grading fees typically run $30–$50 per coin, but a certified grade can dramatically increase buyer confidence and resale value.
For coins in Good or Fine grades, the cost of grading often isn’t worth it unless you suspect it’s an error coin or variety.
CoinKnow can help you decide whether grading makes sense by giving you a quick estimated value range before you spend money on professional services. It’s a smart first step for anyone who just found a potentially valuable old coin.
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FAQ
Q: How much is a 1920 Standing Liberty Quarter worth with no mint mark?
A: A circulated 1920 Standing Liberty Quarter with no mint mark is typically worth $10–$150 depending on condition. In uncirculated mint state, values can reach $400 to over $1,000. Full Head examples in high grade are even more valuable.
Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1920 Standing Liberty Quarter?
A: The mint mark appears on the obverse (front) of the coin, just above and to the right of the date. A coin with no mint mark was struck at the Philadelphia Mint. Denver coins show a “D” and San Francisco coins show an “S.”
Q: Is a 1920 Standing Liberty Quarter rare?
A: The 1920 Philadelphia issue isn’t considered rare with about 6.3 million minted, but finding one in high grades — especially with a Full Head designation — is genuinely uncommon and collectible. Most surviving examples show significant wear from decades of use.
