The 1929-S Standing Liberty Quarter is worth anywhere from $10 in heavily worn condition to over $500 or more in high mint state grades, making it one of the more collectible later-date issues in the Standing Liberty series. If you found one of these silver quarters tucked away in a drawer or old coin jar, you might be sitting on a nice little treasure.
What Makes the 1929-S Quarter Special
The 1929-S Standing Liberty Quarter was struck at the San Francisco Mint and carries the small “S” mintmark on the obverse, just above and to the left of the date. It was part of the final years of production for this beloved coin series, which ran from 1916 to 1930.
This coin features Hermon MacNeil’s iconic design of Lady Liberty striding forward, holding a shield and an olive branch. The design is widely regarded as one of the most artistic in American coinage history.
With a mintage of around 1.76 million coins, the 1929-S isn’t the rarest date in the series, but it’s far from common in high grades. Many circulated examples show heavy wear on Liberty’s head and the eagle’s breast feathers, which are typically the first areas to show signs of use.
If you’re not sure what you’re looking at, a free coin identifier app can help you quickly figure out the date, mintmark, and estimated value before you do anything else with the coin.
1929-S Standing Liberty Quarter Value by Grade
The condition of your coin — referred to as its “grade” — is the single biggest factor in determining its value. Coin grading runs on a scale from 1 (barely identifiable) to 70 (perfect uncirculated).
Here’s a general value breakdown for the 1929-S Standing Liberty Quarter:
| Grade | Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| G-4 (Good) | Heavy wear, design visible | $10 – $14 |
| VG-8 (Very Good) | Moderate wear, major features clear | $15 – $20 |
| F-12 (Fine) | Light to moderate wear | $22 – $30 |
| VF-20 (Very Fine) | Light wear on high points | $35 – $50 |
| EF-40 (Extremely Fine) | Slight wear, sharp details | $60 – $90 |
| MS-63 (Mint State) | Uncirculated, minor marks | $200 – $350 |
| MS-65 (Gem Mint State) | Exceptional luster and strike | $500+ |
For the most current auction results and certified sale prices, you can check detailed 1929-S Standing Liberty Quarter price data by grade to see exactly what collectors are paying right now.
How to Tell If Your Coin Is the 1929-S
Finding the mintmark is key. On Standing Liberty Quarters, look on the obverse (front) of the coin, just to the right of the date near the bottom. You’re looking for a small “S” — that confirms it was made in San Francisco.
If the date area is worn smooth, you might have trouble reading the year. This was actually a known issue with the Standing Liberty Quarter series because the date sat on a raised area that wore down quickly.
Some collectors look for what’s called a “Full Head” strike — meaning Liberty’s helmet details are crisp and complete. A Full Head 1929-S in mint state can command a significant premium over standard examples, sometimes doubling or tripling the regular value.
CoinKnow is a great tool for identifying these details quickly. Just snap a photo of your coin and CoinKnow will give you an instant grade estimate along with current market values — no experience needed.
Silver Content and Melt Value
Don’t overlook the silver content of this coin. The 1929-S Standing Liberty Quarter is made of 90% silver and contains 0.1808 troy ounces of silver per coin.
That means even a heavily worn example has base metal value regardless of collector interest. When silver prices are around $28–$30 per troy ounce (which they have been in recent years), the melt value alone sits at roughly $5–$6 per coin.
So even if your 1929-S isn’t in great shape, it still has real intrinsic value as a silver coin. That’s always good news for anyone who stumbles upon one.
For a complete look at what the 1929 Standing Liberty Quarter is worth across all mint marks and grades, it’s worth taking a few minutes to explore the full picture before selling or trading your coin.
Should You Clean or Sell Your 1929-S Quarter?
Please don’t clean your coin. This is one of the most common mistakes new collectors make, and it can reduce a coin’s value by 50% or more. Even gentle polishing removes the natural patina and surface detail that collectors and graders look for.
If you think you have a high-grade or uncirculated example, consider getting it professionally graded by PCGS or NGC. The cost is usually worth it for coins that might grade MS-63 or higher.
For lower-grade circulated examples, you can sell directly to coin dealers, at local coin shows, or through online platforms like eBay. CoinKnow can also help you track current offers and get a sense of fair market value before you commit to any sale.
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FAQ
Q: How much is a 1929-S Standing Liberty Quarter worth in average circulated condition?
A: In typical circulated grades like Good to Very Fine, a 1929-S Standing Liberty Quarter is generally worth between $10 and $50. The exact value depends on how much detail remains on Liberty’s head and the eagle’s feathers.
Q: What does the “S” mintmark on my Standing Liberty Quarter mean?
A: The “S” mintmark means your coin was struck at the San Francisco Mint. On Standing Liberty Quarters, you’ll find this small letter on the obverse, to the right of the date near the bottom of the coin.
Q: Is the 1929-S Standing Liberty Quarter rare?
A: It’s not considered rare in circulated grades, but it becomes scarce in uncirculated Mint State condition — especially with a Full Head strike. Finding one in MS-65 or above is genuinely difficult, and those examples can sell for $500 or considerably more at auction.
