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Auction 218 | Lot 6689 » Quarters and Twenty Cents » Standing Liberty Quarters
1916 25C MS 67 Full Head PCGS. Few issues demonstrate the deleterious effect of political aspiration on coinage history better than the Type One Standing Liberty quarter. Pursuant to the Mint Act of September 26, 1890, the federal government began to take action in the mid-1910s with the desire to replace Charles E. Barber's quarter design. Following an open competition, the Treasury Department approved Hermon Atkins MacNeil's design on December 28, 1915. The usual refinement period, exacerbated by Barber's notorious lack of cooperation, chewed up the majority of the following year. Although the Philadelphia and Denver Mints had coined more than 8 million 1916-dated Barber quarters, the parent facility was apparently impressed enough with MacNeil's Standing Liberty motif to begin production as rapidly as possible. Accordingly, Mint employees coined a mere 52,000 1916 Standing Liberty quarters between December 16 and 31. Another 12,201,200 pieces followed from all three Mints in the first half of 1917. By the middle of the year, however, political forces had arrayed against MacNeil's groundbreaking design.

Numismatic scholars have shed much ink on the demise of the Type One Standing Liberty quarter. More often than not, Liberty's exposed breast has been cited as the reason behind the federal government's modification of MacNeil's original work. While this is essentially true, novice historians have tended to overstate the role of the Society for the Suppression of Vice in this process. In actuality, someone with considerably more political clout was stirring the coinage design cauldron. On April 16, 1917, Treasury Secretary William G. McAdoo had written to Representative William Ashbrook of Ohio in protest to the Type One quarter design. On April 30, Ashbrook introduced McAdoo's bill before Congress. The document called upon the Mint to modify the original design by increasing the concavity of the fields and repositioning the eagle with relation to the stars. To support this asp (PCGS# 5705)
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Auction 218 | Lot 6690 » Quarters and Twenty Cents » Standing Liberty Quarters
1917 25C Type One MS 67 Full Head PCGS. The availability of this P-mint Standing Liberty quarter through the Gem grade level has solidified its popularity among dedicated students of the series. With pristine, mark-free faces that are temptingly close to numismatic perfection, the present Superb Gem is, however, in a class of its own. Untoned throughout, the faces reveal swirling frosty luster that radiates through the holder with uncommon intensity. Both sides exhibit the granularity that typifies many 1916-1917 Walking Liberty half dollars and Type One Standing Liberty quarters. As befits the issue, every last design element displays razor sharp definition that accentuates the artistic beauty of MacNeil's design. Unsurpassable in all regards, we wholeheartedly endorse this coin to numismatic perfectionists.
Ex: PCGS Registry "East Coast Collector," The Finest Known Set of Standing Liberty Quarters. (PCGS# 5707)

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Auction 218 | Lot 6693 » Quarters and Twenty Cents » Standing Liberty Quarters
1917 25C Type Two MS 67 Full Head PCGS. In a series of noteworthy rarities, numerous collectors seem to ignore their hunting instincts during the pursuit of a 1917 Type Two representative. No doubt the issue's sizeable mintage of 13,880,000 pieces accounts for its 'common' status. While this may be an apt term for circulated survivors, advanced collectors would be wise to look upon the present specimen with different eyes. The bold impression does not wane over either Liberty's head, the shield rivets, or the gown lines. On the reverse, the eagle's breast also displays pleasing overall definition. The coruscating mint frost imparts a silver-white appearance, although pale golden accents are noted in isolated areas about the rims. With expertly preserved faces, it is little wonder that this specimen falls comfortably into the Condition Census for the issue. To the 2 pieces that PCGS lists at the MS 67 Full Head grade tier, NGC adds only 1 example (9/99).
Ex: PCGS Registry "East Coast Collector," The Finest Known Set of Standing Liberty Quarters. (PCGS# 5715)

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Auction 218 | Lot 6696 » Quarters and Twenty Cents » Standing Liberty Quarters
1918 25C MS 67 Full Head PCGS. This is a lovely Superb Gem example that displays razor sharp definition throughout. The rich endowment of frosty luster radiates through the holder unhindered by either patination or surface disruptions. A high mintage (14,240,000 pieces) P-mint delivery, the 1918 is readily obtainable through the Gem grade level but rare with this combination of striking quality and surface preservation. NGC and PCGS combined report only 9 examples in MS 67 Full Head with none finer (9/99).
Ex: PCGS Registry "East Coast Collector," The Finest Known Set of Standing Liberty Quarters. (PCGS# 5721)

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Auction 218 | Lot 6697 » Quarters and Twenty Cents » Standing Liberty Quarters
1918-D 25C MS 66 Full Head PCGS. Although often overshadowed by its S-mint counterpart, the 1918-D is a conditionally scarce issue that is infrequently encountered at the Gem level of preservation. Not only is complete head detail a virtually unobtainable goal, many Mint State survivors also display poor definition on Liberty's left (facing) leg, the date, and the eagle's breast feathers. While several of the shield rivets are incomplete, the present specimen displays needle sharp delineation on Liberty's head as well as the balance of the obverse features. In addition, the date is boldly struck and free of the bisecting diagonal crack that develops in later die states. The eagle's breast feathers, although not quite complete, display memorable definition for the issue. Pleasing gold iridescence overlays the frosty faces and accents the carefully preserved surfaces. An important condition rarity and a coin that is worthy of a strong bid. Population: 11 in 66, 0 finer (10/99).
Ex: PCGS Registry "East Coast Collector," The Finest Known Set of Standing Liberty Quarters. (PCGS# 5723)

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Auction 218 | Lot 6699 » Quarters and Twenty Cents » Standing Liberty Quarters
1918/7-S 25C MS 64 Full Head PCGS. The year 1918 was one of the most dramatic of the early 20th century for the United States. On May 27, 1918, General Ludendorff launched Germany's last great offensive of World War One against the Allied Northern Front at Chemin des Dames. Hurriedly dispersed from rear areas, the United States 4th Marine Brigade took up a vital position along the Paris-Metz highway astride the Bois de Belleau. After nearly a month of fighting over rocky, hilly, and densely wooded terrain, the Marines stopped the German offensive and secured Belleau Wood as well as the surrounding terrain. Known to history as the Battle of Balleau Wood, this frightful engagement witnessed 55% casualties among American troops and forever established the fighting elan of the United States Marine Corps. By the end of the year, Imperial Germany had surrendered unconditionally and the United States emerged as one of the leading world powers of the 20th century.

In coinage history, 1918 was no less dramatic. While mintage figures remained high due to the wartime economy, the San Francisco Mint produced one of the rarest and most desirable issues in the Standing Liberty quarter series. The California branch mint's total output of 11,072,000 quarters this year undoubtedly consumed a vast number of working dies. The Philadelphia Mint was sorely strained to meet this seemingly insatiable desire. To help ease the situation, an old 1917-dated die was saved from destruction, re-engraved with an 8 over the final digit in the date, and shipped west with an S-mintmark. From this obverse die, the San Francisco Mint pressed an unknown number of quarters. Although relatively bold to the unaided eye, this overdate variety remained undiscovered until 1937, after which collectors hoarded all the examples that they could locate. The two decades that had elapsed since their production was, however, sufficient to reduce many of these curious examples to circulated levels of preservation.

Bettere (PCGS# 5727)
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Auction 218 | Lot 6700 » Quarters and Twenty Cents » Standing Liberty Quarters
1919 25C MS 67 Full Head PCGS. This coin's delicate toning places it above similarly graded examples of the issue in terms of aesthetic allure. Tan patination overlays the left obverse and reverse faces with mottled powder-blue accents noted throughout. The underlying surfaces exhibit radiant mint luster that shines forth with undiminished intensity. As befits the respected designation, Liberty's head is powerfully struck and the balance of the features display equally bold definition. The number of Mint State 1919 quarters with Full Head definition is second only to the 1917 Type One among pre-1925 issues, although pieces with this degree of surface preservation are anything but common. Population: 6 in 67, only 1 finer (10/99).
Ex: PCGS Registry "East Coast Collector," The Finest Known Set of Standing Liberty Quarters. (PCGS# 5729)

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Auction 218 | Lot 6701 » Quarters and Twenty Cents » Standing Liberty Quarters
1919-D 25C MS 66 Full Head PCGS. "The plunge of civilization into the abyss of blood and darkness...so gives away the whole long age during which we have supposed the world to be...gradually bettering...is too tragic for any words." Such was the American novelist Henry James' assessment of humanity the day after Great Britain entered World War One. Four years of continuous warfare and staggering casualty figures would only lend credence to James' assessment that the old days of peaceful advancement had given way to a barbarous new era where death and destruction prevailed. Although the United States had remained neutral until 1917, the waves of strikes, bombings, and race riots that swept through postwar America proved that she too had succumbed to the horrors of the Great War.

In all its myriad forms, war changes and, indeed, corrupts the nations that it touches. The reality of the Great War, as well as the horrors that it brought, ushered in a new era that challenged the simpler, more honest times of preceding decades. In a vain effort to restore the moral righteousness that once typified American society, many citizens adopted a defensive stance at the end of the 1910s. An excellent example of this reforming mood was the drive for prohibition that reached its pinnacle during and immediately after the First World War. In the name of wartime sacrifice, Congress passed the Eighteenth Amendment on December 18, 1917. After the states ratified the document on January 16, 1919, the manufacture, sale, and/or transport of intoxicating liquors became illegal from January 16, 1920. Later in 1919, the Volstead Act extended this ban by making illegal all beverages that contained more than 0.5 percent alcohol. The era of prohibition was born.

As a reform movement aimed at strengthening America's morals, however, prohibition failed miserably. Instead of curtailing alcoholic consumption, the Volstead Act paved the way for the numerous speakeasies that would become hallmarks of the Ro (PCGS# 5731)
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Auction 218 | Lot 6703 » Quarters and Twenty Cents » Standing Liberty Quarters
1920 25C MS 67 Full Head PCGS. While this P-mint issue usually displays above average definition for the series, few Mint State survivors exhibit the bold head detail of the present Superb Gem representative. For accuracy alone, we call attention to incompleteness of strike on the inner shield and the eagle's breast. The somewhat mottled, golden-russet and green-gray toning that envelops both sides yields to an intense swath of orange-champagne iridescence in the reverse field above the eagle. Electric-blue highlights about the reverse rim are also noted. The pristine, mark-free surfaces confirm this coin's place within the Condition Census of the issue. PCGS reports only 3 examples in MS 67 Full Head with none finer, although NGC has not graded a single specimen above the MS 66 Full Head grade tier (9/99).
Ex: PCGS Registry "East Coast Collector," The Finest Known Set of Standing Liberty Quarters. (PCGS# 5735)

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Auction 218 | Lot 6706 » Quarters and Twenty Cents » Standing Liberty Quarters
1921 25C MS 67 Full Head PCGS. The 1921 Standing Liberty quarter is an interesting issue that exhibits numerous striking anomalies. The paucity of pieces produced seems to account for the fact that Mint State survivors come better struck than those of most other issues in the series. Whereas many extant Standing Liberty quarters display striking softness through the top of the date, the 1921 exhibits this feature over the bottom of the digits. Finally, both the first and second 1 in the date are slightly different when compared to other issues. The present specimen exhibits all of these features, although the incompleteness of strike on the date is largely confined to the first digit. As alluded to earlier, the razor sharp strike is free of criticism. Pleasing golden-rose iridescence overlays the frosty faces and speaks volumes for this coin's originality. Only visible under a loupe, the toning spot atop the inner shield may be important for pedigree purposes. To date, this is the single finest certified survivor of this popular and elusive P-mint delivery (9/99).
Ex: PCGS Registry "East Coast Collector," The Finest Known Set of Standing Liberty Quarters. (PCGS# 5741)

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Auction 218 | Lot 6707 » Quarters and Twenty Cents » Standing Liberty Quarters
1923 25C MS 67 Full Head PCGS. An undeniable condition rarity, this gorgeous quarter displays swirling mint frost and an effulgent silver-white appearance. Mottled tan iridescence is, nonetheless, noted at select angles of observation. There are no surface distractions that would keep this specimen from an even more respected grade designation. One look at this coin easily confirms J. H. Cline's conclusion that this P-mint issue is a favorite among collectors who are "looking for the ultimate." NGC and PCGS combined report only 3 examples in MS 67 Full Head, although, almost implausibly, NGC has graded a lone MS 68 Full Head specimen finer (9/99). According to the consignor, this was David Hall's favorite coin from the entire "East Coast" Collection.
Ex: PCGS Registry "East Coast Collector," The Finest Known Set of Standing Liberty Quarters. (PCGS# 5743)

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Auction 218 | Lot 6709 » Quarters and Twenty Cents » Standing Liberty Quarters
1924 25C MS 67 Full Head PCGS. An interesting coin from a numismatic standpoint, the obverse displays numerous die cracks through the shield, date, and field about Liberty's head and foot. In addition, clash marks from the eagle's tail feathers are noted in the obverse field to the right of the olive branch. The champagne-gold iridescence that decorates both sides hardly inhibits one's appreciation of the mark-free faces or rich frosty luster. Although Full Head representatives of this P-mint delivery are among the more available in the series, Superb Gem examples number only 7 between both NGC and PCGS (9/99).
Ex: PCGS Registry "East Coast Collector," The Finest Known Set of Standing Liberty Quarters. (PCGS# 5747)

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Auction 218 | Lot 6712 » Quarters and Twenty Cents » Standing Liberty Quarters
1925 25C MS 67 Full Head PCGS. Full Head representatives of the 1925 are relatively available through the near-Gem grade tier. Gem examples are, however, rather elusive and Superb Gem specimens are deservedly rare. The gold and russet iridescence that blankets both sides exhibits mottled blue-green undertones at select light angles. Richly frosted, the placid faces effectively counterbalance this minor detraction and confirm this coin's memorable eye appeal. Population: 5 in 67, 0 finer (10/99).
Ex: PCGS Registry "East Coast Collector," The Finest Known Set of Standing Liberty Quarters. (PCGS# 5753)

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Auction 218 | Lot 6715 » Quarters and Twenty Cents » Standing Liberty Quarters
1926-S 25C MS 66 Full Head PCGS. Unknown finer, the present Gem exhibits razor sharp delineation on Liberty's head that only enhances the other positive attributes of the shiny surfaces. The rich endowment of mint frost cartwheels serenely around both sides uninhibited by even the faintest patination. Numerous die striations are noted throughout the reverse field, but the smooth surfaces are devoid of post-production detractions. Simply breathtaking, the overall appearance of this specimen ensures its desirability above and beyond its status as a high grade survivor of a key issue. To the 6 MS 66 examples that PCGS reports, NGC adds only 2 coins (9/99).
Ex: PCGS Registry "East Coast Collector," The Finest Known Set of Standing Liberty Quarters. (PCGS# 5759)
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Auction 218 | Lot 6716 » Quarters and Twenty Cents » Standing Liberty Quarters
1927 25C MS 67 Full Head PCGS. Essentially brilliant, both sides exhibit uncommonly smooth surfaces that allow for full appreciation of this favored design. Liberty's head is conspicuous by its bold definition, but the inner shield, gown lines, and breast feathers lack fine detail. Although specialists consider sharply struck representatives of this P-mint delivery relatively common, Condition Census examples such as this deserve the utmost respect among bidders. Combined population data from the two major grading services reveals only 5 specimens in MS 67 Full Head and none finer (9/99).
Ex: PCGS Registry "East Coast Collector," The Finest Known Set of Standing Liberty Quarters. (PCGS# 5761)

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Auction 218 | Lot 6722 » Quarters and Twenty Cents » Standing Liberty Quarters
1929 25C MS 67 Full Head PCGS. This lot offers a common issue in an uncommon level of preservation. Lightly toned in silver-gray shades, intermingled swirls of baby-blue and golden-tan shades are also noted on both sides. Despite isolated incompleteness, the strike is memorable for the series and fully deserving of the vaunted Full Head designation. Cartwheel luster radiates through the holder as well as the overlying coloration and rounds out the eye appeal of this Condition Census specimen. The 5 coins that have obtained an MS 67 Full Head assessment have not been surpassed at either NGC or PCGS (9/99).
Ex: PCGS Registry "East Coast Collector," The Finest Known Set of Standing Liberty Quarters. (PCGS# 5773)

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Auction 218 | Lot 6724 » Quarters and Twenty Cents » Standing Liberty Quarters
1929-S 25C MS 67 Full Head PCGS. Although a hoard of nearly 50 Mint State '29-S quarters surfaced in California in 1975, many of these coins displayed poor definition and/or significant surface detractions. Sharply impressed and pristine throughout, the present Superb Gem clearly traces its origin to another, more selective source. Largely complete, the strike elicits every last detail of, among other features, Liberty's head. As befits the grade, both sides are devoid of noticeable contact marks. This is the single finest certified example on the PCGS registry, although NGC also reports 4 examples in MS 67 Full Head (9/99).
Ex: PCGS Registry "East Coast Collector," The Finest Known Set of Standing Liberty Quarters. (PCGS# 5777)

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Auction 218 | Lot 6725 » Quarters and Twenty Cents » Standing Liberty Quarters
1930 25C MS 67 Full Head PCGS. Despite its status as the most easily obtainable Standing Liberty quarter with Full Head definition, few Mint State survivors can match the technical quality of this brilliant Superb Gem. The rich endowment of mint frost cartwheels around the boldly impressed faces. The surfaces are smooth and temptingly close to numismatic perfection. Unknown finer, we doubt whether there is a more attractive representation of this P-mint delivery anywhere throughout the numismatic community.
Ex: PCGS Registry "East Coast Collector," The Finest Known Set of Standing Liberty Quarters. (PCGS# 5779)

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Auction 218 | Lot 6726 » Quarters and Twenty Cents » Standing Liberty Quarters
1930-S 25C MS 67 Full Head PCGS. The golden iridescence assumes a milky cast at select angles of observation. Razor sharp and nearly complete, the strike accentuates nearly every detail. Not even the most trivial contact mark breaks the continuity of the swirling mint luster. A gorgeous coin and a fitting conclusion to the finest collection of Standing Liberty quarters ever assembled. Population: 9 in 67, 0 finer (9/99).
Ex: PCGS Registry "East Coast Collector," The Finest Known Set of Standing Liberty Quarters. (PCGS# 5781)

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