1916 25C MS67 NGC....

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Superlative 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter, MS67

1916 25C MS67 NGC. An amazing survivor of one of the 20th century's rarest and most popular American type coins. Only eight MS67 examples are documented at both services combined--four each at NGC and PCGS--with none grading finer as of (3/09). Interestingly, the current offering is the only MS67 specimen not designated as Full Head. The intense luster, nearly flawless surfaces, and breathtaking eye appeal have earned this piece a Superb Gem Uncirculated grade. The strike is decent and would best be described as average, since the hairline is not completely defined against Liberty's face and the rivets of the shield are incomplete.
The 1916 Standing Liberty quarter has been studied and written about nearly since its creation, but recent research provides us with more insight than ever before. Roger W. Burdette, for example, painstakingly delineates the development of this popular issue in his wonderful 2005 treatise titled Renaissance of American Coinage 1916-1921. In his reference, Burdette provides a clue why the mintage of 1916 quarters was so limited, citing a little-known fact that D- and S-mint dies had actually been prepared, but were never used. He writes:

"Although quarter dies had been prepared for Denver and San Francisco on November 16 von Engelken ordered them held in Philadelphia pending a conference with Superintendent Joyce. There was no time to produce quarters at Denver or San Francisco as originally planned, so a token number--52,000 according to the mint report--were coined in Philadelphia sometime on December 16, 1916. These coins had no commercial importance but were produced to ensure that the twenty-five year design replacement 'requirement' was technically met."

The certified population of 1916 Standing Liberty quarters has changed little at the MS67 level over the past few years, although we have observed known examples migrating between NGC and PCGS holders. Any addition at this lofty grade is obviously possible, but after 23 years of third-party grading the occasion would be a rare event indeed. We hereby proudly offer one of the finest known 1916 Standing Liberty quarters--a coin that blends absolute rarity with unparalleled eye appeal.(Registry values: N7079)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 242Y, PCGS# 5704, GSID# 5533)

Metal: 90% Silver, 10% Copper
Weight: 6.25 grams
ASW: 0.18085oz
Mintage: 52,000

View Certification Details from NGC