The 1929-S Standing Liberty Quarter is worth anywhere from $10 in worn condition to over $350 in high-end mint state. This beautiful silver coin represents a fascinating era of American history, and finding one in your change or an old collection is an exciting discovery for any casual treasure hunter.
How Much is a 1929 S Standing Liberty Quarter Worth Today
If you have stumbled upon this coin, the first thing you probably want to know is its market value. Most circulated examples that show clear wear are valued between $10 and $25, which is still a significant premium over their face value. Because these coins are 90% silver, they have an inherent “melt value” that fluctuates with the price of precious metals. However, the numismatic value—what collectors are willing to pay—is usually higher than the silver content alone. If you aren’t sure exactly which variety you have, using a free coin identifier app can help you confirm the date and mint mark in seconds.
For those lucky enough to find a coin that looks like it just came from the bank yesterday, the price jumps significantly. Collectors look for the “Full Head” (FH) designation, which means Liberty’s helmet has crisp, clear details. A high-grade specimen with this feature can command hundreds of dollars at auction. To get a precise idea of what professional dealers are paying, you might want to check the latest 1929-S Standing Liberty Quarter mint state auction records. Using the CoinHix app is also a great way to track these market shifts in real-time.
Identifying the S Mint Mark and Design Features
The “S” on your 1929 quarter stands for the San Francisco Mint. During this year, the San Francisco facility produced just under 2 million quarters, which is a relatively low mintage compared to modern standards. To find the mint mark, look at the literal “standing” figure of Lady Liberty on the obverse (front) of the coin. The S is located just to the left of the date, near the star. If there is no letter there, the coin was minted in Philadelphia.
The Standing Liberty design, created by Hermon Atkins MacNeil, is widely considered one of the most beautiful coins ever minted in the United States. On the reverse, you will see a majestic eagle in flight. Because this design was prone to wear—especially on the date—coins from 1929 are desirable because the Mint had already adjusted the design by this time to protect the date from rubbing away. If you find a coin where the date is bold and clear, you are looking at a much better piece of history. You can find more detailed breakdowns of these 1929 quarter value specifications online to see where your specific coin fits.
Condition and Grading Scale for the 1929-S Quarter
Condition is everything in the world of coin collecting. Experts use a 70-point scale to determine a coin’s grade. A “Good-4” coin might be heavily worn with just the outlines of the design visible, while an “MS-65” (Mint State) coin will have its original luster and no signs of wear. For the 1929-S, the most important areas to check for wear are Liberty’s right knee and the breastplate. On the eagle side, check the tips of the wings.
If your coin still has a “shiny” or “cartwheel” luster when you rotate it under light, don’t clean it! Cleaning a coin with chemicals or cloth actually scratches the surface and can cut its value by half or more. Instead, use a tool like CoinHix to compare your coin to high-resolution photos of graded examples. This helps you estimate the grade without spending money on professional grading services prematurely.
| Condition Grade | Estimated Value (USD) |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $8 – $12 |
| Very Fine (VF-20) | $25 – $35 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | $50 – $70 |
| Uncirculated (MS-63) | $180 – $220 |
| Mint State (MS-65 Full Head) | $450+ |
Why the 1929-S is a Great Addition to Your Portfolio
The late 1920s were a pivotal time in American history, and the 1929-S Standing Liberty Quarter was minted right as the Great Depression began. Many of these coins were spent out of necessity during the 1930s, meaning they stayed in circulation for a long time. Finding one today in a high grade is much harder than finding more recent Washington quarters.
Collectors enjoy the 1929-S because it provides a balance of affordability and rarity. While it isn’t a “key date” (like the 1916nd 1921nd 1923-S), it still hails from the San Francisco Mint, which usually produced fewer coins than Philadelphia or Denver. This makes it a “semi-key” date that holds its value well over time. To stay updated on the total value of your growing collection, the CoinHix app can help you organize and price your inventory effortlessly.
FAQs about the 1929-S Standing Liberty Quarter
Q: Is the 1929-S Standing Liberty Quarter made of real silver?
A: Yes, all Standing Liberty Quarters minted from 1916 to 1930 are made of 90% silver and 10% copper. This makes them valuable for both their historical significance and their precious metal content.
Q: Where is the mint mark located on a 1929-S quarter?
A: The “S” mint mark is found on the front of the coin. Look just to the left of the date for a small letter “S”. If the space is blank, it was minted in Philadelphia.
Q: Should I get my 1929-S quarter professionally graded?
A: It depends on the condition. If the coin looks brand new with sharp details on Liberty’s head and the eagle’s feathers, it might be worth $200 or more, making professional grading a good investment. If it is heavily worn, the cost of grading might exceed the coin’s value.
