By an amazing chance, I came across two Standing Liberty quarter dollars in the last two weeks. The problem is that the dates are worn beyond recognition, not even the first digit is showing. Much of the obverse is worn off, but the reverse is okay. Are there any unique features on specific years to help me figure when they were minted? Any info is greatly appreciated 09S-V.D.B.
to the forum 09. In the condition you describe, there may not be. The "R-rated" variety was minted in 1916 and the first part of 1917, but with the wear on your coins I'm pretty sure you can't tell how modest Lady Liberty was when she left the Mint. However, check the reverse and see if there are three stars beneath the eagle. If not, you have Variety I (the bare-chested one). Chances are your coin was minted before 1925, as that's when they changed the design to recess the date, specifically because it was wearing off too easily. With the date gone, there's no way to tell if it was once the 1918S 8 over 7, the only one valued at more than $1,000, even in G4.
I've only found one that I wanted and because it had certainly been cleaned,it was affordable, but still beautiful!
Those 2 quarters were probably spent intentionally by someone who knows they aren't hardly worth much.
