Pretty new to collecting here, mostly stick to common date 90% coinage and ASE to maximize a position in silver. However, I absolutely love the standing liberty quarters but most I come across are really worn out and unappealing. I would like to buy a real nice one graded but without breaking the bank. What years and conditions should I be looking at? Thanks in advance! -Joe
I feel your pain Joe, I really like the Standing Liberty quarters and most of the affordable ones are not in very good condition. Very Fine (VF) or Extremely Fine (XF) are the lowest grades that do the coin justice, and they do tend to be pricey. I spent some time on e-bay looking for these grades in the common dates, but didn't do much good. Will probably try again, good hunting.
The most affordable SLQs in higher circulated grades or in mint state would generally be from Philadelphia and would either be the 1917 Type I or any of the late date Type III coins (1925-1930).
Tom's answer is a good general response to your rather vague request. In order to give you a more specific answer, we would need to know how much you are willing to spend, what grade you want, and whether or not you want full head. Perhaps you should look for a really nice slider, eg.
I would be looking for a 1930 Philly. It is one of the best struck years with a whopping 50% struck with full head. It is also one of the more affordable dates. Take your time and get a nice one that fits your budget. Mike
People have already answered this about the way I would lol... but you can get ones from 1925 to 1930 in AU for less than $100 (and uncirculated for $150 to $200 or so) and these look especially nice. If you're looking to get the best looking ones for the lowest amount of money, I'd definitely go for one of those.
Or, if you find it, try for a 1920 Standing Liberty. It is the highest mintage of the series and can be quite affordable in AU-low MS ($75-$100). Plus it is an earlier date with the Type 2 date (non-recessed date field).
one of the most eye appealing coin. I love the appearance of the flying eagle. I have a few myself but would love to get a higher grade! Just gotta keep your eyes open and check book handy. lol.
If you are considering mint state, I would recommend a 17 type 1. The thought being you can find a fully struck example relatively cheaply. That, plus lady liberty is wearing no shirt. lol IMO, the best value in mint state SLQs are coins that are fully struck except for the earhole -- almost but not quite FH -- pay close attention to the shield center and rivets on the obverse and the reverse eagle feathers. Also, don't fall into the trap that says that a FH coin is fully struck. It is not always the case. Furthermore, the early dates simply have more detail than the late dates, IMO, because by the late dates much of the detail in the shield has disappeared. Therefore I'd recommend a 1917 Type 1 in almost but not quite FH. Most bang for the buck, IMO. If you are going for a coin in lower grade where a mint state coin or full struck example matters, then I would agree with Tom's answer and say either the Type 1 or late date Type 3s.
