Contents:
When it comes to U.S. quarter dollar coins, collectors often pay special attention to so-called “key dates.” One such coin is the Standing Liberty quarter 1927.
This coin stands out due to its historical point of view, at the same time being a part of the largest and most sought-after coins among collectors.
So, let us study its historical background and check the value of these coins together to confirm its rarity and exclusivity.
1927 in the U.S. Coin Industry
The 1920s was an era of economic prosperity and progress in the United States known as the “roaring twenties.” This period is characterized by rapid economic growth, cultural change, and financial stability until the onset of the Great Depression in 1929.
During this period, many interesting coins came into circulation, one of which is the quarter dollar 1927, first issued in 1916 (not to be confused with the 1927 Walking Liberty quarter, which never existed). Its design, created by Hermon Atkins MacNeil, became one of the most recognizable in the history of American numismatics.
By 1927, rather long before the 1985 quarters, coins were minted at three mints: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. San Francisco was the birthplace of the high 1927-S Standing Liberty quarter value.
Specifications
Design
The 1927 quarter value today is great for several reasons and one of them is its symbolic, well-loved design.
Obverse: Liberty standing full-length, with a shield in one hand and an olive branch in the other. The shield is a sign of national defense and attempts to protect the country's interests, and the olive branch symbolizes the desire for peace.
Reverse: a flying eagle with outstretched wings, which traditionally symbolizes the country's freedom and strength. Along the top of the coin is inscribed “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”, and at the bottom - “QUARTER DOLLAR”. Below the eagle is the minting date of 1927. The inscription “E Pluribus Unum” is between the eagle's wings.
Features and Facts to Pay Attention
Did you know that the obverse of the coin originally featured a more revealing image of Liberty with her breasts more naked? However, this design drew a wave of public criticism, especially from moralists of the time who considered it too revealing.
The coin was soon redesigned, and Liberty on the obverse was given a ringlet covering Liberty's breasts, which became more acceptable to the general public.
In addition, this issue was one of the last with “Standing Liberty” as the design was changed to depict Washington's portrait in the 1930s.
Characteristics | Details |
Material | Silver (90% = 1927 silver quarter value), copper (10%) |
Diameter | 24,3 mm |
Weight | 6,25 g |
Thickness | 1,75 mm |
Edge | Ribbed |
Along with the other coins of that time this one contained 90% silver, which increases the 1927 quarter dollar coin value not only as an interesting object of collecting, but also from the investment point of view, just like the 1789 Silver Dollar does.
Circulating Versions by Mint
Mintmark | Mint Location | Mintage (Coins Struck) | Notes |
(None) | Philadelphia | 11,912,000 | Common in circulated grades |
D | Denver | 976,400 | Much scarcer; sought after in higher grades |
S | San Francisco | 396,000 | Very low mintage; rare even in worn condition |
Where is the mintmark on a 1927 Standing Liberty quarter? It (if present) is located to the left of the star at the bottom of the obverse (front side) — specifically to the right of Liberty’s left foot. It appears just above and slightly right of the date.
1927 Standing Liberty quarter mint mark M:
The U.S. has never used an "M" mintmark. It does not exist on any American Standing Liberty Quarter.
Possible Confusion:
The designer’s initials "M" for Hermon A. MacNeil (the coin's artist) are hidden in the design.
His initial "M" appears at the bottom right of the obverse, near Liberty’s shield.
This is an artist's initial, NOT a mintmark.
If you see... | It means... |
No letter | Philadelphia coin |
Small "D" | Denver coin |
Small "S" | San Francisco coin |
Tiny "M" in design near shield | Designer Hermon MacNeil's initial (not a 1927 quarter M mark) |
1927 Standing Liberty Quarter Value
Here is a comprehensive 1927 Liberty quarter value chart, covering all three mint varieties—Philadelphia (no mintmark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S)—across various grades.
Values are based on recent market data and may vary depending on coin condition and market demand.
Grade | Value of 1927 quarter (Philadelphia) | 1927 D Standing Liberty quarter value (Denver) | 1927 S Standing Liberty quarter value (San Francisco) |
G-4 | $6.20 | $11.49 | $33 |
VG-8 | $7.89 | $35 | $129 |
F-12 | $37 | $143 | $540 |
VF-20 | $150 | $240 | Rare |
EF-40 | $150 | $240 | $930 |
AU-50 | $200 | $300 | $2,505 |
MS-60 | $300 | $400 | $7,800 |
MS-63 | $480 | $600 | $13,075 |
MS-64 | $600 | $800 | $15,150 |
MS-65 | $1,000 | $1,200 | $20,440 |
MS-66 | $1,800 | $2,000 | $23,600 |
Note: Values are approximate and can vary based on coin condition, market demand, and the presence of designations like Full Head (FH).
1927 (Philadelphia): With a mintage of 11,912,000, this is the most common of the three. While affordable in lower grades, high-grade examples, especially those with the Full Head designation, can command significant premiums.
1927-D (Denver): With a mintage of 976,000, it's scarcer than the Philadelphia issue. The 1927 D quarter value increases notably in higher grades, particularly for coins with sharp details.
1927-S (San Francisco): The rarest of the trio, with only 396,000 minted. Even in lower grades, it commands a premium, and high-grade examples are of a high 1927 S quarter value.
How Much Is a 1927 Quarter Worth at Auctions?
Notably, a 1927-S quarter graded MS66 sold for $258,500 at auction.
In 2018, one of the 1927 Standing Liberty S quarters in MS66 grade sold at auction for $44,650.
Such high prices were due to the condition and rarity of these examples. And as we mentioned earlier, when it comes to the price of a coin, it is important to focus on the basic rule of numismatics: the higher the degree of preservation, the higher the 1927 quarter dollar coin value.
Additional Tip: If you are comfortable with the fact that the 1927 quarter dollar value is rather high and you are ready to buy it, keep in mind that 1927-S quarter counterfeit coins can be found on the market, so it is important to use coin verification tools.
Use an application such as Coin ID Scanner. It is great for identifying and determining the value of coins, whether they are rare or foreign pieces.
Cherished Coin
The 1927-S quarter is a true numismatic diamond that holds an entire era hidden within it.
The combination of low mintage, rarity in excellent condition and rich heritage determines the high value of the coin, making it a collector's coveted dream. This is the kind of coin that is hard to find, easy to sell and impossible to forget.
In general, the one that will bring priceless pleasure and pride, taking a place of honor in any collection.
Facebook 
X (Twitter) 
Pinterest 
LinkedIn 
