The 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter: A Rare Beauty with Controversial Change

The 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter is one of the most celebrated coins in American numismatics. Known for its striking design and controversial history, this quarter stands out as a rare beauty with a legacy that collectors still cherish today.

[{"selector":"#anim-4d46d3d3-8784-4305-b816-2dea17209348","keyframes":[{"offset":0,"transform":"translate3d(0, -207.81893%, 0)","easing":"cubic-bezier(.5, 0, 1, 1)"},{"offset":0.29,"transform":"translate3d(0, 0%, 0)","easing":"cubic-bezier(0, 0, .5, 1)"},{"offset":0.45,"transform":"translate3d(0, -58.438683116%, 0)","easing":"cubic-bezier(.5, 0, 1, 1)"},{"offset":0.61,"transform":"translate3d(0, 0%, 0)","easing":"cubic-bezier(0, 0, .5, 1)"},{"offset":0.71,"transform":"translate3d(0, -19.867489708%, 0)","easing":"cubic-bezier(.5, 0, 1, 1)"},{"offset":0.8,"transform":"translate3d(0, 0%, 0)","easing":"cubic-bezier(0, 0, .5, 1)"},{"offset":0.85,"transform":"translate3d(0, -7.460699587%, 0)","easing":"cubic-bezier(.5, 0, 1, 1)"},{"offset":0.92,"transform":"translate3d(0, 0%, 0)","easing":"cubic-bezier(0, 0, .5, 1)"},{"offset":0.96,"transform":"translate3d(0, -3.241975308%, 0)","easing":"cubic-bezier(.5, 0, 1, 1)"},{"offset":1,"transform":"translate3d(0, 0%, 0)","easing":"cubic-bezier(0, 0, .5, 1)"}],"delay":0,"duration":600,"fill":"both"}]

The coin’s design and production story reflect a significant moment in U.S. coinage, blending artistic beauty with a touch of controversy.

[{"selector":"#anim-63142d45-55ee-46ac-b0c8-7cee4340980d","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}]

Designed by Hermon A. MacNeil, the 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter features Liberty in full stride, holding a shield in one hand and an olive branch in the other.

[{"selector":"#anim-f0738a13-0298-4e84-ba87-3c0bea11c7af","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-6c145fa4-fd4a-4e46-82af-330880ae6984","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-118.66666%, 0px, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}]

The figure is shown stepping forward, symbolizing progress and freedom. The design’s boldness was striking compared to previous U.S. coins, capturing the essence of a changing America at the time.

[{"selector":"#anim-9ce8d1cc-f27a-4f26-bff0-9b4907d596ae","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-f3df49cd-bc2f-4289-ab06-ad57d7a29236","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, -232.40391%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}]

However, the most distinctive feature of the 1916 quarter was Liberty’s attire—or lack thereof. The coin's design depicted Liberty as nearly bare-chested, which caused public backlash.

[{"selector":"#anim-327e2342-fb1a-41d8-8cb1-c0a43dda6fa2","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-d2410bad-6d12-43b0-b569-92be65a55ca5","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 186.84808%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}]

Many felt it was indecent for the national symbol of liberty to be depicted in such a manner. The controversy surrounding this exposed a cultural tension between artistic freedom and societal norms at the time.

[{"selector":"#anim-19dc1207-4e98-4695-b9d6-5bdbc72e9717","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(1)","scale(1.5)","scale(0.95)","scale(1)"],"offset":[0,0.33,0.66,1]},"delay":0,"duration":1450,"easing":"ease-in-out","fill":"both","iterations":1}]

In late 1916, the Mint made the controversial decision to revise the design, which led to the creation of the 1917 Standing Liberty Quarter.

[{"selector":"#anim-dce4b6d2-215d-43f6-bd32-35339e13a2a3","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-118.66666%, 0px, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":1000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.2, 0, .8, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-57bd7800-85d1-44a0-ba7d-f8a2e520f30e","keyframes":{"transform":["rotateZ(-180deg)","rotateZ(0deg)"]},"delay":0,"duration":1000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.2, 0, .5, 1)","fill":"forwards"}]

The updated version included a chainmail garment to cover Liberty’s breast, reducing the scandalous appearance. The design change meant that the 1916 quarter was produced for only a short period, making it highly rare today.

[{"selector":"#anim-34f8c9e8-50fd-4f30-a973-0fe78f556485","keyframes":{"transform":["rotate(-540deg) scale(0.1)","none"],"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":1000,"fill":"both","iterations":1}]

stay connected Learn more