Lot 2761
1917-D Liberty Standing Quarter Dollar. Type 1. PCGS graded MS-65 PQ CAC Approved. Frosty white with the head nearly full. This coin needs to be resubmitted for FH designation. Pop 69; 29 finer with 1 in 65+, 15 in 66, 1 in 66+, 2 in 67 (PCGS # 5708) .
Note: Type 1 and Type 2 Standing Liberty Quarters carry a funny, thought-provoking story, probably more apocryphal than true. In the early years of this century a band of vice crusaders stalked the land. America, like most countries, has its history of swings from relatively "loose" morals to more prudish ones. After the infamous reformer, Anthony Comstock, passed on to a higher calling in 1915, his devoted followers continued the crusade. The day Hermon MacNeil brought out his aesthetically pleasing Standing Liberty motif in 1916 was the day a great hue and cry arose from these Comstockers. For what did they espy in his design but a bare-bosomed Ms. Liberty. Forget the fact that countless nations had their own splendid, if unclothed, artwork that had drawn rave reviews from art historians and critics; no, this new topless Quarter had to go! Forget the fact that the US $5 Silver Certificates of 1896-99 had a bare-breasted allegorical "Electricity" on the front. None of that mattered. One can imagine Mr. MacNeil's chagrin at being told to modify the offending bosom. Thus arose the so-called Type 2 design. Not only did the artist comply with the Mint official's directive, but he decided to make a point by draping poor Liberty in a highly unbecoming chain-mail blouse! Be that as it may, here is a splendid representative Type 1 bare-breasted Quarter for your enjoyment.
Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,300.
The Coltrin Family Collection.
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| Realized $1,006 |
