How to Identify the 1923-S Standing Liberty Quarter

What This Coin Is

The 1923-S is another key date within the Standing Liberty quarter series, struck at the San Francisco Mint in limited numbers. It is especially scarce in well-preserved condition, making high-grade examples notably harder to find than the date's total mintage alone might suggest.

Obverse Design

The design keeps MacNeil's standing Liberty figure holding an olive branch and shield within the gateway, "LIBERTY" arched at top and "IN GOD WE TRUST" to the right, but on this "Type 2" version a chainmail vest covers Liberty's previously bare right breast, a modification made partway through 1917.

Reverse Design

The same flying eagle fills the center, but on the Type 2 reverse three stars were added directly beneath the eagle, and the remaining stars were rearranged around the border, giving the lower field a noticeably different look from the Type 1 reverse.

Size, Weight, Metal, and Edge

Standing Liberty quarters are struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weigh 6.25 grams, measure 24.3 mm across, and have a reeded edge, matching the specifications of the Barber and early Washington quarters that bracket the series.

Mint Mark Location

Unusually for a coin of this era, the mint mark sits on the obverse rather than the reverse: look just to the left of the date, near Liberty's leading foot. No mark means Philadelphia; a "D" indicates Denver and an "S" indicates San Francisco. An "S" mint mark in this position, combined with the 1923 date, confirms the San Francisco issue; a 1923 Philadelphia quarter shows no mark there and is far more common.

Telling It Apart from Similar Coins

As with other scarce San Francisco Standing Liberty dates, watch for a common 1923 Philadelphia quarter altered with a fake "S." Compare the letter's font, size, and position to verified genuine 1923-S coins, and check the surrounding field for tool marks or inconsistent luster.

Judging Condition at a Glance

Wear appears first on Liberty's head and the rounded shield rim on the obverse, and on the eagle's breast and the leading wing edge on the reverse. On Type 1 coins, the date sits unprotected at the rim, so it wears down or disappears entirely on well-circulated pieces; the head, shield, and date's legibility together give a quick read on grade. Because sharply struck head and shield details are uncommon on this date even in higher technical grades, an example with strong design definition is notable on sight.

Authenticity Red Flags

Because several dates in this series carry low mintages, watch for added or re-engraved mint marks on the obverse, and for full dates that look freshly re-cut on coins that should otherwise show wear consistent with the rest of the design. A mint mark or date that appears sharper or more raised than the surrounding worn surface is a sign to look closer.