1924-D Standing Liberty Quarter 25C NGC MS63

The Denver Mint had not coined quarter dollars since 1920, as the numbers produced during the war and its immediate aftermath had been sufficient to meet the needs of that mint’s service area. While Mint State survivors are rather plentiful relative to this issue’s mintage, nearly all of these coins are poorly struck. Weakness in the shield, eagle’s breast, and, most notably, the upper part of the date is typical. Like most Denver Mint coins of the period, die cracks are common and extensive.

The date area was a proven stress point, and cracking along the top of the date contributed to the overall weakness in this area. Full Head examples are scarce, Jay Cline estimating that fewer than 10% of MS coins qualify for this designation. Worn examples are quite scarce, as the defective date seen on so many Mint State coins undoubtedly led to premature loss of this feature in circulation.

Denver Mint quarters were less subject to the hoarding associated with San Francisco coins during the 1930s-50s, so this issue is much scarcer than the 1924-S quarter in grades below AU.