3169

1916 25C MS67 NGC. The 1916 quarter, struck in a trans 1916[25C] MS67 NGC.

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:2.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1916 25C MS67 NGC. The 1916 quarter, struck in a trans 1916[25C] MS67 NGC.
<B>1916<25C> MS67 NGC.</B></I> The 1916 quarter, struck in a transitional year, is one of the most famous 20th century silver rarities, with only 52,000 pieces minted. The fact that it is the first year of a two-year type also adds to the demand for this legendary rarity. This is a bright, lustrous example that shows fine-grain, matte-like surfaces on the reverse, with lovely, variegated patina on each side that includes reddish-purple, aqua, and golden-tan coloration. Softly struck on the highpoints of the obverse, the reverse elements are stronger, as typical seen. This Superb Gem is the finest graded 1916 quarter without Full Head designation at either of the major services.<BR> The design of this new quarter dollar series was controversial, even if artistically superior to most of the American coinage designs that preceded it. Liberty's left breast was left exposed, in the Type One design, but was covered in the Type Two version that appeared partway through 1917, supposedly due to public resentment over this partial nudity. However, it is now believed that the actual reason for placing chain mail across Liberty's breast was as a design consideration when converting to the Type Two design, rather than prudery on the part of the general public.<BR> According to the woman who is generally believed to have been the model for Liberty, Doris Doescher Baum, there was spiritual symbolism in Hermon MacNeil's original conception of the Standing Liberty quarter. In a letter written near the end of her long life, Ms. Baum had this to say on the subject: "...for the whole story of our country is told in my pose on the quarter...It was while I was working with Mr. Mc Neil (sic) that the United States government offered a contest to the sculptors for a new design for a 25 cent piece. This was a challenge indeed to try and make a design that would be beautiful enough to win the contest and at the same time it offered an opportunity to express the ideals of our wonderful country. We worked out many designs and finally decided on the one which you see on the quarter which is still in circulation. There are three steps on the base, and you will see my toe is just on the third step, this signifies in the evolution of our civilization we have developed from the animal to the material and now are stepping on the third step of our development which is spiritual. Now note in the right hand is the olive branch of peace, but if it cannot be an honorable peace, the left hand holds a shield to defend our honor. The head is turned back to denote that as we advance we still turn to all nations behind us to attain the same ideals. At the time this coin was made there was a good deal of talk about secret diplomacy, so you will see part of the figure entirely unclothed, which signifies we stand for the naked truth. The breast uncovered is to express the fact that like a mother, we nourish all nations in our midst. On most coins the words "In God We Trust" are on top of the coin, but we placed it in the center to show that it must be the pivot on which all the workings of our nation must turn. And the word "Liberty," on the very top of the coin: Liberty is the ideal of our country must grow and expand with each new generation. Now turn the coin over and see what at first glance appears like a dove but no it is our own eagle, but shown without any symbols of war in his claws, more like a dove in flight."<BR> Some interesting thoughts, which may or may not reflect the feelings of Hermon MacNeil himself.