Standing Liberty Quarters

Designed by Hermon A. MacNeil, the Standing Liberty quarter is one of America’s most beautiful coinage designs. But it also proved controversial. The original obverse showed Liberty standing in a gateway, holding an olive branch and uncovering a shield. But her exposed breast caused a public outcry, so in 1917 the design changed to encase her in armor. One final change in 1925 placed the date in a recessed area to prevent wear. The coin’s reverse features 13 stars surrounding a majestic eagle in flight.