1926 Quarter Value Checker: Errors List, “D”, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth

The Standing Liberty Quarter series (1916–1930) holds a respected place in American numismatic history, recognized for its relatively brief production run yet enduring collector appeal. Understanding 1926 Quarter Value starts with knowing that mint source and condition both matter significantly.

Based on current average market data, a standard 1926 Philadelphia issue ranges from around $16 in Good to $1,140 in Mint State, while the rarer 1926-S Full Head grade averages roughly $114 in Good and climbs to approximately $15,026 at the MS level.

Because survival rates for sharply struck examples are notably low, condition plays an outsized role in determining where any given coin lands on the value spectrum. This guide covers history, design, grading, and current pricing in full detail below.

 

1926 Quarter Value By Variety

The 1926 Standing Liberty Quarter was struck at three U.S. Mint facilities — Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco — each producing a distinct variety with its own mintage figure and value range.

If you know the grade of your coin, you can find the exact price below in the Value Guides section.

Also Read: Top 10 Most Valuable Quarter Coins In Circulation Worth Money (With Pictures)

 

History Of The 1926 Quarter

The Standing Liberty Quarter replaced the long-running Barber quarter, which had been in production since 1892. In 1915, Mint Director Robert W. Woolley initiated a redesign, believing — incorrectly — that the law required new coin designs every 25 years. Sculptor Hermon A. MacNeil was commissioned to create the new design.

The first coins were struck in December 1916, though the design was modified in early 1917 to address public concerns, and again in 1925 when the date was recessed into the design to better resist wear.

By 1926, the Standing Liberty Quarter had settled into its mature Type II form. The mid-1920s represented a period of widespread economic prosperity in the United States, driven by postwar recovery and rapid growth in consumer goods and industry.

This era was marked by economic optimism and significant cultural change in the aftermath of World War I. The 1926 issues were struck during this confident, forward-moving moment in American life — a context that gives the coin a quiet but meaningful historical weight beyond its silver content.

For collectors, the 1926 quarter is not simply a common date; it is a tangible artifact from one of the most dynamic decades in American history.

 

Is Your 1926 Quarter Rare?

Not every 1926 quarter carries the same collector weight. Rarity depends on mint mark, strike quality, and condition grade — factors that can shift a coin’s value significantly. The 1926-D and 1926-S in Full Head grade, for example, are notably harder to find in well-preserved condition.

To find out where your coin stands, check it on our Coin Value Checker App for an instant rarity and value assessment.

 

Key Features Of The 1926 Quarter

The 1926 Standing Liberty Quarter is a well-crafted silver coin with a design that balances artistic detail and national symbolism. Understanding its key features helps collectors assess condition, identify varieties, and make more informed decisions about value.

The Obverse Of The 1926 Quarter

The obverse features Lady Liberty holding a shield in one hand and an olive branch in the other, wearing chain mail armor on her body. She stands within a gateway flanked by 13 stars, with the inscription “IN GOD WE TRUST” dividing the walls.

MacNeil stated that the design depicted Liberty “stepping forward in the defense of peace as her ultimate goal.” The date appears in a recessed pedestal below Liberty’s feet — a deliberate design update introduced in 1925 to prevent the date from wearing away in circulation.

The mint mark, when present, appears to the left of and just above the date. Philadelphia-minted coins carry no mint mark.

The Reverse Of The 1926 Quarter

The reverse features an eagle in flight, positioned higher and more centered on the coin, with three stars below the eagle and five stars to each side.

The reverse design is framed by 13 stars surrounding the eagle. The inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and “QUARTER DOLLAR” complete the reverse layout. The flying eagle was widely praised for its naturalistic energy and artistic confidence.

Other Features Of The 1926 Quarter

The coin was designed by Hermon A. MacNeil, measures 24.30 millimeters in diameter, weighs 6.30 grams, and features a reeded edge. Its composition is 90% silver and 10% copper.

Also Read: Top 30 Most Valuable State Quarter Coins Worth Money List

 

1926 Quarter Mintage & Survival Data

The 1926 Standing Liberty Quarter was produced at three mints, with notably different mintage figures across each facility. Philadelphia issued the largest volume at 11,316,000 coins, while San Francisco struck 2,700,000 and Denver produced the smallest number at 1,716,000.

When it comes to survival rates, however, the picture shifts in an interesting way. Despite having the lowest original mintage, the Denver issue shows the highest survival rate at 2.331%, with an estimated 40,000 coins surviving today. The Philadelphia issue, despite its much larger mintage, has a survival rate of just 0.1767% — approximately 20,000 coins. The 1926-S has the fewest surviving examples at around 8,000, reflecting a survival rate of 0.2963%.

These figures highlight that original mintage alone does not determine today’s availability. Circulation patterns and preservation history play an equally important role.

Also Read: Top 20 Most Valuable Bicentennial Quarter Worth Money List

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1926 Quarter Value

Knowing exactly what your 1926 quarter is worth comes down to three things: the mint mark, the condition, and whether it carries a Full Head designation. These details can shift the value from a few dollars to several thousand. Rather than spending hours cross-referencing price guides, you can get a quick and reliable assessment in seconds.

Simply scan your coin with the Coin Value Checker App for an instant, accurate value based on current market data.

 

1926 Quarter Value Guides

Each of the three 1926 quarter varieties tells a different story when it comes to availability, strike quality, and collector interest. Here is a quick overview of what makes each one distinct.

• 1926 No Mint Mark Quarter — Philadelphia produced the largest share of 1926 quarters, making this the most accessible variety for collectors. It carries no mint mark and generally offers a solid strike with reliable luster.
• 1926-D Quarter — With a mintage of 1.7 million, the 1926-D is famously flat in strike quality, making a Full Head example an exercise in extreme patience.
• 1926-S Quarter — The 1926-S saw heavy circulation and few specimens were saved, making it a significant condition rarity across all grades, especially in Mint State.

Each 1926 quarter variety presents a genuinely different collecting experience. The Philadelphia issue offers accessibility and solid strike quality, making it a practical starting point. The Denver issue is the most elusive in Full Head condition, despite its circulated availability. The San Francisco issue stands out as a condition rarity — harder to find well-preserved regardless of grade. Together, these three varieties reward careful research and patient evaluation.

 

1926 No Mint Mark Quarter Value

The 1926 No Mint Mark Quarter was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, with a mintage of 11,316,000 — the highest among the three 1926 issues. It is considered an excellent type coin for the series, generally coming with a strong strike and quality luster, sometimes with attractive toning.

While it is one of the tougher Philadelphia issues to find with a Full Head designation, it is by no means scarce in that regard except in the very highest grades. This makes it one of the more approachable entries in the series for collectors at all levels.

At the top of the market, an MS-68 example realized $19,200 at Heritage Auctions in August 2025 — a reminder that even the most common 1926 variety can command serious money when preserved in superb condition.

The auction history below offers a closer look at how this coin has performed across major sales platforms over time.

The market activity chart reflects how collector demand for this coin has shifted on a month-to-month basis throughout the year.

 

1926-D Quarter Value

The 1926-D Quarter was struck at the Denver Mint with a mintage of 1,716,000 — the lowest of the three 1926 issues. Despite its low mintage, the coin’s true rarity lies not in its availability but in its strike quality. Fewer than 1% of surviving examples qualify for the Full Head designation.

Even rarer is the 1926-D with a Full Head strike — typical specimens lack virtually all head detail, making sharply struck examples extremely elusive. For collectors, finding a well-struck example requires patience and careful inspection.

The auction record for a Full Head example stands at $105,750 for an MS-67 graded coin, sold at Heritage Auctions in April 2014 — a figure that reflects just how scarce a sharp 1926-D truly is.

The auction history below captures how prices for this coin have varied across platforms and grades over time.

The market activity chart shows how collector interest in the 1926-D has fluctuated month by month throughout the year.

 

1926-S Quarter Value

The 1926-S Quarter was struck at the San Francisco Mint with a mintage of 2,700,000 — higher than the 1926-D, yet it presents a different kind of challenge for collectors. The 1926-S saw heavy circulation and few specimens were saved, making it a significant condition rarity across all grades, especially in Mint State. It is also a notorious strike rarity, hardly ever offered with even above-average definition.

A notorious strike rarity in a series replete with very challenging issues, the 1926-S is hardly ever offered with even above-average definition — and in Full Head condition, it is virtually impossible to find in MS-63 or MS-64.

The top auction result for this issue, a Full Head example graded MS-66 FH, realized $55,200 at Heritage Auctions in January 2025 — confirming its status as the premier rarity among the three 1926 varieties.

The auction history below shows how realized prices for this coin have trended across different grades and platforms.

The market activity chart reflects how monthly collector demand for the 1926-S has shifted over the course of the year.

Also Read: 22 Rare Quarter Errors List with Pictures (By Year)

 

Rare 1926 Quarter Error List

No documented error coins are currently attributed specifically to the 1926 quarter. That said, like all Standing Liberty Quarters, the 1926 issues could theoretically exhibit general mint errors that occasionally escaped quality control.

Here are the error types most relevant to this series — useful reference points if you believe your coin looks unusual.

1. 1926 Quarter Struck-Through Error

A struck-through error occurs when a foreign object — such as grease, cloth, or wire — is present between the die and the planchet during striking, leaving an impression of that object on the coin’s surface.

On a Standing Liberty Quarter, this typically appears as a flat, featureless patch somewhere on the design. The size and clarity of the obstruction determines collector interest and value.

2. 1926 Quarter Clipped Planchet

Clipped planchet errors occur when a coin is struck on a planchet with a piece missing, typically due to improper punching from the metal strip. The result is a coin with a curved or straight section of metal absent from its edge.

On curved-clip coins, the rim opposite the clip often shows a distinctive distortion known as the Blakesley Effect. The larger and more prominent the clip, the greater the collector appeal.

3. 1926 Quarter Off-Center Strike

An off-center error occurs when a planchet is not properly positioned between the dies, resulting in the design being only partially struck on the planchet.

Collectors generally prefer examples where 40% to 60% of the design is missing but the date remains fully visible. On a Standing Liberty Quarter, off-center examples with a readable date and clear Liberty figure carry a meaningful premium.

4. 1926 Quarter Die Crack

Die errors happen when dies begin to break down. What starts as an edge-to-edge crack can eventually become a piece of the die that breaks off entirely, forming a raised “cud” on the coin’s surface.

On Standing Liberty Quarters, die cracks typically appear as thin raised lines running across the fields or design elements, and are more collectible when prominent and clearly defined.

 

Where To Sell Your 1926 Quarter?

Ready to sell your 1926 quarter? We’ve put together a curated list of the best online platforms to help you find the right buyer, compare options, and get a fair price — all in one place.

Check out now: Best Places To Sell Coins Online (Pros & Cons)  

 

1926 Quarter Market Trend

*Market Trend Chart showing the number of people paying attention to this coin.

 

FAQ About The 1926 Quarter

1. How much is a 1926 quarter worth?

The value depends on the mint mark, condition, and strike quality. A standard 1926 Philadelphia issue averages around $16 in Good condition and up to $1,140 in Mint State.

The rarer 1926-S Full Head grade averages roughly $114 in Good and climbs to approximately $15,026 at the MS level. Condition plays an outsized role due to the low survival rate of well-struck examples.

2. How do I know which mint struck my 1926 quarter?

Check the obverse of the coin, just to the left of Liberty’s feet near the lowest star. A “D” indicates Denver, an “S” indicates San Francisco, and no mint mark means it was struck at the Philadelphia Mint. Note that the letter “M” visible on some coins is not a mint mark — it is the designer Hermon A. MacNeil’s initial.

3. What makes the 1926-D quarter so valuable in Full Head condition?

The Denver Mint struggled with strike quality in 1926. Fewer than 1% of 1926-D quarters are estimated to carry a sharp Full Head strike. Most examples show a virtually flat head on Liberty’s portrait.

This extreme rarity in well-struck form is what drives the premium — a Full Head MS-67 example realized $105,750 at Heritage Auctions in April 2014.

4. What is the Full Head (FH) designation?

Full Head is a strike designation, not a grade. It is awarded to coins where Liberty’s helmet exhibits complete, sharp detail — including distinct leaves, a full helmet outline, and a visible ear hole.

This designation can multiply a coin’s value significantly, sometimes by 10 times or more compared to a standard strike of the same grade.

5. Which 1926 quarter is the rarest?

The 1926-S in Full Head condition is considered the premier rarity of the three 1926 issues. Despite having a higher mintage than the 1926-D, the 1926-S saw heavy circulation and few specimens were preserved.

It is also a notorious strike rarity, making Full Head examples virtually impossible to find in MS-63 or higher. A Full Head MS-66 FH example sold for $55,200 in January 2025.

6. Does the 1926 quarter have any known errors?

No documented errors are currently attributed specifically to the 1926 quarter. However, like all Standing Liberty Quarters, the 1926 issues could theoretically exhibit general mint errors that escaped quality control — including struck-through errors, clipped planchets, off-center strikes, and die cracks.

If your coin looks unusual, professional authentication is recommended before drawing any conclusions.

7. What is the survival rate of the 1926 quarter?

Survival rates vary across the three issues. The Denver issue has the highest survival rate at approximately 2.331%, with an estimated 40,000 coins surviving today.

The Philadelphia issue has a survival rate of just 0.1767%, or around 20,000 coins, despite its much larger original mintage. The 1926-S has the fewest surviving examples at roughly 8,000 coins.

8. Is the 1926 quarter a good coin for beginning collectors?

Yes, particularly the Philadelphia issue. With a mintage of over 11 million, the 1926 No Mint Mark quarter is widely available and relatively affordable in circulated grades. It offers a solid entry point into the Standing Liberty Quarter series without requiring a large budget. The Denver and San Francisco issues offer a greater challenge for more experienced collectors seeking higher grades.

9. What are the key factors that affect 1926 quarter value?

Three factors matter most: the mint mark, the condition grade, and whether the coin carries a Full Head designation. Mint source establishes the baseline rarity. Condition determines where on the value scale the coin sits.

The Full Head designation can dramatically increase value — sometimes by 50 to 100 times compared to a weakly struck example of the same grade.

10. Where can I find the current value of my 1926 quarter?

The most reliable way to get an accurate, up-to-date value is to consult certified auction records from major platforms such as Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers, or reference price guides from established grading services.

For a quick assessment, you can also scan your coin using the Coin Value Checker App, which provides an instant value estimate based on current market data.