1926

Philadelphia produced 11,316,000 Standing Liberty Quarters in 1926, continuing the Type 3 recessed-date design that had launched the previous year. By this point the redesign had proven its effectiveness, and quarters entering circulation retained their date information far better than earlier examples. The 1926 issue represents a mature production year for the series, with the Mint having refined its tooling and striking practices for the new obverse geometry. Commercial demand for quarters remained healthy throughout the Roaring Twenties, and the substantial Philadelphia mintage reflects that economic vigor. Today, the 1926 ranks among the more available dates in the series, providing collectors with an accessible entry point to a high-grade Type 3 example without the conditional scarcity that characterizes branch mint issues of the same year.

The coin follows established series specifications: 90% silver and 10% copper composition, 6.25 grams weight, 24.3 mm diameter, and a reeded edge. MacNeil's chain-mail Liberty design appears on the obverse with the perimeter stars and the "M" monogram positioned at the base of the shield. The reverse retains the elevated eagle with three stars below, a Type 2 feature carried forward into Type 3 production. The recessed date sits within a slightly sunken area below Liberty's feet, protected from the wear that plagued earlier issues. Strike quality on 1926 Philadelphia quarters is typically above average, with central head detail more frequently present than on prior years. Authentication concerns remain modest, with surface originality and cleaning the primary marketplace considerations.

PCGS and NGC populations confirm the 1926 as readily obtainable through MS-65, with prices climbing in MS-66 and above, particularly for Full Head examples. Heritage Auctions has handled this date frequently for type collectors who want a sharply struck Type 3 representative without the conditional pressure that affects branch-mint issues from the same year. Stack's Bowers archives reflect consistent results for original Mint State coins. See the complete Standing Liberty Quarter series history.