1928

The 1928 Standing Liberty Quarter brought 6,336,000 pieces from Philadelphia, a moderate production figure that places the date in the comfortable middle ground of the late series. Following the unusually low 1927-S mintage, the 1928 output reflected steadier demand for quarter coinage as the late 1920s economy moved through what would prove to be its final years of pre-Depression prosperity. Philadelphia strike quality remained strong, with the 1928 generally showing the kind of central detail and shield rivet definition that distinguished the main mint's work from the more variable branch-mint output. This makes the date a sensible choice for collectors seeking a well-struck Type 3 representative without venturing into the budget territory required for keys or semi-keys.

MacNeil's design holds steady on this issue, featuring Liberty standing in her gateway holding shield and olive branch on the obverse, and the eagle in flight with three stars below on the reverse. Authentic 1928 quarters weigh 6.25 grams, measure 24.3 millimeters in diameter, and carry a reeded edge along with the 90 percent silver, 10 percent copper composition mandated for the series. As a Philadelphia issue, the 1928 carries no mintmark, leaving authenticators to focus on verifying the recessed date relief, the proper field transition around the date area, and the integrity of the MacNeil M monogram at the base of the shield. Any evidence of tooling near the date position should raise concerns about potential mintmark addition aimed at producing a counterfeit branch-mint coin from a genuine Philadelphia host.

Circulated 1928 examples remain widely available at modest premiums over melt, while Mint State examples follow a typical grade-progression curve, with Full Head specimens drawing meaningful additional value in PCGS and NGC holders. Heritage Auctions archives reveal consistent supply at the lower grade levels and gradually thinning availability through the higher uncirculated tiers. For full mintage data and design history, see the Standing Liberty Quarter series history.