 1916 Choice Brilliant Uncirculated, with claims to the Gem category. An entirely bright, nearly Full Head specimen. The surfaces boast the satiny textured lustre always seen on the first few years of issue. The surfaces are a delight, with one or two tiny ticks separating this from a Gem grade, one on each of Liberty's knees, a couple of short and shallow matching hairlines, one below the left wing, the other near the tail of the eagle. The eye appeal is quite exceptional for this issue, with radiant snow white lustre throughout, undiminished by haze, toning or dipping.
The Philadelphia Mint was rapidly adapting new coinage designs during this period: the gold coins had changed over in 1907-8, the new Lincoln Cent was introduced in 1909, the new Buffalo Nickel in 1913 and then all the silver issues except the Dollar were updated in 1916. Apparently the Half Dollars were the first to enter circulation, then the Dimes and finally these Quarters. The Silver Dollars ended up waiting until the completion of the unfolding World War, and that design was not changed until late in 1921. The Quarters were not expected until 1917, and no one looked for these until that time.
Apparently 52,000 1916 Standing Liberty Quarters were struck and withheld for release until 1917 when the entire group was mixed in with the first batches of 1917 Quarters. Thus few were saved as many believed the 1917 Quarters were the first of their kind. Soon it was discovered that some Standing Liberty Quarters were dated 1916, and collector demand has been fervent ever since. In the past few years, these have really pulled away from other dates and remain the uncontested ''king'' rarity of the series, although the 1918/7'S' gives the 1916 a good run for its money. A bold and majestic example of this date that is worthy of the finest collection.
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