1950-D/S Washington Quarter Value Guide How Much Is It Worth Today
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The 1950-D/S Washington Quarter is worth anywhere from $7 in well-worn condition to over $300 or more in high-grade mint state — and if you have one sitting in an old coin jar, it might be worth more than you think.
What Is the 1950-D/S Washington Quarter?
The 1950-D/S Washington Quarter is a fascinating and relatively rare variety from the early 1950s. It was struck at the Denver Mint but shows traces of an “S” mintmark underneath the “D,” meaning a San Francisco die was repunched with a Denver mark.
This kind of mint error — known as an overmintmark — was fairly common in the pre-modern era when dies were reused between mint facilities. Collectors have been chasing this variety for decades, and today it commands a solid premium over the standard 1950-D quarter.
If you’ve found one of these coins and want to quickly identify what you have, a coin identifier and value app can scan your quarter and tell you right away whether you’re holding the regular issue or the more desirable D/S overmintmark variety. Tools like CoinKnow make this process fast and easy, even for beginners.
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How to Identify the D/S Overmintmark
Spotting the 1950-D/S is all about the mintmark. You’ll find it on the reverse side of the coin, just to the right of the ribbon below the eagle. Look carefully with a magnifying glass or loupe at the “D” mintmark.
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If you see ghost-like remnants of an “S” peeking out from beneath the “D,” you’ve got the overmintmark variety. The underlying “S” is usually visible at the base or sides of the “D,” sometimes more clearly on certain specimens than others.
The coin looks just like a standard Washington Quarter in every other way — it features the left-facing portrait of George Washington on the obverse, and the heraldic eagle design on the reverse. The only difference is that tiny, telling mintmark.
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Condition plays a huge role in value too. Look at the high points of the design — Washington’s cheekbone, the hair above his ear, and the eagle’s breast feathers. Heavy wear on these areas puts your coin in a lower grade, while sharp details suggest a better grade and higher value.
1950-D/S Washington Quarter Value by Grade
Here’s a general value breakdown for the 1950-D/S Washington Quarter based on condition:
| Grade / Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $7 – $12 |
| Very Fine (VF-20) | $20 – $40 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | $50 – $90 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-55) | $100 – $175 |
| Mint State (MS-63) | $200 – $325 |
| Mint State (MS-65+) | $400+ |
For the most current auction results and certified coin prices, you can browse up-to-date 1950 Washington Quarter price data across mint state grades to compare what similar coins have actually sold for.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Silver Content and Melt Value
Don’t forget — the 1950-D/S Washington Quarter is made of 90% silver. Each coin contains approximately 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver.
At current silver spot prices (around $27–$30 per troy ounce as of recent estimates), the raw melt value of your quarter is roughly $4.80 to $5.50. That’s the absolute floor — your coin is almost certainly worth more than that as a collectible, especially if it’s the D/S overmintmark variety.
This silver base value gives Washington Quarters from this era a built-in cushion that modern clad coins simply don’t have. Even in heavily worn condition, your coin has real metal value backing it up.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Where to Sell or Get It Appraised
Once you know what you have, the next step is figuring out where to sell it or get a professional opinion. Local coin dealers are a solid first stop — many will give free appraisals and can authenticate the D/S variety on the spot.
Online platforms like eBay, Heritage Auctions, and Great Collections are also excellent options. Comparable sales are easy to research, and certified coins from PCGS or NGC tend to fetch higher prices with confidence from buyers.
For a quick estimate before you head out the door, check detailed 1950 Washington Quarter value information by date and mintmark to see what your specific coin might be worth. And if you’re building a collection or sorting through an estate find, CoinKnow is a great companion app that helps you catalog and track the value of every coin you own — right from your phone.
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Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
FAQ
Q: How do I know if my 1950 quarter is the D/S overmintmark variety?
A: Flip the coin over and look at the mintmark to the right of the eagle’s ribbon. Use a 5x or 10x magnifier and look for traces of an “S” visible beneath the “D.” If you see a secondary mintmark peeking through, you likely have the D/S variety.
Q: Is the 1950-D/S Washington Quarter rare?
A: It’s not extremely rare, but it is a recognized variety with a consistent collector following. Examples in higher grades are notably scarce, and certified mint state specimens can bring substantial premiums at auction.
Q: Should I clean my 1950-D/S Washington Quarter before selling it?
A: Absolutely not. Cleaning a coin — even with a gentle cloth — can leave hairline scratches that destroy its numismatic grade and cut its value significantly. Leave the coin exactly as you found it, and let a dealer or grading service assess it in its natural state. CoinKnow even reminds users of this important rule when logging coins in the app.
