The 1950 Quarter Value Guide: From Silver Melt to $31,200

A PCGS PR-68 Deep Cameo proof realized $31,200 at Heritage Auctions in January 2022 — while a worn circulated example is worth only its silver melt value of around $15. The coin that makes the difference? Knowing your mint mark, condition, and whether you're holding one of the legendary Over-Mint Mark errors.

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1950 Washington Quarter obverse and reverse showing full design details
$31,200 Top Auction Record (PR-68 DCAM)
56.3M Total 1950 Quarters Minted
90% Silver Content
$29,375 Top D/S Error Sale (MS-67)

Free 1950 Quarter Value Calculator

Select your mint mark, condition, and any known errors below. The calculator uses real auction data and price guide ranges.

Step 1 — Mint Mark
Step 2 — Condition
Step 3 — Known Errors / Varieties (check all that apply)

If you're unsure about your coin's condition or mint mark, there's a 1950 Quarter Coin Value Checker online tool that accepts coin photos and estimates value from images without any numismatic knowledge required.

Describe Your 1950 Quarter for a Detailed Assessment

Not sure which buttons to press above? Describe what you see on your coin in plain language and the analyzer will identify likely varieties and give you a value range.

Mention these things if you can

  • The mint mark (D, S, or none)
  • Whether there's a letter under the mint mark
  • Overall shininess / luster
  • Any doubled letters on the reverse
  • Surface marks or scratches

Also helpful

  • Color (bright silver, toned, dark)
  • Sharpness of eagle feathers
  • Condition of Washington's cheek
  • Whether it's in a PCGS/NGC holder
  • Any known auction or purchase history

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1950-D/S Over-Mint Mark Self-Checker

The 1950-D/S (FS-601) is the most famous Washington Quarter variety. A Denver "D" was punched directly over a die that already bore a San Francisco "S" — and every coin struck from that die shows the residual "S" beneath the "D." Use this checker to see if your D-mint coin might qualify.

1950-D/S Over-Mint Mark comparison showing residual S beneath the D mint mark vs normal 1950-D quarter

🔵 Common 1950-D Quarter

  • ✓ Clean, isolated "D" with no secondary marks
  • ✓ No curved lines to left or above the serif
  • ✓ Mint mark sits cleanly in its own space
  • ✓ Worth $15–$350 depending on grade

🟡 1950-D/S Over-Mint Mark

  • ✓ Curved remnant of "S" visible at upper-left of "D"
  • ✓ Partial loop of "S" shows above the "D" serif
  • ✓ Requires 5–10× magnification to confirm
  • ✓ Worth $40–$29,375+ depending on grade

Check the four diagnostic points:

1950 Washington Quarter Value Chart at a Glance

The table below covers all major varieties across four condition tiers. For a fully illustrated, step-by-step 1950 quarter identification walkthrough and complete reference, see this in-depth 1950 Washington quarter breakdown with identification guide. Signature variety (D/S OMM) is highlighted in gold; the rarest (Proof DCAM) in red.

Variety Worn (G–VF) Circulated (XF–AU) Uncirculated (MS-60–65) Gem (MS-66+)
1950-P (Philadelphia) $15–$18 $18–$22 $20–$50 $50–$11,400
1950-D (Denver) $15–$18 $18–$22 $20–$55 $55–$9,000
1950-S (San Francisco) $15–$18 $18–$22 $20–$55 $55–$19,800
⭐ 1950-D/S Over-Mint Mark (FS-601) $40–$85 $85–$500 $500–$5,000 $5,000–$29,375
1950-S/D Over-Mint Mark (FS-601) $50–$80 $80–$400 $400–$3,500 $3,500–$16,450
1950 Proof (Standard) $50–$300 $300–$10,000
🔴 1950 Proof Deep Cameo (DCAM) $1,000–$8,000 $8,000–$31,200

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The Valuable 1950 Washington Quarter Errors (Complete Guide)

The 1950 Washington Quarter series is unusually rich in die variety errors. The post-war resumption of normal mint operations created conditions where mint mark punches were misapplied — producing the legendary Over-Mint Mark varieties — and hub doubling occurred during die preparation at all three minting facilities. Each card below covers a distinct variety with diagnostic details, value ranges, and collector notes.

1950-D/S Over-Mint Mark FS-601 close-up showing residual S beneath the D mint mark
Most Famous $40 – $29,375

1950-D/S Over-Mint Mark (FS-601)

The 1950-D/S is arguably the single most celebrated variety in the entire Washington Quarter series. It occurred when a working die originally intended for the San Francisco Mint — and already punched with an "S" mint mark — was redirected to Denver and repunched with a "D." The result is a "D" mint mark with the curved remnants of an underlying "S" visible to its upper-left under magnification.

Identifying this variety requires a 5–10× loupe focused on the mint mark on the reverse, just below the eagle. The diagnostic feature, as described in the Cherrypickers' Guide (Fivaz and Stanton), is the partial upper-left curve of the "S" protruding above and to the left of the "D" serif. The underlying "S" appears strongest in the upper curve, not within the body of the "D."

Collectors prize this variety across all grades, making it extremely rare in high mint state. Even worn circulated examples command strong premiums. The spread between a common 1950-D and this variety is dramatic at every grade level, from $40 worn to nearly $30,000 in gem condition.

How to spot it

Under a 10× loupe, look for the curved upper-left arc of an "S" protruding above the serif of the "D" mint mark on the reverse. The "S" trace is strongest just to the upper-left corner of the "D."

Mint mark

D (Denver) — but struck on a die originally punched for San Francisco.

Notable

Cataloged as FS-601 in the Cherrypickers' Guide. The auction record stands at $29,375 for an MS-67 example sold at Heritage Auctions (June 2013). PCGS population in MS-65 and above is extremely limited.

1950-S/D Over-Mint Mark close-up showing the underlying D mintmark beneath the S
Rarest Strike $50 – $16,450

1950-S/D Over-Mint Mark (FS-601)

The mirror variety to the famous D/S, the 1950-S/D arose when the opposite error occurred at San Francisco: a working die originally punched with a Denver "D" was redirected to San Francisco and repunched with an "S." Per PCGS, the underlying "D" is boldly exhibited below the "S" mint mark, making this variety among the most diagnostically clear of all Washington Quarter over-mint-marks.

On the reverse, below the eagle, the "S" mint mark shows an obvious secondary impression of the "D" below it — visible with a 5× loupe or even, on the best examples, with the naked eye. The lower serif and vertical stroke of the "D" are the primary diagnostics, appearing just below the bottom curve of the "S."

While less well-known than its D/S counterpart, the 1950-S/D is equally scarce in mint state and commands premium prices at every grade level. Many collectors consider this variety more diagnostically satisfying than the D/S because the underlying "D" is so boldly evident. It was cataloged by CONECA and listed in the Cherrypickers' Guide as FS-601 for the San Francisco issue.

How to spot it

Look for the vertical stroke and lower serif of a "D" directly below the bottom curve of the "S" mint mark on the reverse. Use a 5× loupe — the "D" trace is often bold enough to see without high magnification on well-struck examples.

Mint mark

S (San Francisco) — struck on a die originally intended for Denver.

Notable

Auction record of $16,450 for an MS-67 sold at Heritage Auctions (September 2013). A 2019 auction recorded $1,100 at MS-65. Cataloged as FS-601 (San Francisco variety) in the Cherrypickers' Guide; PCGS population is very thin above MS-65.

1950 Philadelphia Doubled Die Reverse FS-801 showing doubling in reverse lettering
Best Kept Secret $35 – $650

1950 Philadelphia Doubled Die Reverse (DDR FS-801)

The 1950 Philadelphia DDR FS-801 is a working-die variety caused by a misaligned second hub impression during reverse die preparation at the Philadelphia Mint. The die received two slightly offset impressions from the master hub, causing a shadow or separation effect on the reverse design elements — particularly the inscriptions.

The doubling is most evident in the reverse lettering "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "QUARTER DOLLAR." Under a 5–10× loupe, individual letters show a clear secondary, offset shadow impression just adjacent to the primary strike. This separation distinguishes DDR varieties from machine doubling, which produces a flat, shelf-like appearance rather than a true incuse secondary image.

This variety is more affordable and accessible than the over-mint-mark errors, making it an excellent entry point for collectors interested in 1950 Washington Quarter varieties. Greysheet lists the value range from $35 in lower grades to $650 in gem mint state, reflecting solid but moderate collector demand. Every coin struck from this affected die shows the doubling consistently.

How to spot it

Under a 10× loupe, examine the reverse lettering "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "QUARTER DOLLAR." Look for a distinctly offset secondary impression of each letter — a true split image, not a shelf or flat spread.

Mint mark

P (Philadelphia) — no mint mark on reverse. Any 1950 quarter with no mint mark could be this variety.

Notable

Cataloged as FS-801 in the Cherrypickers' Guide (CONECA designation). Greysheet CPG values range from $35 to $650 across grades. This is a die variety (not a mint error), meaning all coins from this die show the doubling.

1950-D Doubled Die Reverse FS-801 showing doubling in reverse rim lettering and eagle
Most Pronounced $340 – $430+

1950-D Doubled Die Reverse (DDR FS-801 & FS-802)

The Denver Mint produced at least two distinct Doubled Die Reverse varieties in 1950, designated FS-801 and FS-802 in the Cherrypickers' Guide. Both arose from misaligned hub impressions during reverse die preparation at Denver — the same mechanical cause as the Philadelphia DDR, but producing a different doubling pattern due to slight differences in die rotation and hub impression strength.

NGC notes that one of the Denver DDR varieties is "quite pronounced," making it identifiable under moderate magnification. The doubling appears most strongly in the upper rim lettering and in the eagle's details — the wing tips, breast feathers, and the arrows held in the eagle's left talon. FS-802 is generally regarded as showing stronger doubling than FS-801 and is correspondingly scarcer and more valuable.

Greysheet CPG values list these at $340 and $430 respectively, reflecting their relative accessibility compared to the over-mint-mark varieties. Identifying which specific variety (801 or 802) you have requires careful comparison against published plate photographs in the Cherrypickers' Guide or confirmation from a PCGS or NGC VarietyPlus designation on the holder.

How to spot it

Examine the upper rim lettering and the eagle's breast feathers and wing tips under 5–10× magnification. Look for a clear secondary offset impression of the design elements, distinct from the primary strike — strongest in FS-802.

Mint mark

D (Denver) only — check for the "D" below the eagle before looking for doubling in the design.

Notable

Two varieties: FS-801 (CPG $340) and FS-802 (CPG $430). NGC specifically notes FS-801 as "quite pronounced." VarietyPlus holders from NGC or PCGS confirm attribution. Greysheet lists a combined range in circulated and low mint state grades.

1950-S/S Repunched Mint Mark FS-501 showing doubled S mint mark on 1950 San Francisco quarter
Collector Specialty $75 – $235+

1950-S/S Repunched Mint Mark (RPM FS-501)

The 1950-S/S RPM FS-501 is a San Francisco Mint variety in which the "S" mint mark punch was applied to the working die twice, at slightly different positions. Before 1990, all U.S. mint marks were hand-punched individually into each working die rather than being included in the master hub. This manual process made repunched mint mark varieties common across the era, though only select examples are listed in the Cherrypickers' Guide as distinct, confirmed varieties.

On this specific variety, the secondary "S" impression is visible overlapping or adjacent to the primary "S," creating a doubled or shadowed mint mark appearance. The result is a mint mark that appears thickened, off-center, or shows a secondary letter either above, below, or beside the primary punch. Examination under a 5–10× loupe is necessary to distinguish true RPM from a die deterioration doubling.

The 1950-S/S RPM FS-501 offers collectors an affordable entry into 1950-S Washington Quarter varieties. Greysheet CPG lists it at $235 in the available grade range, while CoinValues.com suggests approximately $75 for accessible circulated examples. This variety rewards careful cherry-picking — many examples are likely unattributed in collections or dealers' stock as plain 1950-S quarters.

How to spot it

Under a 10× loupe, examine the "S" mint mark on the reverse below the eagle. Look for a secondary "S" impression visible at a slightly different position — appearing as a doubled serif, a thickened stroke, or a shadow letter adjacent to the primary "S."

Mint mark

S (San Francisco) only — look for the "S" on the reverse below the eagle before checking for the repunched impression.

Notable

Cataloged as FS-501 in the Cherrypickers' Guide (CONECA reference). Greysheet CPG lists $235 in available grades. Repunched mint marks were widespread before 1990 die preparation changes; this is one of the formally recognized 1950-S varieties. Many raw examples remain unattributed.

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1950 Washington Quarter Mintage & Survival Data

1950 Washington Quarter mintage group showing Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco mint specimens together
Mint Type Mintage Est. Survivors Notes
Philadelphia Business Strike 24,920,126 ~2,490,000 Highest business-strike mintage; 2nd most common P-mint quarter in MS-65+
Denver Business Strike 21,075,600 ~2,107,000 Includes D/S OMM (FS-601) and D/D RPM (FS-501) varieties; well-struck issue
San Francisco Business Strike 10,284,004 ~1,028,000 Lowest business-strike mintage; condition rarity in MS-68; S/D OMM variety known
Philadelphia Proof Strike 51,386 ~39,000 First proof coinage since 1942; Cameo and Deep Cameo sub-varieties extremely rare
Philadelphia Proof Cameo (CAM) Subset of 51,386 ~2,000 Frosted devices on mirrored fields; significant premium over standard proof
Philadelphia Proof Deep Cameo (DCAM) Subset of 51,386 ~1,500 Estimated fewer than a dozen in DCAM by PCGS; top sale $31,200 Heritage Jan 2022
Total (All Types) 56,331,116 ~44,600,000+ Silver melt ensures high survival rate for circulated examples
Composition note: All 1950 Washington Quarters are struck in 90% silver / 10% copper, with a total weight of 6.25–6.30 grams, diameter of 24.3 mm, and a reeded edge. Designer: John Flanagan (obverse and reverse). The mint mark on business strikes appears on the reverse below the eagle, to the left of the "E" in "QUARTER." Silver melt value (at prevailing spot prices) provides an absolute floor — no 1950 quarter in any condition is worth less than its 0.18084 troy oz of silver content.

How to Grade Your 1950 Washington Quarter

1950 Washington Quarter grading strip showing four condition tiers from worn to gem uncirculated

Worn (G–VF)

Washington's hair above the ear is flattened and merges with the field. The cheekbone is smooth and dull. On the reverse, the eagle's breast feathers have largely merged into a flat surface. Lettering is readable but lacks depth. Value is essentially silver melt: $15–$18.

Circulated (XF–AU)

High points on Washington's cheek and the hair above the ear show visible wear, but major design details are still present. Eagle breast feathers show definition in protected areas. Under a light, most of the coin's field still shows mint luster in XF; about 75% luster remains at AU. Value: $18–$22.

Uncirculated (MS-60–65)

No wear anywhere on the coin. Tilt under a single light source — cartwheel luster flows across the entire surface including the cheek and breast feathers with no flat spots. Contact marks (bag marks from mint handling) are acceptable through MS-63; MS-64 shows fewer marks; MS-65 has only minimal marks. Value: $20–$55.

Gem (MS-66+)

Exceptional surface preservation with nearly no contact marks even under magnification. Luster is vibrant and complete. Washington's cheek and the eagle's breast are virtually pristine. MS-67 specimens are condition rarities for all three mints. MS-68 examples are extraordinarily rare and have brought four to five figures at auction. Value: $50–$19,800+.

Pro tip — Color and luster designations: For 1950 proof quarters, watch for the Cameo (CAM) and Deep Cameo (DCAM) designations. These require intense frosting on Washington's portrait and the eagle, against jet-black mirror fields. Deep Cameo examples are exceedingly rare among 1950 proofs — PCGS estimates fewer than a dozen known in DCAM — and carry enormous premiums. For business strikes, original luster tone (light original toning vs. artificially cleaned surfaces) is critical; cleaned coins are "details-graded" by PCGS and NGC and are worth significantly less than original-surface examples.

🔎 CoinKnow helps you match your coin against graded examples from its database to estimate your 1950 quarter's grade from a photo — a coin identifier and value app.

Where to Sell Your Valuable 1950 Washington Quarter

The right venue depends on what you have. A common circulated example sells fastest online for silver melt. A D/S Over-Mint Mark or high-grade gem needs a specialist audience that can recognize and pay for the premium.

🏆 Heritage Auctions

The premier venue for high-grade and variety 1950 quarters. Heritage has sold the top auction records for this date — including the $31,200 DCAM proof and the $29,375 D/S MS-67. Best for: D/S or S/D OMM varieties, MS-66+ business strikes, and any proof coin. Expect 15–20% buyer's premium; consignment fees apply.

🛒 eBay

Excellent for circulated and mid-grade uncirculated 1950 quarters reaching a large audience of silver buyers and Washington quarter collectors. Check recently sold 1950 Washington quarter prices on eBay to benchmark your asking price before listing. PCGS or NGC holders significantly improve sale speed and final price. Completed listings are your best pricing guide.

🏪 Local Coin Shop

Fast and convenient for common circulated examples where you want cash in hand. A coin dealer will typically offer 70–80% of silver melt for worn 1950 quarters. For varieties, most local dealers will either pass or discount heavily unless they specialize in Washington quarters — in that case, a quick ID visit is worth the trip before deciding where to sell.

💬 Reddit r/Coins & Numismatics

A useful community for getting a second opinion on potential varieties. The r/coins community can help you determine whether your D-mint coin might be a D/S before you invest in PCGS/NGC grading fees. Not a direct sales venue, but invaluable for preliminary identification and connecting with knowledgeable collectors.

💡 Get it graded first if you have a variety. A raw (ungraded) 1950-D/S Over-Mint Mark often sells for significantly below its potential value because buyers can't authenticate the variety without expert confirmation. PCGS VarietyPlus and NGC VarietyPlus designations on the holder authenticate the variety and dramatically increase buyer confidence — and final sale price. For any coin you believe might be a D/S or S/D OMM, PCGS or NGC grading fees are almost always worth it.

Frequently Asked Questions — 1950 Quarter Value

How much is a 1950 quarter worth?
Most circulated 1950 Washington Quarters are worth $15–$19, which reflects their 90% silver content (approximately 0.18084 troy oz of silver). In uncirculated grades, values range from $20 for MS-60 up to several hundred dollars at MS-66–MS-67. Gems at MS-68 can fetch over $11,000. The legendary 1950-D/S Over-Mint Mark error in high grade has sold for nearly $30,000.
What makes the 1950-D/S quarter so valuable?
The 1950-D/S is one of the most famous Washington Quarter varieties. A Denver "D" mint mark was punched over a die that originally received a San Francisco "S" mint mark, leaving the underlying "S" partially visible below the "D." This manufacturing anomaly, cataloged as FS-601 in the Cherrypickers' Guide, makes every coin struck from that die a collectible variety. In high grades, examples have sold for nearly $30,000.
How do I find the mint mark on a 1950 quarter?
On 1950 Washington Quarters, the mint mark is located on the reverse (eagle side), below the center of the eagle between the eagle's tail and the "E" of "QUARTER." Philadelphia-struck coins have no mint mark. Denver coins show a "D" and San Francisco coins show an "S." For the famous D/S Over-Mint Mark variety, look for the residual "S" curve visible just to the upper-left of the "D" under 5–10× magnification.
What is the 1950 quarter proof worth?
The 1950 proof quarter was the first proof Washington Quarter struck since 1942, with only 51,386 examples produced. Standard proofs in PR-63 to PR-65 are worth $50–$300. Higher-grade proofs in PR-67 to PR-69 can reach $1,000–$10,000. The ultra-rare Deep Cameo (DCAM) designation — estimated at fewer than a dozen known — reached $31,200 for a PR-68 DCAM at Heritage Auctions in January 2022.
Is the 1950-S quarter rare?
The 1950-S had the lowest mintage of the three business-strike facilities at 10,284,004 coins. While not rare in circulated grades — most examples are worth silver melt — it is a condition rarity in high mint state grades due to strike quality issues common to San Francisco quarters of the era. In MS-68, fewer than a handful are known, with examples selling for approximately $19,800.
What is the 1950-S/D quarter variety?
The 1950-S/D is the mirror variety of the D/S: a San Francisco "S" was punched over a die that already bore a Denver "D" mint mark. The underlying "D" is boldly visible below the "S," making it one of the most diagnostically clear over-mint-mark varieties in the Washington Quarter series. Cataloged as FS-601 for the San Francisco issue, high-grade examples have reached $16,450 at Heritage Auctions.
How do I know if my 1950 quarter is uncirculated?
Tilt the coin slowly under a single direct light source. An uncirculated 1950 quarter displays full cartwheel luster — a flowing, rotating shimmer across the entire surface. Check Washington's cheek and hair above the ear (the highest points on the obverse) and the eagle's breast feathers (highest on the reverse). If those areas look dull, flat, or a different color than the fields, the coin has circulated wear.
What does the 1950 quarter Doubled Die Reverse (DDR) look like?
The 1950 Philadelphia DDR FS-801 shows doubling (a shadow or separated impression) on reverse inscriptions including "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "QUARTER DOLLAR." The doubling resulted from a misaligned second hub impression during die preparation. Examine the lettering under a 5–10× loupe — you will see a slight offset or separation of individual letters. This variety is more affordable than the over-mint-mark varieties, typically ranging from $35–$650 depending on grade.
What year did the U.S. Mint resume proof coinage after WWII?
The U.S. Mint halted proof coinage production in 1942 due to World War II. Production did not resume until 1950, making the 1950 proof Washington Quarter the first proof quarter struck in eight years. Only Philadelphia struck proofs, producing 51,386 examples. This eight-year gap and the relatively small proof mintage make 1950 proofs historically significant as the beginning of the modern proof era.
How much silver is in a 1950 quarter?
A 1950 Washington Quarter contains 0.18084 troy ounces of pure silver, based on its composition of 90% silver and 10% copper with a total weight of 6.25 grams (standard specification 6.30 grams). At current silver spot prices, the melt value is approximately $8–$16 depending on the market. This bullion floor means no 1950 quarter in any condition can be worth less than its silver melt value.

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