The 1950-D/S Washington Quarter: An Overminted Coin Worth Up to $1,000

The 1950-D/S Washington Quarter is a unique and rare coin that has captured the attention of collectors due to a fascinating minting error. This coin features a mintmark overstrike, where the “D” mintmark, signifying the Denver Mint, was struck over the “S” mintmark, which originally stood for the San Francisco Mint. Due to this mistake, the 1950-D/S Washington Quarter is highly sought after and valued by numismatists and coin collectors.

In this article, we will explore the characteristics, rarity, and value of the 1950-D/S Washington Quarter, providing an in-depth understanding of why this coin is a prized collectible.

Key Features of the 1950-D/S Washington Quarter

The 1950-D/S Washington Quarter stands out from other quarters due to its unique minting error. Here’s a detailed breakdown of its important features:

Feature	Details
Year of Minting	1950
Mintmark Error	“D” mintmark struck over “S” mintmark
Mintage	Over 8 million 1950 Denver-minted quarters (only a small percentage are the overminted 1950-D/S)
Obverse Design	Profile of George Washington
Reverse Design	An eagle with spread wings, holding arrows and an olive branch
Designer	John Flanagan (obverse), William Barber (reverse)
Mintmark Location	Located just to the right of Washington’s neck on the obverse
Material	90% silver, 10% copper
Diameter	24.3 mm
Weight	6.25 grams
Value	Well-preserved specimens can be worth $500 to $1,000 or more, depending on condition

Why Is the 1950-D/S Washington Quarter So Rare?

The rarity of the 1950-D/S Washington Quarter is due to the mintmark overstrike error. Normally, coins produced at the Denver Mint carry the “D” mintmark, while those from the San Francisco Mint carry the “S.” The 1950-D/S variety occurred when a coin die intended for the San Francisco Mint was mistakenly used at the Denver Mint, resulting in the “S” mintmark being struck beneath the “D.”

The error is subtle but significant, and only a small percentage of the 1950 Denver-minted quarters feature this minting mistake. Most of these coins were not in pristine condition, which further increases the value of well-preserved examples.

Identifying the 1950-D/S Washington Quarter

To identify a 1950-D/S Washington Quarter, you need to look for certain key features. Here’s how to recognize this rare coin:

Identification Feature	Description
Mintmark Location	The mintmark is found just to the right of George Washington’s neck on the obverse side.
Visible Overstrike	A faint “S” mintmark can be seen beneath the prominent “D” mintmark, visible with magnification.
Coin Condition	Higher-grade coins with minimal wear or damage are more valuable. Look for clear mintmarks and a crisp design.

Value of the 1950-D/S Washington Quarter

The value of the 1950-D/S Washington Quarter is influenced by several factors, including the condition of the coin, the visibility of the overstrike, and market demand for rare minting errors. Here’s a breakdown of how value is determined:

Factor	Impact on Value
Condition	Coins in excellent condition with minimal wear are worth significantly more.
Mintmark Visibility	The clearer the “S” mintmark is under the “D,” the higher the value.
Market Demand	Minting errors are highly sought after, so demand among collectors drives up the price.
Grade	Coins graded as MS-64 or higher can fetch top dollar at auction.

A well-preserved 1950-D/S Washington Quarter can range in value from $500 to $1,000, but rare examples in near-mint condition have been known to sell for even higher prices, depending on the market.

How to Spot a 1950-D/S Washington Quarter

If you think you’ve found a 1950-D/S Washington Quarter, here’s what you should do to confirm its authenticity:

1. Inspect the Mintmark: Look closely at the mintmark to check for the faint “S” underneath the “D.” Use a magnifying glass or jeweler’s loupe to get a better view.
2. Examine the Coin’s Condition: Well-preserved coins with minimal wear, such as coins in grades of MS-63 or higher, are more valuable.
3. Look for Other Minting Errors: Some coins may have additional errors like off-center strikes or double dies, which could increase their value even more.

Conclusion

The 1950-D/S Washington Quarter is a rare and highly valuable coin due to its unique mintmark overstrike error. Only a small number of these quarters were produced, and those that remain in good condition are sought after by collectors. Whether you’re a beginner coin collector or a seasoned numismatist, discovering a 1950-D/S Washington Quarter could be a significant find. As with any rare coin, the condition and visibility of the mintmark will directly influence its value, with well-preserved examples fetching prices from $500 to $1,000 or more. If you’re lucky enough to find one, it could be a treasure worth holding onto.

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