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The 1950-D/S Washington Quarter is a prominent and desirable mintmark variety within the Washington quarter series, which has served as the standard U.S. 25-cent piece since 1932. The "D/S" designation refers to a repunched mintmark—specifically, a Denver "D" that was punched over an original San Francisco "S." This variety, listed in major numismatic references such as the *Cherrypickers’ Guide*, is a clear and collectable example of mint error history, stemming from a time when mintmarks were hand-punched into dies. In Fine (F) condition, the coin remains a solid representative of the variety, with all major features clear and identifiable, while retaining the key repunched mintmark that gives this coin its distinct value.
The obverse of the 1950-D/S quarter features the left-facing bust of George Washington, a design by John Flanagan that was adapted from a bust by sculptor Jean-Antoine Houdon. Above Washington’s head appears the word “LIBERTY,” with “IN GOD WE TRUST” placed to the left below his chin, and the date “1950” struck below the neckline. In Fine condition, the coin shows moderate wear across Washington’s hair and cheek, with most detail in the central hair and jawline worn smooth. The overall design remains easily identifiable, though fine lines have blended into the fields. Lettering remains bold and well-struck, and the date is fully legible without magnification.
On the reverse, the coin depicts an eagle with its wings spread, perched atop a bundle of arrows, a traditional American symbol of defense and readiness. Below the eagle are two olive branches representing peace. The inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” curve around the upper portion of the coin, while “QUARTER DOLLAR” appears below the olive branches. The D/S mintmark is located just below the branches above the denomination. In Fine condition, much of the eagle’s central body and feather detail is flattened due to wear, but the wings, arrows, and olive leaves remain outlined. Crucially, the D/S mintmark remains identifiable, though magnification may be required to observe the remnants of the underlying “S” beneath the final “D.”
The D/S designation marks a significant repunched mintmark variety. During the 1950s, mintmarks were added to working dies by hand, which occasionally resulted in misalignments or overpunches. In this case, a die originally intended for the San Francisco Mint received an “S” mintmark before being reassigned to Denver and repunched with a “D.” The result is a dramatic and visually discernible mintmark error where traces of the original “S” can still be seen beneath or to the side of the “D.” This variety is one of the most prominent mintmark errors in the Washington quarter series and is actively sought after by collectors of U.S. varieties and error coins.
The total mintage for the 1950-D Washington Quarter was 21,075,600 coins, but the D/S variety accounts for only a small fraction of that total. While exact figures on the number of D/S examples struck or surviving are not available, it is considered a scarce and significant RPM (Repunched Mintmark) variety. Most examples were released into circulation before the variety was widely recognized, meaning that many survivors show signs of wear and range from Very Good to Extremely Fine condition. Coins in Fine grade, like the one in question, are appreciated for balancing affordability with clear attribution of the variety's features.
In Fine condition, the coin exhibits moderate, even wear across all high points. The major design elements are still distinct, and all inscriptions remain legible. On the obverse, some remaining detail in Washington’s lower hair and facial outline may be present, while the reverse still clearly shows the eagle and its general posture, though details in the feathers and talons may be smooth. The D/S mintmark, although slightly softened from circulation, can still be attributed with the help of a loupe. Collectors typically use 5x to 10x magnification to identify the remnants of the underlying “S” to confirm the variety.
Because of its variety status and error origin, the 1950-D/S quarter carries a premium above common-date Washington quarters from the same period, even in circulated grades such as Fine. It represents an accessible entry point for collectors who may be building a Washington quarter set by date and mintmark, as well as those focusing on error coins and RPMs. The D/S variety provides a distinct educational opportunity, showing how U.S. Mint practices and human error resulted in collectible anomalies that later became prized components of advanced collections.
Like all pre-1965 Washington quarters, the 1950-D/S is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, with a total weight of 6.25 grams and a silver content of 0.1808 troy ounces. While silver bullion value is an underlying consideration for any circulated silver quarter, the D/S variety commands a price based primarily on its rarity and appeal among numismatists. Its silver content, however, provides a stable intrinsic value even in lower grades, adding an additional layer of desirability for those seeking silver coins with both collector and melt value.
The Washington quarter series includes a number of mintmark varieties and doubled dies, but the 1950-D/S stands among the most easily attributable and visually compelling. It is recognized by major grading companies and has been included in reference works such as the *Cherrypickers’ Guide to Rare Die Varieties*, which has elevated its profile in the collecting world. As a result, it has seen consistent demand across all grades, and coins in Fine condition remain popular with collectors looking for affordable, certified, or raw examples of this important mid-century variety.
In conclusion, the 1950-D/S Washington Quarter in Fine condition represents a fascinating blend of U.S. Mint history, numismatic variety collecting, and silver investment. With its iconic Flanagan design, the historically significant D over S mintmark, and solid mid-grade preservation, this coin offers strong appeal to a wide range of collectors. Whether acquired as part of a Washington quarter set, a mintmark variety collection, or simply as a tangible piece of mid-20th-century American coinage, the 1950-D/S in Fine grade remains a noteworthy and valued specimen in the field of U.S. numismatics.