1950 Quarter Coin Value: Errors List, “D”, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth

1950 quarter value ranges from $0.25 face value to $31,200. That record was a Grade 68 example sold through Heritage Auctions in January 2022. Upload a photo of yours below and you’ll get a quick value range in no time. You can also scroll down to check recent eBay sales and see what buyers are actually paying right now.

 

1950 Quarter Value By Variety

If you know the grade of your coin, the exact price is in the Value Guides section below.

Also Read: Top 100 Most Valuable Modern Quarter Worth Money (1932 – Present)

 

Top 10 Most Valuable 1950 Quarter Value Records Worth Money

The king of the hill is a 1950 DCAM graded PR68, which hammered for $31,200 at Heritage Auctions on January 13, 2022. Fewer than a dozen Deep Cameo examples exist in any grade, so when one surfaces, advanced proof collectors fight hard for it.

The overdate errors aren’t far behind. A 1950-D/S graded PCGS MS67 brought $29,375 at Heritage Auctions in June 2013. A separate MS66 of the same variety sold for $9,400 in 2014. That’s the kind of gap one grade point can create in this series.

Regular business strikes in superb condition also do well. The 1950-S hit $19,800 in MS68, and even the common Philadelphia issue reached $11,400 in MS68 at Heritage Auctions in May 2024. Condition rarity turns a common date into serious money.

Cameo proofs hold their own tier. A 1950 CAM in PR68 reached $5,875, and a PCGS PR68DCAM sold again at Stack’s Bowers in June 2023 for $22,800. The market for elite 1950 proof quarters stays strong year after year.

 

History of the 1950 Quarter Value: Post-War Mint Resumption

The big story for 1950 is the return of proof coinage. The Mint had shut down proof production in 1942 when World War II shifted everything to wartime priorities. That ended a run of proof sets that grew from 3,837 in 1936 to 21,120 in 1942. When proofs came back in 1950, the 51,386 sets sold blew past the combined totals of 1940, 1941, and 1942. Collectors were hungry.

Three facilities struck circulation coins: Philadelphia made 24.9 million, Denver 21.075 million, and San Francisco 10.284 million. The real drama happened during die preparation. Mint mark punches got applied to the wrong dies at Denver and San Francisco, creating the legendary 1950-D/S and 1950-S/D overdate varieties.

Here’s a fun detail — PCGS CoinFacts notes that the 1950 proofs appear better-struck than the 1936–1942 issues. That quality jump shows up in the Cameo and Deep Cameo surfaces that almost never appeared on earlier proof quarters.

Also Read: Top 30 Most Valuable State Quarter Worth Money (1999 – 2008)

 

Is Your 1950 Quarter Value Rare? Check Here First

The counterintuitive part? A plain Philadelphia business strike with 24.9 million minted can outprice a proof if it grades MS68. Meanwhile, the DCAM proof — from a mintage of 51,386 — has fewer than a dozen certified examples total. That’s a completely different kind of rare. To compare scarcity across all six varieties quickly, our Coin Identifier and Value App pulls real-time market data instantly.

 

Key Features of the 1950 Quarter Value Collector Should Know

The 1950 Washington quarter uses the same John Flanagan design from 1932, but this year matters because it’s the first year proof coinage came back after the wartime gap. Philadelphia struck both business coins and all 51,386 proofs. Denver and San Francisco handled circulation strikes only.

Two dramatic die-preparation errors make 1950 stand out. The 1950-D/S and 1950-S/D over-mint-mark varieties happened when dies meant for one facility got re-punched for another. They’re two of the most sought-after varieties in the entire Washington quarter series.

The Obverse of the 1950 Quarter

You’ll see George Washington’s left-facing profile with “LIBERTY” along the left rim and “1950” at the bottom right. “IN GOD WE TRUST” sits below Washington’s chin. Look at the base of the neck for designer John Flanagan’s “JF” initials. The portrait comes from the famous 1786 Houdon bust — the same sculpture used on every Washington Quarter from 1932 through 1998 and again in 2021.

The Reverse of the 1950 Quarter

Flip it over and you’ll find a heraldic eagle with outstretched wings, clutching arrows in the left talon and an olive branch in the right. “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” curves along the top rim, “QUARTER DOLLAR” runs along the bottom, and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” sits on a ribbon above the eagle. The mint mark — D for Denver, S for San Francisco, or absent for Philadelphia — is right below the eagle. That’s exactly where you need to look for the famous overdate varieties.

Other Features of the 1950 Quarter

Every 1950 quarter is 90% silver and 10% copper, with 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver in a coin weighing approximately 6.25 grams. Business strike or Deep Cameo proof — same composition. Even beat-up circulated examples have a meaningful melt value floor.

Each coin measures 24.3 mm in diameter with a reeded edge (119 reeds) and a standard thickness of 1.75 mm. These specs held constant across all three minting facilities.

Also Read: Top 20 Most Valuable 1776-1976 Bicentennial Quarter

 

1950 Quarter Value Mintage & Survival Data

Philadelphia led with 24.9 million struck, Denver followed at 21.1 million, and San Francisco came in last at 10.3 million — the lowest of the three mints that year.

The proof numbers tell a wilder story. Of the 51,386 proofs struck, roughly 39,000 plain-finish examples survive (75.90%). But the Cameo and Deep Cameo subsets are genuinely rare. CoinWeek’s June 2025 census data shows PCGS has given its Cameo designation to just 4.24% of submissions. Only 11 examples across all grades have earned PCGS Deep Cameo. NGC’s numbers look nearly identical — 6.89% Cameo, with just 12 Ultra Cameo grading events recorded through June 2025.

Here’s the interesting part: the combined PCGS and NGC certified population covers only about 12.1% of the total 51,386 proof mintage. That means roughly 87.9% of surviving proofs have never been submitted. There’s some discovery potential out there, though I’d say the odds of finding a new Deep Cameo are extremely slim given the coin’s age and how few exist.

Also Read: Top 100 Most Valuable Washington Quarter Worth Money (1932 – 1998)

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1950 Quarter Value

The single most important factor in determining 1950 Quarter Value is whether you have a plain business strike, a proof, or one of the famous overdate errors — that decision alone separates a $6 coin from one worth thousands. For business strikes, the next key check is mint mark: Philadelphia coins carry no mark, Denver shows a “D,” and San Francisco shows an “S,” all located below the eagle on the reverse.

For proofs, look at the fields (flat background areas) and the devices (raised design elements like Washington’s portrait and the eagle). Mirror-like fields? Good start. Now check if the devices look frosted — almost white. Strong contrast between frost-white devices and jet-black mirror fields means you might have a Cameo (CAM) or Deep Cameo (DCAM) specimen. Those are the two most valuable proof designations, awarded by PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company).

Our Coin Identifier and Value App provides instant, accurate appraisals using professional grading standards. Rare varieties like doubled dies or repunched mint marks significantly increase value, making expert authentication essential for serious collectors.

 

1950 Quarter Value Guides: All Six Varieties Explained

Six collectible varieties exist for the 1950 Washington Quarter:

• 1950 No Mint Mark (Philadelphia)
• 1950-D (Denver Mint)
• 1950-S (San Francisco Mint)
• 1950 Proof (Philadelphia)
• 1950 CAM (Philadelphia)
• 1950 DCAM (Philadelphia)

Business strikes are priced mainly on grade and silver content. Proofs add the Cameo and Deep Cameo premium tiers on top. The two overdate errors — the 1950-D/S and 1950-S/D — sit in their own category entirely, regularly outperforming all other 1950 issues at major auctions.

Building a full 1950 variety set is one of the more rewarding challenges in Washington quarter collecting. The entry points are affordable, but the top-tier rarities can take decades to track down.

 

1950 Quarter Value — No Mint Mark Philadelphia Issue

Here’s a number that might surprise you: according to PCGS population data, the 1950 Philadelphia quarter ranks as the second most common Philly Mint Washington quarter in MS65 or better. Only the 1941 beats it. With a mintage of 24,920,126, gem-grade examples are easy to find, making this a great starting point for new collectors.

Don’t write it off, though. A PCGS MS68 sold for $11,400 at Heritage Auctions in May 2024. Even in a high-mintage year, condition rarity drives big premiums at the top.

Auction results for this issue consistently meet or beat catalog estimates.

Collector interest stays steady year-round across multiple grade levels.

Market activity score: 71/100 as of Sep 2026 — up 8 points from Jun 2026. 12-month peak: 76 (Aug 2026).

 

1950 Quarter Value — D Mint Mark (Denver) Guide

If you’re cherrypicking for the D/S overdate, you need to know what the regular “D” looks like first. Denver struck 21,075,000 quarters in 1950, and the typical example is well-struck with nice original luster. The “D” mint mark sits below the eagle on the reverse — right above where the residual “S” shows on the famous error.

The top auction record for a regular 1950-D is $7,638, paid for an NGC MS68 with a CAC sticker at Heritage Auctions in November 2013. That CAC bean (from the Certified Acceptance Corporation) means the coin was judged above-average quality for its grade — a real edge in competitive bidding.

Auction performance has been reliable, reflecting steady appreciation over time.

Both type collectors and Denver Mint specialists keep this one active across multiple grade levels.

Market activity score: 58/100 as of Sep 2026 — up 5 points from Jun 2026. 12-month peak: 64 (Oct 2025).

 

1950 Quarter Value — S Mint Mark (San Francisco) Guide

At just 10,284,004 pieces, the 1950-S has the lowest mintage of any regular-issue Washington quarter from San Francisco in the early 1950s. That alone gets collectors’ attention. The strikes tend to be sharp, and the “S” mint mark is clean and well-positioned.

Here’s the practical angle: if your “S” coin shows traces of an underlying “D” beneath the mint mark, you might be holding one of the most valuable Washington quarters out there. That variety hit $16,450 in MS67. But even a plain 1950-S in MS68 has brought $19,800, proving that top condition from this lower-mintage facility commands serious money on its own.

Lower mintage plus consistent quality equals strong auction performance — often above price guide estimates.

Variety specialists and set builders both keep demand steady throughout the year.

Market activity score: 73/100 as of Sep 2026 — up 17 points from Jun 2026. 12-month peak: 87 (Aug 2026).

 

1950 Quarter Value — Proof Strikes: The Historic Post-War Return

What would you pay for a coin that hadn’t been made in eight years? In 1950, collectors answered that question: 51,386 proof sets sold, more than the Mint produced in its entire proof programs for 1940, 1941, and 1942 combined. This was the first Washington quarter proof since the wartime shutdown, and it kicked off the explosive growth of proof collecting through the 1950s.

Each set came in cellophane flips inside a small cardboard box, priced at $2.10 (about $25.92 in 2024 dollars). Compare that to today: a plain PR68 runs $550–$600, and the PR68DCAM record sits at $31,200. Not a bad return on two bucks.

Auction results reflect decades of steady appreciation driven by the coin’s historical significance.

Proof specialists and Washington Quarter completists keep demand strong year-round for this pivotal transitional issue.

Market activity score: 58/100 as of Sep 2026 — unchanged since Jun 2026. 12-month peak: 71 (Nov 2025).

 

1950 Quarter Value — CAM Proof (Cameo Designation)

Most collectors know what Cameo means when they see it — frosted, almost white devices against mirror-like reflective fields. That contrast only shows up on coins struck from freshly prepared dies. In 1950, you’d get it on maybe the first few hundred strikes from a properly prepared die pair. After that, the frost wore off.

How rare is it? PCGS has given its Cameo designation to just 4.24% of the 3,214 grading events recorded for 1950 proof quarters through June 2025. NGC shows a slightly higher rate of 6.89% across 3,202 grading events. Still a tiny fraction of the 51,386 coins originally struck.

The combined certified population from both services covers about 12.1% of the total mintage. Thousands of surviving proofs have never been slabbed. If you have a 1950 proof with visible contrast sitting raw in a collection, it’s worth getting it looked at by PCGS or NGC.

Auction results consistently beat expectations across all grade levels thanks to the combination of eye appeal and genuine scarcity.

Whenever a quality CAM example hits the market, bidding gets competitive fast among proof specialists.

Market activity score: 51/100 as of Sep 2026 — up 16 points from Jun 2026. 12-month peak: 56 (Aug 2026).

 

1950 Quarter Value — DCAM Proof: The Rarest Washington Quarter

Think of Deep Cameo as Cameo turned up to eleven. Deeply frosted, bright-white devices against jet-black mirror fields — the effect is almost three-dimensional. PCGS CoinFacts compares finding a 1950 DCAM to finding Tanzanite, a mineral rarer than diamonds. The certified population backs that up.

As of June 2025, PCGS has awarded Deep Cameo to just 11 examples total. NGC has recorded only 12 Ultra Cameo grading events. The top-pop coins? Two at PCGS PR68DCAM and two at NGC PF68UC. Nothing finer exists at either service.

Jaime Hernandez of PCGS has specifically noted that fewer than a dozen Deep Cameo examples survive across all grades. I think that scarcity, combined with the jaw-dropping eye appeal, explains why auction results have reached $31,200 (Heritage Auctions, January 2022) and $22,800 (Stack’s Bowers, June 2023) for PR68DCAM examples.

Every time one of these appears at auction, it sets a new benchmark for Washington Quarter proofs.

This is a registry set coin. When one surfaces, the most advanced proof collectors and registry participants compete hard for it.

Market activity score: 35/100 as of Sep 2026 — unchanged since Jun 2026. Currently at its 12-month peak.

Also Read: What Quarters Are Worth Money

 

Rare 1950 Quarter Value Errors: Full List with Prices

The 1950 Washington Quarter series is loaded with error varieties. The Mint was transitioning back to peacetime production, and die-preparation mistakes happened. You’ve got dramatic over-mint-mark varieties, doubled dies, and repunched mint marks — all rewarding careful examination under magnification.

A coin that looks ordinary in hand could be a $29,000 rarity if the mint mark tells the right story. Grab a loupe and let’s go through them.

1. 1950 DDR FS-801 Errors

This Philadelphia Mint variety shows visible doubling on “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “QUARTER DOLLAR” on the reverse. A DDR (Doubled Die Reverse) happens when the working die gets multiple misaligned impressions from the master hub during preparation. Every coin struck from that die carries the doubling.

The FS-801 designation comes from the Fivaz-Stanton numbering system — the industry-standard reference for catalogued die varieties. Under 5–10x magnification, you’ll clearly see each letter with a distinct duplicate image beside it along the rim.

2. 1950-D DDR Errors (FS-801 And FS-802)

Denver gave us two separate DDR varieties in 1950. The FS-801 shows doubling concentrated in the upper rim lettering. The FS-802 has more pronounced separation in the lower inscriptions and the eagle’s details. Two different varieties on the same coin type — you need reference images side-by-side to tell them apart.

Both came from misaligned hub impressions during die preparation at Denver. Attribution takes magnification and patience, but that’s what makes variety hunting fun.

3. 1950-D/D RPM FS-501 Errors

This one shows a Denver “D” that was hand-punched into the die more than once at slightly different positions. You’ll see doubling or a shadow within the “D” itself. RPM (Repunched Mint Mark) varieties like this were common before 1990, when all mint marks were still punched by hand into working dies.

The FS-501 classification pins down the exact positioning of the secondary punch. Less dramatic than the overdate errors, sure, but RPM varieties have a dedicated following. They’re a window into the era of manual mint mark application.

4. 1950-D/S Errors

This is the big one. A Denver “D” stamped directly over a San Francisco “S,” leaving the “S” partially visible underneath. Dies originally intended for San Francisco were repurposed for Denver — a cost-saving move while the Mint readjusted to peacetime production.

To identify it, examine the upper and upper-left area of the “D” under 5–10x magnification. Portions of the underlying “S” remain clearly visible. In top condition, this variety hit $29,375 at Heritage Auctions in June 2013 (PCGS MS67). An MS66 sold for $9,400 in 2014. Even lower grades bring strong premiums from error collectors.

Discover the true value of your coin collection with the Coin Identifier and Value App, featuring comprehensive authentication tools and real-time market data to help you identify valuable doubled die varieties and other numismatic treasures.

5. 1950-D/S OMM FS-601 Errors

Don’t confuse this with the famous D/S. On this variety, the original “S” was ground or filed off the die before the “D” was applied. The underlying “S” isn’t clearly visible — you might see ghost impressions or subtle trace lines under ideal lighting, but nothing like the bold overlap on the main D/S variety.

This was a deliberate Mint action to repurpose dies, not an accidental punch-over-punch. The FS-601 designation specifies the exact positioning of the ghost impression. You’ll want a knowledgeable specialist for proper attribution on this one.

6. 1950-S DDR FS-801 Errors

San Francisco got its own DDR variety in 1950 too. The doubling shows up most clearly in “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “QUARTER DOLLAR,” and portions of the eagle. Same cause as the others — misaligned hub impression during reverse die preparation.

Check the rim lettering under moderate magnification. Each letter shows a distinct shadow or separation. What makes this variety especially interesting is that it shares a production year with the legendary 1950-S/D overdate. Two premium varieties from one San Francisco issue.

7. 1950-S/S RPM FS-501 Errors

The “S” punch was applied to the die twice at slightly different angles. You’ll see a doubled or shadowed “S” with the secondary impression visible beside or slightly overlapping the primary strike.

More subtle than the overdate errors, but this coin appeals strongly to variety specialists who enjoy the detective work of mint mark attribution. The FS-501 designation distinguishes it from other potential S/S RPM types based on the positioning and strength of the secondary punch.

8. 1950-S/D Errors

This is the mirror image of the D/S. A San Francisco “S” was punched over a Denver “D” when dies prepared for Denver got transferred to San Francisco. The underlying “D” is detectable beneath the “S.” Many collectors — we included — find the 1950-S/D clearer and more satisfying to diagnose than the D/S.

It hit $16,450 at auction in MS67, and Greysheet recognizes it as one of the most important die varieties in the entire Washington quarter series. Because “S” and “D” are visually distinct shapes, the diagnostic is easier to spot than on some other over-mint-mark varieties. Great one for collectors new to variety attributions.

Take the guesswork out of coin collecting with the Coin Identifier and Value App, your essential companion for spotting valuable error coins and determining accurate market values with professional-grade identification features.

9. 1950-S/D OMM FS-601 Errors

Same concept as the D/S OMM, but from San Francisco. An “S” was applied over a die from which the original “D” had been deliberately removed. Unlike the main 1950-S/D where both mint marks remain visible, this one shows only faint ghost impressions or trace outlines of the original “D.”

Tip: use raking (angled) light rather than direct illumination to reveal ghost impressions. The FS-601 designation establishes the specific characteristics that set this OMM apart. Get professional attribution from a variety specialist or grading service before buying or selling.

Also Read: 20 Rare Washington Quarter Errors Worth Money (Full List with Pictures)

 

Where to Sell Your 1950 Quarter Value Collection

Whether you have a circulated Philadelphia strike worth a few dollars over silver melt or a Deep Cameo proof that could bring tens of thousands, the right selling platform matters. Major auction houses like Heritage Auctions and Stack’s Bowers are the best venue for high-value examples — both have sold 1950 Quarter rarities at record prices and have the collector base needed to generate competitive bidding.

Check out now: Best Places To Sell Coins Online (Pros & Cons)

 

1950 Quarter Value Market Trend

Market interest: 1,270 collectors tracking this coin as of Sep 2026 — up 900 from Mar 2026. Currently at its 12-month peak.

*Market Trend Chart showing the number of people paying attention to this coin.

 

FAQ About 1950 Quarter Value

1. Are 1950 quarters worth anything?

Every 1950 quarter is worth at least its silver content — roughly $12–$15 at current spot prices. Circulated examples typically sell for $6–$8 in the numismatic market. From there, values climb fast: a basic MS64 runs around $50, and the rarest proof designation has hit $31,200.

2. Is a 1950 quarter all silver?

All 1950 Washington quarters are 90% silver and 10% copper, regardless of mint. Each coin contains 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver, giving every example a melt value floor that moves with the silver spot price.

3. What is the rarest 1950 quarter variety?

The Deep Cameo (DCAM) proof. Fewer than a dozen examples are certified across all grades by PCGS, and NGC has recorded only 12 Ultra Cameo grading events through June 2025. The top population is just two PCGS PR68DCAM examples — coins that last sold for $31,200 and $22,800 respectively.

4. How do I identify a 1950-D/S overdate error on my quarter?

Look at the mint mark area on the reverse (below the eagle) under 5–10x magnification. On a genuine 1950-D/S, you’ll see portions of an “S” shape at the upper or upper-left area of the “D.” The underlying “S” wasn’t fully obliterated when the “D” was re-punched. Get professional attribution by PCGS or NGC before assigning high value to any suspected example.

5. What do CAM and DCAM mean, and how do they affect 1950 Quarter Value?

CAM stands for Cameo and DCAM stands for Deep Cameo — both are designations awarded by PCGS (the Professional Coin Grading Service) to proof coins where the raised design elements (devices) show a frosted white contrast against mirror-like fields. DCAM requires the deepest, most dramatic contrast and adds the largest premium: a plain PR67 proof is worth around $100, a CAM PR67 jumps to several hundred dollars, and a DCAM PR65 is valued at $2,500–$2,800. The difference in 1950 Quarter Value between a plain proof and a Deep Cameo proof can be tens of thousands of dollars.

6. How many 1950 DCAM quarters are known to exist?

Fewer than a dozen. PCGS has certified just 11 Deep Cameo specimens total, and NGC has recorded only 12 Ultra Cameo grading events through June 2025. The top population is two examples at each service in PR68/PF68 — nothing finer exists.

7. What did a 1950 Proof Set cost when it was first released?

Just $2.10 for the complete five-coin set — about $25.92 in 2024 dollars. Today a complete 1950 Proof Set in original packaging trades for hundreds, and individual top-grade coins from these sets can bring thousands at auction.

8. Where is the mint mark on a 1950 quarter, and why does it matter?

On the reverse, just below the center of the eagle. Philadelphia coins have no mint mark, Denver shows a “D,” and San Francisco shows an “S.” This spot matters enormously for 1950 because it’s exactly where the rare overdate errors appear: the 1950-D/S shows a residual “S” beneath the “D,” and the 1950-S/D shows a residual “D” beneath the “S.”

9. Should I clean my 1950 silver quarter to improve its value?

Never. Cleaning with polish, baking soda, or any abrasive permanently destroys original mint luster and typically cuts a coin’s value by 50–90%. Professional conservators may carefully remove environmental contaminants in specific cases, but any home cleaning will hurt your coin’s 1950 Quarter Value.

10. What is the rarest Washington quarter overall, and how does the 1950 quarter compare?

The rarest Washington quarter overall is the 1932-D, with only 436,800 struck; a PCGS MS66 example holds the auction record at $143,750. The 1950 quarter isn’t a key date in the circulation series, but the 1950 DCAM proof competes directly with the rarest pre-war issues in certified population and auction results. With fewer than a dozen examples at PCGS, it rivals the great key dates in absolute availability.