How to Identify the 1950-D/S Washington Quarter Overmintmark
A visual guide to the 1950-D/S Washington Quarter, where a D mint mark was punched over a leftover S, showing exactly where to look and how to avoid confusion with other overmintmarks.
Read the full 1950-D/S Washington Quarter Overmintmark encyclopedia entry →
What This Coin Is
The 1950-D/S is a well-known overmintmark variety created when a Denver Mint die was punched with a "D" over a mint mark punch that had previously been used, or was mistakenly started, with an "S." Traces of the underlying letter remain visible within or around the final mint mark.
Obverse Design
John Flanagan's portrait of George Washington faces left, based on a Jean-Antoine Houdon bust. "LIBERTY" arches above his head, "IN GOD WE TRUST" sits just behind his neck, and the date appears below the bust at the bottom rim.
Reverse Design
An eagle with wings spread perches on a bundle of arrows, with two olive branches curving beneath it. "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" arches around the top, "QUARTER DOLLAR" runs along the bottom, and "E PLURIBUS UNUM" sits in a small ribbon just above the eagle.
Size, Weight, Metal, and Edge
Silver-era Washington quarters (1932-1964) are struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weigh 6.25 grams, measure 24.3 mm in diameter, and have a reeded edge, the same specifications used throughout the Barber and Standing Liberty series before it.
Where to Look for the Overmintmark
Mint Mark Location
On coins from this era, the mint mark sits on the reverse, centered just below the wreath and above "QUARTER DOLLAR." No letter indicates Philadelphia; "D" indicates Denver and "S" indicates San Francisco. On this variety, closely examine the "D" under magnification for extra curved lines or a rounded remnant peeking out from inside or beside the letter, which are remains of the originally punched "S" beneath the final "D."
Telling It Apart from Similar Coins
A related variety, the 1950-S/D, shows the opposite combination, with a D showing beneath an S mint mark, so it's important to identify which letter is on top versus which shows as the underlying remnant. Ordinary 1950-D quarters without any doubling in the mint mark are common and should show a single, clean letter with no extra lines.
Judging Condition at a Glance
Judging Condition at a Glance
Wear first appears on Washington's hair curls just above and behind the ear, and on the eagle's breast and the tops of its leg feathers on the reverse. Sharp, separated hair strands and a fully feathered breast point to higher grades, while smoothed hair and a flat-looking eagle breast indicate more circulation. Since the overmintmark detail sits on the reverse near the mint mark rather than on a high wear point, it can sometimes remain identifiable even on moderately circulated coins, though heavy wear can eventually obscure the fine remnant lines.
Authenticity Notes
Because this variety carries a premium over an ordinary 1950-D quarter, look for a mint mark with genuine underlying remnant lines that form a recognizable curve of an "S," rather than random die scratches, dirt, or damage near the letter. Comparing the exact remnant pattern to confirmed reference photos is the most reliable way to verify it by eye.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'D/S' mean on this coin?
It indicates a D mint mark was punched over a previously punched S, leaving faint remnants of the S visible within or around the final D.
Where exactly should I look?
On the reverse, below the wreath, examine the mint mark itself under magnification for extra curved lines.
Is this the same as the 1950-S/D variety?
No, that variety shows the reverse combination, an S mint mark with a D remnant visible beneath it; the two are distinguished by which letter is on top.
Can ordinary die damage look like an overmintmark?
Yes, so the remnant lines should clearly form the curve of the underlying letter rather than resembling random scratches or dirt.