A 1949-D quarter once sold for $43,475 — and a Philadelphia example reached $17,625. Both were MS-68 specimens. Your circulated example starts at silver melt (~$13–$14), but condition, mint mark, and the rare D/S Over Mint Mark variety can send values soaring.
The table below covers all major 1949 Washington quarter varieties across four condition tiers. For a deeper dive into identifying exactly which variety you have and verifying its condition, the illustrated 1949 quarter identification walkthrough and breakdown is the most complete free reference available. Values reflect current market data based on PCGS auction results and dealer pricing.
| Variety | Worn (G–F) | Circulated (VF–AU) | Uncirculated (MS-60–64) | Gem (MS-65+) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1949-P (Philadelphia) | $10 – $14 | $14 – $28 | $25 – $75 | $80 – $17,625+ |
| 1949-D (Denver) | $10 – $14 | $14 – $28 | $25 – $75 | $80 – $43,475+ |
| 1949-D/S OMM FS-601 | $30 – $60 | $150 – $250 | $400 – $600 | $1,000 – $7,800+ |
| 1949-D/D RPM FS-501 | $15 – $30 | $35 – $100 | $100 – $200 | $145 – $400+ |
| Off-Center Strike (any mint) | $50 – $150 | $100 – $300 | $200 – $500 | $300 – $800+ |
| Clipped Planchet (any mint) | $30 – $80 | $60 – $150 | $100 – $300 | $150 – $500+ |
★ = 1949-D/S OMM FS-601 (signature variety). Red rows = rarest variety (RPM FS-501). Values from PCGS auction data and dealer consensus; MS-68 records for base coins shown at top of gem range.
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The 1949 Washington quarter series contains some of the most sought-after die varieties in the entire Washington quarter run, concentrated entirely at the Denver Mint. Two documented Cherrypickers' Guide varieties — the D/S Over Mint Mark and the D/D Repunched Mint Mark — command serious premiums when found on raw coins. Production errors including off-center strikes and clipped planchets also appear. Each variety is covered in detail below; use the sidebar to jump directly to any entry.
The 1949-D/S OMM FS-601 is the single most exciting variety in the entire 1949 quarter series. It occurred at the Denver Mint during the era when mint marks were hand-punched onto individual working dies — a labor-intensive process prone to exactly this type of error. A punch bearing the San Francisco "S" was mistakenly applied to the working die before a Denver "D" was correctly punched over it, leaving a phantom "S" embedded beneath the "D."
Under 10× magnification, collectors can detect telltale traces of the underlying "S": the curved top loop of the "S" protrudes from the upper inner curve of the "D," and the bottom arc of the "S" is discernible within the lower loop. The secondary impression is best seen when the coin is tilted under a fiber-optic or single-point light source that creates shadow contrast in the overlapping die geometry.
Collector demand for this variety is intense because it represents documented mint history — proof of the hand-punching era's fallibility. Circulated examples start at $150–$250 in XF/AU grades, with MS-63 coins reaching $400–$600. Gem MS-65 examples have sold for $1,000–$1,500, and the all-time high-grade record stands near $7,800. Professional PCGS or NGC certification with FS-601 attribution is strongly recommended before transacting at variety premiums.
The 1949-D/D RPM FS-501 is a repunched mint mark variety that occurred when the Denver "D" punch was applied to the working die twice, with a slight positional shift between strikes. Unlike the OMM variety — where two different mint letters are involved — this variety features the same letter punched twice in slightly different positions on the same die.
Examination of the reverse mint mark under magnification reveals a secondary "D" impression that appears as a distinct shadow or stepped outline, most clearly visible at the lower loop of the primary "D." The doubling can manifest as a split serif, a thickened lower curve, or a ghost outline running parallel to the primary letter. The strength of the doubling varies by die state, with earlier die states typically showing crisper doubling.
While less dramatic than the OMM FS-601, the RPM FS-501 is a legitimate cherrypickers' find that circulates through dealer stock without attribution. Circulated examples sell for $20–$50, while well-preserved uncirculated coins graded MS-63 and above bring $100–$300. Gem MS-65 examples have sold for $145–$400 depending on doubling strength and overall eye appeal. A PCGS MS-40 example realized $182 at Goldberg's in April 2014, and a PCGS MS-65 example sold for $384 at Heritage in March 2018.
Off-center strike errors on 1949 Washington quarters occur when a planchet is not properly centered between the dies at the moment of striking. The misaligned strike produces a coin where part of the design is missing and a corresponding crescent of blank, unstruck planchet metal is visible on the opposite side of the coin. These errors are genuine production mistakes that escaped quality control at the Philadelphia or Denver mints.
The visual signature is unmistakable: Washington's portrait is shifted laterally or radially from center, the rim is missing on one side, and a curved blank area where design elements should appear is visible instead. The percentage off-center — measured as the fraction of the design displaced — determines the visual drama and collector value. Minor 5–10% shifts are the most common; dramatic 30–50% off-center examples are significantly rarer and more desirable.
Value depends critically on two factors: the percentage off-center and the visibility of the date and mint mark. A 50% off-center example where the full date "1949" and any mint mark remain visible is worth several hundred dollars. Specimens where the date is partially missing lose substantial value. Authentication matters because post-mint damage such as grinding or pressing can superficially resemble genuine off-center errors to the untrained eye.
Clipped planchet errors on 1949 Washington quarters result from a mechanical failure in the blanking process at the mint. The coining strip — a long roll of silver alloy — is fed through a blanking press that punches out circular planchets. When the strip advances incorrectly, the blanking punch can overlap a previously punched hole, cutting out a planchet with a curved or straight piece missing from its edge. These incomplete planchets then pass through the striking process, producing coins with an obvious missing segment.
Clipped planchets come in two main types: curved clips (caused by planchet punch overlapping a previous round hole, leaving a concave bite out of the edge) and straight clips (caused by punching from the end of the strip, leaving a flat cut). The size of the clip — measured as a percentage of the coin's diameter — drives collector value. Blakesley effect is a useful authentication aid: the design directly opposite a curved clip will show weakly struck or missing detail due to the altered planchet's reduced metal flow.
For a 1949 Washington quarter, clipped planchet errors with dramatic clips (15% or greater) in pleasing circulated-to-uncirculated condition are the most desirable. The coin must show natural luster on the clipped surface rather than a filed or machined edge, which distinguishes genuine mint errors from post-mint alterations. Certified examples bring $150–$500 in uncirculated grades; circulated examples with a clear, large clip sell for $60–$150.
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| Mint | Mint Mark | Mintage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | None (P) | 9,312,000 | Semi-key date; lowest 1949 issue; often weakly struck |
| Denver | D | 10,068,400 | Hosts OMM FS-601 & RPM FS-501 varieties; generally better strike |
| San Francisco | S | None struck | No quarters produced at SF in 1949 |
| Combined Total | 19,380,400 | Down sharply from 67M combined in 1948 | |
Washington's hair above the ear is smooth and flat. The eagle's breast feathers are merged into a flat plane. Lettering and date remain legible but rims may blend into the design. Value is essentially silver melt ($10–$14). These are the coins you'll find in circulation or old coin jars.
Major hair details visible but high-point hair curls above the ear show wear. Eagle's breast feathers partially separated. About Uncirculated (AU) examples retain traces of luster in protected areas. Value ranges from $14–$28. Mint mark varieties start commanding premiums here.
No wear at all — full cartwheel luster visible under tilted light. However, bag marks from mint handling are common and visible to the naked eye on Washington's cheek. Strike weakness (especially on Philadelphia coins) may limit grade despite true uncirculated surfaces. Value: $25–$75.
Full mint luster, sharply struck devices, minimal contact marks. Washington's hair shows complete detail; eagle's breast feathers are fully separated. MS-65+ examples are genuinely scarce for the 1949 date — Philadelphia coins with weak strikes rarely reach this grade. Value: $80 to $43,475+ for MS-68 examples.
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The D/S Over Mint Mark is the single most valuable die variety on any 1949 quarter. Use this quick tool to determine whether your Denver coin might carry the FS-601 variety. You'll need a 10× loupe and a single-point light source.
The "D" mintmark appears as a clean, single impression with smooth curves. No secondary letter traces are visible inside or around the "D" even under 10× magnification. The inner curves of both the upper and lower loops of the "D" are smooth and uninterrupted. This is the standard 1949-D quarter found in the vast majority of collections.
Inside the "D" mintmark, traces of a previously punched "S" are visible. The curved top of the "S" protrudes from inside the upper arch of the "D," and the bottom curve of the "S" is visible within the lower loop. The impression is clearest under a fiber-optic or single-point light held at a low angle. This variety is listed as FS-601 in the Cherrypickers' Guide and commands premiums from $150 (circulated) to $7,800+ (gem).
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The right venue depends on your coin's grade and variety attribution. A circulated 1949 quarter worth silver melt has different ideal venues than a certified MS-65 or an attributed OMM FS-601.
The leading numismatic auction house for high-value Washington quarters. The $43,475 record sale and the $17,625 record both went through Heritage or Legend Rare Coin Auctions. Best suited for certified MS-63 and above, especially attributed varieties like the OMM FS-601. Consignment minimums apply; expect 15–20% buyer's premium to affect net realized.
The largest marketplace for mid-grade and circulated Washington quarters. Recent completed 1949 Washington quarter sold prices and listings show active demand at all grade levels. Circulated examples sell in the $8–$30 range; NGC/PCGS-certified examples fetch closer to price guide values. Use "sold listings" to set realistic expectations before listing.
Ideal for quick sales of circulated silver quarters — dealers typically pay 60–80% of silver melt for worn examples. For high-grade or attributed varieties, a knowledgeable dealer may pay closer to retail if they have specific demand. Always get multiple quotes; prices vary significantly. Local shows and coin club meetings can also connect you with collector buyers who pay higher than dealer wholesale.
A peer-to-peer marketplace with lower fees than eBay and a community of knowledgeable buyers. Best for mid-grade examples (AU to MS-64) where you can tell your coin's story. Post high-quality photos under good lighting. The community is familiar with Washington quarter varieties, so attributed OMM or RPM coins with documentation can attract competitive offers from variety collectors.
For any 1949 quarter you believe is MS-63 or finer, or that shows signs of the OMM FS-601 or RPM FS-501 variety, PCGS or NGC certification is strongly recommended before selling. Certification costs $20–$40 per coin but can add hundreds to thousands of dollars to the sale price. The PCGS FS-601 or FS-501 designation on a certified label validates the variety premium to buyers who would otherwise be skeptical of an unattributed raw coin.
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