1947-S Roosevelt Dime Value: Worth More Than Ten Cents?
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The 1947-S Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from $2.50 in worn condition to over $600 in high-grade mint state. Whether you found a shiny silver coin in an old jar or inherited a small collection, understanding the San Francisco mint mark’s role in valuation is key to discovering its true market price.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value (USD) |
|---|---|
| Good to Very Fine (Circulated) | $2.40 – $3.50 |
| About Uncirculated (AU) | $4.00 – $6.00 |
| Uncirculated (MS60+) | $10.00 – $45.00 |
| Gem Uncirculated (MS65+) | $65.00 – $600+ |
History and Identity of the 1947-S Roosevelt Dime
The Roosevelt Dime was first introduced in 1946, just one year before this specific coin was struck. It was created to honor President Franklin D. Roosevelt following his passing in 1945, replacing the long-running Mercury Dime. The “S” on your 1947 dime indicates it was produced at the San Francisco Mint, which famously struck fewer coins than Philadelphia or Denver during many years of this era.
If you are unsure whether you have a San Francisco strike or a common variety, using the top coin identifier and value app can help you zoom in on the mint mark and confirm its origin. In 1947, the San Francisco Mint produced exactly 34,500,000 dimes. While this sounds like a massive number, it is significantly lower than the 1946 production, making the 1947-S a popular target for collectors building “date and mint” sets.
Most importantly, every dime minted in 1947 is made of 90% silver and 10% copper. This means that even if the coin is incredibly worn, it holds “melt value.” As of current market rates, the silver content alone makes it worth many times its face value. However, high-quality specimens can fetch much more than their weight in metal. Before selling your find, checking the CoinKnow app can provide you with an real-time estimate based on current silver spot prices.
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Grading and Condition Impacts 1947 Roosevelt Dime Prices
When determining the 1947-S Roosevelt Dime value, condition is the most critical factor. Numismatists use a 70-point scale to grade coins. A coin that has been jingling in pockets for decades will show wear on Roosevelt’s cheek and the torch on the reverse. These are “circulated” coins. Conversely, “uncirculated” coins look like they just came from the mint, with a frosty luster and no signs of wear.
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Because the San Francisco minting process sometimes resulted in “mushy” strikes, finding a 1947-S with sharp details is a challenge. Professional collectors look for a specific designation called “Full Bands” (FB), referring to the horizontal bands on the torch on the back of the coin. If those bands are clearly separated, the coin becomes exponentially more valuable.
To get a better idea of the spread, you can look at the 1947 Roosevelt Dime mint state price chart to see how a small jump in grade from MS63 to MS67 can change a $15 coin into a $500 treasure. Using the CoinKnow app allows you to compare your coin’s appearance with high-resolution photos of graded coins to estimate where yours stands.
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| Grade Designation | Appearance Features | Average Sell Price |
|---|---|---|
| MS60 (Uncirculated) | Full luster but many bag marks/scratches. | $8.50 |
| MS65 (Gem State) | High eye appeal, very few marks. | $35.00 |
| MS67 (Superb Gem) | Nearly perfect to the naked eye. | $220.00 |
| MS67 FB (Full Bands) | Perfect details on the torch bands. | $650.00+ |
How to Spot Rare 1947-S Dime Mint Mark Varieties
The “S” mint mark is located on the reverse side of the coin, specifically just to the left of the base of the torch. In 1947, there weren’t many major “errors” like the famous doubled dies found in later years, but there are “S” mint mark variations that specialists look for. Some coins may show a “Re-punched Mint Mark” (RPM), where the S appears to have a shadow or a second letter beneath it.
These minor varieties don’t always skyrocket the price for casual collectors, but for die-hard silver 10-cent enthusiasts, they are worth a premium. If you notice anything unusual about the lettering or the date, it is worth consulting a professional or using an app like CoinKnow to identify if you’ve stumbled upon a known variety.
Modern research and detailed 1947 silver dime worth data suggest that most varieties are found through magnification. If you have a magnifying glass, look at the “1947” date. If the numbers look “thick” or doubled, you might have a rare variety that exceeds the standard price guide values.
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Current Silver Content and Melt Value for 1947 Dimes
For many everyday Americans, the value of the 1947-S Roosevelt Dime is tied directly to the price of silver. Between 1946 and 1964, all U.S. dimes were composed of 0.07234 troy ounces of pure silver. This means your dime will always be worth significantly more than its face value of ten cents, regardless of its condition.
When silver prices rise, the “junk silver” market heats up. A heavily worn 1947-S dime is usually sold as “junk silver,” a term investors use for coins with no numismatic collector value but high metal value. If silver is at $25 per ounce, your dime’s raw metal value is roughly $1.81. Dealers usually pay a bit below this, while collectors might pay a bit above.
| Metal Component | Percentage | Weight in Grams |
|---|---|---|
| Silver (Pure) | 90% | 2.25g |
| Copper | 10% | 0.25g |
| Total Weight | 100% | 2.50g |
Where to Sell Your 1947-S Roosevelt Dime
If you’ve decided to sell your coin, you have several options. For common, worn 1947-S dimes, a local coin shop is the easiest route. They will likely buy it for its silver value or a small premium. If you believe your coin is in “Mint State” (looks brand new), you might consider an online auction site like eBay or a specialized numismatic auction house.
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Before selling, always check recent “Sold” listings rather than “Asking” prices. Anyone can ask for $1,000 for a dime, but that doesn’t mean it will sell. Look for authenticated coins that have been graded by third-party services like PCGS or NGC, as these carry the most trust in the marketplace and command the highest prices.
Always remember to handle your coins by the edges. Touching the face of a silver dime can leave oils from your skin that eventually cause “toning” or damage, which might lower the value. If you’re unsure of the quality, snap a clear photo and use a digital tool to get a baseline before walking into a shop.
| Venue | Best For… | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|
| Local Coin Shop | Quick cash, common coins. | 60-80% of market value |
| eBay (Auction) | Reaching many collectors. | 90-100% of market value (minus fees) |
| Heritage Auctions | Rare varieties (MS67 FB). | Premium market prices |
FAQ
Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1947-S dime?
A: On the Roosevelt Dime, the mint mark is located on the reverse side (the back). Look at the bottom of the torch; to the left of the torch’s base, you will see a small ‘S’. If there is no letter, it was minted in Philadelphia.
Q: Is a 1947-S dime made of real silver?
A: Yes, all Roosevelt Dimes minted from 1946 through 1964 are made of 90% silver. This provides them with an inherent “melt value” that is significantly higher than 10 cents.
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Q: Should I clean my 1947 silver dime to make it worth more?
A: No! Never clean your coins. Cleaning a coin with chemicals or clothes creates tiny scratches that collectors can easily spot. A cleaned coin can lose up to 50% or more of its numismatic value.
Q: What is a “Full Bands” 1947-S dime?
A: “Full Bands” refers to the horizontal lines on the torch on the reverse of the coin. If these lines are fully defined and not merged together, the coin is considered a superior strike and is worth a significant premium to collectors.
Q: How can I tell if my 1947-S dime is rare?
A: Most 1947-S dimes are common, but those in perfect condition or with “Full Bands” are rare. Use a high-quality magnifying glass or a coin valuation app to check for luster and sharp details that indicate a high grade.