The 1947 Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from $2.50 in worn condition to over $600 in high-grade mint state. While millions were produced, their 90% silver content ensures they always hold value above their face worth, making them a favorite find for casual collectors and metal detectors alike.
| Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Good to Fine (Circulated) | $2.50 – $3.50 |
| Extremely Fine (About Uncirculated) | $4.50 – $8.00 |
| Uncirculated (MS60-MS65) | $10.00 – $35.00 |
| Gem Mint (MS67+) | $150.00+ |
Understanding the 1947 Philadelphia Roosevelt Dime
If you have a 1947 dime with no mint mark, it means your coin was struck at the Philadelphia Mint. During this era, Philadelphia did not use a “P” mark on dimes. Many Americans find these coins in old jars or inherited collections and wonder if they’ve struck gold. While it’s not gold, it is 90% silver, which provides a solid “melt value” baseline. If you’re unsure if yours is a rare variety, using the best coin identifier app can help you confirm the strike type and origin within seconds.
The 1947 Roosevelt dime belongs to the second year of the series. The U.S. Mint introduced this design in 1946 to honor President Franklin D. Roosevelt following his passing. Because it was the post-war era, the Philadelphia Mint produced a massive quantity—over 121 million pieces. This high mintage means that circulated examples are very common, but finding one in “original” condition is where the real money lies.
For a quick check on your pocket change, the CoinHix app is an excellent tool. It allows you to scan the coin to see if the luster and strike quality match high-value specimens. Most of these coins saw heavy use in the late 1940s and 1950s, so modern survivors in pristine condition are highly sought after by registry set collectors.
The “No Mint Mark” Explained
A common question among new hobbyists is why their 1947 dime is missing a letter. In 1947, only the Denver (D) and San Francisco (S) mints placed mint marks on Roosevelt dimes. The Philadelphia Mint, being the main facility, left the space blank. You can find the mint mark location on the reverse side, to the left of the base of the torch.
If that area is empty, you have a Philadelphia strike. Don’t be discouraged by the lack of a mark; some of the finest known specimens of this year come from the Philly mint. Collectors often look for “Full Torch” details on these coins, which signifies a very strong strike. If you aren’t sure how to spot these details, CoinHix can provide high-resolution examples for comparison.
The value of these coins is heavily tied to the spot price of silver. Since each dime contains about 0.07234 troy ounces of pure silver, the “junk silver” value serves as a floor. Even if your coin is scratched or heavily worn, it will never be worth just ten cents as long as silver prices remain high.
Evaluating the 1947 No Mint Mark Dime Value by Grade
When it comes to pricing, “grade” is everything. A coin that looks shiny to the naked eye might actually have “bag marks” or “friction” that lowers its grade. Professional grading scales run from 1 to 70. Most 1947 dimes found today fall into the “Circulated” category (grades 1-58), while “Mint State” (MS60-MS70) coins are those that never entered public circulation.
The 1947 Roosevelt dime MS grade pricing shows a significant jump once you reach MS66 and MS67. At these levels, the coin must have original mint luster and virtually no visible scratches even under magnification.
| Grade/Condition | Estimated Market Value |
|---|---|
| Very Good (VG-8) | $2.40 – $2.60 |
| Fine (F-12) | $2.75 – $3.00 |
| Extremely Fine (XF-45) | $5.50 – $7.00 |
| Mint State (MS-63) | $15.00 – $20.00 |
| Mint State (MS-67) | $140.00 – $185.00 |
Rare Varieties and Full Torch (FT) Designations
For the 1947 Roosevelt dime, the “Holy Grail” for collectors is the Full Torch (FT) or Full Bands (FB) designation. This refers to the horizontal bands on the torch located on the reverse side of the coin. On most strikes, these bands are weakly defined or blended together. If the upper and lower sets of bands are clearly separated with a distinct line, the coin is significantly more valuable.
Check out the 1947 Roosevelt dime silver value and rare varieties to see how much of a premium these bands can add. A standard MS67 might sell for $150, but an MS67 with Full Torch details could easily fetch $600 or more at auction. This is because the Philly mint often had worn dies in 1947, making crisp details quite rare.
If you suspect your coin has these sharp details, it’s worth getting it appraised. Using CoinHix can help you determine if the strike is strong enough to warrant professional grading by a service like PCGS or NGC. Remember, even a small difference in the “look” of the coin can result in a hundred-dollar difference in price.
Composition and Silver Content of the 1947 Dime
One reason the 1947 Roosevelt dime is so popular is its metal composition. Until 1964, U.S. dimes were made of 90% silver and 10% copper. This gives the coin a distinct “ring” when dropped on a table and a unique white luster that modern clad dimes (made of nickel and copper) simply do not have.
Because of this silver content, the value of the 1947 dime fluctuates daily based on the silver market. For everyday Americans, this means even a “beat up” 1947 dime is worth about 20 to 25 times its face value just for the metal.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Composition | 90% Silver, 10% Copper |
| Weight | 2.50 Grams |
| Diameter | 17.9 mm |
| Silver Weight | 0.07234 oz ASW |
Where to Sell Your 1947 Roosevelt Dime
If you’ve identified a valuable 1947 dime, your next step is deciding where to sell it. For common, circulated silver dimes, local coin shops or “we buy gold” stores are convenient options. They typically pay a percentage of the silver melt value. However, if your coin is in exceptional condition or has the Full Torch designation, you should avoid these shops as they may not pay the “collector premium.”
For high-value coins, online auctions like eBay or specialized numismatic auction houses are better. Alternatively, you can use coin apps to get a virtual appraisal. These tools help ensure you don’t get underpaid for a rare gem. Always check the current “spot price” of silver before selling so you know the absolute minimum your coin is worth.
Be wary of cleaning your coins. Many people think a shiny 1947 dime will sell for more, but cleaning actually damages the surface and can strip away 50% or more of the collector value. Keep it in the condition you found it!
FAQ
Q: Does a 1947 dime with no mint mark mean it’s an error?
A: No, the lack of a mint mark simply confirms the coin was minted in Philadelphia. At that time, the Philadelphia Mint did not use a “P” on Roosevelt dimes. These are very common and were part of the standard production.
Q: How can I tell if my 1947 dime is silver?
A: All dimes minted in 1947 are 90% silver. You can tell by looking at the edge of the coin; if you see a solid silver color without a copper-colored “sandwich” line, it is silver. It will also have a high-pitched ring if gently tapped, unlike the dull thud of a modern dime.
Q: What is the most expensive 1947 Roosevelt dime ever sold?
A: While prices fluctuate, specimens in MS68 with Full Torch details have sold at auction for upwards of $1,000 to $2,000. For the average “no mint mark” version, the record holders are usually those with perfect surfaces and exceptional “rainbow” toning.
Q: Is it worth getting my 1947 dime professionally graded?
A: It is only worth it if the coin is in “Uncirculated” condition. If the coin shows signs of wear (the hair lines above the ear are smoothed out), it is likely worth its silver value ($2-$5), which is less than the cost of the grading fee.
Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1947 dime?
A: The mint mark is located on the reverse (tails side). Look at the bottom of the torch; to the left of the torch’s base, you will see a small ‘D’, an ‘S’, or nothing at all. The Philadelphia version has no mark.
