The 1947-S Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from $2.50 in worn condition to over $60 in high-grade mint state. While most found in change are valued for their silver content, specific specimens with “Full Bands” details can fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars at auction.
| Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Good to Very Fine (Circulated) | $2.50 – $3.50 |
| About Uncirculated (AU) | $4.00 – $6.00 |
| Uncirculated (MS-60 to MS-65) | $10.00 – $35.00 |
| Gem Mint State with Full Bands (MS-67+) | $200 – $1,500+ |
Why the 1947-S Roosevelt Dime is a Treasure for Collectors
If you just stumbled upon a 1947 dime with a small “S” on the back, you are holding a piece of American history. The Roosevelt Dime series began in 1946 to honor President Franklin D. Roosevelt following his passing. By 1947, the San Francisco Mint was producing these coins in significant numbers, yet they remain highly sought after by collectors today because of their 90% silver composition and the specific nuances of the “S” mint mark.
Understanding the value of your coin starts with identifying its condition. For many hobbyists, using the best coin identifier app is the quickest way to determine if a coin is a common circulation piece or a rare gem. The 1947-S is particularly interesting because San Francisco strikes from this era often featured unique “die clashing” or “planchet” qualities that set them apart from the Philadelphia or Denver issues.
Because these coins are made of precious metal, they have a “floor” value—meaning they will never be worth less than the silver they contain. However, for a 1947-S Roosevelt Dime to reach its maximum financial potential, it needs to look like it just came off the printing press. CoinHix can help you track these fluctuating market values in real-time, ensuring you don’t sell a valuable rarity for mere scrap prices.
Decoding the Silver Content and Melt Value
Before looking at collector premiums, it is essential to understand the intrinsic value of the 1947-S Roosevelt Dime. Every dime minted from 1946 to 1964 contains 0.07234 troy ounces of pure silver. This means that even if the coin is incredibly worn, scratched, or bent, it still holds value based on the current spot price of silver.
As silver prices fluctuate, so does the “junk silver” value of these coins. Investors often buy these dimes in bulk (known as “rolls”) as a hedge against inflation. However, you should never clean your coins! Cleaning a silver dime can actually strip away its numismatic value, leaving you with only the silver melt price.
| Silver Price per Ounce | 1947-S Melt Value (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| $20.00 | $1.45 |
| $25.00 | $1.81 |
| $30.00 | $2.17 |
Grading the 1947-S Roosevelt Dime: From Good to Mint State
The “grade” of your coin is the most significant factor in its market price. Professional grading services like PCGS or NGC use a 1-70 scale. Most 1947-S dimes found in old jars or inherited collections fall into the “Circulated” category (Good to About Uncirculated). These coins show wear on Roosevelt’s cheek and the torch on the reverse.
If the coin has no wear and retains its original “mint luster” (that shiny, frosted look), it is considered Mint State (MS). For those looking at the 1947 Roosevelt Dime MS value data, you will notice a massive price jump between an MS-63 and an MS-67 grade.
A grade of MS-65 is known as “Gem Quality.” At this level, the coin has very few distracting marks and a strong strike. Collectors using CoinHix often search specifically for these high-grade specimens because they are much rarer than the millions of circulated coins produced in 1947. Identifying the difference between a “shiny” coin and a truly “Uncirculated” coin is a skill that takes practice, but it is well worth the effort.
The “Full Bands” (FB) Rarity Explained
If you want to find the most valuable 1947-S Roosevelt Dime, you need to look at the back of the coin. Specifically, look at the torch in the center. There are horizontal bands at the top and bottom of the torch. On most coins, these bands are slightly blurry or merged together due to a weak strike or heavy wear.
“Full Bands” (FB) is a designation given to dimes where these horizontal lines are clearly separated with a visible gap. Because the San Francisco Mint was known for occasionally “soft” strikes, finding a 1947-S with perfectly defined Full Bands is incredibly difficult.
An MS-67 Full Bands 1947-S dime can sell for over $500, while a non-FB version of the same grade might only bring $40. This tiny detail is the secret to unlocking the true potential of your collection. You can find more detailed charts on this 1947 Roosevelt Dime value and variety guide to see exactly what to look for under a magnifying glass.
Comparing the 1947-S to 1947-P and 1947-D
In 1947, dimes were struck at three different mints: Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S). While the San Francisco Mint produced the fewest dimes that year (about 34 million compared to Philadelphia’s 121 million), it isn’t necessarily a “rare” date. However, the “S” mint mark consistently carries a slight premium among collectors who enjoy “S-Mint” coins.
| Mint Branch | Mintage Number | Rarity Scale |
|---|---|---|
| 1947 Philadelphia (No Mark) | 121,520,000 | Common |
| 1947-D Denver | 46,835,000 | Common |
| 1947-S San Francisco | 34,840,000 | Scarce in High Grade |
When comparing these, the 1947-S often exhibits a different luster—sometimes described as “satiny” or “creamy”—compared to the mirror-like flash often found on Denver coins. If you are building a set, the CoinHix app allows you to catalog each mint mark and track which ones you still need to complete your 1940s Roosevelt Dime collection.
Where to Sell Your 1947-S Roosevelt Dime
Once you’ve determined that your coin is worth more than its weight in silver, where should you sell it? For common circulated coins, a local coin shop is the easiest option. They will likely pay you a percentage of the silver melt value. However, if you believe you have a high-grade 1947-S or a “Full Bands” specimen, you should consider a specialized auction.
Online marketplaces like eBay are popular for mid-range coins (those valued between $10 and $50). Be sure to take high-quality, clear photos of both the front (obverse) and back (reverse). For coins worth hundreds of dollars, getting the coin “slabbed” or authenticated by a service like PCGS is highly recommended to prove its grade to potential buyers.
Always remember that the “asking price” on many websites is not the same as the “sold price.” Collectors often use apps to see what real people are actually paying in recent months. This prevents you from overpaying as a buyer or underpricing your treasures as a seller.
FAQ
Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1947-S Roosevelt Dime?
A: On Roosevelt Dimes minted from 1946 to 1964, the mint mark is located on the reverse (back) of the coin. Look at the bottom left of the torch, just above the date’s opposite side. If you see a small “S,” it was minted in San Francisco.
Q: Is the 1947-S Roosevelt Dime made of real silver?
A: Yes, all Roosevelt Dimes minted in 1947 are composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. They contain approximately 2.5 grams of total weight, with about 2.25 grams being pure silver.
Q: How can I tell if my 1947 dime is a “Full Bands” coin?
A: Use a magnifying glass or a jeweler’s loupe to look at the two sets of horizontal bands on the torch on the reverse. If there is a clear, uninterrupted line separating the top two bands and the bottom two bands, it qualifies as Full Bands (FB).
Q: What is the record price for a 1947-S dime?
A: In extremely high grades like MS-68 with Full Bands, these coins have been known to sell for nearly $3,000 at major numismatic auctions. However, these are exceptionally rare and usually professionally certified.
