The 1947 Roosevelt dime holds a unique place in numismatics, appealing to collectors and those interested in its intrinsic silver value. The 1947 dime coin value is primarily influenced by its physical condition, the mint where it was produced, and the current market price of silver. These dimes are composed of 90% silver, meaning their inherent worth fluctuates with the silver market.
General Value of a 1947 Roosevelt Dime
As of August 2025, a 1947 Roosevelt dime in circulated condition, exhibiting signs of wear from everyday use, typically has a value ranging from $3.20 to $3.75. This range is based on data provided by the NGC Price Guide, a recognized authority in coin valuation.
For coins in pristine, uncirculated condition, often designated as Mint State (MS), the 1947 dime coin value can be significantly higher. Exceptional examples, particularly those from the Denver Mint (1947-D), have been known to sell for as much as $1350 on the open market. This substantial difference highlights the impact of a coin’s grade on its overall worth.
Factors Influencing 1947 Dime Coin Value
Several key elements determine the specific 1947 dime coin value. Understanding these factors helps in accurately assessing a coin’s potential worth.
Mint Mark
In 1947, three different U.S. Mint facilities produced Roosevelt dimes, each identifiable by a distinct mint mark (or lack thereof):
- Philadelphia Mint (no mint mark): The Philadelphia Mint produced 121,520,000 dimes in 1947. Coins from Philadelphia do not have a mint mark.
- Denver Mint (D mint mark): The Denver Mint produced 46,835,000 dimes. A small “D” at the bottom of the torch on the reverse side of the coin indicates it was minted in Denver.
- San Francisco Mint (S mint mark): The San Francisco Mint produced 34,840,000 dimes. A small “S” in the same location signifies a San Francisco mintage. San Francisco dimes generally have a lower mintage compared to Philadelphia and Denver, which can make them more desirable to collectors and potentially increase their 1947 dime coin value.
Condition and Grade
The condition, or grade, of a coin is a critical determinant of its 1947 dime coin value. Professional coin grading services, such as the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC), assign grades based on a coin’s wear, preserving luster, and overall appearance. Grades range from Poor (P-1) for heavily worn coins to Mint State (MS-70) for perfect, uncirculated examples. Coins with higher grades, indicating less wear and more original detail, consistently command higher prices.
Silver Content
All 1947 Roosevelt dimes contain 90% silver and 10% copper. This significant silver content means that even heavily circulated examples retain an intrinsic metal value. This “melt value” is directly tied to the fluctuating price of silver on the commodities market. When silver prices are high, the base 1947 dime coin value for even common, worn examples will increase. Collectors often refer to these as “junk silver” when purchased primarily for their metal content.
Errors and Varieties
Occasionally, dimes produced in 1947 may exhibit manufacturing errors or unique varieties that significantly enhance their 1947 dime coin value. These anomalies are typically caused by imperfections in the minting process. Examples include:
- Doubled Dies: This occurs when the coin die strikes the planchet more than once, with a slight shift between strikes, creating a doubled image on the coin. A notable example for the 1947 Philadelphia mint is a doubled-die obverse, which is highly sought after by collectors.
- Repunched Mint Marks (RPMs): This error happens when the mint mark (D or S) is punched onto the die more than once, with a slight misalignment, resulting in a visible doubling or shifting of the mint mark.
- Off-Center Strikes: If the coin blank is not perfectly centered when struck by the dies, part of the design may be missing, and a blank area will be visible.
- Die Breaks/Cracks: Cracks or breaks in the coin die can leave raised lines or lumps on the coin’s surface.
Coins with verifiable errors or varieties are often rarer and can command substantial premiums over their standard counterparts, making their 1947 dime coin value much higher for collectors specializing in such pieces.
Determining Your 1947 Dime Coin Value
To accurately determine the 1947 dime coin value, a systematic approach is recommended.
1. Identify the Mint Mark
The first step is to locate the mint mark. On the reverse side of the 1947 Roosevelt dime, look for a small letter at the bottom of the torch.
- No letter: Philadelphia Mint
- “D”: Denver Mint
- “S”: San Francisco Mint
2. Assess the Condition
Carefully examine your coin for signs of wear, scratches, dents, or other damage. Pay attention to the clarity of the design elements, such as Roosevelt’s hair, the torch details, and the lettering. Coins with less wear and more original luster will be more valuable. Comparing your coin to images of various wear stages available in coin catalogs or reputable online resources can help in this assessment. Key areas to inspect for wear include:
- High points of Roosevelt’s hair and ear.
- Details on the torch flames and bands.
- The olive branch and oak branch leaves.
- The rim of the coin.
3. Consult a Price Guide
Once you have identified the mint mark and assessed the condition, consult a reputable coin price guide. Sources like the NGC Price Guide, PCGS Price Guide, or The Official Red Book (A Guide Book of United States Coins) provide estimated values for various grades and mint marks. Remember that these are guides; actual market prices can vary.
4. Consider Professional Appraisal
For coins that appear to be in exceptionally high grade, have a rare mint mark, or exhibit potential errors or varieties, consulting a professional coin dealer or appraiser is recommended. They possess the expertise and tools to accurately grade and authenticate your coin, providing a precise valuation. Professional grading services (PCGS, NGC) offer encapsulation services that certify a coin’s grade, which can enhance its marketability and increase its 1947 dime coin value for serious collectors.
Conclusion
The 1947 dime coin value is a dynamic figure, influenced by its silver content, mintage location, physical condition, and the presence of any rare errors or varieties. While circulated examples hold a base value tied to silver prices, uncirculated coins and those with unique characteristics can command significantly higher premiums. Proper identification of the mint mark and a careful assessment of the coin’s condition are fundamental steps for anyone seeking to determine the worth of their 1947 Roosevelt dime.
What is the mint mark on a 1947 dime?
Thanks for asking. Add this 1947 Roosevelt dime bearing the coveted “S” mint mark of San Francisco to your collection! Collectors have long enjoyed coins from this esteemed facility.