1947-D Roosevelt Dime Value: Most Recent Prices and Rarities

The 1947-D Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from $2.50 in worn condition to over $600 in high-grade mint state. As the second year of the Roosevelt series, this coin remains popular among collectors due to its high silver content and historical significance following World War II.

Condition Grade	Estimated Value (USD)
Good (G-4) to Very Fine (VF-20)	$2.40 – $2.80
Extremely Fine (EF-40) to About Uncirculated (AU-50)	$3.00 – $4.50
Mint State (MS-60 to MS-63)	$6.50 – $12.00
Gem Mint State (MS-65+)	$25.00 – $650+

Historical Significance of the 1947-D Roosevelt Dime

The Roosevelt Dime was introduced in 1946, just one year after the passing of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. By 1947, the Denver Mint was in full production mode, striking millions of these silver coins to keep up with the post-war economic boom. Finding a 1947-D dime in your pocket change today is a rare treat, as most have been pulled from circulation for their silver value.

If you are unsure whether your coin is a genuine vintage strike or just a common dime, using the top coin identifier app can help you confirm the date and mint mark in seconds. For many everyday Americans, these coins were the backbone of daily commerce, used for everything from bus fares to a loaf of bread.

Today, the 1947-D is cherished not just for its 90% silver composition, but as a symbol of the “March of Dimes” and Roosevelt’s fight against polio. While millions were minted, finding one in “uncirculated” condition—meaning it never actually spent time in a cash register—is where the real money lies. Collectors often use tools like CoinKnow to track the historical performance of these early silver Roosevelts.

Evaluating the 1947-D Dime Silver Content and Melt Value

Before looking at collector demand, it is important to understand the “intrinsic” value of the 1947-D Roosevelt Dime. Every dime minted before 1965 contains 90% silver and 10% copper. Specifically, each coin contains approximately 0.07234 troy ounces of pure silver. This means the coin will always be worth at least its weight in silver, regardless of its condition.

When silver prices rise, the “melt value” of these dimes increases. Even if the coin is scratched, bent, or heavily worn, a local coin shop will usually pay you a premium over the face value of ten cents. Many people who find these coins in old jars or inherited collections start by checking the current market value for 1947-D dimes to see if the silver price or the collector demand is higher.

For the average person, “junk silver” is the term used for these circulated dimes. However, you should never clean your coins, as this can destroy their numismatic value. Using CoinKnow allows you to see if your coin carries a “numismatic premium” that exceeds the basic silver price, ensuring you don’t sell a rare mint state coin for just its metal weight.

Silver Weight	Composition	Base Melt Value (Est.)
0.0723 oz	90% Silver, 10% Copper	$1.80 – $2.20 (Fluctuates)

Grading Your 1947-D Roosevelt Dime

Condition is everything in the world of coin collecting. A 1947-D dime that looks “shiny” might just be well-preserved, or it could be a “Mint State” specimen. To determine the 1947-D Roosevelt Dime value, professional graders look at the high points of the design: Roosevelt’s hair, the lines on the torch on the reverse, and the oak and olive branches.

“Circulated” coins show wear on Roosevelt’s cheek and the vertical lines of the torch. Once those lines merge or disappear, the grade drops to “Good” or “Fine.” If the coin looks brand new with a satiny luster, it might be an “Uncirculated” coin. These are the pieces that fetch the highest prices at auctions and among serious hobbyists.

To get an accurate sense of where your coin sits, you can compare it to high-resolution photos in CoinKnow. If you notice that your coin has a very strong strike and “Full Bands” (the horizontal lines on the torch are completely separated), you might have a rare variety worth hundreds of dollars. Checking the comprehensive 1947-D value guide will help you identify these subtle grading differences.

The Denver Mint Mark: What the ‘D’ Means for Value

In 1947, dimes were minted in Philadelphia (no mint mark), San Francisco (S), and Denver (D). The Denver Mint was known for producing high-quality strikes during this era. You can find the mint mark on the reverse (back) of the coin, located to the left of the base of the torch.

The 1947-D is generally more common in high grades than the 1947-S, but it still commands a premium over the Philadelphia version in certain conditions. Denver dimes of this year are particularly sought after by those building “Date and Mint” sets. Because 1947 was early in the series, many people didn’t think to save them, making high-grade survivors scarcer than you might think.

Mint Location	Mintage Total	Relative Scarcity
Denver (D)	46,835,000	Common (Circulated)
Philadelphia (None)	121,520,000	Very Common
San Francisco (S)	34,500,000	Slightly Scarce

Rare 1947-D Dime Varieties and Errors to Watch For

While most 1947-D dimes are standard strikes, collectors are always on the hunt for “Full Band” (FB) Roosevelt Dimes. This designation is given by grading services like PCGS or NGC to coins where the horizontal bands on the torch are fully detailed and separated. A 1947-D with Full Bands can be worth five to ten times more than a standard uncirculated dime.

Error hunters also look for “Re-punched Mint Marks” (RPM) or “Double Dies.” While 1947-D doesn’t have a major, famous error like the 1942/41 Overdate, it does have minor varieties that can add $20-$50 to the value for a specialist. Look closely at the “D” mint mark under a magnifying glass; if you see a ghost image or a doubling of the letter, you might have an RPM.

Identifying these errors can be difficult for a beginner. This is where CoinKnow becomes an invaluable tool, providing zoomed-in examples of what to look for. Even a small “die chip” or “lamination error” can turn a $3 silver coin into a $25 collector’s item for those who appreciate the quirks of the minting process.

Where to Sell Your 1947-D Roosevelt Dime

If you’ve determined that your 1947-D dime is worth more than its face value, you have several options for selling. For common circulated silver dimes, a local coin shop or a precious metals buyer is the fastest way to get cash. They will usually pay a percentage of the silver melt value.

For higher-grade coins or those you suspect are “Mint State,” consider online marketplaces or specialized numismatic auctions. Collectors looking for specific dates like the 1947-D often browse eBay or GreatCollections. Always ensure you have clear, high-quality photos of both the front (obverse) and back (reverse) of the coin before listing it.

Finally, if you think your coin is a “Gem” (MS-65 or higher), it may be worth getting it professionally graded. Grading costs around $20-$50, so only do this if you are confident the coin is in pristine condition. Selling a graded 1947-D dime often results in a much higher final price because the buyer has a guarantee of the coin’s authenticity and quality.

FAQ

Q: How can I tell if my 1947-D dime is made of silver?

A: All dimes minted in the United States from 1946 until 1964 are made of 90% silver. If you look at the edge of the coin, you will see a solid silver color. Later dimes (1965 to present) have a visible copper strip on the edge.

Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1947-D Roosevelt Dime?

A: The “D” mint mark is located on the reverse side of the coin. Look at the bottom of the torch; the “D” is located just to the left of the torch’s base. If there is no letter there, it was minted in Philadelphia.

Q: Is a 1947-D dime rare?

A: In circulated condition, it is not considered “rare,” as over 46 million were produced. However, it is “scarce” compared to modern coins because it is a silver vintage issue. High-grade uncirculated examples are considered rare and valuable to collectors.

Q: What is the highest price ever paid for a 1947-D Roosevelt Dime?

A: Exceptional specimens graded MS68 with Full Bands have sold for upwards of $2,000 at major auctions. Most high-grade MS66 or MS67 examples typically sell in the $100 to $400 range.