Is Your 1947 Dime Rare? This Is How to Spot a Valuable Coin

1947 was a tough year – World War II was over, the peace was presumably established, yet the globe was still picking up the pieces. Such a tough period cannot leave each sphere unaffected, and even the smallest artifacts like coins minted that year could reflect the new order and even become symbols of hope. 

These days, dimes are usually associated with units of regular transactions, which is why their true value can be easily neglected or missed. But what is the real 1947 dime worth? How to check coin value, and which tools and resources to employ? 

The Roosevelt Dimes: The Main Points to Know 

Let us start with the basics. The Roosevelt dime was first introduced in 1946 with the launch of the initiative to commemorate the beloved President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who passed away in April 1945. His figure was significant without a doubt, for he managed to bring the country through the Great Depression and World War II and enter the fight with polio, i.e., a disease he himself suffered from.

For US citizens, the dime's association with the March of Dimes was obvious. In fact, the March of Dimes was (and still is) an organization founded by Roosevelt that initially aimed to eradicate polio and encourage Americans to contribute dimes to support research and care. Hence, it was appropriate to honor Roosevelt's legacy by putting him on this particular coin.

The lifespan of Roosevelt dimes is incredibly long, and they are still issued on a regular basis. However, their composition got slightly modified over time. As such, this coin stayed the same until 1965, when rising silver prices forced the US Mint to introduce a new copper-nickel-clad composition. What about the rest of its features relevant to 1947? 

But what about the 1947 silver dime value? What may define this variable in the market?

Crucial Factors That Determine 1947 Dime Value

1. Condition (Grades)

One of the most important elements that define the 1947 Roosevelt dime value is its condition. In general, grades attributed by official grading services like PCGS or NGC range from Poor (P-1) to Mint State (MS-70), which take into consideration the piece's wear and overall appearance.

• Circulated Coins: Exhibit noticeable wear (though their value can still be tied to their silver content).

• Uncirculated (Mint State) Coins: No signs of wear, sharp details, and a bright luster.

Do not forget to take care of your coins for them to be protected from scratches, discoloration, or dullness. This can save your budget for good. 

2. 1947 Dime Errors

Errors have the power to increase the value of an apparently common coin. As for the 1947 Roosevelt dime, one of the most notable imperfections is the Repunched Mintmark (RPM)*, along with doubled die errors, off-center strikes, and the like.

*When the mint mark is stamped more than once, it results in overlapping or duplicate images. This is known as a repunched mintmark. Depending on the error's prominence, these types are eagerly sought-after and may be sold for significantly higher prices (up to hundreds or thousands of dollars).

3. Mint Marks and Mintage Figures

The 1947 dime was struck by three major facilities in the US located in Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco respectively. 

• Philadelphia Mint (1947 Dime No Mint Mark): 121,520,000 pieces

• Denver Mint (1947 D Dime):  46,835,000 pieces

• San Francisco Mint (1947 S Dime): 34,840,000 pieces

Remember that collectors tend to favor lower-mintage coins, though it is not the only factor that should affect the value either in a positive or negative way.

4. 1947 Dime Silver Content and Current Silver Rates

Each 1947 dime is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper with 0.07234 troy ounces of pure silver. What may determine the intrinsic "melt value" of the coin is the current market price of silver.

For instance, if silver is priced at $32.5 per troy ounce (as of 18th of February, 2025), the melt value of a 1947 dime would be approximately $2.35 (0.07234 × $32.5).

However, this is not the final figure to focus on. Coins in exceptional condition, with uncommon mint marks, or other captivating features can be valued much more than their silver value alone.

5. Designations

Some instances come with certain designations, namely: 

• Full Band (FB): Attributed to a coin when the horizontal bands on the reverse side of the torch's fasces are completely separated and exhibit distinct, bold lines. 

• Prooflike (PL): Attributed to a coin when the surfaces are mirror-like and extremely reflective, resembling proof coins proper.

How to Evaluate Your 1947 Dime

The most obvious steps mean that one should check mint marks, assess condition (either with the help of grading services or by eye), look for errors, and verify silver content. These refer to the previously mentioned factors, but to understand the value of 1947 dime more accurately, it might be reasonable to appeal to modern technologies. 

One of the greatest tools to estimate the value is to use Coin ID Scanner, which may help you identify coins by photos, detect errors, engage in numismatic community, and, more importantly, track coin prices. Coin ID Scanner provides up-to-date market values, taking into consideration current silver prices and collector demand. Check if your dime is worthy or if it is a casual piece. 

Finally, How Much Is a 1947 Dime Worth?

What is a 1947 dime worth? Here is a breakdown of notable auction prices for 1947 dimes in top conditions, as provided by the PCGS Price Guide. 

Keep in mind that prices can fluctuate over time. Some coins may increase in value, while others might decrease in turn. So, keep up with the modern market trends and try to guess what is to come next.

Sources: 

1. https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts/coin/1947-10c-fb/85085 

2. https://kids.usmint.gov/about-the-mint/dime