One 1947 Philadelphia quarter in MS-68 sold for $32,400 at Stack's Bowers in March 2021 — yet most circulated examples trade near their $8–$9 silver melt value. The difference? Mint mark, condition, and whether your coin hides the sought-after DDO FS-101 doubling that collectors pay $100 to $1,020 to own.
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Check My 1947 Quarter Value →Select your coin's mint mark, condition, and any known errors, then click Calculate to get an instant estimate.
Step 1 — Mint Mark
Step 2 — Condition
Step 3 — Known Errors / Varieties (check all that apply)
If you haven't examined your coin yet and aren't sure of its mint mark or condition, there's a free 1947 Quarter Coin Value Checker online tool that can help you identify what you have before using the calculator above.
Type what you see — color, lettering details, any doubling, mint mark characteristics — and our analyzer will match your description to known varieties.
Get an instant estimate for your 1947 Washington quarter — just pick your mint mark and condition.
The Doubled Die Obverse FS-101 is the most valuable error variety in the 1947 quarter series — a verified MS-66 sold for $1,020. Use this tool to determine whether your coin shows genuine die doubling.
Check your coin under 10× magnification — answer yes or no to each:
This table covers every major variety and grade tier. For a detailed 1947 quarter identification walkthrough with in-depth grading photos, see this complete 1947 Washington quarter breakdown and reference guide. Rows highlighted in gold represent the signature variety; the orange-red row marks the rarest top-condition coin.
| Variety | Worn (G–F) | Circulated (XF–AU) | Uncirculated (MS-63–64) | Gem (MS-65+) | Tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1947-P (Philadelphia) | $7 – $15 | $15 – $19 | $20 – $35 | $38 – $32,400 | Valuable (Gem) |
| 1947-D (Denver) | $7 – $15 | $15 – $19 | $20 – $35 | $38 – $16,675 | Valuable (Gem) |
| 1947-S (San Francisco) | $7 – $15 | $15 – $19 | $20 – $40 | $38 – $11,500 | Modest–Valuable |
| 1947 DDO FS-101 ★ | $30 – $60 | $60 – $130 | $130 – $400 | $400 – $1,020+ | Rare (Variety) |
| 1947-S/S RPM FS-501 | $18 – $50 | $50 – $150 | $150 – $432 | $432 – $2,050+ | Rare (Variety) |
| 1947-S/S RPM FS-502 🔴 | $18 – $50 | $50 – $150 | $150 – $500 | $500 – $1,058+ | Extremely Rare (High Grade) |
| 1947-S Proof-Like (PL) | $1 – $10 | $10 – $15 | $18 – $130 | $130 – $3,220 | Valuable (Gem PL) |
★ = Signature variety (DDO FS-101) | 🔴 = Rarest high-grade variety | Values based on PCGS, Heritage, Stack's Bowers auction data. Individual coins may vary.
🪙 CoinKnow makes it fast to cross-check these ranges against your coin's actual appearance — snap a photo on the go for an instant estimate — a coin identifier and value app.
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The 1947 Washington quarter series contains several documented die varieties that collectors actively seek. Post-war production pressures across three mints created conditions for striking errors, from dramatic doubled dies to subtle repunched mint marks. Here are the four most important varieties, ranked by collector demand and premium potential.
Most Famous
The 1947 DDO FS-101 is the most recognized die variety in this series. It occurred when the working die received two slightly misaligned impressions from the master hub during the hubbing process — a known risk during the post-war production era when die-making still relied on repeated manual impressions.
Recognition centers on the obverse lettering. Under 10× magnification, look for a raised, rounded shelf-like secondary impression running alongside the "B" in LIBERTY and the letters "US" in TRUST. True die doubling is always raised and rounded — flat, smeared-looking doubling is machine doubling caused by die bounce during striking, which carries no collector premium.
Collectors prize the FS-101 because it is one of the few 1947 quarter varieties with a fully documented CONECA attribution and a clear, confirmable diagnostic. A verified MS-66 example sold for $1,020 at Stack's Bowers in February 2025. CONECA also documents several minor sub-varieties beyond the FS-101, though most currently lack established price premiums.
Most Valuable (Variety)
The FS-501 is one of two distinct Repunched Mint Mark varieties on the 1947-S quarter. Before 1990, mint mark letters were manually punched into working dies by hand — a process that sometimes required a second punch, occasionally applied at a slightly different position. On FS-501, the mintmark punch was applied twice, with the second "S" landing slightly south of the first.
Under 10× magnification, examine the "S" mint mark on the reverse above the second "R" in QUARTER. FS-501 shows a distinct secondary "S" impression below the primary letter — visible as a partial arc or curved serif shadow extending downward from the base of the main mint mark. This feature distinguishes FS-501 from FS-502, which shows the second impression to the west (left).
While common examples (circulated grades) trade at modest premiums of $18–$50 over silver melt, high-grade specimens become genuinely scarce. GreatCollections records 44 documented sales ranging from MS-60 levels to high gem grades. The benchmark sale — a PCGS MS-67+ example — achieved $2,050 on eBay in August 2018, confirming that superb-gem RPMs can dramatically outperform regular strikes from any 1947 mint.
Rarest (High Grade)
The FS-502 is the second and more prominent Repunched Mint Mark variety on the 1947-S quarter. Like FS-501, it resulted from hand-punching of mint marks into working dies — but on this die, the second punch fell to the west (left) of the first, creating a ghost "S" visible to the left of the primary letter. PCGS designates this as a distinct variety from FS-501 with its own catalog number.
On FS-502, the secondary impression appears as a partial "S" shape to the left of the primary mint mark, with both the upper and lower loops of the letter partially visible under magnification. The FS-502 is considered scarcer than the FS-501 in high grades — PCGS CoinFacts records fewer certified survivors at the gem level, contributing to its strong auction performance.
Greysheet lists the FS-502 at $325 as a reference point, while the benchmark auction — a PCGS MS-67 example at Heritage Auctions in March 2015 — realized $1,058. Collectors interested in Washington quarter die varieties actively pursue both FS-501 and FS-502 as a paired set, which creates sustained demand for top-grade examples of each designation.
Best Kept Secret
The 1947-S Proof-Like is not a struck proof — it is a regular business-strike coin produced early in a die's life, when the working die still retained its highly polished, mirror-like fields from the manufacturing process. These early-die-state coins exhibit the reflective fields normally associated with proof coinage, creating a dramatic contrast between the mirrored background and the frosted, textured devices.
Identifying a Proof-Like requires examining the fields (flat areas between design elements) under light: a true PL coin shows distinctly reflective, mirror-like fields that create a "cameo" effect against the raised devices. Standard uncirculated coins show a uniform cartwheel luster across both fields and devices. The 1947-S PL is documented by PCGS and Greysheet as a distinct collectible designation.
In circulated grades, PL examples trade at minimal premiums ($1–$15) since the reflectivity is compromised by wear. In gem uncirculated condition, however, the PL designation adds meaningful value: Greysheet lists MS-PL examples at $130, and verified gem PL specimens have reached $3,220. Collectors of the Washington quarter series increasingly seek out Proof-Like designations from the pre-1950 era as a specialized sub-collection.
Run it through the calculator to get an instant value estimate based on your specific mint, grade, and variety.
| Mint | Mint Mark | Mintage | Est. Gem (MS-65+) Survivors | Melt Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | None (no mark) | 22,556,000 | ~12,000 (PCGS est.) | ~$5.40–$9.00 |
| Denver | D | 15,338,400 | ~21,000 (PCGS est.) | ~$5.40–$9.00 |
| San Francisco | S | 5,532,000 | ~33,000 (PCGS est.) | ~$5.40–$9.00 |
| Total (All Mints) | — | 43,426,400 | ~66,000 combined | 0.18084 troy oz silver |
The difference between a $15 circulated coin and a $500+ gem rests entirely on condition. Here's how to assess each tier.
Washington's hair shows only an outline with minimal interior detail. The cheekbone and forehead hairline are nearly flat. On the reverse, eagle breast feathers are merged and indistinct. The coin trades near silver melt ($7–$15). Date and mint mark remain readable. No collector premium beyond silver content.
In Extremely Fine, about 75% of hair detail is visible with slight flatness on Washington's cheekbone and ear curls. About Uncirculated shows only the slightest friction on the highest points — cheekbone and eagle breast — with 90%+ of mint luster intact. Values range from $15 to $19. Sharp EF-45 examples are popular with type collectors.
Full mint luster with no wear, but surface quality limits the grade. MS-60 may show heavy contact marks or bag marks from mint handling. MS-63 allows moderate marks with good eye appeal. Values run $20–$35. At MS-64, marks become few and small. Strike quality begins to matter — look for full eagle breast feather definition.
In MS-65 ("Gem"), luster shows the characteristic cartwheel effect when tilted under light. Contact marks are minimal and away from focal areas. Eagle breast feathers display sharp, full separation. At MS-67, virtually unmarked surfaces with vibrant luster. MS-68 — with only 6–11 known across all three mints — commands $11,500 to $32,400.
📱 CoinKnow lets you photograph your coin and compare it against graded examples in seconds — ideal for matching your specimen to the correct Sheldon scale tier — a coin identifier and value app.
The right venue depends on your coin's condition and variety. Here are the four best options.
The top choice for MS-65+ examples and documented error varieties like the DDO FS-101 or high-grade RPMs. Heritage's numismatic-specialist buyers compete aggressively for gem Washington quarters, often pushing bids to record levels. Best for coins likely to grade MS-67 or above, or varieties with strong documented auction history.
The largest retail audience for mid-grade 1947 quarters (MS-63 to MS-66) and circulated silver coins. To research what similar coins actually sell for, check recently sold prices for 1947 Washington quarter listings — filtering by "Sold Items" reveals real transaction data. PCGS or NGC-slabbed coins command a consistent premium over raw examples on eBay.
Fast and convenient for circulated 1947 quarters in bulk. Dealers typically pay 85–95% of silver melt for worn examples sold as "junk silver." For uncirculated coins, expect 60–75% of retail value. Bring any possible error varieties — a knowledgeable dealer may pay a fair premium on the spot for DDO or RPM coins without requiring grading fees first.
Collector-to-collector sales on r/Coins4Sale or the PCGS/NGC forums cut out the middleman, letting you capture closer to retail value. Best for MS-64 to MS-66 examples with full luster and attractive surfaces. Post detailed macro photos showing luster, any doubling, and strike quality. Transactions via PayPal Goods & Services provide buyer/seller protection.
A circulated 1947 Washington quarter is worth roughly $7 to $19, depending on wear — close to its 90% silver melt value of about $8.79. Uncirculated examples (MS-63 to MS-65) range from $20 to $80. Gem specimens in MS-67 can fetch $160 to $1,750, and the top auction record — a Philadelphia MS-68 with a CAC sticker — sold for $32,400 at Stack's Bowers in March 2021.
The 1947 DDO FS-101 is a Doubled Die Obverse variety caused when the working die received two slightly misaligned impressions from the hub. The doubling is most visible on the letters of "IN GOD WE TRUST" and "LIBERTY," showing a raised, shelf-like separation under 10x magnification. A verified MS-66 example sold for $1,020 in February 2025, and values range from $100 to over $1,000 depending on grade.
In circulated grades, all three mints (Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco) trade at essentially the same value near silver melt. In gem grades of MS-65 and above, the Philadelphia (no mint mark) coin is paradoxically the scarcest — only about 12,000 survive in MS-65 or better, compared to 21,000 Denver and 33,000 San Francisco examples. This condition rarity drives the Philadelphia coin's $32,400 auction record far above the others.
Yes. Every 1947 Washington quarter — regardless of mint mark — contains 90% silver and 10% copper. The coin weighs 6.25 grams and contains exactly 0.18084 troy ounces of pure silver. At silver's 2025 spot price of around $30–$33 per troy ounce, the melt value alone is roughly $5.50–$6.00 per coin, making even the most worn example worth more than face value.
The 1947-S quarter has two documented Repunched Mint Mark (RPM) varieties. FS-501 shows the "S" mint mark repunched slightly south of the primary position. FS-502 shows repunching to the west, creating a ghost "S" to the left. Both are visible under 10x magnification. A PCGS MS-67+ example of FS-501 sold for $2,050 in 2018, while FS-502 in MS-67 achieved $1,058 at Heritage Auctions in March 2015.
Philadelphia produced the most 1947 quarters (22,556,000), but they circulated heavily in eastern states where coin-saving culture was less developed. West Coast collectors actively saved rolls of San Francisco coins, which is why an estimated 33,000 1947-S quarters survive in MS-65 or better — compared to only about 12,000 Philadelphia examples. PCGS CoinFacts founder David Hall specifically identified the 1947-P as the rarest of the three mints in gem condition.
The mint mark on a 1947 Washington quarter is on the reverse (eagle side), located above the second "R" in "QUARTER," below the olive branch at the eagle's feet. Philadelphia coins have no mint mark. Denver coins show a "D" and San Francisco coins show an "S." Examine this area under 10x magnification if looking for Repunched Mint Mark varieties, as ghost impressions of a second letter appear nearby.
The all-time auction record for a 1947 Washington quarter is $32,400, achieved by a Philadelphia-mint MS-68 example graded by PCGS with a CAC (Certified Acceptance Corporation) sticker. This sale took place at Stack's Bowers Galleries in March 2021. The coin is among only six examples graded MS-68 by PCGS across all three mints, representing one of the finest known 1947 quarters in existence.
Professional grading makes financial sense only if your coin appears to grade MS-65 or higher, or if it shows clear signs of a die variety like the DDO FS-101 or an RPM error. Grading fees from PCGS or NGC typically run $20–$40 per coin. Since common circulated 1947 quarters trade near silver melt value ($7–$19), grading fees would exceed the return. Coins with full mint luster, minimal contact marks, and sharp strike detail are the best candidates.
The 1947 Washington quarter was designed by John Flanagan. The obverse features a left-facing portrait of George Washington with "LIBERTY" above and "IN GOD WE TRUST" to the left, with the date below. The reverse shows a heraldic eagle with spread wings perched on arrows and olive branches, with "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "QUARTER DOLLAR" surrounding the design. The coin measures 24.3mm in diameter and weighs 6.25 grams.
Our free calculator covers all three mints, the DDO FS-101, both RPM varieties, and every grade from worn to gem — results in seconds.
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