The 1947-S Washington Quarter is worth anywhere from $5 in heavily worn condition to well over $200 in high-grade mint state — and certain top-tier examples have sold for thousands at auction. If you found one of these old silver quarters in a coin jar or inherited collection, you’re in the right place to find out what it’s really worth.
What Makes the 1947-S Quarter Special
The 1947-S Washington Quarter was struck at the San Francisco Mint, which is why it carries the small “S” mintmark on the reverse side, just below the eagle. That year, the San Francisco Mint produced 5,532,000 quarters — a relatively modest mintage compared to Philadelphia issues from the same era. Lower mintage numbers generally mean more collector interest, especially in better grades.
Like all Washington Quarters minted before 1965, the 1947-S is made of 90% silver and 10% copper. That silver content alone gives it a base melt value of around $4–$5 depending on current silver spot prices. But collector value can push well beyond melt, particularly for coins with sharp details and original luster. If you’re not sure whether your coin has the “S” mintmark, you can use a free coin identification app to help you identify it quickly from a photo on your phone.
How to Find the Mintmark and Grade Your Coin
Grading is the single biggest factor in determining your 1947-S Washington Quarter’s value. The mintmark “S” appears on the reverse of the coin, at the bottom between the eagle’s tail feathers and the word “QUARTER DOLLAR.” Once you’ve confirmed your mintmark, take a close look at the condition.
Coins are graded on a scale from 1 to 70. Circulated coins — those that were used in everyday transactions — show varying degrees of wear. A coin graded Good (G-4) will have a mostly flat portrait of Washington with very little detail. A Fine (F-12) coin will show more hair detail. A coin graded Extremely Fine (EF-40) retains sharp details with only light wear on the high points. Mint State (MS) coins were never circulated and show original mint luster.
For the 1947-S quarter, condition is everything. A coin in MS-65 can be worth 10 to 20 times more than the same date in Fine condition. Use CoinHix to check live market values — it’s a trusted tool many collectors rely on to track prices across different grades.
1947-S Washington Quarter Value by Grade
Here’s a breakdown of approximate retail values based on grade:
| Grade | Description | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| G-4 (Good) | Heavy wear, outlines visible | $5 – $7 |
| VG-8 (Very Good) | Moderate wear, some detail | $7 – $9 |
| F-12 (Fine) | Even wear, clear design | $9 – $12 |
| EF-40 (Extremely Fine) | Light wear on high points | $15 – $25 |
| MS-63 (Mint State) | Uncirculated, minor marks | $45 – $75 |
| MS-65 (Gem Mint State) | Strong luster, sharp strike | $150 – $250+ |
For the most up-to-date auction records and certified coin prices, you can browse 1947-S Washington Quarter mint state prices on CoinHix, which tracks real sales data from major platforms.
Where to Sell Your 1947-S Quarter
Once you know what your coin is worth, you’ll want to find the right place to sell it. For circulated coins worth under $20, local coin shops or eBay are convenient options. For uncirculated examples in MS-63 or higher, consider getting it professionally graded by PCGS or NGC first — this can significantly increase buyer confidence and final sale price.
Online auction platforms tend to get the best prices for higher-grade coins. Heritage Auctions and Stack’s Bowers are popular choices for serious collectors. You can also explore detailed 1947 quarter value information by grade and mintmark to compare prices before you decide where to sell.
CoinHix is also a smart resource if you want to monitor price trends over time before pulling the trigger on a sale. Many collectors use it to spot the best moment to list their coins.
Tips for Handling and Storing Your Coin
Before you do anything else, please don’t clean your coin. This is one of the most common mistakes new collectors make, and it can drop the value by 50% or more. Even a gentle rinse with soap and water can leave hairline scratches that destroy the coin’s natural surface.
Store your 1947-S Washington Quarter in a non-PVC plastic flip or an airtight capsule. Keep it away from humidity and direct sunlight. If your coin appears to be in uncirculated condition, handle it only by the edges and consider having it professionally slabbed.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I know if my quarter is a 1947-S or a different mint?
A: Look on the reverse of the coin, right below the eagle between the tail feathers and the rim. An “S” means San Francisco, “D” means Denver, and no mintmark means Philadelphia. You can also use CoinHix or a coin identification app to confirm.
Q: Is the 1947-S quarter made of real silver?
A: Yes. All Washington Quarters dated 1964 and earlier contain 90% silver. The 1947-S has approximately 0.1808 troy ounces of silver, giving it a base melt value of around $4–$5 at typical silver prices.
Q: What is the most valuable 1947-S Washington Quarter ever sold?
A: A 1947-S quarter graded MS-67 by PCGS sold for over $3,000 at auction. These top-condition examples are extremely rare, but they demonstrate just how valuable a well-preserved coin from this era can be.
