The 1947-S Washington Quarter is worth anywhere from $5 in well-worn condition to over $200 or more in top mint state grades. If you found one of these coins in an old collection or tucked away in a drawer, you’re in the right place — let’s break down exactly what it’s worth and why.

The “S” mintmark on this quarter means it was struck at the San Francisco Mint, one of three facilities producing quarters that year. If you’re not sure whether your coin has that small “S” on the reverse, a free coin identifier app can help you figure it out in seconds. Apps like CoinKnow are a great starting point for everyday collectors trying to make sense of their finds without needing to visit a coin shop.

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What Makes the 1947-S Washington Quarter Special

The Washington Quarter series began in 1932 to honor the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth. By 1947, the country had just come out of World War II, and coin production was getting back to full steam.

The San Francisco Mint struck 5,532,000 quarters that year — a relatively modest number compared to the Philadelphia issue. Lower mintage numbers can mean higher collector demand, and the 1947-S is considered a slightly better date within the series.

While it’s not a rare key date, a well-preserved 1947-S quarter in original mint luster can still fetch a nice premium over face value.

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1947-S Washington Quarter Value by Grade

The condition of your coin is everything when it comes to value. Coin grading runs from Poor (P-1) to Perfect Mint State (MS-70). Here’s a general breakdown of what you can expect:

For the most current auction results and certified coin prices, you can check out detailed 1947-S Washington Quarter price data in mint state grades to see what collectors are actually paying right now.

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How to Tell If Your 1947-S Quarter Is Worth More

Beyond basic wear, a few factors can significantly boost your coin’s value.

First, look at the strike quality. A sharply struck 1947-S will show full feather details on the eagle’s breast and clear hair detail on Washington’s portrait. Weakly struck coins are worth less, even if they look uncirculated.

Second, check for original luster. A coin that has been cleaned will often appear too shiny or show hairline scratches under a loupe. Cleaned coins are worth considerably less than original-surface examples — this is one of the most common mistakes people make when trying to improve a coin’s appearance.

Finally, toning matters. Natural, attractive toning on a Washington Quarter can actually increase its appeal and value among collectors. Harsh artificial toning, on the other hand, is a red flag.

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Silver Content and Melt Value

Here’s something many people overlook: the 1947-S Washington Quarter is made of 90% silver. That means even a beat-up, circulated example has real metal value regardless of its numismatic grade.

Each Washington Quarter contains approximately 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver. With silver prices fluctuating around $28–$32 per ounce in recent times, the melt value of your coin is roughly $5.00 to $5.80 just from the silver alone.

This gives every 1947-S quarter a solid floor value — it’s never going to be worth less than its silver content. If you want to dig deeper into the full range of 1947 Washington Quarter values across all mint marks and grades, there are some excellent resources that break it all down in plain language.

And if you want to evaluate coins quickly on your own, CoinKnow is a handy app that lets you scan and identify coins from your phone camera, making it easy to spot valuable pieces without needing expert knowledge.

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Where to Sell Your 1947-S Washington Quarter

If you’ve decided your coin is worth selling, you have several good options. Online marketplaces like eBay are popular for circulated examples in the $5–$20 range, where collector demand is steady.

For higher-grade examples, especially anything in the MS-63 and above category, consider submitting your coin to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC first. A certified grade adds credibility and often increases the final sale price significantly.

Local coin shops and coin shows are also great options, especially if you want cash in hand quickly. Dealers will typically offer 60–70% of retail value, so it helps to know what your coin is worth beforehand. CoinKnow can give you a quick baseline estimate before you walk through the door.

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FAQ

Q: How do I find the mintmark on a 1947-S Washington Quarter?
A: Flip the coin to the reverse side. Look just above and to the right of the ribbon bow at the base of the eagle. A small “S” letter there confirms it was minted in San Francisco.

Q: Is a cleaned 1947-S Washington Quarter worth anything?
A: Yes, but significantly less. A cleaned coin in what would otherwise be an MS-63 grade might only sell for VF or EF prices. Collectors strongly prefer original, unaltered surfaces, so avoid cleaning your coins.

Q: Are all 1947 quarters silver?
A: Yes. All Washington Quarters produced from 1932 through 1964 are composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. The switch to clad composition happened in 1965, so any Washington Quarter dated 1964 or earlier contains real silver value.