The 1947-D Washington Quarter is worth anywhere from $5 to $10 in heavily worn condition, all the way up to $200 or more in high-grade mint state — and some exceptional examples have sold for well over $500 at auction. If you just found one of these coins in an old jar or inherited it from a grandparent, you’re in the right place. Let’s break down exactly what it’s worth and what to look for.
What Is the 1947-D Washington Quarter?
The 1947-D Washington Quarter was minted at the Denver Mint, which is indicated by the small “D” mintmark on the reverse of the coin, just to the right of the bow on the eagle’s ribbon. Denver struck over 15 million of these quarters that year, making them relatively available — but condition is everything when it comes to value.
These quarters are composed of 90% silver, which alone gives them a base metal value sometimes called “melt value.” Even a beat-up, circulated example is worth something just for its silver content. As of recent silver prices, the melt value of a 90% silver quarter hovers around $4 to $5, meaning even the most worn examples are rarely worth less than that.
If you’re not sure what coin you’re holding or want to quickly identify it, a free coin identifier app can help you confirm the date, mintmark, and approximate grade in seconds — super handy before you start researching values.
1947-D Quarter Value by Grade
Coin value is heavily tied to grade — a standardized measure of wear and preservation. Here’s a simple breakdown of what you can expect for the 1947-D Washington Quarter across different conditions:
| Grade / Condition | Description | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | Heavy wear, outline visible | $5 – $6 |
| Very Fine (VF-20) | Moderate wear, details clear | $7 – $10 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | Light wear on high points | $12 – $18 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-55) | Slight friction, mostly sharp | $25 – $45 |
| Mint State (MS-63) | Uncirculated, minor marks | $60 – $100 |
| Gem Mint State (MS-65+) | Near perfect, strong luster | $200 – $500+ |
For the most up-to-date pricing across certified grades, you can check the 1947-D Washington Quarter price data on CoinHix, which tracks real auction results and retail values in real time.
What Makes Some 1947-D Quarters More Valuable
Not all 1947-D quarters are equal. The biggest factor beyond grade is luster — that original mint shine that circulated coins lose quickly. A coin that never touched a cash register and still has full, cartwheel luster is dramatically more valuable than a coin that looks technically “uncirculated” but has been handled or cleaned.
Cleaning is one of the biggest value-killers in coin collecting. If a coin looks too shiny or has tiny parallel scratches (called hairlines), it may have been polished by a previous owner. Cleaned coins are worth far less than their naturally toned counterparts, even if the surfaces look bright.
Strike quality also matters. Some Denver Mint quarters from this era show weak strikes on Washington’s hair above the ear or on the eagle’s breast feathers. A coin with a bold, sharp strike will always command a premium.
CoinHix is a great tool for tracking how recently sold coins in similar grades are performing at auction — whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious.
How to Check Your 1947-D Quarter’s Value at Home
You don’t need to be an expert to get a ballpark value. Start by looking at the coin under good lighting and a magnifying glass. Compare the details of Washington’s hair, the lettering, and the eagle’s feathers to photos of graded coins online.
Then consider the silver melt value as your floor — your coin is almost certainly worth at least that much. From there, condition pushes the number up.
For a comprehensive look at what your 1947 quarter is worth based on date, mintmark, and condition, that resource lays it out in plain terms anyone can follow.
You can also use CoinHix to scan or look up your coin and get an instant value estimate based on current market data. It’s one of the fastest ways to go from “I found an old quarter” to actually knowing what it’s worth.
Should You Get It Graded Professionally?
If your 1947-D quarter looks like it might be in mint state — no wear, great luster, sharp details — professional grading through PCGS or NGC could be worth the cost. Certified coins in MS-65 or better can sell for $200 to $500+, and the certification itself gives buyers confidence, which means better sale prices.
For circulated examples in Good through Extremely Fine grades, professional grading usually isn’t cost-effective. In that range, just sell it to a local coin dealer or list it on eBay and you’ll get fair market value without the grading fees eating into your profit.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much silver is in a 1947-D Washington Quarter?
A: The 1947-D quarter contains 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver. At current silver prices, that gives it a melt value of roughly $4 to $5, which acts as a baseline minimum value regardless of condition.
Q: Is the 1947-D quarter rare?
A: No, the 1947-D is not considered rare. Denver struck over 15 million of them that year. However, finding one in gem uncirculated condition with full luster and a strong strike is uncommon, and those examples can be quite valuable.
Q: Where is the mintmark on a 1947-D Washington Quarter?
A: The “D” mintmark is located on the reverse (tails side) of the coin, to the right of the ribbon bow that ties the bundle of arrows at the bottom of the eagle. It’s small, so use a magnifying glass if needed.
