1947 Nickel Coin Value: Errors List, “D”, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth

1947 Nickel value ranges from $0.05 face value to $14,950. That record sale was a Grade 67 example sold through Heritage Auctions in May 2007. Not sure what yours is worth? Upload a photo of your coin below for a quick value range, then scroll down to check recent eBay sales and see what 1947 Nickels are actually selling for right now.

 

1947 Nickel Value By Variety — Quick Reference Chart

Here’s what 1947 nickels are worth across different mint marks and conditions.

If you know the grade of your coin, you can find the exact price below in the Value Guides section.

Also Read: Top 100 Most Valuable Jefferson Nickels Worth Money List (1938-Present)

 

Top 10 Most Valuable 1947 Nickel Worth Money

Generally speaking, higher grades bring higher prices. But the 1947-S graded MS67 breaks that pattern at $14,950, outranking even some higher-grade examples. This coin likely had outstanding eye appeal and luster that collectors valued beyond its technical grade alone.

Even among coins sharing the same grade and mint mark, prices vary dramatically. Two 1947-S MS67 examples sold for vastly different amounts. Two 1947-D MS66 coins ranged from $220 all the way to $5,295. Beyond grade, factors like strike sharpness, original luster, and surface quality drive these swings.

MS68-grade coins tell a different story: their prices cluster tightly between $10,000 and $12,925. This consistency shows that the market has reached consensus on what top-tier 1947 nickels are worth, while lower grades remain subject to individual coin quality.

 

History Of The 1947 Nickel

The Jefferson nickel series launched in 1938 after an open design competition drew 390 artist submissions. Felix Schlag, a German-born sculptor who had immigrated to the United States just a decade earlier, won with his left-facing Jefferson portrait and a Monticello reverse. The U.S. Mint awarded Schlag a $1,000 prize—but initially required him to revise his reverse design from a three-quarter view to a straight-on frontal image of Monticello.

Schlag’s initials were not added to the coin at launch due to a misunderstanding. They only appeared on the obverse starting in 1966, nearly three decades after his design entered circulation.

The series took a dramatic turn from 1942 to 1945. Nickel was declared a critical war material, and Congress authorized a special composition of 35% silver, 56% copper, and 9% manganese for Jefferson nickels during those years. These “War Nickels” are easily identified by a large mint mark placed above Monticello’s dome—the only time Philadelphia ever used a “P” mint mark on five-cent pieces until 1979.

In 1946, the Mint returned to the standard 75% copper / 25% nickel alloy. However, retooling the production process after the wartime changeover limited output that year.

By 1947, all three mint facilities—Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco—were running at full capacity. The 1947 nickel is considered the first complete post-war year of standard Jefferson nickel production. The same original Felix Schlag design from 1938 appeared on every coin, unchanged.

The Buffalo Nickel that the Jefferson series replaced had a legal minimum production run of 25 years before a redesign was permitted. The Jefferson design far outlasted that minimum, remaining essentially unchanged until 2003—a 65-year run.

Also Read: Top 60+ Most Valuable Buffalo Nickels Worth Money

 

Is Your 1947 Nickel Rare?

Want to check rarity scores for your 1947 nickels? The Coin Identifier and Value App shows detailed rankings for all three mint marks. Download it to see how your coins compare across the Jefferson nickel series.

 

Key Features Of The 1947 Nickel

This section covers the design elements and physical characteristics that define the 1947 Jefferson nickel. Understanding these features helps you identify genuine coins and spot potential varieties.

The Obverse Of The 1947 Nickel

The obverse features a left-facing profile of Thomas Jefferson, based on a marble bust created by French sculptor Jean-Antoine Houdon. Felix Schlag adapted Houdon’s portrait for this coin, capturing Jefferson’s prominent jaw, strong nose, and characteristic hairstyle.

“IN GOD WE TRUST” follows the left rim curve. “LIBERTY” and the date “1947” appear along the right rim. On well-struck examples, Jefferson’s cheekbones and the individual strands of hair show crisp definition—details that flatten noticeably on worn or weakly struck coins.

The Reverse Of The 1947 Nickel

The reverse displays Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s Virginia estate. Jefferson personally designed the mansion, incorporating neoclassical elements including the iconic dome and four front pillars—architecture inspired by the Pantheon in Rome.

“E PLURIBUS UNUM” arcs along the top rim. “MONTICELLO” inscribes below the building. “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “FIVE CENTS” complete the lower field. The mint mark—”D” for Denver or “S” for San Francisco—appears to the right of Monticello near its base. Philadelphia coins carry no mint mark.

Other Features Of The 1947 Nickel

The 1947 nickel measures 21.2mm in diameter and weighs 5 grams. The composition is 75% copper and 25% nickel—the same standard formula used before and after the wartime silver alloy years. The edge is smooth and plain, unlike the reeded edges of dimes and quarters.

Full Steps (FS) is a special designation awarded by grading services PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) and NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation) when all six steps at the base of Monticello are completely visible, sharply struck, and cleanly separated. Most 1947 nickels show some step merging or weakness due to poor strike pressure or die wear. Coins earning the FS designation command dramatically higher prices because so few exist—especially in high grades.

Also Read: Top 100 Rarest Nickels Worth Money (Most Expensive)

 

1947 Nickel Mintage & Survival Data

Philadelphia produced 95,000,000 coins in 1947—the largest output, serving the heavily populated East Coast market. Denver struck 37,822,000 for the Midwest. San Francisco produced 24,720,000 for the smaller West Coast economy.

Despite Philadelphia making nearly four times San Francisco’s total, all three mints show nearly identical survival rates near 80%. This tells us two things: the coins circulated nationally rather than staying in regional markets, and no individual mint’s output faced unusual hoarding or destruction.

Most of the roughly 76 million surviving Philadelphia examples exist in heavily worn circulated grades. High-grade survivors are far rarer than the raw survival numbers suggest.

According to PCGS CoinFacts, the 1947-P is common in circulated grades and lower Mint State grades, only becoming scarce at MS66 and above. With the Full Steps designation, it remains accessible through about MS65, but at MS66 FS only around 100–200 examples are thought to exist. At MS67 FS, fewer than a dozen specimens are known.

Also Read: Jefferson Nickel Value (1938-Present)

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1947 Nickel Value

Professional grading services require shipping your coin, waiting weeks for results, and paying fees that start around $20 per coin.

Skip all that hassle with the Coin Identifier and Value App. Just snap a photo to identify your 1947 nickel’s mint mark, get an instant grade estimate, and see current market prices in seconds. No mailing, no waiting, no extra costs. Download the app now and find out what your coin is worth today.

 

1947 Nickel Value Guides By Mint

The 1947 Jefferson nickel came from three U.S. Mint facilities, each marked differently:

• 1947 No Mint Mark Nickel (Philadelphia)
• 1947-D Nickel (Denver)
• 1947-S Nickel (San Francisco)

Each variety has distinct characteristics that affect its value and availability. Philadelphia produced the largest quantity with no mint mark on the reverse. Denver added a “D” mark, while San Francisco used “S” to identify its output.

While all three circulated widely, their values diverge based on condition and the Full Steps designation. The sections below break down each variety’s mintage details, current values, and what makes certain examples more desirable to collectors.

 

1947 No Mint Mark Nickel Value

Philadelphia struck 95,000,000 coins in 1947—the most of any mint that year. This large mintage makes circulated and lower Mint State examples very common and worth only face value or slightly above in most cases.

The coin only becomes genuinely scarce at MS66 and higher. With the Full Steps designation, it remains available through about MS65. At MS66 FS, PCGS estimates roughly one to two hundred examples exist. At MS67 FS, fewer than twelve are known to exist—with no confirmed examples grading higher.

One MS67 Full Steps example sold for $4,112.50 at auction in 2014. A coin graded PCGS Genuine has reached $10,000. The scarcity of top-grade Full Steps examples creates fierce competition when they appear at auction.

For average collectors, most 1947 Philadelphia nickels are worth little more than face value. However, for those willing to search for well-struck examples—particularly those showing fully defined Monticello steps—the investment can be very rewarding. A sharp MS66 FS can be worth hundreds of times a typical circulated example.

Check the auction data below to see how prices have moved over time for this variety.

Market activity indicators reveal current collector interest.

Market activity score: 79/100 as of Oct 2026 — up 29 points from Jul 2026. 12-month peak: 84 (Sep 2026).

 

1947-D Nickel Value

Denver produced 37,822,000 nickels in 1947—roughly 60% less than Philadelphia. This makes the 1947-D harder to find in high grades, though it is still far from rare in circulated condition.

According to PCGS CoinFacts, the 1947-D is very common in circulated grades through about MS64. It becomes genuinely scarce at MS65 and above, with MS66 examples requiring real effort to locate. A Heritage Auctions sale recorded a 1947-D MS67 Full Steps with a PCGS Population of 25 and an NGC Census of just 8—emphasizing how few top-grade FS examples exist for this mint.

The auction record for the Denver issue is $12,925, set in 2020 by a PCGS MS68 Full Steps example. An MS67+ Full Steps sold for $4,700 in 2019. Strike quality varies considerably on Denver coins—look for sharp cheekbones on Jefferson and fully defined Monticello columns, not just the steps.

The 1947-D is also known to have more documented Repunched Mintmark (RPM) varieties than either the Philadelphia or San Francisco issues. Look closely at the “D” under 10x magnification for secondary impressions—these RPM varieties can add $50 or more to a coin’s value.

From historical auction data, the price trend of this coin shows clear grade sensitivity and market volatility.

In the current market, the 1947-D Nickel reflects collectors’ continued pursuit of high-quality specimens.

Market activity score: 61/100 as of Oct 2026 — up 6 points from Jul 2026. Currently at its 12-month peak.

 

1947-S Nickel Value

San Francisco produced the smallest 1947 mintage at 24,720,000 coins. According to PCGS CoinFacts, the 1947-S is somewhat common through most grades—but high-grade examples are noticeably scarcer than their Denver and Philadelphia counterparts.

The San Francisco Mint’s dies were prone to uneven wear and inconsistent strike pressure in this period. The result: most 1947-S coins show weak details on Jefferson’s hair and Monticello’s columns. Finding a sharply struck specimen with full architectural detail is significantly harder than with the other two mints.

The all-time auction record for a 1947-S nickel is $14,950, set on May 1, 2007, at Heritage Auctions for a PCGS MS67 example. This coin’s premium over technically higher-graded coins illustrates how outstanding visual quality and luster can override raw grade alone. Note that the standard (non-FS) MS67 record is $588, recorded at Heritage Auctions on January 4, 2017—showing just how much the FS designation multiplies value.

PCGS CoinFacts indicates the 1947-S Jefferson Nickel tops out at MS67 in the regular strike census, with no confirmed MS68 or higher examples graded at standard.

Below is a detailed chart of the auction price trends for this coin over the years.

Market activity shows that the 1947-S Jefferson Nickel has maintained stable attention in the collecting community.

Market activity score: 46/100 as of Oct 2026 — up 3 points from Jul 2026. Currently at its 12-month peak.

Also Read: 22 Rare Nickel Errors List with Pictures (By Year)

 

Rare 1947 Nickel Error List

The U.S. Mint works hard to catch production errors before coins leave the facility. But some slip through—and those that do can be worth significantly more than a regular 1947 nickel. Here are the documented error types to look for.

1. Doubled Die Reverse (DDR)

A Doubled Die Reverse (DDR) occurs during the die-making process when the master hub strikes the working die more than once with slight misalignment between impressions. Every coin struck by that die then carries the doubled image permanently.

On 1947 nickels, look closely at the reverse inscriptions: “MONTICELLO,” “FIVE CENTS,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” The best examples show spreading on these letters, with the doubling increasing from left to right across the reverse.

There are no known major 1947 DDR varieties worth thousands of dollars. Minor doubled dies are what you’re searching for. Values range from $25 to $50 for subtle examples, rising to $75–$100 or more for strong, clearly visible doubling in uncirculated condition.

2. Repunched Mintmark (RPM)

A Repunched Mintmark (RPM) formed in the 1940s because mintmarks were individually hand-punched into each working die—not applied automatically. When the punch landed slightly off-position, workers would repunch it, leaving a ghost impression of the first attempt.

Look at the “D” or “S” mintmark to the right of Monticello under at least 10x magnification. Search for a secondary impression appearing as extra serifs, notching, a shadow image, or portions of another letter beside the primary mark. The 1947-D is documented as having more RPM varieties than either the 1947-P or 1947-S.

Most minor RPMs sell for $3–$10. More dramatic examples with strong doubling or multiple repunches can bring $50 or more. Always compare to a normal mintmark from the same year to confirm what you’re seeing.

3. Off-Center Strike

An off-center strike happens when the planchet (the blank metal disk) is not properly centered between the dies when the coin is struck. The result is a coin with part of the design missing and a crescent of blank metal visible on one or both sides.

Values depend heavily on two factors: how far off-center the strike is, and whether the full date and mintmark are still visible. Minor 5–10% off-center strikes sell for $10–$20. The most valuable examples are about 50% off-center yet still show the complete date and mint mark—these can bring $100 or more.

A 1947 nickel with a 3% clipped planchet has appeared at Heritage Auctions, confirming that planchet-related errors exist for this date. Always examine the edges of your coin for irregularities.

4. Clipped Planchet

A clipped planchet results from the blanking process at the mint. When the metal strip isn’t advanced far enough between punchings, the blanking press overlaps a previously punched hole, cutting a curved “bite” out of the blank. That missing section remains on the finished coin.

Genuine clips will show a smooth, rolled edge at the missing area—not a rough or filed cut. Look also for the “Blakesley Effect”: a weakening or absence of the rim on the side exactly opposite the clip. This is a diagnostic feature that confirms the error happened at the mint, not after the coin left.

Small clips (5–10% missing) sell for $5–$15. Larger clips affecting 15–25% of the coin can bring $20–$50. Dramatic clips removing 25% or more, with the date still visible, can command $50–$100+.

5. Grease-Filled Die / Weak Strike

This error occurs when grease, debris, or foreign material fills the recessed areas of the die, preventing full metal flow during striking. The result is a coin with mushy, blurred, or completely absent design elements in affected areas.

Common weak areas on 1947 nickels include Jefferson’s hair, the fine lines in “LIBERTY,” and Monticello’s steps and columns. Be careful: a grease-filled die error looks similar to normal circulation wear, but the weakness will appear even in protected areas of the coin that wouldn’t normally show wear.

These are among the most common errors and typically worth only $1–$5. Extremely dramatic examples where major design elements are fully obliterated can command $10–$25. Most collectors treat minor examples as curiosities rather than significant additions.

 

Where To Sell Your 1947 Nickel?

Discovered your coins are valuable? The next challenge is finding the right place to sell them online. To help you out, I’ve assembled a comprehensive guide to selling platforms, outlining each site’s features along with their strengths and weaknesses.

Check out now: Best Places To Sell Coins Online (Pros & Cons)

 

1947 Nickel Market Trend

Market interest: 19,090 collectors tracking this coin as of Oct 2026 — up 1,000 from Mar 2026. 12-month peak: 22,020 (Jan 2026).

*Market Trend Chart showing the number of people paying attention to this coin.

 

FAQ About The 1947 Nickel Value

1. What is the 1947 nickel made of—does it contain silver?

No, the 1947 nickel contains no silver. It is composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel, giving it a silver-like appearance despite having no precious metal content. This is the same alloy used before World War II. The only Jefferson nickels with silver are the 1942–1945 War Nickels, which were made from 35% silver, 56% copper, and 9% manganese—easily identified by the large mintmark above Monticello’s dome.

2. What does “Full Steps” mean on a 1947 nickel, and why does it matter?

Full Steps (FS) is a special designation assigned by PCGS and NGC when all six steps at the base of Monticello are completely struck, clearly visible, and fully separated. Most 1947 nickels show some weakness in this area due to heavy die use or inconsistent strike pressure. A 1947-S MS67 Full Steps sold for $14,950 in 2007—versus $588 for a non-FS MS67 of the same date. That is a price difference of over 25 times for the same grade, solely because of the FS designation.

3. How much is a 1947 nickel without a mint mark worth?

A 1947 Philadelphia nickel (no mint mark) is worth about $0.30 in Extra Fine condition and $0.50–$0.70 in About Uncirculated. In lower Mint State grades (MS60–MS62), expect $8–$9. At MS66, values jump significantly. An MS67 Full Steps example sold for $4,112.50 in 2014, and a PCGS Genuine-graded example reached $10,000 in 2021.

4. Which 1947 nickel is the rarest?

In terms of original mintage, the 1947-S is the scarcest at 24,720,000 coins. In terms of high-grade survivors, the 1947-S is also the most difficult to find—PCGS CoinFacts confirms that the top-graded regular-strike 1947-S stops at MS67, with no MS68 examples known. By contrast, the 1947-D has confirmed MS68 Full Steps examples. Scarcity in high grades, combined with San Francisco’s strike quality issues, makes top-grade 1947-S coins the most valuable of the three mint varieties.

5. What are the most expensive 1947 nickels ever sold?

• 1947-S MS67 (FS): $14,950 — Heritage Auctions, May 1, 2007
• 1947-D MS68 (FS): $12,925 — 2020
• 1947 PCGS Genuine: $10,000 — 2021
• 1947-D MS66: $5,295 — 2021
• 1947 MS67 (FS): $4,112.50 — 2014
• 1947-D MS67+ (FS): $4,700 — 2019

6. Where is the mint mark on a 1947 nickel?

Flip the coin to the reverse and look to the right of the Monticello building, between the building’s edge and the coin’s rim. A small “D” means Denver; “S” means San Francisco. No mint mark at all means Philadelphia. This placement has been consistent for Jefferson nickels since 1938, except for the 1942–1945 War Nickel years, when the mintmark was moved to above Monticello’s dome.

7. How many 1947-D MS67 Full Steps nickels exist?

A Heritage Auctions lot listing from 2021 documented the PCGS Population at 25 examples and the NGC Census at 8 examples for the 1947-D MS67 Full Steps—a combined certified total of just 33 coins across both major grading services. No confirmed MS68 Full Steps examples exist for the Denver issue at this grade level, making these coins significant registry pieces for Jefferson nickel collectors.

8. What errors should I look for on a 1947 nickel?

The main errors to search for are: Doubled Die Reverse (DDR)—look for doubling in “MONTICELLO” and “FIVE CENTS” on the reverse; Repunched Mintmark (RPM)—the 1947-D has more documented RPM varieties than other mints; Off-Center Strikes—most valuable when 50% off-center yet showing a full date; Clipped Planchets—look for a curved bite out of the coin’s edge with the Blakesley Effect opposite; and Grease-Filled Die errors showing mushy or missing design details.

9. Did Felix Schlag win a design competition for the Jefferson nickel?

Yes. In 1938, the U.S. Mint held an open competition that drew 390 artist submissions. Felix Schlag, a German-born sculptor who had immigrated to the United States around 1928, won with his Jefferson portrait and Monticello design. He received a $1,000 prize. However, Mint officials required him to revise the reverse—changing his original three-quarter view of Monticello to a straight-on frontal design and modifying the inscription typefaces. His initials “FS” weren’t added to the coin until 1966.

10. Is a 1947 nickel a good investment for new collectors?

Yes—for the right specimens. Common circulated 1947 nickels in any condition are worth only cents above face value and won’t appreciate meaningfully. However, high-grade examples with the Full Steps designation are genuinely rare and have demonstrated strong auction results over decades. PCGS estimates fewer than a dozen MS67 FS examples exist for the Philadelphia issue. For new collectors, the 1947 nickel offers an accessible entry point: circulated examples are cheap to acquire for a type set, while the FS varieties give advanced collectors a challenging and rewarding target. The key is cherrypicking—examining coins carefully for sharp strikes and clean surfaces rather than accepting any example at grade.