Ned Ludd Coins » 1947 nickel value: are “D”, “S”, No mint mark worth money?

1947 nickel value: are “D”, “S”, No mint mark worth money?

The 1947 Nickel is a five-cent coin belonging to the aptly-named Jefferson series. It features the bust of President Thomas Jefferson on the obverse and his Monticello estate on the reverse.

If you have this in your collection, you’re probably wondering about its value. Depending on its grade – or error, if any – it can fetch you a good deal of money.

Let’s explore this coin’s value below.

1947 Nickel Details

1947 Nickel Details
Image Credit: robpaulsenlive
  • Category: Jefferson Nickel
  • Denomination: 5 cents
  • Mintage: 95,000,000
  • Minted at: Philadelphia (No Mint Mark)
  • Designation: MS
  • Strike type: Business
  • Obverse Designer: Felix Schlag
  • Reverse Designer: Felix Schlag
  • Metal Composition: 75% Copper – 25% Nickel
  • Diameter: 2 mm
  • Mass / Weight: 5 grams
  • Edge: Smooth/Plain
  • Coinage years: 1938-present

Also Read: Top 15 Most Valuable Quarters In Circulation

1947 Nickel Value Chart

Mint Mark Good Fine Very Fine Extremely Fine About Uncirculated Uncirculated

(MS-60)

Uncirculated (MS-65) Proof
1947 No Mint Mark Nickel $0.25 $0.25 $0.28 $0.34 $0.40 $0.87 $14 n/a
1947 D Nickel $0.25 $0.25 $0.34 $0.40 $0.46 $1.75 $13 n/a
1947 S Nickel $0.25 $0.25 $0.46 $0.51 $0.57 $1.75 $14 n/a

1947 Nickel Value and Varieties Guides

1947 No Mint Mark Nickel

1947 No Mint Mark Nickel

  • Category: Jefferson Nickel
  • Denomination: 5 cents
  • Mintage: 95,000,000
  • Minted at: Philadelphia (No Mint Mark)
  • Designation: MS
  • Strike type: Business
  • Obverse Designer: Felix Schlag
  • Reverse Designer: Felix Schlag
  • Metal Composition: 75% Copper – 25% Nickel
  • Diameter: 2 mm
  • Mass / Weight: 5 grams
  • Edge: Smooth/Plain
  • Coinage years: 1938-present

1947 no mint mark nickel was designed by sculptor Felix Schlag, who won the US Mint’s design competition for the Jefferson Nickel.

It features a left-facing Thomas Jefferson, whose prominent jaw and nose are highly accentuated. However, his eyes are gently gazing, a design that most people believe conveys his openness to new ideas and willingness to sacrifice for his new country.

Apart from Jefferson, the obverse featured the motto “In God We Trust” on the left. The word “Liberty” and the year “1947” were printed on the right.

On the other hand, the 1947 Nickel’s obverse features Jefferson’s stately Monticello mansion. Translated to “Little Mountain” in Italian, this estate can be found near Charlottesville, Virginia.

Above the building is the motto “E Pluribus Unum,” which translates to “Out of One, Many.” Inscribed below the estate is its name “Monticello,” the coin’s label “Five Cents,” and lastly, the country’s name: “United States of America.”

As the name suggests, this coin has no mint mark for Philadelphia.

1947 D Nickel

1947 D Nickel
Image Credit: ebay
  • Category: Jefferson Nickel
  • Denomination: 5 cents
  • Mintage: 37,822,000
  • Minted at: Denver
  • Designation: MS
  • Strike type: Business
  • Obverse Designer: Felix Schlag
  • Reverse Designer: Felix Schlag
  • Metal Composition: 75% Copper – 25% Nickel
  • Diameter: 2 mm
  • Mass / Weight: 5 grams
  • Edge: Smooth/Plain
  • Coinage years: 1938-present

The 1947 D Nickel is almost similar to the no mint mark version, except that it does have a ‘D’ mark on the obverse side.

Because of this – and the fact that only 37.8 million coins were produced – the 1947 D nickel is valued higher than the Philadelphia-produced coin.

Very fine coins cost $0.34, while extremely fine ones are valued at $0.40. Uncirculated nickels of an MS-65 grade can fetch as much as $14.

That being said, coins of higher grades are hard to come by, mainly because they were widely used during their heydays. However, coin appraisers often see 1947 D nickels with an MS-63 or about good/very good grade.

1947 S Nickel

1947 S Nickel

  • Category: Jefferson Nickel
  • Denomination: 5 cents
  • Mintage: 24,720,000
  • Minted at: San Francisco
  • Designation: MS
  • Strike type: Business
  • Obverse Designer: Felix Schlag
  • Reverse Designer: Felix Schlag
  • Metal Composition: 75% Copper – 25% Nickel
  • Diameter: 2 mm
  • Mass / Weight: 5 grams
  • Edge: Smooth/Plain
  • Coinage years: 1938-present

Just like the D Nickel, the 1947 S nickel is differentiated from the no-mint mark coin by its ‘S’ engraving on the reverse side.

Of all the coins in this list, the 1947 S nickel bears the highest value because only 24.7 million pieces were produced during its run.

This coin – in a very fine grade – is valued at $0.46. On the other hand, uncirculated coins of an MS-65 quality may be sold for as much as $14.

Also Read: 10+ Rarest State Quarter Errors Lists (Worth Much Money!!!)

1947 Nickel History

The 1947 Nickel is part of the Jefferson Nickel series, a five-cent coin produced by the US Mint since 1938. It was minted to commemorate the 200th birth anniversary of the founding father.

Before its release, the Buffalo nickel has been in use. Also known as the Indian head nickel, it was discontinued because it was challenging to design.

Jefferson Nickel Design

The 1947 Nickel bears the profile image of President Thomas Jefferson on the obverse and his Monticello house on the reverse. This design was created by Felix Schlag, a German sculptor. He won the US Mint’s design contest for the said coin – and the $1,000 reward that came with it.

Before the Nickel was put into production, Schlag had to revise his reverse design – which initially featured a partial view of the Monticello and a tree. However, it took him several months to update the design, primarily because of his other design commitments.

Due to unknown reasons, Schlag wasn’t able to put his initials in the design. Some blame misunderstanding, but the US Mint was able to rectify this mistake. It took several years, though, for they only managed to put his initials ‘FS’ on the obverse in 1966.

Jefferson Nickel Production

Starting in 1938, Jefferson nickels were minted in three locations (Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco.) They were previously made with 75% copper and 25% nickel.

However, from 1942 to 1945, the composition was changed due to the wartime demand for nickel. The said metal was used to strengthen military armor – and protect it from rust and corrosion.

As such, the nickels back then were made with 56% copper, 35% silver, and 9% manganese.

Production of coins with copper-nickel content was resumed in 1946, a year before the 1947 Nickel’s release.

Subsequent Editions

In 2002, US Mint officials proposed removing the Monticello on the obverse. They planned on replacing it with an image commemorating the Lewis and Clark expedition, which would celebrate its 200th anniversary that year.

The 2003 act granted them the power to do so, and they also made it a point to depict the Louisiana purchase on the obverse. However, it was agreed upon that the design would revert to the Monticello estate by 2006.

In 2020, Jefferson nickels started to get minted in West Point – but they were not released into circulation. Instead, they were included in the US Mint’s annual sets.

The same year, former President Donald Trump signed the Collectible Coin Redesign Act, which promises unique one-year designs for the year 2026. These are to be released in honor of the US’ 250th anniversary.

Also Read: Top 16 Most Valuable Modern Quarters Worth Money

1947 Nickel Grading

The 1947 nickel’s value is dependent on its grade. Very fine coins, for example, cost anywhere from $0.28 to $0.36. This means they bear fine details but have some signs of wear and tear.

On the other hand, uncirculated coins show no obvious marks – except for some production scratches or bag marks. Because most details are intact, uncirculated 1947 nickels can sell anywhere from $13 to $14.

Lists of 1947 Nickel Errors

Erroneous 1947 nickels, like most coins, are prized by auctioneers and collectors alike. Let’s explore the different mistakes that can help you earn a pretty penny for your nickel.

1. 1947 Nickel with Off-Center Error

An off-center error occurs when the planchet or metal disk isn’t centered. As a result, the coin will be missing a portion of the design.

While this may seem ugly for some, the truth of the matter is collectors love this error. In fact, the more off-center the design is, the higher the price.

That said, collectors prefer off-center coins that show dates compared to those that miss such a feature.

Coins like this can be sold for a price of $5 to $100.

2. 1947 Nickel with Double Die Error

Many coins, such as the 1947 nickel, bear the double die error. This means the die struck the coin twice, thus resulting in ‘doubled’ designs.

Such an error may be so minute that appraisers may have to use a microscope to determine it.

Nickels with noticeable double die errors, meanwhile, may be sold for a reasonable price. Some have gotten $25 to $50 for their double-die nickel. Not bad for a coin worth five cents!

3. 1947 Nickel with Repunched Mint Mark Error

This mistake occurs when the mint mark punch strikes the die twice. As a result, the mint mark appears ‘doubled.’

Because the doubling only affects the said area, such coins’ value is generally lower. Still, you may get anywhere from $3 to $10 for a repunched mint mark nickel – which is, again, not bad.

4. 1947 Nickel with Full Steps Error

Generally speaking, this isn’t an error. However, a nickel with full steps is considered a collectible – as most coins have this feature worn down.

After all, this design is affected by several factors, such as die condition, strike strength, and contact with other coins.

To date, there are two full-step designations. One is 5FS or five full steps, while another is 6FS or six full steps.

According to experts, these coins are scarce. There are only 291 5FS coins, with 106 being MS-65, 137 being MS-66, and 29 being MS-67.

6FS coins are even rarer, for experts state that there are only 28 of these coins existing in the market. Five pieces are at grade MS-65, while 21 and 2 are tagged MS-66 and MS-67, respectively.

Given this rarity, a Philadelphia-minted nickel with full steps has been sold for an impressive $4,112.50. A Denver-produced coin raked in more at $4,700, while a San Francisco-minted 1947 Nickel sold for an astounding $14,950.

1947 Nickel FAQs

What is a 1947 nickel worth?

A 1947 nickel is worth anywhere from $0.28 (very fine grade) to $14 (uncirculated MS-65) quality. 1947 nickels with pronounced errors – such as one with ‘full steps’ – can be sold for as much as $14,950.

How much is a 1947 S mint mark nickel worth?

The value of a 1947 S nickel starts at $0.46 for a very fine-grade coin. An extremely fine coin is worth $0.51, while an ‘about uncirculated’ edition is valued at $0.57.

Uncirculated coins with MS-60 and MS-65 grades sell for $1.75 and $14, respectively.

How much is a 1947 nickel D worth?

A 1947 D nickel of a very fine grade is worth $0.34. Extremely fine coins cost $0.40, while ‘about uncirculated’ ones clock in at $0.40. Uncirculated coins cost anywhere from $1.75 (MS-60) to $13 (MS-65).

Is a 1947 nickel rare?

As with other older coins, the 1947 nickel can be considered rare. This is especially true for the D and S editions, which were produced at 37.8 and 24.7 million, respectively.

1947 nickels with errors are rarer, and issues such as ‘full steps’ can fetch a whopping $14,950 at the auction house.

Is a 1947 nickel made out of silver?

No. 1947 nickels are made of 75% copper and 25% nickel. Wartime nickels, which were produced from 1942 to 1945, are the ones that contain 35% silver.

What is the error on a 1947 nickel?

1947 nickels come with a variety of errors, such as:

  • Off-center error, where the image is not centered, so some of the design is missing
  • Double die error, which results in doubled images/letters
  • Repunched mint mark, which yields a ‘doubled’ mint mark
  • Full steps error, where the five steps are detailed well (technically not an error)

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