1987 Dime Coin Value (Errors List, “P”, “D” & “S” Mint Mark Worth)

Most collectors overlook modern dimes, but recent market activity shows growing interest in high-grade specimens from this era. The 1987 Dime value reflects a straightforward pattern based primarily on condition.

While circulated examples remain at face value, uncirculated pieces can reach $2.00 in AU grade. Full Band specimens command higher prices—some Denver mint examples in MS condition trade around $35.67.

For those starting a collection, these coins offer a practical way to learn about grading standards and condition-based pricing without significant upfront costs.

 

1987 Dime Value By Variety

The following chart shows how grade, mint mark, and special designation affect values for 1987 dimes. If you know the grade of your coin, you can find the exact price below in the Value Guides section.

Also Read: Roosevelt Dime Value (1946-Present)

 

Top 10 Most Valuable 1987 Dime Worth Money

The most valuable 1987 dimes from 2004 to present showcase how grade and strike quality determine market value. Philadelphia Full Bands examples dominate the top positions, with an MS62 specimen reaching $1,840 as the highest recorded price.

San Francisco proofs also appear in the rankings, with a PR70 Deep Cameo example achieving $978 in 2003. A PR69DCAM specimen sold for $194, showing how a single grade increment affects value for these collector-focused pieces.

Denver contributes an MS67 Full Bands coin that reached $476 and an MS68 selling for $121. The chart illustrates that strike quality, particularly the Full Bands designation, often matters more than numerical grade alone when determining value for 1987 dimes.

 

History of the 1987 Dime

The Roosevelt dime entered circulation in 1946 to honor President Franklin D. Roosevelt following his death the previous year. The dime denomination was chosen for its connection to the March of Dimes, an organization Roosevelt helped establish in the fight against polio.

Designed by Chief Engraver John R. Sinnock, the series has remained largely unchanged for decades, making it one of America’s longest-running coin designs.

By 1987, the Roosevelt dime had been in production for over four decades. The coins minted that year reflected a period of economic uncertainty in the United States.

October 1987 brought Black Monday, when the stock market experienced its largest single-day percentage decline in history. Despite this financial turbulence, the Mint continued regular production at Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco facilities.

The 1987 dimes were part of the Reagan era, a time marked by both technological advancement and economic volatility. While these coins circulated through everyday transactions during market upheavals and recovery, they maintained their familiar design that Americans had come to recognize.

These coins remain accessible to collectors today, with their value primarily determined by preservation quality rather than scarcity.

Also Read: Top 100 Most Valuable Roosevelt Dimes Worth Money List

 

Is Your 1987 Dime Rare?

Scan your 1987 dime with CoinValueChecker App to instantly identify rare varieties and check its current market value.

 

Key Features of the 1987 Dime

The 1987 Roosevelt dime maintains the design established by Chief Engraver John R. Sinnock. Understanding these design elements and specifications helps collectors identify genuine pieces and assess their condition.

The Obverse of the 1987 Dime

The obverse displays Franklin D. Roosevelt’s left-facing profile, rendered in Sinnock’s characteristic simplified yet dignified style with clean, classical lines.

“LIBERTY” arcs along the left rim, positioned in front of Roosevelt’s profile. The national motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” appears in smaller letters below the president’s chin.

The date “1987” sits at the lower right side of the coin. Mint marks appear directly above the date: “P” identifies Philadelphia issues, “D” marks Denver production, and “S” denotes San Francisco proof coins. Sinnock’s initials “JS” can be found at the neck truncation.

The Reverse of the 1987 Dime

The reverse features a central torch symbolizing liberty, flanked by an olive branch on the left representing peace and an oak branch on the right symbolizing strength and independence.

The motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” is split across four sections, positioned between the torch and surrounding branches. “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” curves along the top rim above these design elements. The denomination “ONE DIME” is inscribed at the bottom below the torch.

Other Features of the 1987 Dime

The coin measures 17.90 mm in diameter and weighs 2.27 grams. Its edge features a reeded design. The 1987 dime uses copper-nickel clad composition with outer layers of 75% copper and 25% nickel bonded to a pure copper core.

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

 

1987 Dime Mintage & Survival Data

The 1987 dime was produced in substantial numbers across three U.S. Mint facilities. Philadelphia struck over 762 million pieces, while Denver produced approximately 653 million coins. San Francisco created a much smaller number of proof specimens, with just over 4.2 million Deep Cameo examples.

Survival data varies significantly by mint. Denver dimes show a documented survival rate of 30%, with nearly 196 million pieces still in existence.

San Francisco proofs have an exceptionally high survival rate of 86.5%, as collectors typically preserve these special strikes. Philadelphia survival figures remain unknown, though the large original mintage suggests millions likely survive in circulation and collections.

The contrast between circulation strikes and proof specimens highlights how intended use affects long-term survival rates.

Also Read: Top 70+ Most Valuable Mercury Dimes Worth Money (Chart By Year)

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1987 Dime Value

Condition plays the primary role in determining what your 1987 dime is worth. Circulated examples typically remain at face value, while uncirculated pieces can command premiums based on their grade and strike quality. The mint mark location above the date indicates which facility produced your coin.

Full Bands designation on the reverse torch significantly affects value, as these sharp strikes are considerably harder to find. Error varieties like off-center strikes, clipped planchets, and die cracks can also increase value beyond standard pieces.

CoinValueChecker App provides instant grade identification and current market values when you scan your 1987 dime.

 

1987 Dime Value Guides

The 1987 dime was produced at three U.S. Mint facilities, each creating distinct versions that serve different purposes in numismatics.

• 1987-P Dime: Struck at Philadelphia
• 1987-D Dime: Produced at Denver
• 1987-S DCAM Dime: San Francisco proof specimens

Philadelphia and Denver struck business strikes intended for everyday circulation, while San Francisco specialized in producing proof coins exclusively for collectors. Understanding these three varieties helps collectors build complete sets and identify the most suitable pieces for their collections.

 

1987-P Dime Value

The 1987-P dime represents Philadelphia’s contribution to that year’s circulation coinage. While these coins are easy to locate in most grades, they become difficult to find once you reach MS66 condition or higher.

This scarcity at upper grade levels creates an opportunity for collectors willing to search through rolls and mint sets for well-preserved examples.

Full Bands specimens are very hard to find and remain scarce even in lower mint state grades. The sharp strike required to bring up complete horizontal bands on the reverse torch proves elusive for this issue.

The highest recorded auction price reached $1,840 in 2012 for an MS62 Full Bands example, demonstrating how collectors value sharp strikes even at mid-range mint state grades.

The chart below tracks auction results across different grade levels for this Philadelphia issue.

The table below shows recent market activity for this coin.

 

1987-D Dime Value

The 1987-D dime from Denver provides an approachable option for collectors building Roosevelt dime sets. These coins are readily available in lower mint state grades, but specimens graded MS68 are scarce, with one example selling for $121 in March 2004.

Strike quality plays a crucial role in determining value for this issue. Well-struck examples with fully defined horizontal bands across the torch remain difficult to locate, making them particularly appealing to specialists.

An MS67 Full Bands specimen reached $476 in 2018, demonstrating the premium collectors place on sharp strikes. The significant price difference between standard mint state pieces and Full Bands versions shows how technical quality can outweigh numerical grade in importance.

Historical auction data for this Denver issue appears in the chart below.

The table below shows how collector interest in this coin has developed over recent months.

 

1987-S DCAM Dime Value

San Francisco’s 1987 proof dimes stand apart from their circulation-strike counterparts through their specialized production process.

These coins were sold exclusively as part of proof sets rather than being released for spending, and most display the Deep Cameo contrast that collectors seek. The mirror-like fields create a visual effect against the frosted design elements that makes these pieces especially attractive.

Values for these proofs have changed considerably over time. The auction record was established in May 2003 when a PR70 Deep Cameo example sold for $978, reflecting the collector demand for perfect proof modern coins during that period.

Market conditions have shifted since then, with high-grade examples now more readily available as collectors preserved these coins carefully in their original packaging.

Auction results for this San Francisco proof appear in the chart below.

Transaction patterns for this proof specimen can be found in the following table.

Also Read: 16 Rare Dime Errors List with Pictures (By Year)

 

Rare 1987 Dime Error List

The 1987 Roosevelt dime saw massive production at Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco mints, creating billions of standard circulation coins. Hidden among these common pieces are minting errors that occurred when equipment malfunctioned or procedures went wrong, producing coins with distinct abnormalities that collectors prize today.

1. Die Crack Errors

Die crack errors appear when the metal dies used to strike coins develop fractures from repeated use and extreme pressure. These cracks create raised lines or ridges on the finished coin’s surface, looking like extra metal “veins” running across Roosevelt’s portrait or the reverse design.

The most notable form is called a “cud” — a raised blob of metal along the rim where a chunk of the die actually broke off completely. Smaller die cracks might show as thin lines connecting letters or extending from design elements.

Value depends heavily on visibility and location. Large cuds affecting major design elements can be worth $10-50 or more, while minor hairline cracks might only add a few dollars.

2. Clipped Planchet Errors

Clipped planchet errors occur when the blank metal disc (planchet) is improperly cut from the metal strip at the mint. The result is a coin missing a curved or straight section along its edge.

Curved clips are more common and happen when planchets overlap during the punching process. Straight clips are rarer and result from the cutting die catching the edge of the metal strip. The missing portion can range from barely noticeable to removing 20% or more of the coin.

Size matters significantly for value here. A tiny 5% clip might fetch $5-15, while a substantial 15-20% clip could command $30-75 or higher. The key factors are how much design remains visible and whether both sides show complete partial designs. Straight clips typically bring premium prices over curved clips due to their relative scarcity.

3. Wrong Planchet Errors

Wrong planchet errors are among the most valuable finds — these occur when a dime design gets struck on a blank intended for a different denomination. A 1987 dime struck on a cent planchet or quarter planchet creates an immediately obvious mismatch.

These errors happen when planchets from different denominations accidentally mix in the mint’s feeding mechanisms. The resulting coin shows the complete dime design but has the wrong weight, size, or metal composition.

Values for wrong planchet errors can be substantial, often starting at $100 and potentially reaching $500-2,000+ depending on the combination. The most valuable examples are struck on silver planchets or substantially different sizes.

 

Where to Sell Your 1987 Dime?

Determining what your 1987 dimes are worth is just part of the equation. Finding trustworthy platforms to sell them matters equally. I’ve put together a comprehensive resource covering the top online marketplaces, detailing their features, pros, and cons.

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

 

1987 Dime Market Trend

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

 

FAQ about the 1987 Dime

1. What does “Full Bands” mean on a 1987 dime?

Full Bands refers to the horizontal bands on the torch shown on the reverse. When a coin is struck with sufficient pressure and sharp dies, these bands appear complete and unbroken across the torch. Most 1987 dimes show weak or incomplete bands due to worn dies or insufficient strike pressure.

Full Bands examples are significantly rarer and command higher premiums. A standard 1987-D dime in MS67 might sell for modest amounts, while an MS67 Full Bands specimen can reach $476. Collectors value these coins for their superior technical quality and sharp design details.

2. Why are some 1987 dimes worth more than face value?

Grade and strike quality primarily determine value for 1987 dimes. While circulated examples in Good or Fine condition trade near face value at $0.23-$0.78, values increase with better preservation. Coins preserving original mint luster without wear or surface marks appeal to collectors building high-quality sets.

Full Bands designation significantly increases value, as properly struck examples are scarce. Mint errors like off-center strikes, clipped planchets, and die cracks also command premiums. San Francisco proof coins with Deep Cameo contrast trade around $6.44.

3. Are 1987 dimes rare or common?

The 1987 dime is extremely common in circulation. Philadelphia and Denver mints produced hundreds of millions of pieces for everyday use, making them easy to find in daily transactions and bank rolls. Most examples show wear from handling and remain worth only face value.

True scarcity exists only in top mint state grades with Full Bands, where proper strike quality becomes difficult to locate. San Francisco proofs are less common than circulation strikes but were produced in substantial numbers for collector sets.