1987 Half Dollar Value Checker: Errors List, “P”, “D” & “S” Mint Mark Worth

The 1987 Kennedy half dollar holds a special place in the series — it was one of only two years before 2002 when business strikes were withheld from circulation entirely. That makes the 1987-P and 1987-D two of the scarcest pre-2002 Kennedy halves you can own.

Yet because the U.S. Mint pre-announced the decision and sold coins directly through mint sets, survival rates remain high. Understanding the gap between apparent rarity and actual availability is the key to evaluating these constitutional anniversary coins.

 

1987 Half Dollar Value By Variety

Price variations across grades reveal exactly where serious collectors focus their attention. The jump from face value to hundreds — or even thousands — of dollars in mint state condition shows just how much preservation quality drives the real market for these coins.

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 Kennedy Half Dollar Worth Money (1964 – Present)

 

Top 10 Most Valuable 1987 Half Dollar Worth Money

The 1987 Kennedy half dollar series shows striking valuation differences across grades and mint marks. The standout performer is the 1987-P graded MS68, which sold for an impressive $4,800 at Stack’s Bowers in August 2018 during the ANA Philadelphia auction — the all-time record for this issue.

The 1987-D MS68 follows at $3,055, achieved at Heritage Auctions in October 2015. In sharp contrast, the 1987-S PR70 proof holds an all-time record of just $575, set at Heritage Auctions back in February 2003.

These figures illustrate a critical truth: for the 1987 series, business strikes in pristine condition far outpace proof coins in top grades — a reversal of the typical pattern for most years in the Kennedy half dollar series.

 

History of The 1987 Half Dollar

The 1987 Kennedy half dollar sits at a fascinating crossroads in American numismatic history. It was only the second time since the series began in 1964 that business strikes were withheld from general circulation — the first being the 1970-D, which remains the true key date of the series with a mintage of just 2.15 million.

By 1987, the half dollar had been virtually absent from everyday commerce for nearly a decade. Casinos, once the heaviest users of the denomination, had increasingly switched to fifty-cent chips, and the U.S. Treasury had accumulated enough coins to last two years without new production.

The U.S. Mint made the announcement in advance that 1987 coins would not enter circulation. This allowed collectors to plan and purchase coins directly from the mint at the then-issue price of $7 per mint set.

Both the Philadelphia and Denver mints each struck exactly 2,890,758 pieces — a number deliberately matched. These coins were produced solely for inclusion in the 1987 U.S. Mint Set.

This collector-only decision coincided with America’s celebration of the Constitution’s 200th anniversary in 1987. The irony was not lost on numismatists: coins honoring a landmark democratic document were being removed from democratic commerce.

The 1987-P and 1987-D remain among the scarcest pre-2002 issues in the entire Kennedy half dollar series today. Finding one in a roll of coins is considered a genuine discovery for coin roll hunters.

Also Read: Top 35 Most Valuable Franklin Half Dollar Worth Money (1948 – 1963)

 

Is Your 1987 Half Dollar Rare?

For detailed rarity analysis of your specific 1987 Kennedy half dollar, our Coin Value Checker App can assess individual coin characteristics and conditions.

 

Key Features of The 1987 Half Dollar

Next, we’ll look at the physical attributes of the 1987 Kennedy half. Knowing these features helps with grading and identifying high-value 1987 Half Dollar examples worth collecting.

Here’s what to look out for:

The Obverse Of The 1987 Half Dollar

The “heads” side shows Kennedy’s left-facing portrait. This design was created by Gilroy Roberts, who served as Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint from July 22, 1948, to February 11, 1965.

The word LIBERTY appears above the portrait, and the national motto IN GOD WE TRUST is inscribed horizontally across the portrait’s truncation. The date 1987 is shown at the bottom along the rim, and the mint mark — P, D, or S — appears just below Kennedy’s neck.

Roberts’ initials “GR” are visible on the truncation line of Kennedy’s bust. The obverse design was based directly on Roberts’ earlier work designing President Kennedy’s inaugural medal.

The Reverse Of The 1987 Half Dollar

The “tails” displays the heraldic eagle holding in its beak a flag with the motto E Pluribus Unum — Latin for “Out of Many, One.” A shield is displayed on the eagle’s breast, symbolizing sovereignty and non-aggression.

In its left talon, the eagle holds an olive branch symbolizing peace. In its right talon, it holds arrows representing strength and a readiness to defend the nation.

Rays of sun, crowned by billows of clouds, emerge from behind the eagle. The design was created by Frank Gasparro, whose initials “FG” appear near the eagle’s right leg — a detail worth checking, as coins with missing FG initials can command strong premiums in other Kennedy years.

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA is etched at the top along the rim, and the denomination HALF DOLLAR is inscribed at the bottom.

Other Features Of The 1987 Half Dollar

The half dollar carries a diameter of 30.61 millimeters and weighs 11.30 grams with 150 reeds on its edge. The composition follows the standard copper-nickel clad formula: 75% copper and 25% nickel over a pure copper core.

This is an important distinction for collectors: unlike Kennedy halves from 1964 (90% silver) and 1965–1970 (40% silver), the 1987 coins contain no silver whatsoever. You can verify this by looking at the edge — clad coins show a visible reddish copper stripe between two silvery outer layers.

Also Read: Top 60+ Most Valuable Walking Liberty Half Dollar (1916 -1947)

 

1987 Half Dollar Mintage & Survival Data

Both Philadelphia and Denver facilities struck identical quantities of 2,890,758 pieces each. San Francisco produced significantly more proof coins — 4,227,728 pieces — which, according to CoinWeek, was the highest San Francisco Kennedy proof mintage since 1981 and nearly 25% above any intervening year.

For context, the 1987 proof total was the biggest San Francisco run since the 1976 Bicentennial year, when the mint struck over 7 million clad proofs and 4 million silver-clad proofs combined. This exceptional output reflected strong collector demand during the Constitution’s bicentennial year.

In terms of survival rates, the Philadelphia and Denver issues maintain identical 80% survival rates, with approximately 2.31 million coins from each mint remaining today. The San Francisco proof coins demonstrate superior preservation at 85.5% survival, with about 3.61 million pieces still existing.

One important preservation note: the original 1987 Mint Set used packaging that may contain PVC (polyvinyl chloride). Over time, PVC packaging can release chemicals that cause a green, oily residue on coin surfaces. If you own 1987 mint set coins in their original holders, inspect them carefully and consider transferring them to PVC-free inert storage like Saflips or Air-Tite capsules.

Also Read: What Half Dollars Are Worth Money?

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1987 Half Dollar Value

The key to knowing your 1987 half dollar’s worth lies in its grade — condition makes all the difference. Most examples trade in the MS65–MS66 range at just $7–$10, but high-grade MS67 examples can command $100 or more, and MS68 specimens are genuine condition rarities.

According to PCGS CoinFacts, fewer than five 1987-P coins are known in MS68, and the sole confirmed example fetched $4,800 at auction. MS68 examples of the 1987-D are slightly more common — about six graded by PCGS — but still sell for $2,600 or more.

Get an instant, professional evaluation with the Coin Value Checker App to discover your coin’s precise grade and current market value effortlessly.

 

1987 Half Dollar Value Guides

The 1987 Kennedy half dollar series consists of three distinct varieties, each representing a different minting facility and striking purpose. The Philadelphia and Denver issues were exclusively created for mint sets, marking only the second departure from traditional circulation strikes in the series’ history.

San Francisco focused solely on proof production, creating Deep Cameo (DCAM) specimens with mirror-like fields and frosted devices for collectors. Each variety carries its own characteristics, grading population, and market dynamics.

• 1987-P: Philadelphia mint business strike, “P” mint mark
• 1987-D: Denver mint business strike, “D” mint mark
• 1987-S DCAM: San Francisco proof with Deep Cameo finish, “S” mint mark

 

1987-P Half Dollar Value

The 1987-P represents a pivotal year in Kennedy half dollar history. While the 1986-P was a normal circulation issue with a much higher mintage, the 1987-P was held back entirely — making it one of the scarcest pre-2002 issues in the Kennedy series.

According to PCGS, in MS67 condition only a few hundred examples are known to exist. In MS68 condition, fewer than five specimens have ever been graded — making it a genuine condition rarity.

The all-time auction record was set at the ANA convention in Philadelphia, when a 1987-P graded NGC MS68 sold for $4,800 at Stack’s Bowers on August 22, 2018. At the time of PCGS’s January 2023 update, only one MS68 example was confirmed in their population, listed at $4,150.

Most collectors encounter this coin in the MS65–MS66 range, where it trades for $7–$10. That affordable entry point makes the 1987-P an appealing addition for budget-conscious Kennedy half dollar registry collectors.

The chart shows that lower grades remain relatively stable in value, while top-tier specimens command enormous premiums.

Recent market activity demonstrates growing appreciation for this transitional issue between the circulation and collection-only eras.

 

1987-D Half Dollar Value

The 1987-D Kennedy half dollar presents one of the most interesting opportunities in the entire series for savvy collectors. While it shares the same mint set distribution as its Philadelphia counterpart, Denver coins typically sell for less at auction — even though they often achieve equal or higher grades.

This pricing gap is partially explained by the packaging. Denver’s mint set packaging offered slightly better physical protection, leading to fewer contact marks and superior surface preservation compared to Philadelphia handling practices. As more collectors recognize this quality advantage, the 1987-D is attracting more attention in registry set building.

According to PCGS CoinFacts, about six 1987-D examples have been graded MS68 — slightly more than the 1987-P’s single confirmed example. The auction record for the 1987-D MS68 is $3,055, achieved at Heritage Auctions on October 29, 2015.

As of the January 2023 PCGS update, only five specimens had reached MS67+. Greysheet CPG values for the 1987-D currently range up to $3,150 for the finest known pieces, making condition-rarity the main price driver.

Here are auction records that give a clear picture of this coin’s value across the grade spectrum.

Market activity patterns continue to reveal shifting collector preferences toward this undervalued mint mark within the 1987 series.

 

1987-S DCAM Half Dollar Value

The 1987-S DCAM (Deep Cameo) Kennedy half dollar was struck exclusively as a proof coin at the San Francisco Mint. DCAM, which stands for Deep Cameo, refers to the high contrast between the frosted raised design elements (called “devices”) and the mirror-like background fields — a finish that collectors prize highly.

An important technical distinction sets the 1987-S apart from earlier years. According to research published by CoinWeek, the 1987-S was the first year to use the MMS-007 mintmark style — slightly thicker than the “very tall” MMS-006 design used from the early 1980s through 1986. This mintmark change, used on Kennedy proofs from 1987 to 1990, gives collectors a reliable authentication tool.

As of October 2025, PCGS had graded 1,751 examples in the top PR70DCAM grade. NGC had certified 826 coins at PF70UCAM, while CAC had approved only 10 examples at PR69DCAM — reflecting how stringent CAC’s standards are even for an already high-grade coin.

Despite the large overall mintage of over 4.2 million, the recent market price for a 1987-S PR70DCAM on eBay has been modest — around $19–$26 in early 2025 sales. The all-time record remains $575 for a PCGS PR70, set at Heritage Auctions in February 2003, when fewer PR70 examples had been certified.

Recent auction records demonstrate the stable demand for this proof-exclusive constitutional anniversary issue.

Market activity reveals sustained collector interest in pristine examples of this San Francisco technical milestone coin.

Also Read: Rare Half Dollar Coins to Look For

 

Rare 1987 Half Dollar Error List

Minting errors can significantly boost your 1987 Half Dollar’s value beyond its standard grade. The 1987 series includes several documented error types that collectors actively seek.

Here are the most notable examples, including specific auction records:

1. 1987 Half Dollar Rim Cud Errors

A rim cud error forms when a piece of the die’s rim breaks away and metal fills the gap, creating a raised bump along the coin’s edge. When the damaged die strikes a planchet, that raised bump transfers to the coin, leaving a visible blob at the rim.

Larger, more dramatic cuds are worth more because they are harder to ignore and easier to authenticate. In 2022, a collector on eBay paid $50 for a 1987-D half dollar graded MS65 with a large rim cud error.

For comparison, a 2018-D Kennedy half dollar with a rim cud sold for $128 on eBay in 2020. This shows that visible, well-placed cuds command real premiums regardless of the year.

2. 1987 Half Dollar Misaligned Die Errors

A misaligned die (also called a rotated die) error occurs when one of the two dies is rotated at an angle rather than sitting in its standard upright position. The result is that the design on one side of the coin appears tilted relative to the other side.

The greater the rotation, the more eye-catching and valuable the error tends to be. For example, a 40-degree rotation is worth significantly more than a subtle 10-degree shift.

In 2022, Stack’s Bowers auctioned a 1987-D half dollar graded MS67 with a dramatic 45-degree die rotation for $400. That result shows how a strong strike grade combined with a notable error can push values well above typical mint-state prices.

3. 1987 Half Dollar Doubled Die Errors

A Doubled Die error (abbreviated DDO for obverse, DDR for reverse) occurs during the die manufacturing process, when the hub strikes the die at slightly different angles on successive impressions. The finished die then transfers overlapping, “ghosted” design elements onto every coin it strikes.

True doubled dies are different from the common “machine doubling” that beginners often misidentify — machine doubling produces shelf-like, flat secondary images, while a genuine DDO shows rounded, raised secondary details. Stronger, more visible doubling commands the highest premiums.

In 2020, an eBay collector paid $90 for a 1987-P half dollar graded MS66 with an obverse doubled die error. Always examine LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, and the date carefully under a loupe (a small magnifying glass used to examine coins) for any signs of doubling.

4. 1987 Half Dollar Die Clash Errors

A die clash error happens when the two dies strike each other without a planchet between them. This collision transfers a “ghost” image of each die’s design onto the face of the other die.

The result is that coins struck afterward show faint, mirror-image impressions from the opposite side in areas where they should not appear. On Kennedy halves, you might see traces of the eagle’s wings ghosted onto the obverse near Kennedy’s portrait.

Die clash errors on Kennedy halves generally sell in the $100–$210 range depending on visibility and grade. Well-defined clashes on high-grade specimens like an MS65 or MS66 1987 half dollar can command the upper end of that range.

 

Where To Sell Your 1987 Half Dollar

If you’re looking to sell your 1987 Kennedy half dollar, a few reputable platforms offer great opportunities to connect with buyers. Explore these options to find the best fit for your sale.

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

 

1987 Half Dollar Market Trend

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

 

FAQ About The 1987 Half Dollar

1. Are 1987 half dollars worth anything?

Most 1987 Kennedy half dollars are worth a small premium above face value simply because they were issued only in mint sets and never circulated. Uncirculated examples in lower mint state grades (MS63–MS65) typically sell for $1–$10.

High-grade MS67 specimens are considerably scarcer and can sell for $100 or more. Top-condition MS68 examples are genuine rarities — the 1987-P MS68 holds an all-time record of $4,800, while the 1987-D MS68 record stands at $3,055. Error coins with documented flaws like rim cuds, rotated dies, or doubled dies can add $50–$400 or more depending on the error’s severity.

2. How do I know if my 1987 half dollar is valuable?

Start by identifying the mint mark below Kennedy’s neck on the obverse. A “P” indicates Philadelphia, “D” is Denver, and “S” is San Francisco (proof only).

Next, examine the coin’s surfaces carefully. Look for original mint luster — a cartwheel-like sheen that shifts as you rotate the coin under a light source. Then check for any errors: raised bumps along the rim (rim cud), a tilted reverse design (rotated die), or doubled lettering and imagery. If you suspect you have a high-grade or error coin, professional grading through PCGS or NGC is well worth the investment.

3. What are 1987 half dollars made of?

The 1987 Kennedy half dollar is copper-nickel clad: outer layers of 75% copper and 25% nickel bonded over a pure copper core. This gives the coin its silvery appearance but contains no actual silver.

Silver was eliminated from Kennedy half dollars after 1970 — so any half dollar from 1971 onward, including 1987, is a base-metal coin. You can confirm this by looking at the coin’s edge, where a visible reddish-brown copper stripe appears between the two silvery outer layers.

4. Is the 1987 half dollar a key date in the Kennedy series?

The 1987-P and 1987-D are considered semi-key dates in the Kennedy half dollar series. They share with the 1970-D the distinction of being the only pre-2002 business strikes issued exclusively in mint sets and never released for circulation.

However, they are not as scarce as the 1970-D, which had a mintage of only 2.15 million and is considered the true key date of the series. The 1987 coins had a slightly higher mintage of 2,890,758 per mint, and their pre-announced collector-only status encouraged higher-than-normal mint set sales, keeping overall survival rates strong.

5. Why were 1987 Kennedy half dollars not released for circulation?

By 1987, the half dollar had been virtually absent from everyday commerce for nearly a decade. The U.S. Treasury had accumulated a two-year supply of unused half dollars in its vaults, making further circulation strikes unnecessary.

Casinos — once among the heaviest commercial users of the denomination — had increasingly replaced half dollar coins with fifty-cent chips. The Mint made the decision public in advance, which allowed collectors to plan purchases directly through mint sets. This was only the second time in the series’ history this had happened, the first being 1970.

6. What does DCAM mean on the 1987-S proof half dollar?

DCAM stands for Deep Cameo, a designation used by the grading service PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service). It refers to a proof coin with a strong, dramatic contrast between the frosted, white raised design elements and the deeply mirror-like background fields.

The equivalent designation at NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company) is Ultra Cameo, or UCAM. The DCAM or UCAM designation adds significant value to proof coins — even though PR70DCAM is the top grade, the 1987-S is so widely certified that recent sales prices for PR70DCAM examples have been modest, around $19–$26 on eBay as of early 2025. The all-time record for a 1987-S PR70 is $575, set at Heritage Auctions in February 2003.

7. How do the 1987-P and 1987-D differ in value?

At most grade levels, the 1987-P and 1987-D trade at similar prices in the $7–$10 range for MS65–MS66 examples. However, the 1987-P holds a clear advantage at the very top of the population: its single confirmed MS68 example sold for $4,800, while the 1987-D’s six MS68 examples have sold for up to $3,055.

Interestingly, some collectors argue that Denver coins may offer better value because the Denver mint set packaging historically provided slightly better physical protection, leading to superior surface quality at equivalent grades. As more collectors recognize this, Denver examples are gaining favor among registry set builders seeking to maximize quality per dollar spent.

8. What is special about the mintmark on the 1987-S proof?

The 1987-S Kennedy half dollar was the first to use the MMS-007 mintmark style, which is slightly thicker than the “very tall” MMS-006 mintmark that had been standard from the early 1980s through 1986. The new MMS-007 style was used on Kennedy proof halves from 1987 through 1990.

This mintmark change is a useful authentication and variety-identification tool for collectors. If you examine the “S” under magnification on a 1987-S and compare it to a 1986-S, the subtle difference in thickness is visible. While there are no major listed varieties in the Cherrypickers’ Guide for this issue, the MMS-007 transition is a noteworthy technical detail that separates the 1987 from earlier years.

9. How do I protect my 1987 mint set coins from damage?

The original packaging used in 1987 U.S. Mint Sets may contain PVC (polyvinyl chloride), a soft plastic that releases harmful chemicals over time. These chemicals can create a green, oily residue — often called “PVC damage” — on coin surfaces, permanently affecting value and appearance.

If you own a 1987 mint set in its original soft plastic packaging, inspect the coins immediately under good lighting for any green or cloudy spots. Remove any affected coins carefully and store them in PVC-free inert holders such as Saflips, Air-Tite capsules, or hard plastic flips. For high-value examples, professional encapsulation by PCGS or NGC provides the best long-term protection.

10. How many high-grade 1987 half dollars exist, according to PCGS?

Population data from PCGS paints a clear picture of just how scarce true top-grade examples are. As of January 2023, only one 1987-P had been certified in MS68 — the absolute finest known — while just three examples reached MS67+. The 1987-D fares slightly better with six MS68 examples and five in MS67+.

For the 1987-S proof, the population is much larger due to the high mintage and collector-focused production. As of October 2025, PCGS had certified 1,751 examples at PR70DCAM and NGC had graded 826 at PF70UCAM. However, even these seemingly large PR70 populations are small relative to the over 4.2 million coins struck — meaning the overwhelming majority of 1987-S proofs grade below PR70.