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

1987 Half Dollar value ranges from $0.50 face value to $4,800. That record was set by a Grade 68 example sold through Stack’s Bowers in August 2018. Upload a photo of yours below and you’ll get a quick value range based on your coin’s condition. Scroll down too to check recent eBay sales and see what collectors are paying right now.

 

1987 Half Dollar Value By Variety

Condition is everything with these coins. The jump from face value to thousands of dollars in mint state shows just how much a pristine surface matters.

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 king of the 1987 series is a 1987-P graded MS68 that hammered for $4,800 at Stack’s Bowers during the ANA Philadelphia auction in August 2018. That’s the all-time record for any 1987 Kennedy half.

The 1987-D MS68 trails at $3,055, sold at Heritage Auctions in October 2015. Meanwhile, the best 1987-S proof — a PR70 — topped out at just $575 at Heritage Auctions back in February 2003. I think the most surprising thing here is how business strikes in top condition absolutely crush proof coins in value. That’s the opposite of what you’d expect for most Kennedy years.

 

History of The 1987 Half Dollar

In 1987, the Mint pulled Kennedy half dollars out of circulation for only the second time since the series launched in 1964. The first time was the 1970-D — still the true key date with just 2.15 million struck.

By this point, half dollars had been ghosts in everyday commerce for nearly a decade. Casinos had switched to fifty-cent chips. The U.S. Treasury was sitting on a two-year stockpile of unused halves. New production just wasn’t needed.

The Mint announced the decision ahead of time, so collectors could buy directly at the $7 mint set price. Both Philadelphia and Denver struck exactly 2,890,758 pieces each — deliberately matched — produced solely for inclusion in the 1987 U.S. Mint Set.

Here’s a fun detail: this happened during the Constitution’s 200th anniversary. Coins honoring a landmark democratic document were being removed from democratic commerce. Numismatists noticed the irony.

Today, the 1987-P and 1987-D remain among the scarcest pre-2002 Kennedy issues. If you’re a coin roll hunter and find one, that’s a genuine discovery.

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

 

Is Your 1987 Half Dollar Rare?

Here’s what catches people off guard: the San Francisco proof had the highest mintage of the three — over 4.2 million — yet the business strikes are the ones worth real money in top grades. Only one 1987-P has ever graded MS68 at PCGS. Six 1987-D coins have hit that mark. But thousands of 1987-S proofs sit at PR70. Scarcity at the top of the grading scale is what drives value, not raw mintage numbers.

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

 

Key Features of The 1987 Half Dollar

Knowing what to look for on the coin itself helps with grading and spotting high-value pieces. Here’s what to look out for:

The Obverse Of The 1987 Half Dollar

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

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

Look for Roberts’ initials “GR” on the truncation line. The design came directly from his earlier work on President Kennedy’s inaugural medal.

The Reverse Of The 1987 Half Dollar

Flip it over and you’ll see the heraldic eagle holding a banner in its beak with E Pluribus Unum — “Out of Many, One.” A shield on the eagle’s breast represents sovereignty.

The left talon holds an olive branch for peace. The right talon grips arrows for defense. Sun rays and clouds emerge behind the eagle.

Frank Gasparro designed the reverse. Look near the eagle’s right leg for his initials “FG” — worth checking, because coins with missing FG initials can command strong premiums in other Kennedy years.

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA runs along the top rim. HALF DOLLAR is inscribed at the bottom.

Other Features Of The 1987 Half Dollar

The coin measures 30.61 millimeters across, weighs 11.30 grams, and has 150 reeds on its edge. It’s standard copper-nickel clad: 75% copper and 25% nickel over a pure copper core.

Unlike the 1964 halves (90% silver) or the 1965–1970 issues (40% silver), the 1987 contains zero silver. Check the edge — you’ll see a reddish copper stripe sandwiched between two silvery outer layers. That’s your instant clad confirmation.

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

 

1987 Half Dollar Mintage & Survival Data

Philadelphia and Denver each struck exactly 2,890,758 pieces. San Francisco blew past both with 4,227,728 proofs — according to CoinWeek, that was the highest San Francisco Kennedy proof mintage since 1981 and nearly 25% above any year in between.

To put the proof total in perspective, it 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. Constitution bicentennial excitement clearly drove demand.

Both Philly and Denver issues show identical 80% survival rates — roughly 2.31 million coins from each mint still exist. The San Francisco proofs survived even better at 85.5%, with about 3.61 million pieces remaining. That makes sense — proof buyers tend to be careful with their coins.

One heads-up: the original 1987 Mint Set packaging may contain PVC. Over time, PVC releases chemicals that leave a green, oily residue on coin surfaces. If you still have coins in those original holders, inspect them and consider moving them to PVC-free 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

Grade is everything. Most 1987 halves trade in the MS65–MS66 range at $7–$10. Jump to MS67 and you’re looking at $100 or more. MS68? That’s a completely different kind of rare.

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

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

 

1987 Half Dollar Value Guides

Three varieties exist for 1987, each from a different mint with a different purpose.

• 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

Did you know only one 1987-P has ever been graded MS68 by PCGS? That single coin sold for $4,800 at Stack’s Bowers during the ANA convention in Philadelphia on August 22, 2018. As of PCGS’s January 2023 update, that lone MS68 was listed at $4,150.

While the 1986-P was a normal circulation issue with a much higher mintage, the 1987-P was held back entirely. That makes it one of the scarcest pre-2002 Kennedy issues. In MS67, only a few hundred examples are known according to PCGS. Just three coins have reached MS67+.

Most collectors pick these up in the MS65–MS66 range for $7–$10. That affordable entry point makes the 1987-P a smart grab for budget-conscious Kennedy 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.

Market activity score: 53/100 as of Oct 2026 — up 3 points from Jul 2026. Currently at its 12-month peak.

 

1987-D Half Dollar Value

Here’s a cherrypicking tip: Denver coins often grade equal to or higher than their Philly counterparts — yet they sell for less at auction. That’s a pricing gap worth exploiting.

Why the quality edge? Denver’s mint set packaging offered slightly better physical protection, resulting in fewer bag marks and superior surfaces compared to Philadelphia handling. As more registry set builders catch on, the 1987-D is getting more attention.

About six 1987-D examples have been graded MS68 by PCGS — more than the 1987-P’s single confirmed piece. 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 currently range up to $3,150 for the finest known pieces.

We think the 1987-D is genuinely undervalued relative to the P-mint at the top end.

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

Collector preferences are shifting toward this undervalued mint mark. Watch for continued price movement.

Market activity score: 53/100 as of Oct 2026 — up 3 points from Jul 2026. Currently at its 12-month peak.

 

1987-S DCAM Half Dollar Value

A common misconception: people assume the 1987-S proof must be the most valuable of the three. It’s not even close. With over 4.2 million struck, supply overwhelms demand at every grade level.

DCAM stands for Deep Cameo — that high contrast between frosted devices and mirror-like fields that makes proofs look so sharp. The 1987-S was struck exclusively as a proof at San Francisco.

One detail worth knowing: according to CoinWeek research, the 1987-S was the first year to use the MMS-007 mintmark style — slightly thicker than the MMS-006 used from the early 1980s through 1986. This style ran on Kennedy proofs from 1987 to 1990. Compare a 1987-S to a 1986-S under magnification and you’ll spot the difference. It’s a handy authentication tool.

As of October 2025, PCGS had graded 1,751 examples at PR70DCAM. NGC had certified 826 at PF70UCAM. CAC had approved only 10 examples at PR69DCAM — showing just how tough CAC’s standards are. Recent eBay prices for PR70DCAM have been modest: $19–$26 in early 2025. The all-time record remains $575 for a PCGS PR70, set at Heritage Auctions in February 2003.

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

Collector interest in pristine 1987-S examples remains steady, especially among proof specialists.

Market activity score: 53/100 as of Oct 2026 — up 3 points from Jul 2026. Currently at its 12-month peak.

Also Read: Rare Half Dollar Coins to Look For

 

Rare 1987 Half Dollar Error List

Errors can push your 1987 half dollar well beyond its standard value. Here are the documented error types collectors actively hunt, with specific auction results:

1. 1987 Half Dollar Rim Cud Errors

A rim cud forms when a chunk of the die’s rim breaks away. Metal fills the gap during striking, leaving a raised blob along the coin’s edge. Bigger cuds are worth more — they’re easier to spot and harder to fake.

In 2022, a 1987-D half dollar graded MS65 with a large rim cud sold for $50 on eBay. For comparison, a 2018-D Kennedy half with a rim cud brought $128 on eBay in 2020. Visible, well-placed cuds command real premiums regardless of year.

2. 1987 Half Dollar Misaligned Die Errors

A misaligned die (or rotated die) error means one die was turned at an angle during striking. The design on one side appears tilted relative to the other. More rotation equals more value — a 40-degree shift is worth far more than a subtle 10-degree tilt.

In 2022, Stack’s Bowers auctioned a 1987-D half dollar graded MS67 with a dramatic 45-degree die rotation for $400. That shows what happens when a strong grade meets a notable error.

3. 1987 Half Dollar Doubled Die Errors

Doubled die errors (DDO for obverse, DDR for reverse) happen during die manufacturing when the hub strikes the die at slightly different angles on successive impressions. Every coin from that die shows overlapping, “ghosted” design elements.

Don’t confuse this with machine doubling. Machine doubling produces flat, shelf-like secondary images. A genuine DDO shows rounded, raised secondary details. In 2020, a 1987-P half dollar graded MS66 with an obverse doubled die sold for $90 on eBay. Grab a loupe and check LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, and the date carefully.

4. 1987 Half Dollar Die Clash Errors

Die clashes happen when the two dies smack together without a planchet between them. Each die picks up a ghost image of the other’s design. On Kennedy halves, you might see faint traces of the eagle’s wings on the obverse near Kennedy’s portrait.

Die clash errors on Kennedy halves generally sell in the $100–$210 range depending on how visible the clash is and the coin’s grade. A well-defined clash on an MS65 or MS66 1987 half dollar can hit 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 interest: 2,660 collectors tracking this coin as of Oct 2026 — up 1,000 from Mar 2026. Currently at its 12-month peak.

*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?

Yes, but grade matters enormously. Most trade for $1–$10 in the MS63–MS65 range since they were only issued in mint sets and never circulated.

MS67 specimens can sell for $100 or more. At the top, the 1987-P MS68 holds an all-time record of $4,800, and the 1987-D MS68 record stands at $3,055. Error coins with rim cuds, rotated dies, or doubled dies can add $50–$400 or more depending on severity.

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

Start by checking the mint mark below Kennedy’s neck. “P” is Philadelphia, “D” is Denver, “S” is San Francisco (proof only).

Next, look at the surfaces. You want original mint luster — that cartwheel-like sheen that shifts as you tilt the coin under light. Then hunt for errors: raised bumps along the rim (rim cud), a tilted reverse (rotated die), or doubled lettering. If you think you’ve got a high-grade or error coin, professional grading through PCGS or NGC is worth the investment.

3. What are 1987 half dollars made of?

Copper-nickel clad: outer layers of 75% copper and 25% nickel bonded over a pure copper core. No silver whatsoever. Silver was eliminated from Kennedy halves after 1970. Check the edge — you’ll see a reddish-brown copper stripe between the silvery outer layers.

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

Semi-key, not full key. The 1987-P and 1987-D share with the 1970-D the distinction of being the only pre-2002 business strikes issued exclusively in mint sets. But the 1970-D had a mintage of only 2.15 million — that’s the true key date. The 1987 coins came in at 2,890,758 per mint, and the pre-announced collector-only status boosted mint set sales, keeping survival rates healthy.

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

Nobody was using them. The half dollar had been absent from everyday commerce for nearly a decade. The Treasury had a two-year supply sitting in vaults. Casinos had switched to fifty-cent chips. The Mint announced the decision early so collectors could buy mint sets directly. It was only the second time this happened in the series — the first being 1970.

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

DCAM stands for Deep Cameo, a PCGS designation for proof coins with strong contrast between frosted devices and mirror-like fields. NGC calls the same thing Ultra Cameo (UCAM).

Despite PR70DCAM being the top grade, the 1987-S is so widely certified that recent sales have been modest — $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 MS65–MS66, they trade at similar prices: $7–$10. The gap opens at the top. The 1987-P’s single confirmed MS68 sold for $4,800. The 1987-D’s six MS68 examples have sold for up to $3,055.

Here’s the interesting part: Denver’s mint set packaging historically offered better physical protection, leading to superior surfaces at equivalent grades. Some registry set builders are catching on and targeting Denver coins to maximize quality per dollar spent.

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

The 1987-S was the first Kennedy proof to use the MMS-007 mintmark style — slightly thicker than the MMS-006 used from the early 1980s through 1986. This style ran from 1987 through 1990.

Compare a 1987-S to a 1986-S under magnification and you’ll see the difference in thickness. While there are no major listed varieties in the Cherrypickers’ Guide for this issue, the MMS-007 transition is a useful authentication detail.

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

The original 1987 Mint Set packaging may contain PVC, which releases chemicals over time that create green, oily residue on coin surfaces. That damage is permanent.

Inspect your coins under good lighting for any green or cloudy spots. Move them to PVC-free holders — Saflips, Air-Tite capsules, or hard plastic flips. For high-value pieces, professional encapsulation by PCGS or NGC gives the best long-term protection.

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

The numbers tell the story. As of January 2023, only one 1987-P had been certified MS68 — the absolute finest known — with just three at MS67+. The 1987-D fares slightly better: six at MS68, five at MS67+.

The proof side is a different world. As of October 2025, PCGS had certified 1,751 examples at PR70DCAM and NGC had graded 826 at PF70UCAM. Sounds like a lot, but relative to over 4.2 million coins struck, the vast majority of 1987-S proofs grade below PR70.