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

Investment perspectives on 1987 Washington Quarters require careful consideration of realistic expectations. Most examples trade near their $0.25 face value in typical grades, reflecting their common status.

However, grade-sensitive pricing becomes apparent in mint state conditions, where Philadelphia examples reach $12.17 compared to $6.67 for Denver quarters. The DCAM proof variety, valued at $6.00, appeals to collectors seeking specialized finishes.

These price differentials illustrate how condition and variety preferences influence values within this widely available series from the late 1980s.

 

1987 Quarter Value By Variety

The table below shows current market values for 1987 quarters based on their mint mark and condition grade. 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 Modern Quarter Worth Money (1932 – Present)

 

Top 10 Most Valuable 1987 Quarter Worth Money

The most valuable 1987 quarters command impressive premiums when found in exceptional condition, with top-graded examples reaching significant values in the collector market.

High-grade circulation strikes dominate the upper tier, particularly the 1987-D and 1987-P quarters in MS67 condition, which have achieved notable auction results.

Interestingly, even proof coins with their lower mintages don’t necessarily command the highest values, as condition and grade prove to be the primary value drivers for this series.

The data reveals that grade makes all the difference when it comes to 1987 quarter values. While common grades trade near face value, specimens grading MS66 and above enter premium territory, with perfect or near-perfect examples leading the value charts across all three mint varieties.

 

History of the 1987 Quarter

The quarters struck in 1987 are part of the series known as Washington quarters. The first of those were produced in 1932. And they get their nickname from the portrait of President George Washington which appears on the obverse.

The first Washington quarters were made mostly of silver. But as time went by, silver prices rose – and coin production costs rose with them.

The increasing silver value also meant that people started to see the coins as an investment. Soon, it was hoped, their silver content might be worth more than their 25-cent face value.

Coins that were expensive to produce and then weren’t circulating were a headache for the Treasury. So in 1965, it was decided to continue striking coins dated the previous year. This, it was hoped, would discourage people from hoarding them.

But it didn’t work, and later that year, it was decided to get rid of silver from quarters altogether. The same approach would be taken with dimes, which were facing the same problems.

The new coins still appeared silver in color, but their core was made of copper. The hue was a result of the cladding – an alloy of copper and nickel.

The new composition was considerably harder than silver, however. And that presented problems in getting a clean strike for the coins. The Mint responded by lowering the relief of the design for the quarter.

Wherever your 1987 quarter was struck, it will have a mint mark – “P” for Philadelphia, “D” for Denver, and “S” for San Francisco. But that wasn’t the case with the earliest Washington quarters.

Also Read: Top 30 Most Valuable State Quarter Worth Money (1999 – 2008)

 

Is Your 1987 Quarter Rare?

You can easily check the rarity ranking of any coin using our CoinValueChecker App for instant assessments.

 

Key Features of the 1987 Quarter

John Flanagan was an engraver responsible for the Washington quarter design. The 1987 quarters were minted at three facilities: Philadelphia (P), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S). The San Francisco mint produced only proof coins with the distinctive DCAM (Deep Cameo) finish for collectors.

The Obverse of the 1987 Quarter

Anyone familiar with US coinage will recognise the portrait of George Washington on the obverse – or “heads” side – of the 1987 quarter. It’s the work of the artist John Flanagan, and it was appearing on quarters right up until 2022.

It wasn’t, however, the first choice for a coin to commemorate Washington. That had been a portrait by Laura Gardin Fraser – the portrait that appears on the modern “American Women” series of quarters. So what happened?

Well, the idea for a coin honoring Washington first arose in relation to the bicentenary of American independence from Britain. A Bicentenary Committee had been set up to oversee the celebrations. It was they who suggested that a Washington coin – a half dollar – should be produced for that year.

The committee went ahead with their plans and selected the portrait by Fraser for the obverse. But it was then decided that the Washington coin should instead be a permanent addition to the nation’s coinage. And rather than a half dollar, it should be a quarter.

As a permanent coin, the decision on the design now fell to the Treasury. The committee wrote to the Treasury Secretary, Andrew W. Mellon, recommending Fraser’s portrait. But he preferred the image by Flanagan.

Mellon left his post before the coins were struck, and the committee appealed to his successor, Ogden Mills. But Mills refused to reopen the matter.

The 1987 quarter has Flanagan’s portrait of Washington at its center. Above it is the word “LIBERTY”, which arches to follow the upper coin edge. The date appears at the bottom, parallel to the lower edge.

To the left of Washington is the familiar motto “IN GOD WE TRUST”, while the mint mark appears to his right.

The Reverse of the 1987 Quarter

While the obverse of the Washington quarter remained the same from 1932 until 2022, the reverse underwent regular changes.

Most of those, however, have been relatively recent. And in 1987, the quarter was still being struck with the same design that had graced the denomination for more than five decades.

Like the obverse, it was the work of John Flanagan. It showed an eagle with outstretched wings perched on a bundle of arrows, with an olive branch below.

The design provoked much public interest and speculation on its launch. The question of the eagle’s species was hotly debated, and the New York Times contacted an ornithologist for a definitive view. They concluded that it was a bald eagle, traditionally associated with the USA.

The bird takes up most of the surface area of the coin. The country name is inscribed parallel to the outer edge. And the Latin motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” is in smaller lettering below it, and just above the eagle’s head.

The words mean “From the many, one”, and they refer to the creation of the USA as a union of states.

At the bottom of the coin is the denomination, written in full as “QUARTER DOLLAR”.

Other Features of the 1987 Quarter

The quarters struck in 1987 have a core made from pure copper. This is clad in an alloy of copper and nickel to give them their silver color.

And despite the silver tone coming from the nickel, there’s more copper than nickel in the cladding. The proportions are three quarters copper and a quarter nickel.

The coins measure 24.3 millimeters across and weigh 5.67 grams. And they have what’s known as a “reeded edge”.

Turn one on its side, and you’ll see a series of grooves running perpendicular to the coin faces. These are the reeds, and they’re formed by the collar which holds the planchet in place as it’s struck.

They were originally designed as an anti-fraud measure. In days when coins were made of precious metal, the practice of “coin clipping” – shaving metal from the edge – was commonplace. The reeded edge meant anyone could tell immediately if a coin had been clipped.

Also Read: Top 20 Most Valuable 1776-1976 Bicentennial Quarter

 

1987 Quarter Mintage & Survival Data

The 1987 quarter mintage data reveals significant production differences across the three mints. Denver led production with over 655 million coins, followed closely by Philadelphia with approximately 582 million pieces. San Francisco produced only 4.2 million proof coins with the DCAM finish, making them the scarcest variety by far.

Survival rates tell an interesting story about collector behavior and coin preservation. Both Philadelphia and Denver quarters show identical 35% survival rates, indicating that roughly two-thirds of these coins have been lost to circulation wear or removal from the collecting market.

In contrast, the San Francisco DCAM proofs boast an impressive 85.5% survival rate, reflecting their careful preservation by collectors who recognized their special status.

Also Read: Top 100 Most Valuable Washington Quarter Worth Money (1932 – 1998)

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1987 Quarter Value

Grade determines everything for 1987 quarters, as most worn examples hold only face value while gem uncirculated pieces command notable premiums. Scrutinize the coin for contact marks, color consistency, and strike sharpness across all design elements.

Proof versions from San Francisco display mirror finishes and deserve special attention. Die varieties and striking errors exist but require careful examination to authenticate. Collector demand centers on coins maintaining full original luster without environmental damage or handling wear.

Let the CoinValueChecker App analyze your quarter’s attributes and provide an accurate grade with real-time market valuation instantly.

 

1987 Quarter Value Guides

The 1987 quarter was produced in three distinct varieties, each with different characteristics and values:

• 1987-P Quarter – Philadelphia mint production
• 1987-D Quarter – Denver mint production
• 1987-S DCAM Quarter – San Francisco proof with Deep Cameo finish

The 1987 quarter was produced at three different U.S. Mint facilities, each creating distinct varieties for collectors.

While the Philadelphia and Denver mints focused on circulation strikes with massive production numbers, San Francisco specialized in creating high-quality proof coins featuring the coveted Deep Cameo contrast that makes details pop against frosted backgrounds.

 

1987-P Quarter Value

The 1987-P Quarter holds special significance as one of the early Philadelphia quarters to feature the “P” mint mark on the obverse, marking a departure from the mint’s long-standing tradition of producing unmarked coins.

This Philadelphia variety represents a transitional period in U.S. coinage when the mint began consistently marking its quarters to distinguish them from other facilities.

Despite its massive production run, the coin’s historical importance and the presence of the “P” mint mark make it particularly interesting to collectors who appreciate this marking milestone in Washington Quarter history.

The auction performance data below shows how this variety has performed in the marketplace over time.

Current market activity levels demonstrate ongoing collector interest in premium examples of this Philadelphia-minted quarter.

 

1987-D Quarter Value

The 1987-D Quarter stands out as the highest mintage variety of the year, with the Denver Mint producing over 655 million coins for circulation. This variety is easily identified by the distinctive “D” mint mark positioned behind Washington’s neck.

While the massive production numbers make circulated examples readily available, the coin’s popularity among collectors stems from its slightly better ranking within the Washington Quarter series compared to its Philadelphia counterpart.

High-grade specimens showcase the Denver Mint’s quality craftsmanship, with sharp strikes and well-defined details that appeal to discerning numismatists.

The auction performance data below tracks how this Denver-minted variety has fared in competitive bidding environments.

Current market activity reflects the collecting community’s engagement with premium examples of this prolific issue.

 

1987-S DCAM Quarter Value

The 1987-S DCAM Quarter represents the premium offering from the San Francisco Mint, featuring the coveted Deep Cameo finish that creates stunning visual contrast.

With only 4.2 million coins produced exclusively for proof sets, this variety showcases frosted devices against deeply mirrored fields, resulting in exceptional eye appeal.

The “S” mint mark and Deep Cameo characteristics make this the lowest mintage 1987 quarter variety, highly valued by collectors for its superior craftsmanship.

Unlike its circulation-strike counterparts, these proof coins were carefully handled and preserved, explaining their impressive 85.5% survival rate among collectors who recognized their special nature.

The auction performance data below illustrates how this proof variety has performed in numismatic sales venues.

Current market activity demonstrates the collecting community’s appreciation for this distinctive San Francisco-minted specimen.

Also Read: What Quarters Are Worth Money

 

Rare 1987 Quarter Error List

There is probably no coin set without at least one piece with an error. These coins with errors often have significantly more value than regular ones.

1. 1987 P Quarter, Broadstruck

A planchet should be held in place firmly by a collar as it’s struck. But if that doesn’t happen, the metal can spread out beyond its proper boundary. Coins with this kind of Mint errors are known as “broadstruck”.

One of the quarters struck in Philadelphia in 1987 had this problem. The quarter was graded MS63 by the NGC, and without the error it would have been worth only a couple of dollars. With it, however, it sold for $20 at auction.

2. 1987 D Quarter, Struck Off-Center

Occasionally, the die and planchet aren’t properly aligned for the strike. When that happens, the coin is struck off-center, meaning the design will disappear off the edge. There’ll also be a blank area where the planchet wasn’t struck at all.

The value of off-center strikes tends to increase the more dramatic they are.

One quarter struck in 1987 in Denver had this type of error. It was struck about 25 per cent off-center, and had been certified by the coin graders ANACS at MS65. It sold at auction for $45.

Also Read: 20 Rare Washington Quarter Errors Worth Money (Full List with Pictures)

 

Where to Sell Your 1987 Quarter?

Now that you know the value of your 1987 quarters, do you know the best places to sell them for top dollar? Don’t worry, I’ve put together a comprehensive guide covering the most reliable platforms, along with their features, advantages, and potential drawbacks.

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

 

1987 Quarter Market Trend

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

 

FAQ about the 1987 Quarter

1. How much is a quarter worth from 1987?

That depends on its condition, its mint mark, and on whether it has an interesting error.

In circulated condition, coins with a “P” or “D” mint mark will usually be worth only their face value.

But with Mint errors, they can be worth much more. A mated pair of 1987 quarters – two coins that entered the machine together and were struck at the same time – graded AU58 sold at auction for over $400.

Coins with an “S” mint mark range in value from a few dollars up to around $70 for a flawless example.

2. How much is an uncirculated 1987 quarter worth?

At lower mint state grades, values are similar for 1987 quarters with any mint mark.

At MS60, a Denver or Philly quarter is worth around a dollar. You might get a couple of dollars more for a PR60 San Francisco proof quarter.

At MS65, a 1987-D quarter is worth around $7. A 1987-S proof graded PR65 is worth a little less, around $5. And a 1987-P quarter is worth more, around $20.

There’s much wider variation for the best-in-class coins.

For a 1987-S proof, a perfect PR70 coin is worth only around $34. For the 1987-P, the top grade found to date is MS67, and a coin at that level is valued at $425. For the 1987-D, the top grade is MS67+. A single coin has been certified at that level, and it’s valued at $850.