1987 Quarter Coin Value: Errors List, “D”, “S” & “P” Mint Mark Worth
1987-P Quarter value ranges from $0.25 face value to $690. That record sale was a Grade 67 example sold through eBay Auctions in May 2018. Upload a photo of yours below and we’ll give you a quick value range based on your coin’s condition. You can also scroll down to check recent eBay sales to see what buyers are paying today.
1987 Quarter Value Checker
Identify 1987 Quarter D, S and P Mint Mark Price
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1987 Quarter Value By Variety
Here’s what 1987 quarters are selling for right now based on mint mark and condition. If you already know your grade, jump to the **Value Guides** section for exact pricing.
| Type | Good(G4-6) | Fine(F12-15) | AU(AU50-58) | MS(MS60-70) | PR(PR60-70) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶1987 P Quarter Value | $0.25 | $0.25 | $0.60 - $0.90 | $1 - $270 | — |
| ▶1987 D Quarter Value | $0.25 | $0.25 | $0.60 - $0.90 | $1 - $310 | — |
| ▶1987 S DCAM Quarter Value | — | — | — | — | $2 - $27 |
Also Read: Top 100 Most Valuable Modern Quarter Worth Money (1932 – Present)
Top 10 Most Valuable 1987 Quarter Value Worth Money
Most Valuable 1987 Quarter Chart
2000 - Present
The coins at the top of this chart are pure condition rarities. Nobody saved them on purpose — they just got lucky and avoided bag marks for 35+ years.
The 1987-P in MS67 brought $689.98 on eBay in 2018. The 1987-D in MS67 hit $675.63 at Heritage Auctions in 2015. Both coins came from mintages over half a billion, yet fewer than a handful survived clean enough to earn that grade. Even the 1987-S proof tops out at $236 in PR70 Deep Cameo — impressive for a proof, but the circulation strikes own the leaderboard here.
History of the 1987 Quarter Value
By 1987, John Flanagan’s Washington quarter design had been running for 55 straight years — unchanged on both sides. That’s a remarkable streak, and it would last another dozen years before the State Quarters program finally retired the heraldic eagle reverse in 1999.
These coins are copper-nickel clad, of course. Silver left the quarter in 1965 when Congress passed the Coinage Act. The melt value of a 1987 quarter today is just $0.0497 — basically a nickel’s worth of metal.
One fun detail: the “P” mint mark only appeared on Philadelphia quarters starting in 1980. So the 1987-P represents just the eighth year of that practice. Before that, Philly coins went unmarked all the way back to 1932.
Also Read: Top 30 Most Valuable State Quarter Worth Money (1999 – 2008)
Is Your 1987 Quarter Value Rare?
1987-P Quarter
1987-D Quarter
1987-S DCAM Quarter
You can easily check the rarity ranking of any coin using our Coin Identifier and Value App for instant assessments.
Key Features of the 1987 Quarter Value: Design, Composition & Specifications
John Flanagan designed both sides of the Washington quarter. His portrait beat out Laura Gardin Fraser’s competing design back in 1932 — though Fraser’s work finally made it onto quarters with the 2022 “American Women” series.
Three mints struck 1987 quarters: Philadelphia (P), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S). San Francisco made proofs only, using specially prepared dies and polished planchets to get that Deep Cameo contrast.
The Obverse of the 1987 Quarter
The obverse shows Washington facing left — the same portrait that ran from 1932 through 2022. “LIBERTY” arches along the top rim, the date sits at the bottom, and “IN GOD WE TRUST” appears to Washington’s left.
Look for the mint mark just to the right of Washington’s hair ribbon, directly behind the ponytail bow. You’ll see a “P,” “D,” or “S” there.
Here’s a bit of backstory: Treasury Secretary Andrew Mellon personally picked Flanagan’s design over Fraser’s, even though a special committee had already recommended Fraser. When Mellon left office, the committee tried again with his successor Ogden Mills. Mills refused to reopen the matter. Flanagan’s portrait stayed.
The Reverse of the 1987 Quarter
Flip it over and you’ll see a bald eagle with spread wings perched on arrows, olive branch below. When this design debuted in 1932, the New York Times actually consulted an ornithologist to confirm it was really a bald eagle.
“UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” runs along the upper rim. “E PLURIBUS UNUM” sits just above the eagle’s head. “QUARTER DOLLAR” appears at the bottom. Nothing changed on this side for over five decades.
Other Features of the 1987 Quarter
The 1987 quarter has a pure copper core sandwiched between layers of 75% copper and 25% nickel. No silver whatsoever — that trips up a lot of new collectors.
Specs: 24.3 millimeters in diameter, 5.67 grams, 1.75 millimeters thick. The official weight tolerance is ±0.227 grams, so a legit uncirculated example can weigh anywhere from 5.44g to 5.90g.
The reeded edge — those tiny grooves running around the rim — dates back to anti-counterfeiting measures designed to prevent “coin clipping,” where people shaved precious metal off smooth-edged coins.
Also Read: Top 20 Most Valuable 1776-1976 Bicentennial Quarter
1987 Quarter Value Mintage & Survival Data
1987 Quarter Mintage & Survival Chart
Survival Distribution
| Type | Mintage | Survival | Survival Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| P | 582,499,481 | 203,874,818 | 35% |
| D | 655,594,696 | 229,458,143 | 35% |
| S DCAM | 4,227,728 | 3,614,707 | 85.5% |
Total 1987 quarter production hit roughly 1.24 billion coins. Denver led with 655,594,696, Philadelphia followed with 582,499,481, and San Francisco made just 4,227,728 proofs.
Here’s the key number: only 35% of P and D coins survive in collectible condition. That means roughly 800 million quarters got beat up, lost, or spent into oblivion. Meanwhile, 85.5% of the San Francisco proofs survive — proof set buyers tend to tuck those away carefully.
So even though the P and D mintages are enormous, finding one in MS67 is like pulling a needle from a haystack. You’d need to crack open original mint rolls and hope for the best.
Also Read: Top 100 Most Valuable Washington Quarter Worth Money (1932 – 1998)
Coin Identifier and Value App
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The Easy Way to Know Your 1987 Quarter Value
Grade is everything here. A worn 1987 quarter is worth two bits. A gem uncirculated one could pay for a nice dinner. Check Washington’s hair curls and the eagle’s breast feathers first — those are the high points that show wear soonest.
For proofs, look for any haze or hairlines in those mirror fields. Errors need professional authentication before you get excited.
Let the Coin Identifier and Value 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
Philadelphia and Denver cranked out circulation strikes by the hundreds of millions. San Francisco focused exclusively on proof coins with that coveted Deep Cameo look — frosty white devices against deeply mirrored fields, creating a dramatic black-and-white contrast.
1987-P Quarter Value
Did you know the 1987-P is only the eighth Philadelphia quarter to carry a mint mark? Before 1980, Philly coins went unmarked — a tradition stretching back to 1932.
With 582,499,481 struck, you’ll find these in pocket change all day long. The challenge starts at MS66 and above. That’s where the population drops off a cliff.
The auction record sits at $689.98 for a PCGS MS67 sold on eBay in 2018. No 1987-P has ever graded higher. If you’ve got one in an original roll that looks absolutely clean, it might be worth a closer look under magnification.
1987-P Quarter Price/Grade Chart
Price by 1-70 Grade (Latest Auction Records Included)
The auction performance data below shows how this variety has performed in the marketplace over time.
| Date | Platform | Price | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 04/23 | SB | $216 | 67 |
| 06/19 | HA | $312 | 67 |
| 06/18 | GO | $480 | 67 |
| 06/18 | GO | $360 | 67 |
| 02/18 | HA | $552 | 67 |
| 01/17 | HA | $646 | 67 |
| 01/17 | HA | $282 | 67 |
| 09/13 | GC | $6 | 65 |
| 10/11 | GC | $36 | 66 |
| 05/09 | DL | $11 | 63 |
Market activity: 1987-P Quarter
Market activity score: 53/100 as of Sep 2026 — up 3 points from Jun 2026. Currently at its 12-month peak.
1987-D Quarter Value
Here’s a common misconception: people assume the highest-mintage coin is always the cheapest. Not at the top. The 1987-D had 655,594,696 struck — the biggest run of the year — yet its MS67 record of $675.63 at Heritage Auctions in 2015 nearly matches the Philly coin.
Look for the “D” just to the right of Washington’s hair ribbon. One single coin exists at MS67+ with an estimated value of $850. That’s a completely different kind of rare — billions made, one survivor at that grade.
1987-D Quarter Price/Grade Chart
Price by 1-70 Grade (Latest Auction Records Included)
The auction performance data below tracks how this Denver-minted variety has fared in competitive bidding environments.
| Date | Platform | Price | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 06/19 | HA | $204 | 67 |
| 04/18 | DL | $500 | 67 |
| 04/18 | HA | $288 | 67 |
| 01/17 | HA | $94 | 67 |
| 06/16 | HA | $494 | 67 |
| 01/15 | HA | $676 | 67 |
| 12/14 | GC | $11 | 66 |
| 09/14 | HA | $66 | 66 |
| 07/14 | GC | $16 | 66 |
| 06/14 | DL | $35 | 66 |
Market activity: 1987-D Quarter
Market activity score: 53/100 as of Sep 2026 — up 3 points from Jun 2026. Currently at its 12-month peak.
1987-S DCAM Quarter Value
Only 4,227,728 made — and every single one went straight into a collector’s proof set. These never saw a cash register.
That 85.5% survival rate tells you everything about how proof buyers treat their coins. Still, perfection is perfection. The top sale for a PR70 Deep Cameo is $236 at auction. I think that’s actually a decent buy compared to what registry set collectors pay for other modern proof quarters in PR70.
DCAM means the frosted devices pop against jet-black mirror fields. If yours looks hazy or shows hairlines, it won’t earn that Deep Cameo designation from PCGS or NGC.
1987-S DCAM Quarter Price/Grade Chart
Price by 1-70 Grade (Latest Auction Records Included)
The auction performance data below illustrates how this proof variety has performed in numismatic sales venues.
| Date | Platform | Price | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 05/20 | DL | $17 | 70 |
| 11/14 | GC | $55 | 70 |
| 09/14 | GC | $12 | 70 |
| 08/14 | GC | $83 | 70 |
| 07/14 | GC | $27 | 70 |
| 02/14 | GC | $10 | 69 |
| 01/14 | GC | $8 | 69 |
| 01/14 | SB | $112 | 70 |
| 12/13 | GC | $36 | 70 |
| 10/12 | GC | $8 | 69 |
Market activity: 1987-S DCAM Quarter
Market activity score: 53/100 as of Sep 2026 — up 3 points from Jun 2026. Currently at its 12-month peak.
Also Read: What Quarters Are Worth Money
Rare 1987 Quarter Value: Complete Error List
Errors happen when something goes wrong at the Mint. A quarter worth 25 cents can jump to hundreds of dollars if the mistake is dramatic enough. Here’s what to look for on 1987 quarters.
1. 1987-P Quarter, Broadstruck
Normally a metal collar holds the planchet in place during striking. If the collar fails, the coin spreads out wider than it should — that’s a broadstrike.
One 1987-P broadstruck quarter graded MS63 by NGC sold for $20 at auction. Without the error, it’s a $2 coin. Easy cherrypick if you spot one in a junk box.
2. 1987-D Quarter, Struck Off-Center
When the planchet isn’t lined up properly with the die, part of the design runs off the edge. You get a blank crescent on one side.
Value depends on how far off-center it is and whether the date still shows. At 5%–10% off-center, expect $20–$30. A 1987-D about 25% off-center, certified MS65 by ANACS, brought $45 at auction. Hit 50% off-center with a full date visible? You’re looking at $150 or more.
3. 1987 Quarter, Doubled Die Reverse (DDR)
A DDR happens when the hub impresses the working die more than once at slightly different angles. Every coin from that die shows the same doubling — making it a true variety, not a random strike issue.
On 1987 quarters, check the reverse lettering under magnification, especially “AMERICA” and the rim area. Variety expert John Wexler catalogs these across the series. Don’t confuse this with machine doubling, which looks flat and shelf-like. True DDR doubling is rounded and consistent across multiple letters.
4. 1987 Quarter, Mated Pair Error
This is wild. Two planchets enter the press simultaneously and get struck together. Each coin bears the impression of the other. It’s one of the rarest error types in U.S. coinage.
A mated pair of 1987 quarters graded AU58 sold for over $400 at auction. If you ever find two quarters that seem to “fit” together with matching impressions, you might have something special.
Coin Identifier and Value App
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5. 1987 Quarter, Wrong Planchet Error
Sometimes a blank meant for a different denomination gets fed into the quarter press. The result is a quarter design on the wrong metal — wrong weight, wrong color, genuinely rare.
These typically sell for $200–$500 or more depending on which planchet was used and the coin’s condition. Get it slabbed by PCGS or NGC before selling — authentication is essential for wrong-planchet claims.
Also Read: 20 Rare Washington Quarter Errors Worth Money (Full List with Pictures)
Where to Sell Your 1987 Quarter Value for Top Dollar
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 Value Market Trend
Market Interest Trend Chart - 1987 Quarter
Market interest: 3,730 collectors tracking this coin as of Sep 2026 — up 900 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 Quarter Value
1. How much is a 1987 quarter worth?
Most circulated examples are worth face value — $0.25. Uncirculated coins grading MS60 and up range from $1 to $30+, and top-grade MS67 pieces have sold for nearly $690.
2. How much is an uncirculated 1987 quarter worth?
At MS60, about $1. At MS65, a 1987-D runs around $7, a 1987-P around $20, and a 1987-S proof around $5. At MS67 for circulation strikes, you’re looking at $670 to $690 based on recent auction results.
3. Is there a 1987 silver quarter?
No. Zero silver content. The Coinage Act of 1965 eliminated silver from quarters, and 1987 coins use the same copper-nickel clad composition that’s been standard ever since. The silver color comes from the nickel in the outer layer.
4. What is the 1987-P quarter’s “P” mint mark significance?
Philadelphia quarters didn’t carry a mint mark until 1980. The 1987-P is only the eighth year with that “P,” which makes it a minor historical marker for series collectors.
5. What is the most valuable 1987 quarter error?
The mated pair — two quarters struck together simultaneously — graded AU58 sold for over $400. Wrong planchet errors can fetch $200–$500+ depending on condition and planchet type.
6. What does DCAM mean on the 1987-S proof quarter?
Deep Cameo. It means the frosted design elements stand out sharply against deeply mirrored fields — the highest contrast level assigned by PCGS and NGC. These command more than standard proof or CAM (Cameo) versions.
7. How can I tell if my 1987 quarter has a doubled die reverse (DDR) error?
Grab a 5x–10x loupe and examine the reverse lettering, especially “AMERICA” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” True doubled dies show rounded, consistent doubling on multiple elements. Machine doubling looks flat and shelf-like — that’s worthless. If you’re unsure, submit it to a grading service or show it to a knowledgeable dealer.
8. What is the melt value of a 1987 quarter?
About $0.0497 — basically a nickel. No silver means no bullion premium. All value above face comes from condition, errors, or collector demand.
9. Does the mint mark affect the 1987 Quarter Value?
In circulated grades, barely at all — they’re all worth a quarter. In mint state, P and D coins track close together, with Philadelphia holding a slight edge at the very top. The S proof follows its own value curve entirely, prized for that Deep Cameo finish rather than competing with circulation strikes on grade alone.
10. Should I get my 1987 quarter professionally graded?
Only if it looks genuinely superb — MS65 or higher — or has a confirmed error. Grading runs $30–$100+ per coin through PCGS or NGC, which makes no sense for a typical circulated example. Screen yours with the Coin Identifier and Value App first before spending money on submission.
