1987 Quarter Value: What Any Collector Needs to Know

Coins appear in different sizes, colors, and forms, but some of them may seem a bit too trite and even platitudinous. Even apparently ordinary coins, e.g., the 1987 U.S. Quarter, have the potential to be worthy for coin collectors and the like. Yes, there were produced millions of these quarters, but some can be different due to specific characteristics, i.e., condition, mint mark, and uncommon errors as well. 

What about the best way to check coin value in this case? Which factors influence the price of 1987 quarters, and why might these be so special? Let us briefly go over everything a collector should know about the 1987 quarter and check if this option is appropriate for your collection or not. 

Quick Overview of the 1987 Quarter

Once, in 1932 to be more precise, the US Mint released a coin that served (and still serves) as a decent 25-cent indicator to pay special tribute to George Washington, but there appeared new iterations of already-existing units of currency from time to time. 

The version of 1987, though, was almost the same. It still featured the well-known bust of Washington on the obverse and an eagle on its reverse side. These quarters, distinguished by their unique mint marks and struck in a copper-nickel clad composition, were made at the Philadelphia (P) and Denver (D) Mints only.

Although the general perception of 1987 quarter P and D prompted collectors to think that these are not as worthy as other instances at all, enthusiasts manage to find some details fascinating. When assessed by reliable grading services, high-grade instances in nearly almost perfect condition (referred to as "mint state" quarters) can command prices that are much higher than we can expect. Besides, flaws and errors matter, it is a fact to be discovered further.

Current Market Value Comparison 

The 1987 US quarter's current market value represents a stable system mostly determined by the condition of each instance. Nevertheless, one should remember that these were produced in great volumes; hence, they cannot be generally considered rare or overly unique. Let us take a quick look at the following diagram representing the minimal average values of different types of the 1987 quarter. 

Explanation: Apart from the casual quarters that cost as much as their face values indicate, those options in the "about uncirculated" state (AU50-AU58) can fetch a little premium of between $0.30 and $0.50, mostly for collectors who want to finish a set without concentrating on quality specimens. 

On the other hand, values significantly rise for coins in mint-state condition and further, particularly those in grades MS65 and higher. Due to their scarcity in such a perfect form, top-graded instances may sell for $50 or more, while those in grades MS65–MS66 might bring between $15 to $20.

Factors That May Affect the Value

1. Condition and Grade

The condition of a coin, let it be 1987 one or 1968 1 cent coin value, as stated before, has a major impact on its value, just like it does for the majority of precious items on the market. The worth of coins in flawless, uncirculated state (MS65 and above) is generally far higher than that of worn or circulated coins.

2. Unique 1987 Quarter Errors

Unique varieties, such as off-center strikes or doubled dies, or coins with general, non-categorized flaws may sell for higher prices indeed. Since such 1987 D quarter errors and 1987 P quarter errors are typically uncommon, collectors who focus on such unusual options find them particularly appealing and valuable not to mention.

3. Market Demand

Besides, the value might be influenced by the overall level of interest in Washington Quarters and US currency in general. When demand is high, which can be driven by common collecting trends or the appeal of a particular series, values typically increase. This is not always predictable though.

By the way, to identify if your coin is valuable or not, one may refer to any coin-collecting app. On behalf of a group of numismatists, we would like to recommend that you try Coin ID Scanner, an innovative application in the sphere of coin analysis. All you need to do is take a high-quality photo of your coin and let the app thoroughly analyze the content. As soon as the app is ready to present data, follow the prompts and enjoy the most comprehensive details about your collection!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most valuable versions of the 1987 quarter?

Quarters from 1987 that are in perfect mint condition or those that have noticeable flaws, including off-center striking or doubled dies, are considered the most valuable options in the group. The worth of mistake coins or top-grade coins (MS67 and up) can sometimes surpass $100! Remember about it.

How can I tell if my 1987 quarter has an error?

Close examination generally makes errors such as off-center strikes or doubled dies apparent. An off-center strike usually looks noticeably displaced, while a doubled die may display multiple details at the same time. For verification, it is essential to have a professional or grading service look at any possible mistake coin, e.g., on 1987 quarters or on 1963 Lincoln cents.

Does the mint mark affect the value of a 1987 quarter?

Both the Denver (D) and Philadelphia (P) Mints produced the 1987 quarters. High-grade coins from either mint can be worth more, even if neither mint mark significantly affects the value.

Sources: 

1. https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts/coin/1987-p-25c/5922 

2. https://www.ngccoin.com/coin-explorer/united-states/quarters/washington-quarters-1932-1998/15922/1987-p-25c-ms/