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The Silver Eagle program started in 1986 and continues to this day. The 1987 issue is the second with no changes to metal content, weight, purity, or design. However, interest in the 1987 American Silver Eagle also remains stable thanks to its early-series status, available bullion pieces values and unique series’ features.
Use our coin finder app to view current market prices, see full coin details, and store information in one place. The app helps you to learn more about the issue and the whole series.
History and Background of the 1987 American Silver Eagle
The 1987 issue continued the first successful year. It follows the same standards: .999 fine silver, 1 troy ounce weight, and the original design. Production increased as demand grew from investors and collectors. After strong 1986 sales, the U.S. Mint confirmed the Silver Eagle as a long-term bullion program.
Why 1987 Remains a Popular Year Among Collectors
The 1987 American Eagle Silver Dollar is not rare, but it holds a place in early series collections, as it is easy to find in most grades. The 1987 Walking Liberty silver dollar value also stays stable due to stable demand.
Thus, the main reasons for coin popularity are:
Second year of the series
Affordable compared to key dates
Easy to find in clean grades
Strong interest in early-program coins
The Legacy of The Walking Liberty Design and Its Symbolism
The design carries strong meaning. Liberty walks toward the sunrise with the flag around her shoulders — a clear symbol of progress and freedom. The eagle on the reverse represents strength and protection. The theme remains timeless, so the design still stands as one of the most respected in U.S. coinage.
“… an ever hopeful Lady Liberty striding confidently toward the sunrise, draped in the strength of the Stars and Stripes carrying in her arms branches of laurel and oak to symbolize both civil and military glory”.
— Unnamed article “The American Eagle Silver Coin: History, Design, Prices and Mint Figures”
CoinNews.net
1987 Silver Eagle Design, Specifications, and Composition
The 1987 Silver Eagle continued the format set in 1986. The Mint kept the same metal purity, weight, size, and classic design. All these parameters are common for the whole series.
Metal Content, Weight, and Purity
Feature | Specification |
Metal | .999 fine silver |
Weight | 1 troy oz (31.103 g) |
Diameter | 40.6 mm |
Thickness | 2.98 mm |
Edge | Reeded |
Face Value | $1 USD |
These characteristics make the coin easy to confirm and give collectors confidence when checking authenticity.
Design Details — Walking Liberty and Heraldic Eagle
The same design earlier appeared on the 1916 Half Dollar. The obverse shows Lady Liberty. She walks toward the rising sun with the American flag, holding oak and laurel branches. Main inscriptions include:
LIBERTY at the top
IN GOD WE TRUST and the 1987 date
The reverse shows Mercanti’s heraldic eagle. It holds arrows in one talon and an olive branch in the other, with a shield at center (on its chest). Thirteen stars (the original colonies) are placed above the eagle. Main inscriptions on the rim:
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
1 OZ. FINE SILVER
ONE DOLLAR
Differences Between Bullion and Proof 1987 Silver Eagles
Bullion pieces
These coins are issued for investment purposes. Have regular strike, satin-like finish, and no mint mark. The 1987 silver eagle value in bullion form depends on silver spot trends; the preservation of the coin affects its price less.
When buying bullion pieces, collectors should also consider long-term silver prices to understand potential value changes over time.
Proof versions
These pieces are minted for collectors. Mirror fields, frosted details, and the S mint mark. Each 1987 proof silver eagle originally came in a case with a certificate. These versions reach higher costs, especially in clean graded examples.
1987 Silver Dollar Value and Price Chart
These dollar worth depends on metal spot price, condition, coin grade and packaging. 1987 Liberty silver dollar value is affordable in most grades, but Proof and MS70 examples can reach higher results.
Current Market Values by Condition
Grade / Type | Average Value |
BU (uncertified) | $35–$45 |
MS69 | $60–$120 |
MS70 | $1,200+ |
Proof (raw) | $60–$120 |
Proof PR69 | $80–$150 |
Proof PR70 | $700–$1,500+ |
*Prices are estimates and may vary by market, demand, and silver costs. Always check updated data.
1987 Silver Eagle MS69 and MS70 Pricing Explained
According to minting figures, these dollars are not rare as itself, so 1987 Silver Eagle MS69 value typically stays moderate: begins from $60. These 1987 MS69 Silver Eagle pieces are easy to find, and collectors mostly add them to their portfolio to diversify them.
MS70 examples are scarce. Perfect surfaces and clean fields make these coins harder to find, especially for bullion. Thus, MS70-grade pieces show higher prices and demand for them is also steady.
Collector Demand, Silver Spot Price Impact, and Recent Auctions
In general, demand for 1987 coins remains stable. The price of metal affects bullion (Philadelphia) specimens, but coins in high grades and proofs are growing in value primarily because of numismatic interest. Please refer to the table below to check solid results at auctions, especially for rare MS70 examples.
Coin | Record Price | Grade | Date | Auction House |
1987 $1 | $9,075 | PCGS MS70 | 03/31/2013 | Great Collections |
1987-S $1 | $2,950 | NGC MS70 | 08/07/2022 | eBay |
Auction results show top-grade potential and do not show typical retail costs.
Mint Marks and Identification
The second year of the program used the same mints as 1986: Philadelphia and San Francisco. Philadelphia struck regular bullion for investors. San Francisco handled Proof coins for collectors.
Mintage
Bullion (Philadelphia): ~11,442,335
Proof (San Francisco): ~904,732
Bullion coins from Philadelphia have no mint mark, proof issues from San Francisco carry an S mint mark. Look at the reverse, below the eagle and above the tail feathers. If you see the S, it is the San Francisco Proof. No letter means a standard bullion strike.
Identifying San Francisco Proof issues
Proof strikes are recognized not only by the mint mark. These dollars have:
Mirror-like fields but frosted design elements (known as deep cameo effect)
Sharper strike and cleaner details than bullion pieces
Most Proofs come in original Mint packaging with a certificate.
The S Proof is scarcer and brings higher prices in top grades. Bullion coins trade closer to precious metal value unless they grade high. In general, proof surfaces and limited production are reasons for high costs.
Authenticity and Grading Information
Authenticity of the dollar (be it for investment or collection) always matters. Thus, to identify a genuine 1987 Silver Eagle check three basic characteristics:
Weight: 1 troy ounce
Metal: .999 fine silver
Diameter: 40.6 mm
Sound and magnet tests also help. Real coins have a bright ring when dropped to a sound surface and are non-magnetic. The edge should be clean and reeded, without seams.
Common Counterfeit Indicators and Safe Buying Tips
The same parameters you should check first when when you think your coin is counterfeitю Fake coins often show:
Dull or grainy surfaces
Wrong weight or edge texture
Soft lettering and weak details
To be sure the dollar is real, buy from trusted dealers: auction houses or trusted sellers on marketplaces. Always ask for clear photos and confirmed provenance (maybe even certification). Check values before buying and avoid too-cheap offers. If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Benefits of Professional Certification (NGC, PCGS, ANACS)
Graded coins are always trusted more: slabs verify metal content, authenticity, and condition. They protect the coin and improve its liquidity. High-grade results also boost prices, especially for proofs. Before submitting, check how to certify a coin.
FAQ
How much is a 1987 silver dollar worth today?
Most bullion pieces trade around the silver melt value. The costs of certified MS69 and Proof examples are higher (depending on market factors).
Where is the mint mark on a 1987 silver dollar?
Mint mark “S” have only proof coins on the reverse near the eagle’s tail. Philadelphia examples have no mint mark.
What’s the difference between the 1987 proof and bullion Silver Eagle?
A 1987 silver eagle proof has mirror-like finish, sharper details and is issued primarily for collectors. Bullion coins have a standard finish and are intended for investments.
Is the 1987 Liberty Silver Dollar made of real silver?
Yes. It contains one troy ounce of .999 fine silver.
What is the 1987 Silver Eagle MS69 value?
The MS69 piece usually sells higher than melt value. For approximate costs check the table above. Prices depend on demand and grading population and may change with time.
How many 1987 American Silver Eagles were minted?
About 11.44 million bullion specimens and about 904,732 proof pieces.
What makes 1987 Silver Eagles collectible?
Early series year, steady interest and small amount of certified high-grade pieces and Proof strikes.
The 1987 Silver Eagle stays popular thanks to its early-series status and pure silver content. Proofs and high-grade coins bring higher prices. Standard bullion pieces follow silver value and remain easy to buy.
Remember to try the Coin ID Scanner app to check coin details and track market value for your Eagles or any other pieces before buying and manage your collection easily.
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