Have you ever found a 1987-D quarter in your pocket change and wondered if it’s worth more than 25 cents? These coins, minted in Denver, are part of the Washington quarter series, and while most are common, some rare errors and high-grade examples can be worth a lot. With over 655 million 1987-D quarters made, they’re easy to find, but certain ones stand out to collectors. Let’s dive into what makes some of these quarters valuable and how you can spot them.
What Makes the 1987-D Quarter Special?
The 1987-D quarter is a standard Washington quarter, featuring George Washington’s portrait on the front and an eagle on the back. Designed by John Flanagan, these coins are made of copper (91.67%) and nickel (8.33%), with a weight of 5.67 grams and a diameter of 24.3 mm. The “D” mint mark, found on the front near Washington’s ponytail, shows it was made in Denver. While most circulated 1987-D quarters are worth only their face value, uncirculated or error coins can fetch much more.
Rare Errors That Boost Value
Minting errors can turn an ordinary quarter into a collector’s treasure. Some 1987-D quarters have errors like off-center strikes, where the design is misaligned, or doubled dies, where the image appears slightly doubled. Another error to look for is a broadstrike, where the coin is struck without a collar, making it wider and flatter. These errors are rare but can increase the coin’s value significantly, sometimes fetching $50 to $200 or more, depending on the error’s severity and the coin’s condition.
High-Grade Coins Bring Big Bucks
The condition of a 1987-D quarter greatly affects its value. Coins are graded on the Sheldon Scale from 1 (poor) to 70 (perfect mint state). Most circulated 1987-D quarters are worth 25 cents, but uncirculated ones in mint state (MS) grades can be worth more. Here’s a quick look at their value by grade:
| Grade | Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| MS60 | Uncirculated | $1 |
| MS65 | Gem Uncirculated | $10 |
| MS67 | Near Perfect | $340 |
| Grade | Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| MS67+ | Exceptional | $900 |
| AU50 | About Uncirculated | $0.30-$0.50 |
| Circulated | Worn | $0.25 |
In 2015, a 1987-D quarter graded MS67 sold for $676 at Heritage Auctions, showing how high-grade examples can command big money.
How to Spot a Valuable 1987-D Quarter
To find a valuable 1987-D quarter, check your change or old coin collections. Look for the “D” mint mark and examine the coin for errors like doubling or misalignment. A magnifying glass or coin loupe can help you spot these details. Pay attention to the coin’s condition; shiny, uncirculated coins are more likely to be valuable. If you suspect you have a rare error or high-grade coin, take it to a professional coin dealer or grading service like PCGS for appraisal.
Why Collectors Love These Quarters
Collectors chase 1987-D quarters for their errors and high-grade rarity. Since over 655 million were minted, they’re not rare overall, but perfect or error-filled coins are hard to find. The Washington quarter series, started in 1932, has a rich history, and the 1987-D coins are part of that story. With no silver content, their value comes from condition and errors, not metal. So, next time you find a 1987-D quarter, take a closer look. You might have a hidden gem worth hundreds!
