1987-D Washington Quarter Value What It’s Worth and Why It Matters
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The 1987-D Washington Quarter is worth between $0.25 and $12 in typical circulated condition, but well-preserved examples can fetch $20 or more from collectors. If you’ve found one of these coins in a jar, drawer, or pocket change, you’re in the right place to find out exactly what you’re holding.
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How Much Is the 1987-D Washington Quarter Worth?
Before diving deep, let’s cover the basics. The 1987-D Washington Quarter was struck at the Denver Mint and is part of the long-running Washington Quarter series that began in 1932. It’s a common coin, but condition is everything when it comes to value.
Most examples pulled from circulation are worth exactly face value — 25 cents. However, coins that were saved early and never saw heavy use can be worth a meaningful premium to collectors and dealers.
If you’re not sure how to grade your coin at home, a coin identifier and value app can help you snap a photo and get an instant estimate — no coin expertise required. Tools like CoinKnow are especially popular for beginners who want a quick, reliable answer without visiting a coin shop.
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1987-D Washington Quarter Value by Grade
Coin values depend heavily on grade — a standardized scale from 1 (Poor) to 70 (Perfect Mint State). Here’s a simple breakdown of what the 1987-D quarter is typically worth at different grades:
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| Grade | Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| G-4 (Good) | Heavy wear, outlines visible | $0.25 – $0.50 |
| VF-20 (Very Fine) | Moderate wear, details clear | $0.50 – $1.00 |
| MS-63 (Mint State) | Uncirculated, some marks | $5 – $10 |
| MS-65 (Gem Uncirculated) | Strong luster, minimal marks | $12 – $20 |
| MS-67 (Superb Gem) | Near perfect, exceptional luster | $50+ |
For a more detailed look at 1987 Washington Quarter mint state price data by grade level, you can explore current market records to see what collectors are actually paying at auction.
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What Makes the 1987-D Quarter Different from the 1987-P?
The “D” mint mark stands for Denver, while the “P” stands for Philadelphia. Both versions were minted in 1987, and both are common coins. The Denver Mint produced over 655 million quarters that year, making the 1987-D one of the higher-mintage issues of the decade.
Because so many were made, there’s no rarity premium in typical grades. However, high-grade survivors — coins that were never spent and stored carefully — are a different story.
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An MS-67 example of the 1987-D sold for over $100 at auction, which shows that even modern, common coins can carry real collector value when they’re in exceptional shape.
The difference between a coin worth $5 and one worth $100 often comes down to a few tiny contact marks or a slight weakness in the luster. This is why professional grading from services like PCGS or NGC matters so much for high-grade examples.
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Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Errors and Varieties Worth Looking For
Like all modern quarters, the 1987-D has some known error types that can dramatically increase value. These aren’t common, but they’re worth checking for — especially if your coin looks unusual in any way.
Doubled die obverse — Look closely at Washington’s portrait and the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST.” A doubled die error shows slight doubling in the lettering or design elements, and these coins can be worth $25 to $100 or more depending on severity.
Off-center strikes — If part of the design is missing and the coin looks lopsided, you may have an off-center strike. A 10–20% off-center error is worth $20–$50, while errors over 50% off-center can bring significantly more.
Die cap and broadstrike errors — These unusual minting errors make coins look misshapen or overly flat and can be worth hundreds of dollars to error coin collectors.
If you think your coin might be an error, CoinKnow is a great starting point. The app can help you identify unusual features before you decide whether to get it professionally graded.
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Should You Hold, Sell, or Grade Your 1987-D Quarter?
For most people, a well-worn 1987-D Washington Quarter is worth face value and not much more. But if your coin is bright, clean, and shows no signs of heavy wear — especially if it has original luster — it may be worth holding onto or having evaluated.
Professional grading through PCGS or NGC costs between $20 and $50 per coin, so it only makes financial sense for coins you believe are in MS-65 or higher condition.
If you want a free second opinion before spending money on grading, check out this detailed 1987 quarter value guide for current collector pricing and what to look for in your coin. And if you’ve got a whole collection to sort through, CoinKnow makes it easy to identify and value dozens of coins quickly — right from your phone.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
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FAQ
Q: Is the 1987-D Washington Quarter rare?
A: No, it’s one of the more common modern quarters. The Denver Mint struck over 655 million of them, so most are only worth face value in circulated condition.
Q: What is the most valuable 1987-D quarter ever sold?
A: High-grade examples graded MS-67 by PCGS have sold at auction for $100 or more. Perfect MS-68 examples, if they exist, could command even higher prices due to their extreme rarity in top condition.
Q: How do I tell if my 1987-D quarter is in mint state?
A: Look for original luster — a cartwheel-like shine that flows across the coin’s surface when you tilt it under light. Any dullness, wear on Washington’s cheek or hair, or bag marks in key areas are signs the coin has been circulated or handled. A coin in true mint state will look nearly untouched.
