1987-P Roosevelt Dime Value: Is Your Ten-Cent Piece Rare?
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The 1987-P Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from its $0.10 face value in worn condition to over $600 for exceptional mint-state specimens. While most of these coins found in pocket change are only worth ten cents, certain high-grade examples and rare mint errors can be surprisingly valuable to collectors.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (Average Wear) | $0.10 |
| Uncirculated (MS60-MS63) | $0.25 – $1.00 |
| Choice Mint State (MS65) | $5.00 – $12.00 |
| Superb Gem (MS67 Full Bands) | $40.00 – $150.00+ |
History and Production of the 1987 Philadelphia Dime
By 1987, the Roosevelt Dime had been a staple of American currency for over four decades. Designed by John R. Sinnock to honor President Franklin D. Roosevelt following his passing, the coin has featured the same iconic profile since 1946. In 1987, the Philadelphia Mint was firing on all cylinders, producing over three-quarters of a billion dimes. Because the production numbers were so high, these coins were never intended to be rare.
If you have a handful of change, using a top coin identifier and value app can help you quickly distinguish between a common 1987 dime and one that might have collector interest. Most of these coins entered circulation immediately, meaning they were touched, dropped, and scraped against other coins. This is why finding one in “perfect” condition today is actually quite difficult.
Collectors often look for “Full Bands” (FB) on the reverse of the dime. This refers to the horizontal bands on the torch being fully separated and distinct. Because the Philadelphia Mint often used worn dies, finding a 1987-P with a sharp, crisp strike on the torch bands is a rarity. When you use the CoinKnow app to research these details, you’ll find that these small physical traits are what move a coin from a ten-cent value to a hundred-dollar value.
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Determining the 1987-P Roosevelt Dime Value by Grade
The value of a 1987-P dime is almost entirely dependent on its numerical grade on the Sheldon Scale (1 to 70). For coins minted after 1964, like this one, they contain no silver. They are composed of a copper core with a copper-nickel “clad” outer layer. Therefore, the “melt value” is negligible, and all value above ten cents comes from the numismatic (collector) market.
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Most 1987-P dimes you find in your wallet will be in “Circulated” condition. In these cases, the coin is only worth ten cents. However, if you find one that looks like it just came out of a bank roll—shiny, with no scratches or wear on Roosevelt’s cheek—you might have an uncirculated specimen. Check the latest 1987-P MS dime price data to see how much collectors are currently paying for these high-grade pieces.
| MS Grade | Standard Strike Value | Full Bands (FB) Value |
|---|---|---|
| MS63 | $0.50 | $2.00 |
| MS65 | $10.00 | $25.00 |
| MS66 | $20.00 | $65.00 |
| MS67 | $85.00 | $600.00+ |
Identifying 1987-P Dime Rare Errors and Varieties
Errors are where the real excitement begins for the average person looking through their pocket change. Because hundreds of millions of coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint, mistakes occasionally happened. While not common, these errors can turn a mundane dime into a prize. One common error type is the “Off-Center Strike,” where the coin blank was not perfectly aligned with the dies, resulting in a partial image.
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Another interesting variety is the “Broadstruck” error. This occurs when the retaining collar (which holds the coin in place and creates the “reeds” on the edge) fails. The result is a dime that is flatter and wider than a normal one. You can find detailed 1987 dime value and error info to help you identify if that strange-looking coin in your tray is a valuable mint error or just damaged.
Die cracks and “Cud” errors are also sought after. If you see a raised blob of metal on the surface of the coin that doesn’t look like part of the design, it might be a die break. While a small die crack might only add a few dollars to the value, a large “Cud” at the edge of the coin can be worth $20 to $50 to the right collector. The CoinKnow app is an excellent resource for identifying these specifically rare characteristics.
The Importance of “Full Bands” on the 1987 Roosevelt Dime
For serious Roosevelt Dime collectors, the “Full Bands” (FB) designation is the “Holy Grail.” On the reverse of the dime, there is a torch in the center. This torch has two sets of horizontal bands—one at the top and one at the bottom. In a standard strike, these bands often look blurry or fused together.
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To get the FB designation from grading services like PCGS or NGC, every single horizontal line must be clearly separated with no interruptions. Because 1987 was a year of high production and often mediocre strike quality in Philadelphia, very few coins achieved this level of detail. A 1987-P dime in MS67 condition without Full Bands might sell for $50, but that same coin with Full Bands could easily fetch over $500 at auction.
If you are inspecting your coins at home, use a high-powered magnifying glass (at least 10x magnification) and bright light. Look specifically at the upper and lower bands on the torch. If you see a clean slit between the bands across the entire width of the torch, you may want to consider professional grading.
How to Care For and Protect Your 1987-P Dimes
If you believe you have found a high-value 1987-P dime, the way you handle it is critical. The copper-nickel clad surface of these coins is susceptible to oils from your skin, which can cause “toning” or spotting over time. Always handle coins by their edges, or better yet, wear lint-free cotton gloves.
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Do not attempt to clean your coins! This is the most common mistake beginners make. Cleaning a coin with polish, vinegar, or even a soft cloth creates microscopic scratches that professional graders can detect instantly. A cleaned coin can lose up to 90% of its collector value. Instead, place your find in a PVC-free plastic flip or a cardboard “2×2” holder to keep it safe from the elements.
Using modern tools like CoinKnow can help you keep a digital inventory of your collection, tracking the condition and estimated value over time. As the market for 1980s coins matures, having a well-preserved specimen will be the key to realizing a profit in the future.
| Mint Mark | Mintage Quantity | Rarity Level |
|---|---|---|
| 1987-P (Philadelphia) | 740,305,000 | Common |
| 1987-D (Denver) | 675,502,000 | Common |
| 1987-S (San Francisco Proof) | 4,227,728 | Collector Only |
FAQ about the 1987-P Roosevelt Dime
Q: Does the “P” mint mark make the 1987 dime rare?
A: No, the “P” stands for the Philadelphia Mint. While some older coins had no mint mark for Philadelphia, by 1987, the “P” was standard. Because over 740 million were made, the mint mark itself does not add rarity.
Q: Is there any silver in a 1987-P dime?
A: No. The last silver dimes for circulation were minted in 1964. The 1987-P dime is a clad coin made of a copper core and a nickel-copper outer layer. It contains 0% silver.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Q: What is the highest price ever paid for a 1987-P dime?
A: High-grade specimens with the Full Bands (FB) designation have sold for over $600 at major auctions. Specifically, a PCGS MS67FB specimen holds the record for reaching prices in the $650-$700 range.
Q: Where can I sell my 1987-P dime if it’s in good condition?
A: If the coin is just average, it’s best to spend it. If it is in perfect condition or has an error, you can sell it to local coin shops, through online auction sites like eBay, or at specialized numismatic auctions.
Q: How can I tell if my dime is “Uncirculated”?
A: An uncirculated coin will have “mint luster”—a frosty or satiny sheen that reflects light in a “cartwheel” pattern when tilted. If the highest points of the design (like Roosevelt’s hair or the torch bands) look flat or dull, the coin is likely circulated.
