1987-S Roosevelt Dime Value: Collector Prices and Guide

The 1987-S Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from $2.50 in typical Proof condition to over $1,200 for rare, high-grade specimens. While you won’t find this specific coin in your pocket change, it remains a favorite for collectors looking for the San Francisco Mint’s signature deep cameo finish and mirror-like surfaces.

Grade/Condition	Estimated Value
Proof 65 (Standard)	$2.00 – $3.50
Proof 67 (Deep Cameo)	$10.00 – $15.00
Proof 69 (Deep Cameo)	$20.00 – $35.00
Proof 70 (Perfect)	$1,100.00+

History and Significance of the 1987-S Roosevelt Dime

If you have found a 1987-S Roosevelt Dime, you are likely looking at a coin that was never meant for general circulation. By 1987, the United States Mint had long since transitioned all proof coin production to the San Francisco facility. These coins were primarily sold as part of the official 1987 Proof Set, which also included the penny, nickel, quarter, and half dollar. If you are unsure if your coin is a proof or just a very shiny circulating dime, using a top coin identifier and value app can help you distinguish between the different mint strikes instantly.

The 1987-S Roosevelt Dime features the iconic profile of President Franklin D. Roosevelt on the obverse, a design that has remained virtually unchanged since it was introduced in 1946 to honor the late president. The reverse displays a torch, representing liberty, flanked by an olive branch (peace) and an oak branch (strength).

While billions of dimes were minted in Philadelphia and Denver that year, only about 4.2 million of the “S” mint mark dimes were produced. This makes the 1987-S far rarer in terms of mintage numbers than its business-strike cousins. Using the CoinKnow app can help you track these mintage figures and see how they correlate with current market demand.

How to Identify a Proof 1987-S Roosevelt Dime

Identifying a 1987-S Roosevelt Dime is relatively straightforward because of its “Proof” status. Unlike the dimes you use at the vending machine, these were struck twice on polished planchets (coin blanks) using specially prepared dies. This result is a coin with a mirror-like background and “frosted” details on the portrait and lettering.

Look closely at the “S” mint mark located just above the date. If the “S” is crisp and the fields of the coin reflect light like a mirror, you have a Proof specimen. To check for specific pricing variations based on these visual traits, you can view the 1987-S dime price data which highlights the premium placed on Deep Cameo finishes.

The 1987-S Roosevelt Dime was not minted in silver. Like all dimes produced for general use and standard proof sets since 1965, it is a copper-nickel clad coin. It consists of an inner core of pure copper and an outer layer made of 75% copper and 25% nickel.

Grading and the Hunt for the Perfect Proof 70

In the world of coin collecting, the “grade” is everything. For the 1987-S Roosevelt Dime, the difference between a PR69 and a PR70 (a perfect coin) is hundreds of dollars. Most proof coins pulled directly from sets will grade at PR67 or PR69. However, finding a coin without a single microscopic flaw under 5x magnification is the ultimate goal.

A PR70 Deep Cameo (DCAM) specimen is the holy grail for this year. At this level, the contrast between the shiny fields and the white, frosted design elements must be intense and flawless. If you think your coin might hit this mark, verifying its potential through CoinKnow is a smart first step before paying for professional grading services like PCGS or NGC.

Numerical Grade	Description	Approximate Market Value
PR 63-65	Minor scratches or hairlines visible	$1.50 – $4.00
PR 68	Extremely attractive with tiny flaws	$12.00
PR 69 DCAM	Top-tier with virtually no imperfections	$30.00
PR 70 DCAM	A perfect coin under magnification	$1,250.00+

Comparison with 1987 Philadelphia and Denver Dimes

While the 1987-S is a proof coin, the Philadelphia (1987-P) and Denver (1987-D) mints produced the coins people used for daily transactions. These coins are far more common, but they still hold interest for collectors, especially those with “Full Torch” details. A Full Torch (FT) or Full Bands (FB) designation means the horizontal lines on the torch on the reverse are completely separate and distinct.

You can find more detailed 1987 dime value charts for these circulating versions. While a standard 1987-P or D is usually only worth its face value ($0.10) if worn, high-grade Mint State examples can sell for $10 to $50. If you stumble upon a mint-condition dime in an old jar, it is worth checking the strike quality.

Interestingly, the 1987-S is generally worth more than the P and D versions in any given state because it was a specialized product. However, because most people kept their 1987 Proof Sets intact, there is a large supply of high-quality S-mint dimes, which keeps the price for PR65-PR68 grades very affordable for the average hobbyist.

Rare Errors and Varieties for the 1987 Roosevelt Dime

While 1987 was a relatively stable year for the U.S. Mint, collectors always keep an eye out for errors. Error coins can significantly increase the 1987-S Roosevelt Dime value. Common errors to look for include “Off-Center Strikes,” where the design is shifted to one side, or “Broadstrikes,” where the coin is struck without its retaining collar and appears larger than usual.

For the proof versions specifically, look for “Doubled Die” errors. This occurs when the die used to strike the coin has a doubled image, which is then transferred to every coin it hits. On a 1987-S, check the date and the lettering “LIBERTY” for any signs of blurry or secondary lines.

If you find something that looks unusual, don’t clean the coin! Cleaning a coin can destroy its numismatic value. Instead, use the CoinKnow app to take a clear photo and compare it against known error databases. An authenticated error on a 1987-S proof dime could turn a $3 coin into a $100+ treasure.

Error Type	Rarity Level	Estimated Value
Off-Center (10% or more)	Very Rare (for Proofs)	$150 – $300
Clipped Planchet	Scarce	$40 – $100
Die Clash	Uncommon	$10 – $25

Tips for Selling Your 1987-S Roosevelt Dime

If you have decided to sell your 1987-S Roosevelt Dime, focus on the presentation. Since these are proof coins, any fingerprint or smudge on the surface can lower the grade and the price. Always handle the coin by its edges or wear lint-free cotton gloves.

Selling individual low-grade proofs can be difficult because of shipping costs. Often, it is better to sell the entire 1987 Proof Set rather than breaking it apart. However, if you believe you have a PR70 candidate, professional authentication is mandatory. The marketplace for perfect-grade modern coins is highly competitive, and having that plastic slab from PCGS or NGC is the only way to realize the 1,000%+ premiums seen in auctions.

Check recent sales on platforms like eBay or Heritage Auctions. Look at “Sold” listings rather than “Asking” prices to get a realistic idea of what people are actually paying. This will ensure you don’t overprice your coin and that you get a fair deal for your find.

FAQ

Q: Is the 1987-S Roosevelt Dime made of silver?

A: No, the 1987-S Roosevelt Dime is a copper-nickel clad coin. The U.S. Mint did not produce 90% silver proof dimes again until the 1992 season.

Q: How many 1987-S dimes were minted?

A: The San Francisco Mint produced exactly 4,227,728 proof Roosevelt dimes in 1987. While this sounds like a lot, it is a very small number compared to the hundreds of millions produced for circulation.

Q: Can I find a 1987-S dime in my change?

A: It is highly unlikely but possible. Occasionally, someone will break open a proof set and spend the coins. These are called “Impaired Proofs” and usually have scratches or wear that reduce their value to almost face value.

Q: What is the most expensive 1987-S Roosevelt Dime ever sold?

A: High-grade specimens in PR70 Deep Cameo condition have sold for over $1,200 at major auction houses, depending on the current market demand and the specific grading service used.

Q: Why does my 1987 dime have a ‘P’ or ‘D’ instead of an ‘S’?

A: The ‘P’ stands for Philadelphia and ‘D’ stands for Denver. These were minted for general circulation and are much more common than the ‘S’ (San Francisco) proof coins.