1987-S Jefferson Nickel Value: How Much Is It Worth Today?

The 1987-S Jefferson Nickel is worth anywhere from $0.50 in typical proof condition to over $50 for deep cameo specimens in perfect grade. While these coins were not minted for general circulation, they often find their way into change jars, leaving many curious about their true market price.

Condition / Grade	Estimated Value
PR 65 (Standard Proof)	$1.00 – $2.00
PR 69 Deep Cameo	$10.00 – $15.00
PR 70 Deep Cameo (Perfect)	$40.00 – $100.00+

Understanding the 1987-S Jefferson Nickel

If you have discovered a nickel with an “S” mint mark dated 1987, you are holding a “Proof” coin. Unlike the millions of nickels struck in Philadelphia or Denver for daily commerce, the San Francisco Mint produced these specifically for collectors. This year, the mint produced over 4 million proof sets, which accounts for why these coins are still relatively accessible today. To verify if your find is a genuine proof, you can use the top coin identifier and value app to scan the surface and check the mint mark’s crispness.

The 1987-S Jefferson Nickel features the classic portrait of Thomas Jefferson on the obverse and his home, Monticello, on the reverse. Because they were handled with care and struck multiple times with polished dies, they possess a mirror-like finish that makes them stand out from the duller nickels you see in your pocket change. If you find one in a random roll of coins, it likely escaped from a broken-up proof set.

When evaluating these coins, collectors look specifically for “Cameo” (CAM) or “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) designations. This refers to the contrast between the frosted devices (the portrait and building) and the shiny, reflective fields. Modern collectors often use CoinKnow to track whether their specific specimens meet the high standards required for top-tier pricing.

Factors Determining 1987-S Nickel Value

Price is determined primarily by the state of preservation. Since these were never intended to circulate, any sign of wear—scratches, “bag marks,” or dullness from oils on human fingers—will drastically lower the 1987-S Jefferson Nickel value. A coin that has been touched frequently will lose its “Cam” status, making it worth very little more than its face value to a casual observer.

For those looking at high-end investment, the difference between a grade of PR 69 and PR 70 is everything. A PR 69 coin is nearly perfect but might have a microscopic imperfection visible only under a 10x magnifying glass. A PR 70 is a flawless specimen. While a PR 69 might sell for $12, a PR 70 can fetch much more depending on the current demand for 1987 Jefferson Nickel price data in the registry set market.

Another factor is “toning.” Most collectors prefer a brilliant, white silver look. However, some 1987-S nickels develop beautiful iridescent colors over time due to the chemicals in the original mint packaging. Vibrant blues or golds can actually add a premium to the coin’s price, though this is subjective and depends on the buyer’s taste.

Designation	Visual Characteristics	Market Demand
Proof (PR)	Shiny, but lacks contrast between images/background.	Low
Cameo (CAM)	Light frost on Jefferson; moderate reflection.	Moderate
Deep Cameo (DCAM)	Heavy frost on images; deep black mirror fields.	High

How to Identify a Proof 1987-S Nickel

To the untrained eye, a clean nickel might look like a proof, but there are specific markers to look for. First, locate the “S” mint mark. On the 1987 Jefferson nickel, this is found on the obverse side, just to the right of the base of Jefferson’s ponytail, near the date. If there is no letter, it was made in Philadelphia; if there is a “D,” it was made in Denver. The “S” is exclusively for the San Francisco Mint.

Second, examine the edges. Proof coins have sharper, more square-looking edges compared to the slightly rounded edges of business-strike coins. The strike itself is much deeper. Because the dies were pressed twice, details like the door and steps of Monticello are remarkably crisp. If you are unsure, you can consult a 1987 nickel valuation guide to compare photos of business strikes versus proofs.

Using a tool like CoinKnow can help you identify these nuances without needing to visit a coin shop. By uploading a high-resolution photo, the app can often distinguish the reflective fields characteristic of a proof coin. This is especially helpful if your coin has spent some time in circulation and has lost some of its initial luster.

Rare Errors and Varieties for 1987 Nickels

While the 1987-S is generally straightforward, collectors are always on the hunt for minting errors. Errors in proof coins are significantly rarer than in business strikes because the quality control at the San Francisco Mint is much stricter. However, “Doubled Die” varieties can occasionally occur. This happens when the die itself was engraved with a doubled image, resulting in doubling on the lettering or the date.

Another potential find is the “clipped planchet” error, where the nickel was struck on a piece of metal that was missing a curved section. If you find a 1987-S nickel that isn’t perfectly round or has strange indentations that look like they happened during the manufacturing process, you might have a valuable rarity. These error coins can sell for hundreds of dollars because they are so unusual for proof-run products.

It is also worth checking for “Die Clashes.” This occurs when the obverse and reverse dies hit each other without a coin blank in between, leaving faint impressions of the opposite side on the coin. While common in early 19th-century coins, they are rare in the 1980s. Keeping track of your collection with CoinKnow helps you catalog these oddities for future appraisal.

Error Type	Description	Potential Value
Doubled Die Obverse	Visible doubling on “IN GOD WE TRUST”	$20 – $50+
Clipped Planchet	A piece of the circular coin is missing.	$30 – $100+
Struck Through	Debris trapped during strike leaving a mark.	$10 – $25

Collecting the Jefferson Nickel Series

The Jefferson Nickel series began in 1938 and continues to this day, making it one of the longest-running designs in American history. For many Americans, a 1987-S nickel is an affordable “entry point” into the world of coin collecting. Because they are reasonably priced, you can easily build a “Year Set” or a “Mint Set” including all versions of the nickel produced that year.

Collecting nickels is a great way for families to engage with history. The 1980s were a period of high production for the US Mint, but the quality of proof coins improved significantly during this decade compared to the 1970s. This makes the 1987-S a visually stunning coin to display in a protective plastic slab or a velvet-lined case.

If you are just starting out, don’t feel pressured to buy the most expensive PR 70 specimens. Most collectors find great joy in assembling a “dansco” album of every year and mint mark. The 1987-S is unique because it represents the craftsmanship of the San Francisco Mint, a facility known for its high standards and beautiful proof strikes.

Is the 1987-S Jefferson Nickel a Good Investment?

When considering if a coin is a “good investment,” it depends on your goals. As a low-cost item, the 1987-S nickel is unlikely to skyrocket in value like a gold coin. However, the market for “Perfect 70” graded coins remains very strong. Professional collectors building registry sets—which are competitive rankings of the best possible collections—will often pay a premium for a flaw-free 1987-S DCAM.

For the average person, holding onto a proof nickel you found in circulation is more about the “cool factor” than retiring early. Because millions were made, there is a large supply. However, as older proof sets are damaged or lost, the supply of high-grade individual coins slowly decreases. Over 20 or 30 years, a pristine 1987-S could certainly double or triple in value, even if the dollar amount remains relatively small.

Always remember to handle your coins by the edges. The natural oils and acids on your skin can permanently damage the mirror finish of a proof coin, creating “fingerprint” stains that are impossible to remove. To keep your 1987-S in top condition, store it in a PVC-free flip or a hard plastic capsule.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Q: Why does my 1987 nickel have an ‘S’ but looks dirty?

A: This is likely a “circulated proof.” Someone probably took it out of a proof set and spent it like a normal nickel. Once it has been in a pocket with other coins, it picks up scratches and dirt, significantly lowering its value to nearly face value.

Q: How much is a regular 1987 nickel (No mint mark or ‘D’) worth?

A: If it was minted in Philadelphia (P) or Denver (D) and shows signs of wear, it is only worth 5 cents. If it is in absolutely perfect, uncirculated condition, it might be worth $1 to $5 to a specialized collector.

Q: Where can I sell my 1987-S Jefferson Nickel?

A: You can sell it at local coin shops, through online auctions like eBay, or at coin shows. Because the value is relatively low for common grades, selling it as part of a larger collection is often more efficient than selling it individually.

Q: Is the 1987-S nickel made of silver?

A: No. Jefferson Nickels from 1987 are made of a cupronickel alloy (75% copper and 25% nickel). The only Jefferson Nickels that contain silver are the “War Nickels” produced from 1942 to 1945.

Q: What is the highest price ever paid for a 1987-S Nickel?

A: Perfect PR 70 Deep Cameo specimens have sold at major auction houses for over $150 in the past, though current averages for high-grade slabs typically range between $40 and $80.