1987-P Washington Quarter Value What Is This Coin Worth Today
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
The 1987-P Washington Quarter is worth about 25 cents in average circulated condition, but well-preserved examples grading MS-65 or higher can fetch $10 to $30 or more from collectors. If you recently found one of these coins in your change jar or an old collection, you’re in the right place to learn exactly what it’s worth.
What Is the 1987-P Washington Quarter?
The 1987-P Washington Quarter was minted at the Philadelphia Mint, which is what the “P” mint mark stands for. That year, Philadelphia produced over 582 million of these quarters, making it one of the more common modern Washington quarters in circulation. Because so many were made, most worn examples you find in pocket change are only worth face value — 25 cents.
That said, the story changes when you start talking about uncirculated coins. If your quarter has never been used as everyday money and still shows its original mint luster, it can be worth real money to a collector. A detailed breakdown of the 1987-P Washington Quarter’s value across grades shows just how much condition matters when pricing these coins.
Whether you’re a casual finder or someone just getting into coin collecting, using a coin identifier and value app is one of the fastest ways to assess what you’ve got — no experience required.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
How Condition Affects the 1987-P Quarter Value
In the coin world, condition is everything. Dealers and collectors use a grading scale from 1 to 70, where higher numbers mean better condition. A coin graded MS-63 (Mint State) means it’s essentially uncirculated, with only minor contact marks. An MS-65 coin is even nicer, with sharp luster and very few marks.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
For the 1987-P Washington Quarter, worn coins pulled straight from circulation are worth face value. Lightly circulated examples grading EF-40 or AU-58 may bring 50 cents to a dollar at most. The real value jump happens once you reach the Mint State grades.
Here’s a general value table to give you a quick snapshot:
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
| Grade | Description | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | Heavy wear, design visible | Face Value ($0.25) |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | Light wear on high points | $0.50 – $1.00 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-58) | Slight wear, most luster remains | $1.00 – $3.00 |
| Mint State (MS-63) | Uncirculated, minor marks | $5.00 – $10.00 |
| Mint State (MS-65) | Gem uncirculated, strong luster | $15.00 – $30.00 |
| MS-67 or Higher | Superb gem, near perfect | $50.00 – $150.00+ |
Are There Any Valuable 1987-P Quarter Errors?
Error coins are where things get really exciting for collectors. While the 1987-P Washington Quarter doesn’t have any major widely publicized error varieties, that doesn’t mean errors don’t exist. Minting errors like doubled dies, off-center strikes, or die cracks can occasionally appear on any coin from this era.
A doubled die error — where parts of the design appear slightly doubled — can push the value of a 1987-P quarter to $25 or even $100+ depending on how dramatic the doubling is. Off-center strikes, where the design is noticeably shifted, can also be worth $20 to $50 or more.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
To spot these errors, you’ll want a good magnifying glass and some patience. Or better yet, CoinKnow can help you scan and identify potential error coins right from your phone, saving you the guesswork.
Where to Sell a 1987-P Washington Quarter
If you believe your coin is in top condition or might be an error, selling it in the right place matters. Online platforms like eBay are popular for selling individual coins, especially if you can present clear photos. Coin shows and local coin dealers are also solid options if you prefer an in-person experience.
For higher-grade examples (MS-65 and above), having your coin professionally graded by PCGS or NGC can significantly increase buyer confidence and selling price. Graded coins in certified holders tend to sell for more because collectors know exactly what they’re getting.
You can also check live 1987-P Washington Quarter auction prices and realized values to get a realistic picture of what buyers are currently paying before you list yours for sale.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
CoinKnow is another handy tool here — use it to photograph your coin and get an instant value estimate before you decide where and how to sell.
Tips for Storing and Preserving Your 1987-P Quarter
If your 1987-P quarter looks uncirculated or close to it, don’t clean it — ever. Cleaning a coin destroys its surface luster and can reduce its value by 50% or more. Store it in a soft plastic coin flip or a certified holder away from humidity and direct sunlight.
Handle coins by their edges only, never the face. Even the oils from your fingers can cause long-term damage that shows up under magnification. A little care goes a long way in preserving whatever premium your coin might carry. And if you’re not sure how to grade or store coins properly, CoinKnow offers helpful guides alongside its identification features.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
FAQ
Q: Is the 1987-P Washington Quarter rare?
A: No, it’s not rare. Over 582 million were struck at the Philadelphia Mint, making it one of the more common Washington quarters. Most circulated examples are only worth face value, though high-grade uncirculated examples can still attract collector interest.
Q: How do I know if my 1987-P quarter is worth more than 25 cents?
A: The key is condition. If your coin looks shiny, has no visible wear, and still shows strong luster like it just came from the mint, it may grade MS-63 or higher and be worth $5 to $30+. Using a coin identifier app can help you assess condition before reaching out to a dealer.
Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1987-P Washington Quarter?
A: The “P” mint mark is located on the obverse (front) of the coin, just to the right of Washington’s ponytail ribbon, above the date. Its presence confirms the coin was struck at the Philadelphia Mint.
