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The 1987-D Jefferson Nickel is worth anywhere from $0.05 in circulated condition to over $1,200 for rare, high-grade specimens with Full Steps. While most of these coins found in pocket change are only worth face value, certain mint errors and pristine uncirculated examples can fetch a significant premium from collectors.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value Range |
|---|---|
| Circulated (Average) | $0.05 |
| Uncirculated (MS60-MS65) | $1.00 – $15.00 |
| High Grade (MS66-MS67) | $30.00 – $150.00 |
| MS67 Full Steps (Rare) | $500.00+ |
History and Production of the 1987-D Jefferson Nickel
If you’ve recently looked through your spare change and found a nickel from 1987 with a small “D” mark, you are holding a piece of American history minted in Denver. In 1987, the United States Mint produced over 370 million of these coins at the Denver facility. Because they were minted in such high quantities, they remain very common in circulation today. If you are unsure if your coin is a winner, using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish between a common spender and a collector’s item.
The design features the classic profile of Thomas Jefferson on the obverse, created by Felix Schlag, and the depiction of Monticello on the reverse. By 1987, the minting process was highly efficient, but finding “perfect” strikes remains a challenge for enthusiasts. Most people using CoinKnow find that their 1987-D nickels have scratches or “bag marks” from being tossed around in bank bins, which significantly lowers their market value.
To truly understand if your coin is worth more than five cents, you need to look at the luster and the details on the reverse side. Collectors specifically look for the “Full Steps” on Monticello, which indicate a sharp, crisp strike. These are the coins that drive the highest prices at auctions and among specialized nickel collectors.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Understanding the 1987-D Nickel Value by Condition
The condition, or “grade,” of your 1987-D nickel is the most important factor in determining its market price. Most coins you find in your wallet are “Circulated,” meaning they have been used to buy snacks or soda. These coins typically show wear on Jefferson’s hair and the pillars of Monticello. For these items, the current 1987 nickel valuation for circulated grades usually stays at face value.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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However, if you find one that looks like it just came from the mint—shiny with no scratches—it might be “Uncirculated.” Collectors use a 70-point scale to grade coins. Most 1987-D nickels in high uncirculated grades (MS66 or MS67) are becoming harder to find because the quality control at the Denver mint in the late 80s was focused on quantity over detail.
| Grade | Description | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| MS63 | Typical strike, some marks | $1 – $3 |
| MS65 | Gem Uncirculated, strong luster | $10 – $25 |
| MS66 | Very attractive, few imperfections | $40 – $75 |
| MS67 | Nearly perfect strike | $150 – $350 |
The “Full Steps” Factor and Its Impact on Price
For Jefferson Nickel collectors, the “Full Steps” (FS) designation is the holy grail. On the reverse of the coin, the building Monticello has a set of steps. In most strikes, these steps are blurry or merged together. A coin designated as “Full Steps” must show 5 or 6 clear, uninterrupted horizontal lines on the staircase.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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For a 1987-D Jefferson Nickel, having Full Steps can turn a $20 coin into a $1,000 coin. This is because the Denver mint during this era often produced coins with slightly worn dies, making sharp step details extremely rare. If you use CoinKnow to track your collection, you’ll notice that the FS versions of these coins are the ones making headlines in major numismatic auctions.
Identifying these steps takes a magnifying glass or a loupe. You want to see no bridges or nicks crossing through those parallel lines. Because they are so rare for 1987-D specifically, professional grading by services like PCGS or NGC is almost always required to realize the full market value.
Valuable 1987-D Nickel Errors to Look For
Error coins are the wildcards of the hobby. Even a standard 1987-D nickel can be worth hundreds if something went wrong at the mint. Common errors to look for include “Off-Center strikes,” where the design is shifted to one side, or “Double Dies,” though no major DDO (Double Die Obverse) is famous for this specific year.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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One interesting error to watch for is the “Clipped Planchet,” where a piece of the coin appears to be bitten off. Another is the “Die Crack,” where a raised line of metal runs across the coin’s surface. These errors make a coin unique, and many collectors prefer them over high-grade standard coins. Using the current auction results for high-grade 1987 nickels can help you see how error-free coins compare to those with striking flaws.
If you suspect you have an error, do not clean it! Cleaning a coin destroys its value. Instead, store it in a protective flip and consult a professional. Many beginners use CoinKnow to snap a photo and get a quick assessment of whether they have a genuine error or just post-mint damage.
How to Sell Your 1987-D Jefferson Nickel
If you discover you have a 1987-D nickel in exceptional condition or with a rare error, your next step is selling it. For ordinary circulated coins, the best place is actually your local bank—they aren’t worth the effort to sell individually. However, for a high-grade MS66 or a Full Steps version, you have several options.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Online marketplaces like eBay are popular for mid-range coins. You can list your coin and see what others are willing to pay. For high-value rarities worth hundreds of dollars, auction houses like Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers are better choices. They reach serious collectors who are willing to pay top dollar for the finest known examples.
| Selling Platform | Best For | Pros/Cons |
|---|---|---|
| eBay | MS60-MS65 coins | Fast sales, high fees |
| Local Coin Shop | Quick appraisals | Immediate cash, lower offers |
| Professional Auctions | MS67+ and Full Steps | Highest prices, long wait times |
Tips for Storing and Protecting Your 1987-D Nickels
Because the value of the 1987-D nickel depends so heavily on its condition, protection is key. Copper-nickel coins can still tarnish or develop “milk spots” over time if exposed to moisture. If you find a shiny one, avoid touching the surface with your fingers as skin oils can cause permanent fingerprints.
The best way to store these is in PVC-free plastic holders or “flips.” For those building a serious collection, a hard plastic slab from a grading service is the ultimate protection. This not only keeps the coin in its current state but also guarantees its authenticity and grade to future buyers. Keeping your coins organized will make it much easier to use tools like CoinKnow to manage your growing inventory.
Frequently Asked Questions about 1987-D Nickels
FAQ
Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1987-D nickel?
A: The “D” mint mark is located on the obverse (front) of the coin, just behind the back of Thomas Jefferson’s head, near the bottom of his ponytail and above the date.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Q: Does a 1987-D nickel have silver in it?
A: No, the 1987-D Jefferson Nickel is made of a cupro-nickel alloy (75% copper and 25% nickel). The US Mint stopped putting silver in nickels after the “War Nickels” of 1942-1945.
Q: What is the highest price ever paid for a 1987-D nickel?
A: While prices fluctuate, a 1987-D Jefferson Nickel in MS67 condition with Full Steps has sold for over $1,200 at auction. Average uncirculated examples usually sell for much less.
Q: How can I tell if my nickel has Full Steps?
A: Look at the back of the coin at the base of Monticello. You should see a flight of stairs. If you can count 5 or 6 distinct individual lines spanning across the steps without any interruptions, you have a Full Steps nickel.