1987-D Roosevelt Dime Value: Is Your Pocket Change Worth More?

The 1987-D Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from its face value of $0.10 in worn condition to over $600 for exceptional specimens in high mint grades. While most of these coins found in pocket change are common, certain rare strikes and high-quality examples can fetch a surprising premium from coin collectors today.

Condition / Grade	Estimated Value
Circulated (Good to About Uncirculated)	$0.10 – $0.15
Uncirculated (MS60 – MS63)	$1.00 – $5.00
Choice Uncirculated (MS65)	$10.00 – $25.00
Gem Mint State (MS67+)	$100.00 – $600.00+

History and Significance of the 1987-D Roosevelt Dime

The Roosevelt Dime has been a staple of American currency since 1946, honoring President Franklin D. Roosevelt following his passing. By 1987, the United States Mint was producing billions of these coins annually to keep up with the demands of commerce. The “D” mint mark on your 1987 dime indicates that it was produced at the Denver Mint in Colorado.

If you are curious about a coin you just found, using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish between a common spender and a collector’s item. In 1987, the Denver Mint struck over 663 million dimes, making them incredibly common in daily circulation even decades later.

Because of this massive mintage, a standard 1987-D dime that shows signs of wear—scratches, smoothed-out details, or dull color—is generally only worth its ten-cent face value. However, the story changes when we look at coins that never spent a day in a cash register. Collectors prize “Mint State” coins that look as fresh as the day they were struck.

For those using tools like CoinKnow to track their collection, it is important to note that the late 80s dimes are often overlooked, which actually makes finding a perfect, high-grade specimen more difficult and potentially more rewarding for seasoned numismatists.

Analyzing the 1987-D Roosevelt Dime Features

The design of the 1987-D Roosevelt Dime has remained remarkably consistent. The obverse (front) features the profile of FDR, with the word “LIBERTY” to the left and “IN GOD WE TRUST” below his chin. The year 1987 and the “D” mint mark are located just above the date on the right side.

On the reverse (back), you will find a torch in the center, symbolizing Liberty, flanked by an olive branch representing peace and an oak branch representing strength. This intricate detail on the reverse is actually the key to the coin’s value. Collectors look for “Full Bands” (FB), which refers to the horizontal bands on the torch being clearly separated and distinct.

When checking the 1987 Roosevelt dime price guide, you will notice that coins with the Full Bands designation command much higher prices. For the average person, this requires a magnifying glass to see if the lines on the torch are crisp or blurred together.

Most 1987-D dimes are composed of a copper core with an outer layer of 75% copper and 25% nickel. This “clad” composition replaced silver in 1965. Therefore, a 1987 dime does not contain any precious metal value, unlike dimes dated 1964 or earlier. Your profit comes purely from the coin’s condition and rarity.

Key Feature	Description
Composition	91.67% Copper, 8.33% Nickel
Weight	2.27 grams
Mint Mark	“D” (Denver)
Designer	John R. Sinnock

Grading the 1987-D Dime: What Collectors Look For

To determine the true value of your 1987-D Roosevelt dime, you must understand the grading scale. Professionals use a scale from 1 to 70. A coin with a grade of 1 is barely identifiable, while a 70 is a perfect coin with no visible flaws even under 5x magnification.

Most dimes you find in your pocket are “Circulated.” They might be graded as “Very Good” or “Extremely Fine.” In these conditions, the 1987-D is not a rare coin. However, if you find a coin in an old mint set or a forgotten rolls of dimes that has a mirror-like finish and zero scratches, you might have a “Mint State” (MS) coin.

An MS65 grade means the coin has a strong strike and very few distracting marks. If you suspect your coin is of this quality, using an app like CoinKnow can help you compare your coin against high-resolution images of graded specimens to see where yours falls.

The real “treasures” are the MS67 and MS68 grades. At these levels, the 1987-D becomes quite scarce. Because most people in the 1980s didn’t think to save dimes, few examples survived in pristine condition. A 1987-D in MS68 with Full Bands can sell for hundreds of dollars at specialized coin auctions.

1987-D Roosevelt Dime Errors to Watch For

Error coins are the “wild cards” of the hobby. Even if a 1987-D dime is not in perfect condition, a significant minting error can make it worth $20, $50, or even $100+. The Denver Mint was generally efficient, but mistakes did happen.

One common error is the “Off-Center Strike.” This happens when the coin blank isn’t properly aligned with the dies. If the design is missing 10% to 50% of the image, collectors will pay a premium. Another error is the “Die Crack,” where a crack in the metal plate creates a raised line of metal on the coin’s surface.

“Doubled Die” errors are also highly sought after. This occurs when the die used to stamp the coin has a doubled image. On a 1987-D dime, you would look for doubling in the letters of “LIBERTY” or the numbers in the date. While no major doubled die variety is famous for 1987-D, minor ones are often discovered by diligent hunters.

If you find a dime that looks “weird”—perhaps it’s thinner than usual or the color is off—it might be struck on the wrong planchet (metal disc). These errors are rare and highly valuable. Always keep an eye out for anything that deviates from the standard appearance.

Error Type	Estimated Value Range
10% Off-Center	$15 – $30
50% Off-Center (w/ Date)	$50 – $100
Broadstruck	$5 – $15
Major Die Crack	$5 – $20

How to Sell and Store Your 1987-D Roosevelt Dime

If you believe you have found a high-value 1987-D dime, the first rule is: do not clean it! Cleaning a coin with chemicals or even a soft cloth creates microscopic scratches that can destroy its numismatic value. Collectors prefer the original “patina” or luster, even if it looks slightly aged.

To preserve the value of a potential gem, place it in a PVC-free plastic flip or a cardboard “2×2” holder. This prevents further scratches and protects the coin from oils on your fingers. Proper storage is essential if you plan to send the coin to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC.

When selling, you have several options. For common errors or mid-grade uncirculated coins, eBay is a popular choice. However, for a coin you believe is an MS67 or higher, a specialized auction house might be better.

Before selling, always check recent “Sold” listings rather than “Asking” prices. This gives you a realistic view of what people are actually paying. CoinKnow can be a great asset here, helping you organize your findings and stay updated on market trends for the 1987-D series.

Selling Platform	Best For…
Local Coin Shop	Quick cash, low-mid value coins
eBay	Errors, Raw Uncirculated coins
Heritage Auctions	High-grade certified MS67+ coins

FAQ

Q: Is a 1987-D dime made of silver?

A: No, the 1987-D Roosevelt Dime is not made of silver. The U.S. Mint stopped using silver for dimes after 1964. The 1987 dime is a “clad” coin made of copper and nickel.

Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1987 dime?

A: The mint mark is located on the obverse (front) of the coin, just above the date. A “D” stands for Denver, and a “P” stands for Philadelphia.

Q: What is the highest price ever paid for a 1987-D dime?

A: While prices fluctuate, a 1987-D Roosevelt Dime graded MS68 Full Bands has been known to sell for over $600 at auction. Most high-grade examples (MS67) sell for between $20 and $50.

Q: Are there any “rare” 1987 dimes to look for?

A: The rarest 1987 dimes are those with the “Full Bands” designation in high mint state grades, or those with significant minting errors like being struck on the wrong metal planchet.

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

A: It is possible, but difficult. Most dimes in circulation are too worn to be worth more than ten cents. You are more likely to find a valuable error coin than a high-grade “Mint State” coin in your pocket change.