1987-D Washington Quarter Value: Is Your Coin Worth Money?

The 1987-D Washington Quarter is worth anywhere from its face value of $0.25 in circulated condition to over $500 for rare, high-grade specimens. While most of these coins found in your change are only worth a quarter, certain mint errors and pristine conditions can fetch a significant premium from collectors.

Condition	Estimated Value
Circulated (Average Wear)	$0.25
About Uncirculated (AU)	$0.35 – $0.85
Mint State 65 (Gem BU)	$5.00 – $15.00
Mint State 67+ (Rare Grade)	$150 – $600+

History and Production of the 1987-D Washington Quarter

The 1987-D Washington Quarter is a product of the United States Mint at Denver. By 1987, the Washington Quarter series had been the staple of American commerce for over five decades. If you have recently found one of these in your pocket change and want to know more, using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish between a common find and a potential treasure.

In 1987, the Denver Mint struck over 465 million quarters. Because this mintage volume is so high, the vast majority of these coins remain in circulation today. Most of them have seen years of use, resulting in scratches, “bag marks,” and worn-down details. To the average person, they are just quarters, but to a numismatist, a 1987-D in a “Mint Set” or a preserved “Uncirculated” condition is a piece of history.

When checking your coins, look for the small “D” mint mark located on the obverse (front) of the coin, just to the right of Washington’s ponytail. This indicates it was struck in Denver. If you find one without a mint mark or with a “P,” it was struck in Philadelphia. For those tracking their collection, the CoinKnow app provides an easy way to catalog these “D” mint marks and compare them with other years.

Grading and Determining 1987-D Washington Quarter Value

The primary factor in determining the value of your 1987-D Washington Quarter is its grade. Coins are graded on a scale of 1 to 70. Most quarters you find while shopping will grade between “Good” (G4) and “About Uncirculated” (AU58). In these conditions, the coin is rarely worth more than its 25-cent face value because they are so common.

However, collectors are always on the hunt for “Mint State” (MS) coins. These are coins that never entered circulation and still retain their original “mint luster”—that satiny or frost-like shine. An MS65 grade is considered “Gem Quality,” and at this level, the price begins to climb. If you have a particularly shiny coin, checking the 1987 Washington Quarter price data for high-grade specimens can be very revealing.

Grade Name	Numerical Grade	Value Estimate
Fine / Very Fine	F12 – VF20	$0.25
Choice Uncirculated	MS63	$1.50 – $3.00
Gem Uncirculated	MS65	$12.00
Superb Gem	MS67	$120.00

Rare 1987-D Mint Errors to Look For

While high-grade coins are valuable, mint errors are where the real excitement lies for everyday hunters. Errors occur when something goes wrong during the striking process at the Denver Mint. Because millions of coins are produced, machines occasionally glitch, creating unique pieces that collectors highly prize. The CoinKnow app has a database of known errors to help you identify these mechanical mishaps.

One common error to check for is the “Double Die.” While there are no famous “major” doubled dies for 1987-D, minor doubling can occur on the lettering or Washington’s profile. Another exciting error is the “Off-Center Strike,” where the coin blank was not properly aligned, resulting in a design that is shifted to one side. A 10% or 20% off-center strike can turn a 25-cent coin into a $20 to $50 item instantly.

Die cracks are another area of interest. These look like raised, jagged lines on the surface of the coin where the metal die used to stamp the image began to break. While small die cracks are common, large ones (often called “Cuds” if they touch the edge) can increase the value significantly. Always keep a magnifying glass handy to inspect the finer details of your 1987-D quarters.

Comparing the 1987-D to the 1987-P and Proof Quarters

It is helpful to compare the 1987-D with its siblings from the same year. The Philadelphia Mint (P) produced slightly more quarters than Denver (D) in 1987, roughly 488 million. Generally, the values for “P” and “D” quarters are very similar in circulated grades. However, in the highest “Superb Gem” grades, one may be rarer than the other depending on how many survived in perfect condition.

For specific market trends, you can review this detailed 1987 quarter value guide which breaks down the differences between mints. In addition to the Philadelphia and Denver coins meant for spending, the San Francisco Mint produced “S” Mint Proof quarters. These were made specifically for collectors, featuring a mirror-like finish and frosted details.

Mint Mark	Mint Color/Type	Typical Value (MS65)
1987-P	Business Strike	$10 – $15
1987-D	Business Strike	$12 – $18
1987-S	Proof (Deep Cameo)	$5 – $10

How to Sell and Preserve Your 1987-D Quarter

If you believe you have found a high-value 1987-D Washington Quarter or a significant error, the first rule is: do not clean it! Cleaning a coin with chemicals or even a soft cloth can leave microscopic scratches that destroy its numismatic value. Collectors prefer “original skin,” which is the natural oxidation and luster the coin has developed over decades.

To preserve your coin’s value, place it in a PVC-free flip or a plastic coin capsule. This prevents further wear and protects it from the oils on your fingers. When you are ready to sell, you might consider professional grading services like PCGS or NGC, though this is only worth the cost if the coin is likely to grade MS66 or higher.

For the average hobbyist, selling on platforms like eBay or at a local coin shop is the most common route. Before you go, use CoinKnow to get a realistic sense of what similar coins have recently sold for. This keeps you informed so you don’t sell a potential rarity for just twenty-five cents.

FAQ

Q: Is the 1987-D Washington Quarter silver?

A: No. The US Mint stopped making silver quarters for general circulation in 1964. The 1987-D is a “clad” coin, composed of an outer layer of 75% copper and 25% nickel, bonded to a pure copper core. If you look at the edge, you will see a copper-colored stripe.

Q: What is the most expensive 1987-D quarter ever sold?

A: The record price for a 1987-D Washington Quarter is often over $500. This price is usually reserved for coins graded MS67 or higher by professional services. These coins are virtually perfect, with no visible scratches even under magnification.

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

A: The mint mark is located on the obverse (front) of the coin. Look to the right of George Washington’s neck, just behind his ponytail and above the date. You will see a small “D” for Denver, a “P” for Philadelphia, or no mark at all (which also means Philadelphia for some years).

Q: Are there any 1987 quarters worth thousands of dollars?

A: Generally, no. Unless a 1987 quarter has a very rare and dramatic “transitional error” (like being struck on the wrong metal planchet), they top out in the mid-hundreds for perfect specimens. Most are worth exactly 25 cents.