1987-P Washington Quarter Value: Guide to Grades and Errors

The 1987-P Washington Quarter is worth anywhere from its $0.25 face value in circulated condition to over $500 in pristine, high-grade mint state. While millions were struck for daily commerce, finding a gem-quality specimen or a rare mint error can turn a common pocket change find into a valuable collector’s item.

Condition Grade	Estimated Value
Circulated (Good to About Uncirculated)	$0.25 – $0.35
Mint State 63 (Uncirculated)	$1.50 – $3.00
Mint State 65 (Gem Bu)	$10.00 – $25.00
Mint State 67+ (Elite Grade)	$450.00+

History and Production of the 1987-P Washington Quarter

The 1987-P Washington Quarter was minted during a transition era for American coinage. By the late 1980s, the United States Mint in Philadelphia was producing billions of coins to keep up with the demands of a booming economy and the rise of vending machines. The design remains the classic John Flanagan portrait of George Washington, which had been the face of the American quarter since 1932.

If you are looking to identify your find quickly, using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish the subtle differences between a modern spender and a numismatic treasure. In 1987, the Philadelphia Mint produced exactly 305,415,000 quarters. Because the production numbers were so high, the vast majority of these coins were released into circulation, where they suffered the wear and tear of daily use.

Unlike older silver quarters, the 1987-P is a “clad” coin, consisting of a core of pure copper bonded to outer layers of copper-nickel. This makes it durable but also means that “silver hunters” often ignore it. However, serious collectors know that the 1980s were a “low-quality” era for minting strikes, making high-grade examples surprisingly scarce. Many people use CoinKnow to check if their shiny quarter might be one of those elusive high-grade survivors.

Evaluating the 1987-P Washington Quarter Condition

When determining the 1987-P Washington Quarter value, the most important factor is the “Grade.” Grading measures the amount of wear on the coin’s surface. For a Philadelphia-minted coin from the 80s, collectors look specifically at the sharpest details of Washington’s hair and the feathers on the eagle’s breast on the reverse side.

Most 1987 quarters you find in your change today will be in “Circulated” condition. These coins are worth exactly 25 cents. However, if you happen to find one that was tucked away in a piggy bank or a mint set, it might be in “Mint State” (MS). An MS-65 or MS-66 grade starts to command a premium from collectors who are building “Registry Sets.”

For those curious about the upper limits of the market, you can view the current market prices for 1987-P quarters in Mint State. Using an app like CoinKnow allows you to compare your coin against high-resolution photos of graded coins to see where yours fits on the scale.

Grade Designation	Physical Characteristics	Market Value
Very Fine (VF20)	Moderate wear, letters are sharp.	$0.25
About Uncirculated (AU58)	Slight wear on high points; looks new.	$0.50
Mint State (MS64)	No wear, some bag marks/scratches.	$5.00
Mint State (MS67)	Nearly perfect, full original luster.	$400.00+

Rare Errors and Varieties for the 1987-P Quarter

Beyond standard grades, some 1987-P quarters are worth more due to minting errors. These occur when the machinery at the Philadelphia Mint malfunctions. One of the most common things to look for is the “Off-Center Strike,” where the coin blank was not properly aligned, resulting in a design that is shifted to one side.

Other errors include “Double Dies,” though no major, widely recognized doubled die exists for the 1987-P that rivals the famous 1955 penny. Instead, collectors look for “Broadstrikes” (where the coin is flatter and wider than usual because the collar was missing) or “Clad Layers Missing” (where one side of the coin appears bright copper red).

If you think you’ve spotted an oddity, you can find a detailed breakdown of 1987 quarter errors and valuations online. Error coins are a great way for everyday Americans to make “big money” from small change, as some significant errors can sell for $50 to $100 even in used condition. Keeping CoinKnow on your phone makes it easy to snap a photo and identify these anomalies instantly.

Why the Philadelphia Mint Mark “P” Matters

The “P” mint mark located on the obverse (front) of the coin, just to the right of Washington’s ponytail, indicates the coin was made in Philadelphia. Historically, Philadelphia coins didn’t have mint marks, but by 1987, the “P” was standard for quarters. While the Philadelphia mint produced plenty of coins, the quality control in 1987 wasn’t as stringent as it is today.

Many 1987-P quarters suffered from “bag marks.” This happens when newly minted coins drop into large canvas bags and hit each other, causing small nicks. Because of this, a 1987-P quarter that has survived without any scratches is extremely rare. To a non-collector, a shiny quarter looks like any other, but to a numismatist, the difference between a coin with two scratches and zero scratches could be hundreds of dollars.

Mint Mark	Quantity Minted	Rarity in High Grade
1987-P (Philadelphia)	305,415,000	High (Difficult to find MS67)
1987-D (Denver)	276,707,088	Moderate
1987-S (San Francisco)	4,078,929 (Proof only)	Low (Sold in sets)

Tips for Selling Your 1987-P Quarter

If you believe you have a valuable 1987-P Washington Quarter, your first step is to avoid cleaning it. Cleaning a coin with chemicals or even a soft cloth can leave microscopic scratches that destroy its numismatic value. A coin that might have been worth $50 can drop to $0.25 instantly if it has been “scrubbed.”

Instead, place the coin in a protective plastic flip or a small cardboard holder. Your best bet for selling is through an online auction or by visiting a local coin shop. However, be aware that most coin shops will only buy high-grade graded coins (certified by PCGS or NGC) or major errors. For the average “shiny” quarter, it’s often best to keep it as a conversation piece or the start of a new collection.

Many people start their journey by downloading CoinKnow to organize their finds. This helps you track which quarters you have and which ones you still need to complete a set. Whether you are looking for the “P,” “D,” or “S” mint marks, knowing the rarity of each year is the key to becoming a successful hobbyist.

FAQ

Q: Is the 1987-P Washington Quarter made of silver?

A: No, the 1987-P Washington Quarter is a copper-nickel clad coin. The last quarters intended for circulation that contained silver were minted in 1964. If your 1987 quarter looks unusually silver or shiny, it is likely just well-preserved or perhaps plated by a third party after it left the mint.

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

A: The record price for a 1987-P Washington Quarter is often over $500 for a specimen graded MS67+. These coins are incredibly rare because of the heavy bag marks typically found on coins from the Philadelphia Mint during that era.

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

A: The mint mark is located on the front (obverse) of the coin. Look at the right side of the coin, just behind Washington’s neck and above the date. You will see a small “P” for Philadelphia or a “D” for Denver.

Q: Is it worth getting my 1987-P quarter graded?

A: Generally, it is only worth grading if the coin appears to be in perfect, flawless condition. Since grading costs usually start at $20-$30 per coin, the coin needs to be worth significantly more than that to justify the expense. Use a high-quality magnifying glass or a coin app to check for scratches first.