1987-S Jefferson Nickel Value: Price Guide for Collectors

The 1987-S Jefferson Nickel is worth anywhere from $0.05 in circulated condition to over $1,500 for flawless specimen grades. While most of these coins found in pocket change are only worth their face value, the “S” mint mark signifies a special Proof strike that often carries a premium for collectors.

Condition / Grade	Estimated Value
Circulated / Pocket Change	$0.05 – $0.10
Proof PR65 (Typical)	$1.00 – $3.00
Proof PR69 Deep Cameo	$15.00 – $25.00
Proof PR70 Deep Cameo	$150.00 – $1,600.00+

Understanding the 1987-S Jefferson Nickel Mint Mark

If you have a 1987 nickel and notice a tiny “S” located to the right of Felix Schlag’s portrait of Thomas Jefferson, you have found a coin minted in San Francisco. Unlike the pennies and quarters of the same year, the 1987-S Jefferson Nickel was never intended for general circulation. These coins were produced as “Proof” strikes specifically for the annual Mint Sets sold to collectors. If you find one in your spare change today, it likely means someone broke open a collector’s set and spent it like ordinary money.

Identifying these coins is easy with a top coin identifier app, which can help you distinguish between the matte-like finish of a regular coin and the mirror-like surface of an “S” mint Proof. Because millions of these sets were produced, the “S” mark doesn’t automatically mean you’ve hit the jackpot. However, the condition of the coin is everything. A 1987-S that has been scratched or dulled by circulation loses most of its numismatic value, while a pristine, “Deep Cameo” version can be quite valuable.

Using an app like CoinKnow can help you quickly scan the coin to check for surface wear. If the coin looks exceptionally shiny—almost like a mirror—and the portrait of Jefferson has a frothy, white appearance that contrasts with the background, you have a “Deep Cameo.” These are the versions that collectors hunt for, as they represent the highest quality obtainable from the San Francisco Mint in 1987.

Visual Characteristics of the 1987-S Proof Nickel

The 1987-S nickel features the classic Jefferson design used since 1938. The obverse depicts Thomas Jefferson, while the reverse shows his Virginia home, Monticello. What makes the Proof version distinct is the manufacturing process. The San Francisco Mint used specially polished dies and planchets (blank coins) to strike these pieces multiple times. This results in incredibly sharp details and a high-gloss finish that you won’t find on nickels minted in Philadelphia or Denver.

When evaluating your coin, the “Full Steps” designation (often sought on regular nickels) is less of a factor for Proof coins because they are expected to have perfect strikes. Instead, collectors look for “Cameo” (CAM) or “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) effects. This refers to the contrast between the frosted raised elements and the mirror-like flat fields. A high-quality 1987-S will look almost like a piece of jewelry rather than a piece of currency.

If your coin lacks this shine and looks like a standard nickel, check the mint mark again. If it’s a “P” or “D”, it was made for circulation. You can check the market trends for 1987-P Jefferson Nickel mint state prices to see how they differ from the Proof “S” versions. Generally, circulation strikes are more common in worn condition, but rare in high-grade uncirculated states.

Feature	Proof (S) Description	Circulation (P/D) Description
Finish	Mirrored backgrounds, frosted relief	Satin or dull luster
Strike Quality	Extremely sharp, double-struck	Single-struck, sometimes soft details
Availability	Only in Proof Sets	General pocket change

Why Grade Matters for 1987-S Nickel Prices

In the world of coin collecting, the “Grade” is a score from 1 to 70 that defines a coin’s condition. For the 1987-S Jefferson Nickel, anything below a PR65 (Proof 65) is generally considered “junk silver” (even though nickels are made of copper and nickel), meaning it has very little value above face. However, as you move toward a perfect PR70, the price skyrockets. This is because very few coins survive for decades without a single microscopic scratch or bit of dust affecting the surface.

Most 1987-S nickels found today are in PR68 or PR69 condition. These are worth roughly $10 to $25. They are beautiful to look at but are not considered “rare.” The real value lies in the PR70 Deep Cameo. This is a “perfect” coin as graded by professional services like PCGS or NGC. Because collectors of Jefferson Nickels want the very best for their “Registry Sets,” they are willing to pay hundreds, or even over a thousand dollars, for that single point of difference between a 69 and a 70.

If you believe your coin is flawless, using an app like CoinKnow can help you compare your coin’s luster to high-resolution images of graded specimens. This is a crucial step before spending money on professional grading fees, which can often cost more than the coin itself. You should also consult a 1987 Jefferson Nickel price chart to see where your specific coin fits in the current market.

Grading and Value Comparison Table

To give you a better idea of what your 1987-S nickel might be worth based on its grade, we have compiled a list of recent auction averages. Note that “DCAM” stands for Deep Cameo, which is the gold standard for this year’s Proof coins.

Grade	Designation	Market Value
PR67	Cameo	$4.00
PR68	Deep Cameo	$12.00
PR69	Deep Cameo	$28.00
PR70	Deep Cameo	$1,450.00+

Are There Any 1987 Nickel Errors?

While the 1987-S Proof is generally a very well-made coin with few errors, collectors always keep an eye out for anomalies. Error hunting is one of the most exciting parts of the hobby. For the 1987 nickel, most errors occur in the Philadelphia (P) and Denver (D) mintages rather than the San Francisco Proofs. Common errors include “Off-Center Strikes,” where the design is shifted to one side, or “Die Cracks,” which look like raised lightning bolts on the coin’s surface.

For the 1987-S specifically, you might look for “Double Dies.” This happens when the hub impresses the image onto the die twice at slightly different angles, resulting in a blurred or “doubled” appearance on the lettering or the date. While there aren’t many famous 1987-S double dies, finding a unique one could make your coin worth much more than the standard Proof price.

Another thing to look for is “haze” or “toning.” Sometimes, the chemicals in the original plastic packaging from the Mint react with the metal, creating a rainbow-like effect on the coin. While some collectors love this “toning” and will pay a premium for it, others prefer the brilliant white look. If you aren’t sure if your coin has a valuable error or just environmental damage, CoinKnow can provide community feedback and AI-driven analysis to help you decide.

Should You Get Your 1987-S Nickel Professionaly Graded?

This is the most common question for people who find an old nickel. Professional grading by a company like PCGS costs around $20-$50 per coin, plus shipping. If your 1987-S nickel is worth $5, spending $30 to grade it is a bad investment. Generally, you should only consider professional grading if the coin is in absolutely perfect condition, with no visible scratches even under a magnifying glass.

If you suspect your 1987-S could be a PR70, it is worth the risk. A PR70 1987-S Jefferson Nickel sold at auction for over $1,500 because it was one of the few perfected examples in existence. If the coin has been touched by fingers (leaving oils) or has been rattling around in a drawer, it likely won’t grade higher than a PR64 or PR65, making it a “raw” collector coin worth just a few dollars.

Before sending anything off, use a high-powered lens or a digital microscope to inspect the steps of Monticello on the back. Even on a Proof coin, the sharpness of these steps is a sign of a superior strike. If the steps are blurry or have “bag marks” (tiny nicks from other coins), it’s best to keep the coin in a simple cardboard “2×2” holder as a nice addition to your personal collection rather than a financial investment.

FAQ

Q: How can I tell if my 1987 nickel is an “S” mint?

A: Look on the front (obverse) of the coin. To the right of Thomas Jefferson’s ponytail and just above the date, you will see a small letter. If it is an “S,” it was minted in San Francisco. If it is a “P,” it’s Philadelphia; if it’s a “D,” it’s Denver.

Q: Is a 1987-S nickel made of silver?

A: No. Jefferson Nickels from 1987 are made of a cupro-nickel alloy, which is 75% copper and 25% nickel. The only Jefferson Nickels that contain silver were the “War Nickels” produced from 1942 to 1945.

Q: I found a 1987-S nickel in my change. Is it rare?

A: It is “uncommon” to find one in circulation because they were only sold in sets. However, over 4 million were minted, so it is not considered a rare coin unless it is in perfect, flawless condition (Grade PR70).

Q: Why is the PR70 grade so much more expensive?

A: Collectability is driven by the “Registry Set” market. Top-tier collectors compete to have the highest-rated set in the world. Since there are very few 1987-S nickels that receive a perfect 70 score, the demand for those few coins far exceeds the supply, driving the price into the thousands.

Q: Can I clean my 1987-S nickel to make it worth more?

A: No! Never clean a collectible coin. Cleaning creates microscopic scratches that professional graders can detect instantly. Cleaning a Proof coin will significantly reduce its value and can turn a potentially valuable coin into one worth only its face value of five cents.