1987-S Roosevelt Dime Value: Most Recent Prices and Rarities

The 1987-S Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from $3 in standard proof condition to over $1,000 for top-tier specimens with deep cameo contrasts. While you won’t find this specific “S” mint mark coin in your pocket change, it remains a favorite for everyday collectors looking to add some sparkle to their sets.

Condition	Average Market Value
PR 65 (Standard Proof)	$3.00 – $5.00
PR 69 Deep Cameo	$12.00 – $20.00
PR 70 Deep Cameo (Perfect)	$40.00 – $250.00+

Understanding the 1987-S Roosevelt Dime Production

If you have stumbled upon a shiny dime dated 1987 with a small “S” next to the date, you have found a Proof coin. Unlike the billions of dimes struck in Philadelphia and Denver for general circulation, the San Francisco Mint produced the 1987-S Roosevelt Dime specifically for collectors. These coins were issued as part of the 1987 Proof Set, housed in protective plastic lenses.

To identify if your coin is a high-value item, you can use a top coin identifier app to scan the surface details. These apps use image recognition to check the clarity of the “S” mint mark and the reflectivity of the fields. For the everyday American, carrying CoinKnow on your phone makes it easy to distinguish a common circulated dime from these special collector strikes.

The San Francisco Mint struck exactly 4,227,728 of these dimes in 1987. While four million might sound like a lot, it is a tiny fraction of the total dime production that year. Because these were never meant to be spent, finding one in excellent condition is relatively common, but finding one in “Perfect” condition is where the real money lies.

What Makes the 1987-S Dime Valuable?

When evaluating the 1987-S Roosevelt Dime Value, the most important factor is the “Cameo” effect. In the late 1980s, the U.S. Mint had perfected the technique of creating frosted portraits that stand out against mirror-like backgrounds. Collectors call the most extreme version of this “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) or “Ultra Cameo” (UCAM).

A standard 1987-S dime without a strong frost on the face of FDR is generally worth very little over its face value. However, if the portrait of Roosevelt looks white and “cloudy” while the background is black and reflective like a pool of water, you have a valuable specimen. Most high-tier collectors check the real-time price trends for 1987 dimes before making a purchase.

Professional grading services like PCGS or NGC assign a grade from 1 to 70. A grade of PR70 DCAM (Proof 70 Deep Cameo) is the “holy grail” for this year. Every tiny scratch or fingerprint, even those invisible to the naked eye, can drop the price from $200 down to $10. Using CoinKnow can help you zoom into these high-definition details to see if your coin is worth sending in for professional certification.

Comparing 1987-S to Other 1987 Dimes

To understand the 1987-S Roosevelt Dime Value, you must compare it to its siblings from Philadelphia (P) and Denver (D). The P and D dimes were made for the grocery store and the vending machine. They are made of a copper-nickel “sandwich” and usually show lots of wear.

The 1987-S is different because it was handled with white gloves at the mint. However, don’t confuse the Proof “S” dime with the business-strike “P” dimes, which can actually be more valuable in certain rare conditions. For instance, the 1987-P Roosevelt Dime value in high MS grades can sometimes exceed the value of a common Proof because high-quality circulation coins are harder to find than high-quality Proofs.

Mint Mark	Mintage	Finish Type	Rarity Score
1987-P	656,094,615	Business Strike	Common
1987-D	679,401,452	Business Strike	Common
1987-S	4,227,728	Proof Strike	Scarce (Collector Only)

Are There Any Rare 1987-S Errors?

While error coins are the most exciting part of the hobby, the 1987-S Roosevelt Dime is known for being remarkably consistent. Because Proof coins are struck twice with higher pressure and the dies are inspected frequently, errors are quite rare. However, collectors still hunt for specific anomalies.

One thing to look for is “Double Die” errors. This happens when the die used to stamp the coin has a doubled image, usually noticeable in the lettering of “IN GOD WE TRUST” or the date. If you think you see doubling, hold your coin under a magnifying glass or use the CoinKnow macro-lens feature to check for clear, notched edges on the letters.

Another area of interest is the “Full Torch” (FT) or “Full Bands” (FB) designation on the reverse. While this is usually a term reserved for business strikes (P and D), collectors still look for maximum detail on the torch’s horizontal bands on Proof coins. A 1987-S with exceptionally crisp bands and zero imperfections can command a premium at auction.

Grading and Preserving Your 1987 Dime

If you find a 1987-S in a drawer or a box of old items, the worst thing you can do is clean it. Cleaning a Proof coin with a cloth or chemicals will create tiny “hairline” scratches. These scratches instantly destroy the mirrors and can reduce the 1987-S Roosevelt Dime Value to just its 10-cent face value (or the price of the metal).

To determine if a coin is worth the $20-$30 cost of professional grading, look at the fields (the flat parts). If there are no visible marks and the frost on the torch and Roosevelt’s head is unbroken, it might be a candidate for a PR70 grade. Historically, top-grade PR70 DCAM examples have sold for as much as $500, though the current market is more stable.

Grade Designation	Estimated Value	Market Demand
Proof (No Cameo)	$0.50 – $1.00	Low
PR68 Deep Cameo	$8.00 – $12.00	Moderate
PR69 Deep Cameo	$15.00 – $25.00	High
PR70 Deep Cameo	$150.00 – $450.00	Very High

Summary: Should You Keep Your 1987-S Dime?

For most people, a 1987-S Roosevelt Dime is a “keeper” simply because of its beauty. Even if it isn’t worth thousands of dollars, it represents a time when the U.S. Mint was reaching its peak in proof-manufacturing technology. It is a fantastic “entry-level” coin that introduces the concept of mint marks and proof finishes.

If you are looking to sell, your best bet is to group it with other coins or sell it via an online marketplace if it’s in perfect condition. Don’t expect a local coin shop to pay much for a single loose proof dime, as they often have tubs of them. However, if you have a coin that looks flawless, it is always worth investigating its potential as a high-grade rarity.

FAQ

Q: Is the 1987-S Roosevelt Dime made of silver?

A: No. By 1987, the U.S. Mint had long stopped using silver for dimes. The 1987-S is made of a cupro-nickel cladding over a pure copper core. The Mint did not start making Silver Proof sets again until 1992.

Q: Why is there an “S” on my dime but it doesn’t look shiny?

A: If it’s not shiny, it has likely been “impaired.” This means the coin was taken out of its protective case and spent as regular money. Once a Proof coin is circulated and loses its mirror finish, its value drops significantly.

Q: What is the highest price ever paid for a 1987-S Roosevelt Dime?

A: While prices fluctuate, a perfect PCGS PR70 Deep Cameo specimen has sold for over $1,200 in the past at major auctions, though most PR70s today sell in the $150 to $250 range.

Q: Can I find a 1987-S dime in my spare change pocket?

A: It is very rare but possible! This is called a “Proof in the Wild.” Usually, this happens when someone breaks open a coin set and spends the money. These coins are usually scratched up and only worth 10 cents to a collector.