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The 1987-S Washington Quarter is worth anywhere from $3 in typical Proof condition to over $350 for flawless specimens. While you won’t find this specific “S” mint mark coin in your pocket change, it remains a favorite for collectors looking to complete their modern sets without breaking the bank.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| PR 65 (Deep Cameo) | $3.00 – $5.00 |
| PR 69 (Deep Cameo) | $12.00 – $18.00 |
| PR 70 (Perfect Grade) | $150.00 – $400.00 |
Understanding the 1987-S Washington Quarter
If you have stumbled upon a 1987 quarter with a small “S” mint mark above the date, you are looking at a Proof coin. Unlike the quarters minted in Philadelphia (P) or Denver (D) for everyday spending, the San Francisco (S) mint specifically produced these for collectors. If you’re unsure about the mint mark or the specific variety you hold, using a top coin identifier app can help you confirm the origin of your find in seconds.
The 1987-S was never released into general circulation. These coins were originally sold in “Proof Sets” by the U.S. Mint, encased in hard plastic to protect their mirror-like finish. Because they were handled with extreme care, most surviving 1987-S quarters are in excellent condition.
While millions were made, the demand remains steady. Collectors often use the CoinKnow app to track the going rates for these Proof quarters, as prices can fluctuate based on the current interest in “Deep Cameo” finishes. When evaluating your 1987-S, look for a sharp contrast between the frosted portrait of Washington and the shiny, reflective field behind him.
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Official Mintage and Rarity Factors
In the world of numismatics, mintage numbers dictate the baseline of value. In 1987, the U.S. Mint produced a significant number of Proof sets. However, compared to the hundreds of millions of quarters struck for circulation in Philly and Denver, the 1987-S is technically much rarer.
| Mint Location | Mint Mark | Mintage Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | P | 582,499,481 |
| Denver | D | 490,690,705 |
| San Francisco (Proof) | S | 4,227,728 |
The mintage of roughly 4.2 million for the 1987-S seems high, but you must remember that many of these remain locked in sets. If a coin is removed from its set and handled, it could develop scratches, lowering its value.
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When you compare this to the market value for 1987-P quarters in high mint state, you’ll notice that while the “P” and “D” coins are rarer in “uncirculated” condition, the “S” Proof is generally more valuable because of its high-quality production standards.
Grading the 1987-S Washington Proof Quarter
Proof coins are graded differently than regular coins. Instead of “Mint State” (MS), they are given a “Proof” (PR) or “Proof State” (PF) grade. For the 1987-S, the most important factor is the “Cameo” effect.
The industry standard for a top-tier 1987-S is the “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) or “Ultra Cameo” designation. This means the design elements look white and snowy, while the background looks like a black mirror. If your coin has this look, its value significantly increases.
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Using CoinKnow, you can take a high-resolution photo of your quarter to see where it might land on the grading scale. Most 1987-S quarters found today will grade between PR 65 and PR 69. A PR 70, which is a perfect coin under 5x magnification, is extremely rare and can fetch hundreds of dollars at auction.
Valuable 1987 Quarter Errors to Look For
While Proof coins undergo rigorous inspection, errors still managed to slip through the San Francisco Mint. Error hunters often look for the 1987-S quarter because the flaws are much easier to spot against the mirror-like background of a Proof coin.
One common error is the “Double Die,” where the coin is struck more than once, leaving a ghost-like shadow on the lettering or the date. Another error to watch for is a “Clipped Planchet,” where the metal disk the coin was stamped on was improperly cut, leaving a crescent-shaped chunk missing from the edge.
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It is worth noting that a standard 1987-S in a plastic flip is usually worth its base collector price, but an authenticated error coin can double or triple that amount. For a deeper dive into the technical details, you can view the comprehensive 1987 Washington Quarter price guide and error list to see if your coin matches any known rare variants.
Comparison: 1987-S vs. 1987-P and 1987-D
New collectors often ask why their 1987-P or 1987-D quarter isn’t worth as much as the 1987-S. The answer lies in the striking process. The “S” quarters were struck twice with specially polished dies, giving them more detail and a higher luster.
| Coin Type | Circulated Value | Highest Auction Record |
|---|---|---|
| 1987-P | $0.25 (Face Value) | $500+ (MS67) |
| 1987-D | $0.25 (Face Value) | $400+ (MS67) |
| 1987-S Proof | $3.00 – $10.00 | $600+ (PR70 DCAM) |
As you can see, the “S” mint mark is the floor for value. While an exceptionally clean “P” or “D” quarter can be worth a lot to a specialist, the “S” is more consistently valuable for the average person who finds one.
The CoinKnow platform often highlights that while mintage for the 1987-P and 1987-D is near a billion coins, finding one in “Gem” uncirculated condition is actually harder than finding an 1987-S in great shape. This is because the S-mints were never tossed into cash registers or jingled in pockets.
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How to Store and Preserve Your 1987-S Quarter
If you discover that your 1987-S is a high-grade specimen, preservation becomes your top priority. Even the oils from your fingerprints can permanently damage the reflective surface of a Proof quarter.
Always handle your coins by the edges. If your 1987-S is currently loose, consider purchasing a PVC-free plastic flip or a direct-fit capsule. Keeping the air and moisture away from the coin prevents “hazing,” a cloudy film that can form on the surface of 1980s Proof coins, significantly lowering their eye appeal and resale value.
Remember, a “perfect” 1987-S worth $150 can quickly become a “damaged” coin worth only $3 if it is scratched or cleaned with chemicals. Never clean your coins! In the coin world, original patina and surfaces are always more valuable than a shiny, chemically-altered coin.
FAQ
Q: Is the 1987-S Washington Quarter made of silver?
A: No. The 1987-S Washington Quarter is composed of a copper-nickel clad (91.67% copper and 8.33% nickel). The U.S. Mint did not produce silver quarters for Proof sets in 1987; they only resumed silver Proof production in 1992.
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Q: Can I find a 1987-S quarter in my pocket change?
A: It is very unlikely, but possible. If an “S” mint coin is found in circulation, it is known as an “Impaired Proof.” This happens when someone breaks open a Proof set and spends the coins. These are usually worth less than $1 because they lose their reflective finish.
Q: What makes the 1987-S quarter special compared to other years?
A: 1987 is a favorite for year-set collectors. It represents a period where the U.S. Mint was perfecting the “Deep Cameo” striking process, making the coins exceptionally beautiful compared to the flatter strikes of the 1970s.
Q: How can I tell if my 1987-S is a Deep Cameo?
A: Hold the coin under a light. If the background (field) looks like a deep, dark mirror and the portrait of George Washington looks like it was painted with white frost, it is likely a Deep Cameo (DCAM). If there is no contrast, it is a standard Proof.