The 1987-S Washington Quarter is worth anywhere from $3 in standard proof condition to over $1,000 for elite specimens with perfect grades. While you won’t find these in your everyday pocket change, discovering one in an old family collection usually sparks immediate curiosity about its market price and rarity.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| PR65 (Typical Proof) | $3.00 – $5.00 |
| PR69 Deep Cameo | $15.00 – $25.00 |
| PR70 Deep Cameo | $450.00 – $1,100.00 |
Why the 1987-S Washington Quarter Stands Out
If you’ve recently inherited a coin collection or found a shiny quarter with an “S” mint mark, you’re looking at a Proof coin. Unlike the quarters minted in Philadelphia or Denver for general spending, the San Francisco Mint produced these specifically for collectors. For those trying to determine if their find is a hidden gem, using the best coin identifier app can help you distinguish between a high-quality proof and a standard circulation strike that was simply well-preserved.
In 1987, the U.S. Mint did not produce any quarters for general circulation (business strikes) at all—only those for mint sets and proof sets. This makes the 1987-S Washington Quarter a unique piece of history. The “S” mark signifies its origin at the San Francisco Mint. These coins were struck using polished dies and specially treated planchets (coin blanks), resulting in a mirror-like background and frosted details.
When checking the value of your collection, remember that CoinHix can provide real-time updates on market trends. Proof quarters serve as the backbone of many modern collections because of their visual appeal. While millions were made, the vast majority remain in the hands of collectors, meaning finding one in “the wild” is a rare treat for any casual enthusiast.
Understanding the Gradual Value of Proof Quarters
The value of a 1987-S Quarter depends almost entirely on its “grade”—a numerical score from 1 to 70. Because these were never intended to spend at a grocery store, most survive in excellent condition. However, there is a massive valuation gap between a coin that is “near perfect” (PR69) and one that is “perfect” (PR70). A tiny hairline scratch, invisible to the naked eye, can be the difference between a $10 coin and a $500 coin.
Most everyday Americans will find their 1987-S Quarters still housed in the original brown or purple plastic lenses from the U.S. Mint. In this original packaging, the 1987 Washington quarter market price for these proof versions remains stable yet modest. The real excitement happens when a coin is sent to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC and returns with the coveted “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) designation.
| Grade Designation | Visual Characteristics | Typical Price |
|---|---|---|
| Cameo | Moderate contrast between fields and devices | $4 – $8 |
| Deep Cameo | Heavy frosting and deep mirror surfaces | $12 – $1,100+ |
How to Spot a 1987-S Quarter Error
While the 1987-S Washington Quarter was struck under high-pressure quality control, errors do occasionally slip through. The most common “errors” people look for are doubled dies or strike-throughs. A doubled die occurs when the hub strikes the die twice at a slight offset, creating a blurry or “ghosting” effect on the lettering or the date. If you think you’ve spotted one, the CoinHix app can help you compare your coin against known error databases.
Another point of interest for collectors is the “Proof Edge.” Sometimes, the reeding (the ridges on the side) can be irregular or exhibit slight clipping. However, because these were individual strikes, true errors on 1987-S proofs are incredibly rare and highly sought after by specialists. Most “damage” found on these coins today isn’t a mint error, but rather “post-mint damage” (PMD) caused by improper handling.
When researching the 1987 quarter’s worth and rarity, you will find that a genuine error coin can multiply the value by ten or even twenty times. Always use a magnifying glass (preferably a 10x jeweler’s loupe) to inspect George Washington’s eye or the “LIBERTY” text for any signs of doubling.
The “Deep Cameo” Factor in 1987 Quarters
The term “Deep Cameo” is the holy grail for collectors of modern proof coins. This refers to the intense contrast where the raised parts of the design (like Washington’s head) look like bright white snow, while the flat background (the fields) looks like a deep, dark mirror. By 1987, the U.S. Mint had perfected the process of creating these, so most 1987-S quarters will have some level of cameo.
However, over time, the dies used to strike the coins would wear down, and the “frosted” effect would become less pronounced. Early strikes from a fresh die set are the ones that achieve the highest grades. If you have a coin that looks exceptionally “black and white” in its contrast, you might be holding a PR70 candidate.
| Mint Mark | Mintage Total | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 1987-S | 4,227,728 | Proof Only |
| 1987-P | 582,499,481 | Circulation |
| 1987-D | 655,594,696 | Circulation |
Tips for Selling and Protecting Your Coins
If you discover that your 1987-S Washington Quarter is potentially a high-grade specimen, the first rule is: do not touch the surface with your fingers! The oils from your skin can permanently “fingerprint” a proof coin, destroying its mirror finish and dropping its value instantly. Always handle coins by the edges or wear lint-free cotton gloves.
When you are ready to sell, CoinHix offers a great platform to gauge interest and find the right price points. For lower-grade proofs worth $5 or less, it’s often best to keep them as part of a set or sell them to a local coin shop. However, if you suspect your coin is a PR70, it is worth the investment to have it professionally graded by PCGS or NGC before sending it to an auction house like Heritage Auctions or GreatCollections.
Storing your quarters in PVC-free flips or “slabs” is essential. Older plastic holders from the 1980s can sometimes break down and cause “environmental damage” or ugly green spotting on the copper-nickel surface. Keeping them in a cool, dry place ensures that the value of your 1987-S Washington Quarter remains protected for years to come.
FAQ
Q: Why does my 1987 quarter have an “S” instead of a “P” or “D”?
A: The “S” stands for the San Francisco Mint. In 1987, this mint only produced “Proof” coins intended for collectors, not for general circulation. If you found one in circulation, someone likely broke open a collector’s set and spent it by mistake!
Q: Is the 1987-S Washington Quarter made of silver?
A: No. Standard 1987-S Quarters are made of a copper-nickel clad composition (75% copper, 25% nickel). The U.S. Mint did not start producing silver proof quarters again until 1992.
Q: How can I tell if my 1987-S is worth the “big money”?
A: To be worth hundreds of dollars, the coin must be in “Perfect 70” condition, meaning it has absolutely no microscopic flaws even under a microscope. Most 1987-S quarters found in opened sets or loose change are worth between $3 and $10.
Q: Should I clean my 1987-S Quarter to make it shinier?
A: Never clean a coin! Cleaning creates tiny scratches on the surface that professional graders can easily spot. A cleaned coin loses the majority of its collector value immediately.