The 1987-S Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from $3 in standard proof condition to over $1,000 for rare “Deep Cameo” specimens with perfect grading. While these coins were not made for general circulation, finding one in your collection can be an exciting discovery for any casual hobbyist.
| Condition/Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| PR65 (Proof) | $3.00 – $5.00 |
| PR69 (Near Perfect) | $15.00 – $25.00 |
| PR70 DCAM (Perfect Specimen) | $350 – $1,200+ |
Understanding the 1987-S Roosevelt Dime Value
If you have stumbled upon a shiny dime with an “S” mint mark dated 1987, you are holding a “Proof” coin. Unlike the millions of dimes struck in Philadelphia or Denver for daily spending, these were specifically produced by the San Francisco Mint for collectors. If you are unsure exactly what you have, using the best coin identifier app can help you distinguish between a proof and a regular business strike.
The value of these coins is heavily dependent on their physical condition and visual appeal. Most 1987-S dimes were sold in plastic-encased sets, so they haven’t touched human hands or dirty pockets. Because so many were saved by collectors, a standard proof isn’t worth a fortune. However, a perfect PR70 Deep Cameo grade can command a premium price at auction.
Many people use the CoinHix app to quickly scan their change and identify if a coin is a circulation strike or a proof strike. Because proof coins are minted using polished dies and planchets, they exhibit a mirror-like finish that makes the Roosevelt portrait “pop” against the background.
Identifying the S Mint Mark and Mintage
The 1987-S Roosevelt Dime was minted exclusively in San Francisco. In 1987, the United States Mint produced a total of 4,221,915 proof sets. This means there are roughly 4.2 million of these dimes in existence. Comparing this to the hundreds of millions of coins minted for circulation, you can see why the “S” version is rarer.
While the 1987-S is the star of this guide, it’s helpful to compare it to other coins from the same year. For example, the 1987-P Roosevelt Dime MS value is generally lower unless found in exceptional Mint State condition, as those were intended for common spending.
To find the mint mark, look just above the date on the obverse side of the coin. You will see a small “S” letter. If the letter is “P” or “D”, it is a common circulation coin. If it is an “S”, you have found a collector’s item. Tracking these variations is easy when you use the CoinHix database to log your finds.
| Mint Mark Location | Meaning | Type |
|---|---|---|
| S (Above Date) | San Francisco | Proof Only |
| P (Above Date) | Philadelphia | Business Strike |
| D (Above Date) | Denver | Business Strike |
Grading and the “Deep Cameo” Distinction
When researching the current market price for 1987 dimes, you will frequently see the terms “Cameo” (CAM) and “Deep Cameo” (DCAM). These terms describe the contrast between the frosted design and the shiny, mirror-like fields of the coin.
A “Proof 70 Deep Cameo” is the holy grail for this year. These coins appear nearly black-and-white in photographs because the frost on Roosevelt’s head is so thick and the background is so reflective. Most coins found in original government packaging will grade between PR67 and PR69.
Because these coins are common in high grades, only a “Perfect 70” is truly valuable. If your coin has even the smallest scratch, visible only under a magnifying glass, it will fall to a lower grade and lose 90% of its potential market value. Professionals use high-end equipment to determine these grades, but you can get a head start using the high-resolution photo tools in CoinHix.
Common Errors and Varieties for 1987 Dimes
While the 1987-S is generally very consistent because of the high production standards of proof coins, errors can still occur. These errors can significantly boost the 1987-S Roosevelt Dime value. Collectors look for things like “Double Dies,” where the letters or numbers appear to have a shadow or second strike.
Another rare occurrence is a “clipped planchet” or “off-center strike.” These are much rarer in proof coins than in circulation coins because proof coins are individually inspected at the mint. If you find a proof coin with any of these defects, you likely have a coin worth hundreds of dollars.
It is also worth checking for “Full Band” (FB) details on the reverse. The torch on the back of the dime has horizontal bands. If these bands are fully separated and distinct, the coin is more desirable, though this is much more common on Proof coins than it is on business strikes from Philadelphia.
| Error Type | Description | Estimated Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Double Die Obverse | Doubling on ‘Liberty’ or Date | $50 – $150 |
| Off-Center | Design not centered on metal | $100+ |
| Struck Through | Debris caught in the die | $20 – $50 |
How to Store and Protect Your 1987-S Proof Dime
Since the 1987-S Roosevelt Dime value depends almost entirely on its pristine finish, proper storage is essential. If you found the coin in a plastic proof set, it is best to leave it inside that original holder. Breaking the coin out can expose it to “toning” or physical damage.
Toning happens when the metal reacts with the air, turns yellow, blue, or brown. While some collectors love “rainbow toning,” most prefer a brilliant, white proof coin. Handling these coins with bare fingers is a big mistake; the natural oils on your skin will leave permanent fingerprints that eating away at the finish over time.
If your coin is already loose, place it in a PVC-free “flip” or a plastic capsule. This prevents the coin from getting scratched by other coins in your collection. Keeping your inventory updated on an app can help you track the value of your collection as the market fluctuates year by year.
Is the 1987-S Dime a Good Investment?
For the average American, the 1987-S Roosevelt Dime is a great “gateway” coin into the hobby of numismatics. It is affordable, beautiful, and easy to find. However, from a strictly financial investment standpoint, it is not a coin that will likely appreciate rapidly in value unless it is a perfect Grade 70.
The sheer number of these coins available means that supply is high. However, as the years go by, fewer and fewer “perfect” examples remain in the market. Many are lost or damaged by inexperienced owners. This makes the high-grade survivors more valuable over long periods.
If you enjoy the history and the art of US coinage, the 1987-S is a must-have. It represents a period of high-quality production at the San Francisco Mint. Whether you are building a full “Roosevelt Dime Folder” or just like keeping interesting pieces you find, this dime is a shiny piece of history worth holding onto.
FAQ
Q: Can I find a 1987-S Roosevelt Dime in my pocket change?
A: While it is rare, it does happen! Sometimes people accidentally spend proof sets, or a child might break open a parent’s collection. If you see a dime that is much shinier than the others and has an “S” mark, you found a proof.
Q: Is there any silver in a 1987-S Roosevelt Dime?
A: No. In 1987, the US Mint was making dimes from a copper-nickel clad composition. Silver proof sets did not return until 1992. Your 1987-S is made of copper and nickel.
Q: What is the highest price ever paid for a 1987-S Dime?
A: Perfect PCGS-graded PR70 Deep Cameo examples have sold for anywhere between $300 and $1,200 at major auctions, depending on the current demand and the “eye appeal” of the specific coin.
Q: Does a scratch on my 1987-S dime ruin its value?
A: Because proof coins are expected to be perfect, even a small scratch (known as a “hairline”) can drop the coin’s value down to $3 or less. Collectors of these specific coins usually only pay a premium for flawless surfaces.
