1987-D Roosevelt Dime Value: Is Your Ten-Cent Piece Rare?
The 1987-D Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from its $0.10 face value in worn condition to over $500 in top-tier mint state grades. While most of these coins found in pocket change are common, certain high-quality specimens and rare errors can be surprisingly lucrative for everyday collectors.
| Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (Average Wear) | $0.10 – $0.15 |
| Uncirculated (MS60 – MS65) | $1.00 – $15.00 |
| High Grade (MS67+) | $50 – $150+ |
| Full Bands (FB) Designation | $150 – $650+ |
History and Significance of the 1987-D Roosevelt Dime
The Roosevelt Dime has been a staple of American currency since it was first introduced in 1946, honoring President Franklin D. Roosevelt following his passing. By 1987, the United States Mint was producing these coins in massive quantities. If you are struggling to identify your coin’s condition, using a free coin identifier app can help you distinguish between a common find and a potential treasure.
The “D” mint mark signifies that the coin was struck at the Denver Mint. In 1987, Denver minted over 600 million dimes, making them extremely common in general circulation. Because so many were made, 1987-D dimes generally only carry significant value if they are in pristine, “Mint State” condition or possess a specific manufacturing error.
Collectors often look for “Full Bands” on the reverse of the coin. This refers to the horizontal lines on the torch being clearly separated and defined. Finding a 1987-D with this level of detail is difficult because the dies used in the 1980s were often worn down, resulting in mushy details. Using CoinKnow can help you compare your coin against high-resolution images of these rare designations to see where yours stands.
Assessing the 1987-D Roosevelt Dime Value by Grade
When determining the 1987-D Roosevelt Dime market price, the most critical factor is the grade. Grading is a process used by professionals to measure the level of wear and tear on a coin. For a 1987-D dime, most coins you find in your spare change will be “Circulated,” meaning they have scratches, dullness, or smoothed-out details.
In circulated condition (grades F12 to AU58), the 1987-D dime is typically worth only its face value of 10 cents. However, if you find one that looks like it just came out of a fresh roll—shiny, with no scratches—it might be an “Uncirculated” coin. These are graded on a scale from MS60 to MS70.
A 1987-D dime graded MS65 is worth a few dollars, but once you reach MS67 or higher, the price jumps significantly. This is because very few coins from the 1980s were preserved in perfect condition. You can check the latest 1987 Roosevelt Dime auction records to see how much collectors are currently paying for these high-grade specimens.
| Grade (Mint State) | Retail Value (D Mint) |
|---|---|
| MS60 – MS63 | $0.25 – $2.00 |
| MS65 | $5.00 – $12.00 |
| MS67 | $35.00 – $60.00 |
| MS68 | $150.00 – $300.00 |
The “Full Bands” (FB) Premium for 1987-D Dimes
For serious Roosevelt Dime collectors, the “Full Bands” (FB) or “Full Torch” (FT) designation is the holy grail. This refers to the two sets of horizontal bands on the torch located on the reverse side of the coin. On most 1987-D dimes, these lines are blurry or merged together due to poor strike quality at the Denver Mint.
If your dime has distinct, separated lines on both the top and bottom of the torch, it may qualify for the FB designation. An MS67 Full Bands 1987-D dime can sell for significantly more than a standard MS67 coin. In fact, exceptionally rare MS68 FB specimens have been known to fetch over $600 at major auctions.
To identify these details without a professional magnifying glass, many hobbyists use CoinKnow. The app’s specialized camera features allow you to zoom in on the torch bands to see if they are fully separated. This small detail can be the difference between a 10-cent coin and a triple-digit payday.
| Grade + FB Designation | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| MS65 Full Bands | $25 – $45 |
| MS66 Full Bands | $75 – $110 |
| MS67 Full Bands | $200 – $350 |
| MS68 Full Bands | $650+ |
Rare 1987-D Roosevelt Dime Errors to Look For
While most 1987-D dimes are common, mint errors can turn a mundane coin into a valuable collectible. Errors occur during the manufacturing process and are often caught by quality control, but a few always slip through into circulation.
One common error for this era is the “Clipped Planchet,” where a piece of the circular coin blank is missing, resulting in a crescent-shaped bite taken out of the edge. Another popular find is the “Off-Center Strike,” where the image is not centered on the coin. If the strike is more than 50% off-center and includes the date, the value can rise to $50 or $100.
Die cracks and “Broadstrikes” are also possible. A broadstrike occurs when the coin is struck without the retaining collar, making it appear flatter and wider than a normal dime. Using CoinKnow to identify these anomalies is a great way for beginners to start their error-hunting journey.
Comparison: 1987-P vs. 1987-D vs. 1987-S
In 1987, the U.S. Mint produced dimes at Philadelphia (P), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S). While the Philadelphia and Denver coins were intended for general circulation, the San Francisco coins were minted as “Proofs” specifically for collectors.
Proof coins are struck twice using polished dies, giving them a mirror-like finish and frosted details. If you find a 1987 dime with an “S” mint mark that looks exceptionally shiny, it is likely a Proof coin. These are usually worth $2 to $5 in their original packaging, though perfect specimens can be worth more.
The 1987-P and 1987-D are very similar in value, though occasionally one will have a slightly lower survival rate in high grades than the other. Generally, both are considered common unless they achieve an MS67 grade or higher.
| Mint Mark | Mintage Quantity | Rarity Level |
|---|---|---|
| 1987-P (Philadelphia) | 655,594,000 | Very Common |
| 1987-D (Denver) | 670,147,280 | Very Common |
| 1987-S (San Francisco) | 4,227,728 | Collector Only |
Tips for Selling Your 1987-D Roosevelt Dime
If you believe you have found a high-value 1987-D dime, your next step is to protect it. Avoid cleaning the coin, as this can destroy its numismatic value and lower its grade significantly. Natural “patina” or toning is preferred by collectors over a chemically cleaned surface.
For coins that appear to be in perfect condition, consider having them professionally graded by services like PCGS or NGC. However, keep in mind that grading costs money (often $20-$50 per coin), so it is only worth it if the coin’s estimated value exceeds the cost of grading.
For the everyday person, selling on platforms like eBay or to a local coin shop is the easiest route. Be sure to take clear, high-resolution photos of both the front (obverse) and back (reverse) of the coin. Highlighting the Full Bands or any obvious errors will help you get the best possible price from interested buyers.
FAQ
Q: Is the 1987-D Roosevelt Dime made of silver?
A: No, the 1987-D Roosevelt Dime is not made of silver. The U.S. Mint stopped using 90% silver for Roosevelt Dimes in 1964. Dimes minted in 1987 are made of a “clad” composition consisting of a pure copper core and outer layers of 75% copper and 25% nickel.
Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1987 dime?
A: The mint mark is located on the front (obverse) of the coin, just above the year “1987.” You will see a small letter “D” if it was minted in Denver or a “P” if it was minted in Philadelphia.
Q: What is a “Full Bands” Roosevelt Dime?
A: “Full Bands” is a designation used by grading services to describe a Roosevelt Dime with full, horizontal details on the torch bands on the reverse side. This indicates a very sharp strike and adds significant value to the coin.
Q: Are there any 1987-D dimes worth thousands of dollars?
A: While highly unlikely for a standard 1987-D dime, certain major errors or a coin that grades at a “One-of-a-Kind” MS69 with Full Bands could potentially approach high values. However, most top-valued 1987-D dimes sell in the $300 to $650 range.
