1987-S Jefferson Nickel Value: What Is Your Proof Coin Worth?

The 1987-S Jefferson Nickel is worth anywhere from $0.50 in typical proof condition to over $50 for high-grade specimens. While these coins were not released into general circulation, many people find them in inherited collections or old proof sets and wonder if they have discovered a small fortune.

Understanding the 1987-S Jefferson Nickel History

The 1987-S Jefferson Nickel is a unique animal compared to the nickels you usually find in your pocket change. In 1987, the United States Mint produced nickels at three different locations: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. While the “P” and “D” mint marks represent coins intended for the grocery store and the vending machine, the “S” mint mark signifies that the coin was struck at the San Francisco Mint specifically for collectors.

If you are unsure which version you have, you can use a free coin identifier app to quickly distinguish between a standard business strike and a collector’s proof. The 1987-S was only sold as part of the 1987 Proof Set, which also included a penny, dime, quarter, and half dollar.

Because these were handled with extreme care by the Mint and sold in protective plastic lenses, most 1987-S nickels still look brand new today. However, their value is heavily dependent on how well the “frosted” finish has held up over the last few decades. If you have a collection of various years, using the CoinKnow app can help you organize and track the market value of each piece.

The Visual Appeal of the Proof 1987-S Nickel

What makes the 1987-S Jefferson Nickel stand out is its “Proof” finish. Unlike regular coins that are struck once at high speed, proof coins are struck twice using specially polished dies and planchets (the metal blanks). This results in a mirror-like background and highly detailed “frosted” images of Thomas Jefferson on the front and Monticello on the back.

Collectors specifically look for the “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) designation. This refers to a stark contrast where the portrait looks white and snowy while the background looks like a black mirror. If your coin has lost this contrast due to being touched by oily fingers or being removed from its case, its value drops significantly.

Professional grading services like PCGS and NGC provide the final word on these visual characteristics. For those interested in how these compare to the regular circulation counterparts, checking the current price trends for 1987 Philadelphia nickels can give you a better perspective on the rarity of the “S” mint mark versus the common “P” mark found in change.

Grading and Value Factors for 1987-S Nickels

When assessing the 1987-S Jefferson Nickel value, the numerical grade is everything. Because these coins started in “Mint State,” the standard for a “good” coin is much higher than usual. A grade of PR 65 is considered average for a proof coin, while a PR 70 is considered perfect.

Even a single tiny scratch that is invisible to the naked eye can drop a coin from a $50 value to a $5 value. This is why many collectors use the CoinKnow app to get a high-resolution look at their coins before deciding if it is worth the $20-$30 fee to have the coin officially graded by a professional service.

Most 1987-S nickels found in original packaging will grade around PR 68 or PR 69. To reach the top-tier values, the coin must be flawless under 5x magnification. You can find more detailed breakdowns of market valuation data for 1987 nickels to see how specific condition tiers affect the final sale price at auction.

Are There Any Rare 1987-S Nickel Errors?

Error hunters are always on the lookout for mistakes made at the mint, but proof coins are rarely subject to the same errors as business strikes. Because the San Francisco Mint uses a much more controlled environment, errors like “Double Dies” or “Off-Center strikes” are extremely rare for the 1987-S.

However, some collectors look for “die polish lines” or “mechanical doubling,” which can occur when the die shifts slightly during the high-pressure striking process. While these aren’t always considered true errors by grading companies, they can add a bit of character to a coin.

If you think you’ve found an error on your 1987-S, look closely at the “S” mint mark. Sometimes the punch used to create the “S” could be slightly doubled, though no major prominent varieties have been officially recognized for this year yet. Always keep an eye out for “Full Steps” on the reverse—though on proof coins, this is expected and doesn’t carry the same massive premium it would on a 1987-P or 1987-D.

Identifying the S Mint Mark and Mintage Numbers

To find the mint mark on your 1987 Jefferson nickel, look at the “obverse” (heads) side. It is located just to the right of Thomas Jefferson’s ponytail, below the date. If you see an “S,” you have a coin from the San Francisco Mint.

The mintage for the 1987-S was exactly 4,227,728. While nearly four million coins might seem like a lot, compare that to the 1987-P, which had over 370 million produced. This makes the “S” version technically much rarer, though because they were all saved in sets, they are not hard for collectors to find.

If you are sorting through a large bag of nickels and find an “S” mint mark, it was likely “broken out” of a proof set and spent at a store. These are called “impaired proofs.” They usually look a bit shinier than regular nickels but might have scratches. Even in this condition, they are worth keeping, and the CoinKnow app can help you identify if the wear is too significant to maintain a premium value.

The Market for 1987-S Nickels in the Future

Is the 1987-S Jefferson Nickel a good investment? Generally speaking, common-date proof nickels from the 1980s are not “get rich quick” coins. They are beautiful pieces of American history that are perfect for young collectors or those looking to complete a year-set of Jefferson nickels.

The real value growth happens at the very top of the grading scale. A PR 70 Deep Cameo coin is a “top-pop” coin, meaning no better version exists. These are the ones that sell for nearly $100 at specialized auctions. For the average person, holding onto a clean 1987-S is a great way to appreciate the art of the US Mint without spending much money.

Because the 1980s are becoming more “vintage” to the newer generation of collectors, we may see a slight uptick in demand for high-quality proof sets from this era. Keeping your nickel in a PVC-free coin flip or its original plastic case is the best way to ensure it doesn’t lose its luster over time.

Summary of the 1987-S Value

In summary, the 1987-S Jefferson Nickel is a “proof-only” issue with a mintage of roughly 4.2 million. While it is worth more than its 5-cent face value, it typically fetches between $1 and $15 for most hobbyists. Only the highest-graded “Perfect 70” examples break into the $50+ range.

Whether you found one in a drawer or are looking to buy one for a collection, remember that condition is the most critical factor. Avoid cleaning the coin, as this will destroy the mirror-like finish and ruin any collector value it currently holds.

FAQ

Q: Why is there an “S” on my 1987 nickel?

A: The “S” signifies it was minted in San Francisco. Unlike “P” or “D” nickels, “S” nickels from 1987 were only produced as part of special Proof Sets for collectors and were not intended for circulation.

Q: Can I spend a 1987-S Jefferson Nickel?

A: Yes, it is still legal tender worth 5 cents. However, since it is a collector’s item worth at least 50 cents to $1 even in poor condition, it is better to sell it to a coin shop or keep it rather than spending it.

Q: How do I know if my 1987-S is “Deep Cameo”?

A: A Deep Cameo (DCAM) coin will have a very strong contrast. The portrait of Jefferson will look like frosted white glass, while the flat background (the field) will look like a dark, polished mirror.

Q: What is the most expensive 1987-S nickel ever sold?

A: High-grade specimens in perfect PR 70 Deep Cameo condition have sold for between $80 and $120 at various auctions, depending on the current market demand and the specific grading service used.