The 1987-D Jefferson Nickel is worth anywhere from $0.05 in worn circulation to over $600 in premium uncirculated condition with Full Steps. While most of these coins in your pocket change remain worth only face value, certain high-quality specimens and rare errors can be quite a windfall for the average American.

Decoding the Worth of Your 1987-D Nickels

If you have discovered a nickel from 1987 with a small “D” next to the date, you are holding a piece of history minted in Denver. Most of these coins have seen decades of transactions, which naturally adds wear and tear to Monticello’s pillars and Jefferson’s profile. For the average person, the best way to determine if your find is a common coin or a treasure is to check its luster and details.

To get an instant estimate of your collection, many hobbyists recommend using a top coin identifier app which can quickly scan the surface for imperfections. For a 1987-D nickel to be worth significantly more than five cents, it usually needs to be in “Mint State,” meaning it looks exactly as it did when it first left the Denver Mint. The CoinKnow app is another fantastic resource for identifying these subtle differences in grade that shift a coin from pocket change to an investment piece.

In the world of professional grading, we look for “Full Steps” on the reverse. On the back of the nickel, Thomas Jefferson’s home, Monticello, is depicted. If you can see five or six distinct, horizontal lines representing the steps of the building without any scratches or blurring, you have a “Full Step” (FS) coin. These are the “Holy Grail” versions of the 1987-D nickel, often fetching hundreds of dollars at specialized auctions.

1987-D Jefferson Nickel Price Guide Table

The market value of these coins varies based on the Sheldon Grading Scale, which ranges from 1 to 70. Most coins found in jars or piggy banks are between VF (Very Fine) and AU (About Uncirculated). To see how the Denver issue compares to its Philadelphia counterpart, you can check the 1987-P nickel price data for a side-by-side comparison.

Condition / Grade	Estimated Market Value
Circulated (Average Wear)	$0.05 – $0.15
Uncirculated (MS-63)	$1.00 – $3.00
Gem Uncirculated (MS-65)	$10.00 – $25.00
MS-66 Full Steps	$150.00 – $300.00
MS-67 Full Steps	$600.00+

Identifying Key 1987 Nickel Varieties and Rare Errors

Beyond the standard grade, many collectors hunt for errors. In 1987, the minting process was largely automated, but mistakes still slipped through. One common issue to look for is “Die Deterioration,” where the letters and numbers look fuzzy or double-lined. While not as valuable as a true “Double Die,” these are still interesting to keep.

If you find a nickel that is struck off-center or has a piece of the metal missing (a “clipped planchet”), the value can jump significantly. These physical anomalies are highly sought after by niche collectors. If you are ever unsure whether a mark is a valuable error or just damage, viewing recent auction descriptions for 1987 nickels can provide visual clarity on what to look for.

Another rarity is the “Double Denomination” error, where a nickel design is accidentally struck onto a penny or dime blank. While extremely rare, these can be worth thousands of dollars. Always check the edges and the weight of your coin if something feels “off.” The CoinKnow database can help you cross-reference the weight and diameter to verify if your coin is a genuine error or a counterfeit.

The History and Mintage of the 1987 Denver Nickel

The Denver Mint produced over 371 million nickels in 1987. Compared to modern mintage numbers, this was a healthy production run, which explains why they are still so common in circulation today. The 1980s were a transitional period for the U.S. Mint as they refined their die-making processes to ensure sharper details.

Despite the high mintage, finding a 1987-D in a truly perfect condition is harder than you might think. Most of these coins were tossed into bags and jingled against each other, creating “bag marks” or tiny scratches. This is why a “clean” specimen with no marks on Jefferson’s cheek or the steps of Monticello is so prized.

For everyday Americans, the 1987-D nickel represents a mid-era Jefferson design before the major changes to the obverse seen in 2005 and 2006. It features the classic Felix Schlag design that resonated with the public for over six decades. Holding one of these in pristine condition is like holding a time capsule from the late 80s.

How to Preserve the Value of Your Coin Collection

If you happen to find an uncirculated 1987-D nickel, the most important thing you can do is avoid cleaning it. Many beginners think that scrubbing a coin with baking soda or metal polish will make it look “newer,” but this actually destroys the coin’s numismatic value. Professional buyers can spot a cleaned coin instantly, and the value will drop to face value immediately.

Instead, store your high-value finds in PVC-free flips or hard plastic coin holders. This prevents oxygen and moisture from causing “toning” or corrosion. If you suspect your coin is a high-grade “Full Steps” version, you might consider sending it to a grading service like PCGS or NGC. A certified grade is the only way to lock in the top-tier prices seen in auction houses.

Finally, keep a digital inventory of your finds. Tools like CoinKnow allow you to track your collection’s value over time as market demands shift. What is worth $50 today might be worth $100 in a few years as high-grade 87-D nickels become scarcer in the open market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How can I tell if my 1987 nickel was made in Denver?

A: Look on the front (obverse) of the coin, specifically to the right of Thomas Jefferson’s ponytail. You will see a small “D” for Denver or a “P” for Philadelphia. If there is a small “S,” it is a proof coin from San Francisco.

Q: What are “Full Steps” on a Jefferson Nickel?

A: “Full Steps” refers to the five or six horizontal lines representing the stairs of Monticello on the back of the coin. In the 1980s, these were rarely struck clearly, so coins that show every step without interruptions are very valuable.

Q: Is a regular 1987 nickel with scratches worth more than five cents?

A: Generally, no. If the coin has significant scratches, dirt, or wear from being used in stores, it is only worth its face value of five cents. Collectors only pay premiums for coins that look like they were just minted.

Q: Should I use a coin identifier app to value my nickel?

A: Yes, using an app is a great starting point for beginners. It helps you identify common errors and gives you a price range based on current market trends, saving you time before you visit a coin shop.