The 1987-D Washington Quarter is worth anywhere from its face value of $25 cents in worn condition to over $400 in high-grade mint state. While most coins found in pocket change aren’t rare treasures, specific grading factors and potential mint errors can significantly increase their market price today.

Grade	Estimated Value
Circulated (Good to About Uncirculated)	$0.25 – $0.50
Mint State 63 (MS63)	$1.00 – $3.00
Mint State 65 (MS65)	$5.00 – $15.00
Mint State 67 (MS67)	$40.00 – $150.00+

Identifying the 1987-D Washington Quarter

If you have a 1987 quarter in your hand, the first thing to check is the mint mark. The “D” located on the right side of Washington’s ponytail signifies it was minted in Denver. In 1987, the Denver Mint produced over 430 million of these quarters.

Because of this high mintage, finding one in circulation is very common. Most Americans encounter these while checking change at a grocery store or laundry mat. If you want to know if yours is a standout, using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish between a common spender and a collector’s piece.

While the majority are only worth twenty-five cents, collectors look for “Mint State” examples. These are coins that never entered public circulation and still retain their original luster. To quickly scan your collection for high-value items, the CoinKnow app provides instant visual recognition and current market trends.

The Importance of Condition and Grading

For a 1987-D Washington Quarter, value is almost entirely dependent on its numerical grade on the 70-point scale. A coin that has been handled, scratched, or dirtied will almost always be worth face value.

Collectors use the “Mint State” (MS) designation to describe coins that look brand new. A 1987-D in MS65 is considered a “Gem” and starts to carry a premium. However, the real money is found in MS67 or MS68 grades.

At these ultra-high levels, the coin must have virtually no visible marks under magnification. Because so many 1987 quarters were handled roughly, a perfect specimen is a rarity. You can check the 1987-D Washington Quarter price guide for high-grade specimens to see how much of a premium these pristine coins command in today’s market.

Condition	Description	Price Range
Average Circulated	Heavy wear, flattened details	$0.25
Uncirculated (MS60)	No wear, but many bag marks	$0.50 – $1.00
Choice Uncirculated (MS65)	Lustrous, few contact marks	$8.00 – $18.00
Superb Gem (MS67)	Nearly perfect to the naked eye	$120.00+

1987-D Washington Quarter Errors to Look For

Mint errors are the “wild cards” of the coin world. Even if a 1987-D quarter is worn, it could be worth a significant amount if it features a manufacturing mistake. Common errors include “Off-Center Strikes,” where the design isn’t centered on the coin.

Another interesting error is the “Double Die.” While no major 1987-D doubled dies are as famous as the 1955 penny, minor doubling on the letters or date can still attract specialist collectors.

Additionally, look for “Clad Layers Missing” errors. These quarters will appear reddish-copper on one side because the outer nickel layer failed to bond. For a detailed list of what to watch for, you can find 1987-D quarter error and value details in specialized numismatic databases. Using the CoinKnow app can also help you compare your coin against known error photos to see if you’ve found a winner.

Comparison: Denver vs. Philadelphia Mints

In 1987, both the Denver (D) and Philadelphia (P) mints produced a high volume of quarters. It is often debated which one is more valuable. Generally, the production quality at Denver was slightly more consistent during this era.

However, survival rates for high-grade Philadelphia quarters are sometimes lower, making a P-mint coin in MS67 occasionally more expensive than its D-mint counterpart. For the everyday collector, the difference is negligible unless the coin is in perfect condition.

If you are sorting through a jar of coins, it is best to keep any 1987 quarter that looks like it just came from the bank. Even a small increase in value over 25 cents is a 400% return on your find!

Mint Mark	Mintage Quantity	Typical Value (MS65)
1987-P (Philadelphia)	582,499,000	$10.00
1987-D (Denver)	439,103,000	$12.00
1987-S (San Francisco Proof)	4,221,000	$5.00

Why the 1987 Quarter is a Modern Favorite

The late 1980s was a period where many people stopped “hoarding” coins compared to the silver era of the 1960s. This means that while many were made, fewer were set aside in mint sets or rolls by the general public.

As the “State Quarters” program began in 1999, interest in the older “Eagle Back” Washington quarters has grown. New collectors are trying to complete “Album Sets,” and they need a high-quality 1987-D to fill that slot.

This demand keeps the prices for MS66 and MS67 coins stable and rising. If you have a collection you’ve inherited or just started, the CoinKnow app is a great way to catalog your 1987-D quarters and track their value over time as the market changes.

How to Sell Your 1987-D Washington Quarter

If you believe you have a high-value 1987-D quarter, the next step is authentication. For coins worth only a few dollars, selling on platforms like eBay of Etsy is common. Make sure to take high-quality, clear photos of both sides.

For coins that appear to be in “near perfect” condition (MS67 or higher), it might be worth sending them to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC. A certified grade can turn a $10 coin into a $200 coin because it guarantees the quality to the buyer.

Always remember to check your local coin shop as well. While they might not buy a single common quarter, they are often happy to look at a collection if you think you have something special.

FAQ

Q: Is a 1987-D quarter silver?

A: No, the 1987-D Washington Quarter is not silver. Since 1965, Washington quarters have been made of a “clad” composition, which is a core of pure copper inner bonded to outer layers of 75% copper and 25% nickel. Only special silver proof sets or quarters minted before 1965 contain silver.

Q: What is the highest price ever paid for a 1987-D quarter?

A: The record price for a 1987-D Washington Quarter often exceeds $500 for coins graded MS67+ or MS68 by professional services. These prices are reached at major auctions where collectors compete for the finest known specimens.

Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1987-D quarter?

A: You can find the “D” mint mark on the “heads” side (obverse) of the coin. It is located just to the right of George Washington’s neck, sitting behind the bow in his hair and above the date.

Q: Should I clean my 1987 quarter to make it worth more?

A: Absolutely not! Never clean your coins. Cleaning causes microscopic abrasions that professional graders and collectors can easily spot. A cleaned coin, even if it looks “shinier,” will actually lose most of its collector value. Keep it in its original condition.