The 1987-P Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from its $0.10 face value in worn condition to over $600 for rare, high-grade specimens. While most of these coins found in your change are only worth ten cents, certain errors and pristine mint states can command a significant premium among collectors.

Condition / Grade	Estimated Value
Circulated (Average Wear)	$0.10 – $0.15
Uncirculated (MS60-MS63)	$1.00 – $3.00
Choice Uncirculated (MS65)	$5.00 – $12.00
Gem Uncirculated (MS67+)	$35.00 – $650.00+

Understanding the 1987-P Roosevelt Dime Value

If you have discovered a 1987-P dime in your pocket change, your first question is likely whether it has hidden value beyond its face. To get an instant answer, many collectors use a top coin identifier app to check the specifics of their finds. The “P” mint mark indicates that the coin was struck at the Philadelphia Mint. During the late 1980s, the United States Mint produced these coins in massive quantities—over three-quarters of a billion, to be exact. Because so many were made, a standard 1987-P dime that has been circulating in the economy for decades is generally only worth its face value of ten cents.

However, the story changes when we talk about “Mint State” coins. These are dimes that never entered public circulation and have been preserved in rolls or mint sets. Collectors look for specific attributes like “Full Torches” (strong horizontal lines on the torch on the reverse) and high luster. If you are unsure if your coin qualifies, the CoinKnow app can help you compare your coin’s luster and strike quality against graded examples. High-quality preserved specimens are rare because dimes are small and easily scratched during the minting process.

For those looking for high-end market data, the 1987-P Roosevelt Dime auction prices show that as the grade climbs toward MS67 or MS68, the price follows an exponential curve. While a common dime is just pocket change, a flawless one is a treasure.

Grading and Condition of the 1987-P Dime

Grading is the most critical factor in determining the 1987-P Roosevelt Dime value. Most coins you find in daily transactions will be “Circulated,” meaning they show signs of wear on Roosevelt’s cheek, hair, and the torch’s flame on the reverse. Collectors use a 70-point scale to determine a coin’s condition. A coin that looks brand new but has tiny marks invisible to the naked eye might be an MS65, whereas a coin that looks mirror-like and perfect might be an MS68.

Because the Philadelphia Mint in 1987 was focused on high-volume production, many dies were used beyond their prime. This resulted in “mushy” details on the coins. Finding a 1987-P dime with a “Full Torch” (FT) designation—where the horizontal bands at the top and bottom of the torch are clearly separated—is quite difficult. These FT coins are the “holy grail” for Roosevelt Dime enthusiasts.

If you suspect you have a high-grade coin, utilizing tools like CoinKnow allows you to zoom in on these specific details. Many casual hunters miss the distinction between a $0.10 coin and a $50 coin because they don’t look closely at the torch bands or the clarity of the “JS” initials (for designer John Sinnock).

Grade Detail	Visual Description	Retail Value
Good (G4)	Heavily worn, outlines clear but flat.	$0.10
Extremely Fine (XF45)	Light wear on high points.	$0.25
Mint State (MS65)	Attractive luster, few marks.	$12.00
Mint State (MS67 FT)	Flawless with full torch lines.	$550.00+

Valuable Errors on the 1987-P Roosevelt Dime

Errors are where the real excitement begins for everyday coin hunters. Unlike standard coins, error coins are the result of a mistake during the manufacturing process. For the 1987-P Roosevelt Dime, several types of errors can significantly increase the value. The most common are “off-center strikes,” where the coin blank was not aligned properly, resulting in a portion of the design being missing.

Another sought-after error is the “Double Die.” While there are no major, famous 1987-P double dies like the 1955 penny, minor doubling on the letters or the date can still fetch a premium of $20 to $50 from specialty collectors. You might also find “Die Cracks,” which look like raised jagged lines on the surface of the coin. These occur when the steel stamp (die) begins to break under pressure.

If you find a coin that looks “weird” or “different,” check the 1987 Roosevelt Dime error list and prices to see if your anomaly matches a known error type. Most “damaged” coins found in circulation are just “Post-Mint Damage” (PMD), but identifying a genuine mint error can turn a ten-cent find into a payday.

The “No P” and Proof Sets Confusion

It is important to distinguish the 1987-P dime from other versions produced that same year. In 1987, the mint also produced dimes in Denver (marked with a “D”) and San Francisco (marked with an “S”). The “S” coins are Proof coins, intended specifically for collectors. Some people get confused when they see a 1987 dime without a mint mark, but by 1987, the Philadelphia Mint was consistently using the “P” mint mark.

If you find a 1987 dime with no mint mark at all, it is likely a 1987-P where the mint mark was filled with grease during striking, or it could be a very rare error. However, “No P” errors are much more famous on the 1982 dime than the 1987. Always use a magnifying glass to check for a faint “P” that might be worn down.

Mint Mark	Mint Location	Production Volume
P	Philadelphia	765,160,000
D	Denver	650,590,000
S (Proof)	San Francisco	4,227,000

How to Sell Your 1987-P Roosevelt Dime

If you believe you have a valuable 1987-P Roosevelt Dime—perhaps a Gem Mint state or a clear error—your next step is selling it. For coins worth only a few dollars, local coin shops or eBay are your best bets. However, for coins that might be worth hundreds, professional grading is required. Services like PCGS or NGC will verify the grade and encapsulate the coin in a plastic “slab.”

Selling un-slabbed (raw) coins online is difficult because buyers cannot verify the grade from a photo. This is where CoinKnow becomes an invaluable partner for everyday Americans. By using the app to identify the most promising coins in your collection, you can avoid spending money on grading fees for coins that aren’t actually worth the investment.

Remember that “asking prices” on sites like Etsy or eBay are often unrealistic. Look at “Sold Listings” to see what people are actually paying. A graded MS67 1987-P dime is a legitimate rarity, but a raw dime out of a vending machine will almost always be worth exactly ten cents.

Frequently Asked Questions about 1987-P Dimes

Q: Is a 1987-P dime made of silver?

A: No, 1987-P Roosevelt Dimes are not silver. The U.S. Mint stopped making circulating dimes in 90% silver after 1964. These 1987 dimes are “clad,” meaning they have a core of pure copper with an outer layer of 75% copper and 25% nickel.

Q: What is the highest price ever paid for a 1987-P Roosevelt Dime?

A: The record for a 1987-P dime is over $600 for a specimen graded MS68 with Full Torch details. Such coins are incredibly rare because most dimes from this era have contact marks or weak strikes.

Q: Where is the mint mark located on a 1987 dime?

A: The mint mark on a 1987-P Roosevelt Dime is located just above the date on the “obverse” (front) side of the coin, to the right of Roosevelt’s neck.

Q: Should I clean my 1987-P dime to make it worth more?

A: No! Never clean your coins. Collectors prefer original surfaces, even if they are toned or slightly dirty. Cleaning a coin with chemicals or cloth leaves microscopic scratches that destroy its numismatic value and will result in a “Details” grade from professional services.