The 1987-S Washington Quarter is worth anywhere from $4 in typical proof condition to over $400 for a perfect deep cameo specimen. While you won’t find this specific coin in your pocket change, many people discover them in old inherited collections or mint sets and wonder if they have hit a numismatic jackpot.

Understanding the Special Status of the 1987-S Proof Quarter

If you are looking at a shiny quarter from 1987 with an “S” mint mark, you have something a little more special than the average coin used at the vending machine. Unlike the quarters minted in Philadelphia or Denver that year, which were intended for general circulation, the San Francisco Mint produced these strictly as “Proof” coins. Proof coins are struck using special polished dies and planchets, resulting in a mirror-like background and frosted details.

Because these were sold directly to collectors in sets, they haven’t been “beaten up” by the economy. You can easily check the current market trends using a top coin identifier app to see how your specific coin compares to others. Most 1987-S quarters found today still look brand new. However, even within this “perfect” category, there are variations in quality that can drastically change the price.

If you are curious about the technical specifications of your coin, you can use the CoinHix app to get an instant identification. The 1987-S quarter is composed of a copper core with a copper-nickel cladding, weighing exactly 5.67 grams. While it doesn’t contain any silver, its value is derived from its “Deep Cameo” finish and its scarcity compared to the hundreds of millions of quarters minted for business use.

Current Market Value and Price Comparison Table

When determining the value of your 1987-S Washington Quarter, the grade is everything. Because these were never meant to circulate, almost all survivors are in some form of “Proof” (PR) grade. Professional grading services like PCGS or NGC use a 70-point scale. A PR65 is considered a standard gem proof, while a PR70 is absolute perfection.

The visual contrast is also vital. Collectors look for the “DCAM” or Deep Cameo designation. This indicates that the portrait of George Washington is heavily frosted, making it pop against the dark, watery mirror surface. To get a better sense of the numbers, you can explore the 1987 Washington Quarter price records held by major auction houses.

Below is a breakdown of what you can expect to receive for a 1987-S proof quarter in the current market:

Condition / Grade	Estimated Market Value
PR 65 Deep Cameo (Standard)	$4.00 – $6.00
PR 67 Deep Cameo (Choice)	$12.00 – $18.00
PR 69 Deep Cameo (Near Perfect)	$25.00 – $45.00
PR 70 Deep Cameo (Museum Quality)	$250.00 – $450.00

Why the 1987-S Proof Mint Mark Matters

The small “S” located to the right of George Washington’s ponytail is the key identifier for this coin. In 1987, the San Francisco Mint produced 3,227,146 proof sets. While three million might sound like a lot, it is a tiny fraction of the 800 million quarters minted in Philadelphia (P) and Denver (D) that same year.

Since these were issued in plastic cases, finding one “loose” is rare. If you do find one in a coin jar, it likely has scratches and scuffs, which significantly drops the value to about its face value of 25 cents, or perhaps a dollar to a casual buyer. Professional collectors only pay high premiums for coins that have been kept in their original protective packaging or professional plastic slabs.

To ensure you aren’t missing a rare variety, you can take a high-resolution photo and upload it to CoinHix. The app’s AI can help distinguish between a standard proof and one that might have a rare die polishing error or a “doubled die” feature. For more information on the specific nuances of this year, you can check this detailed 1987 Washington quarter guide.

The Rare 1987-S Quarter Varieties and Errors

Are there any 1987-S quarters worth thousands of dollars? In the world of numismatics, there is always a possibility of a “transitional error” or a striking anomaly. For example, collectors often hunt for “Double Die Obverse” (DDO) coins where the lettering or the date shows a distinct ghost-like doubling. While no major 1987-S DDOs are currently recognized as legendary rarities, minor doubling can still command a premium of $50 to $100.

Another factor to consider is “toning.” Some proof sets were stored in environments that caused the copper-nickel surface to oxidize in a way that creates a rainbow of colors. A 1987-S proof quarter with vivid blue, pink, or gold toning can sell for significantly more than a standard silver-colored proof. This aesthetic appeal is subjective, but in the world of high-end coin trading, beauty definitely equals money.

If you suspect your coin has a unique error, don’t clean it! Cleaning a coin with chemicals or a cloth will instantly destroy its collector value. Instead, use a tool like CoinHix to compare your coin’s features with known error catalogs. Expert collectors prefer the original patina, even if it looks “dirty” to the untrained eye.

How to Sell Your 1987-S Proof Quarter

If you’ve determined that your quarter is in top-tier condition, your next step is deciding how to sell it. For coins that are likely PR69 or PR70, getting them graded by a service like PCGS is usually necessary to fetch top dollar. However, grading costs roughly $20-$40 per coin, so it only makes sense if the coin is truly flawless.

For most people holding a standard 1987-S proof, the best venue for selling is a local coin shop or an online marketplace like eBay. Collectors who are trying to fill a “year set” or a “Washington Quarter album” are the most likely buyers. Keep in mind that a coin shop will usually offer you a wholesale price (around $2-$3) so they can resell it for a profit.

Always keep your 1987-S quarter in a PVC-free coin flip or its original mint capsule. Preventing scratches is the best way to preserve your investment. Even if it isn’t worth a fortune today, these proof coins represent a specific moment in American minting history and are a great gateway into the rewarding hobby of coin collecting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the 1987-S quarter made of silver?

A: No, the 1987-S Washington Quarter is a clad coin made of 75% copper and 25% nickel. The U.S. Mint did not produce silver quarters for general proof sets in 1987; silver proof sets were not introduced until 1992.

Q: How can I tell if my 1987 quarter is a proof?

A: Look for two things: the “S” mint mark and the finish. Proof coins have a mirror-like, reflective background and very sharp, frosted details. A standard “P” or “D” quarter will have a duller, matte-like luster.

Q: Are there any 1987 quarters worth a lot of money?

A: Most are worth face value, but a 1987-S graded PR70 (perfect condition) can sell for several hundred dollars. Additionally, 1987-P or 1987-D quarters in high Mint State (MS67 or higher) can be quite valuable because they were rarely preserved in such good condition from circulation.

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

A: The mint mark is located on the obverse (front) of the coin, to the right of Washington’s neck, just below the “In God We Trust” motto and above the date.