The 1987-P Roosevelt Dime is a common coin that millions of Americans carry in their pockets every day. Most of the time, if you find one in your pocket change, it is worth exactly ten cents. However, for those who stumble upon a particularly shiny or pristine version, there might be more value hiding under the surface. If you aren’t sure if your dime is special, using a free coin identifier app can help you quickly determine its condition. Collectors are always looking for “Mint State” coins that have avoided the scratches and wear of daily commerce.
Understanding the 1987-P Roosevelt Dime Mint Mark and Production
The “P” mint mark on your 1987 dime indicates that it was struck at the Philadelphia Mint. During this specific year, the Philadelphia Mint produced over 765 million dimes. Because the mintage numbers were so high, these coins are not inherently rare. You can find them in almost any jar of loose change across the United States.
However, the sheer volume of production means that finding one in perfect, “post-office” fresh condition is the real challenge. Most coins from 1987 have been circulating for decades, leading to smoothed-out details on Roosevelt’s hair and the torch on the reverse. For a casual collector, the CoinHix app is a great tool to keep track of these subtle differences in wear.
Grading and the Value of Circulated vs Uncirculated Dimes
When determining the 1987 dime value and rarity, professional collectors use a scale from 1 to 70. A coin that is heavily worn is graded low, while a coin that looks like it just came off the press is graded high (MS60 to MS70). Most 1987-P dimes found in change are “Circulated,” meaning they have lost their original mint luster.
If you happen to find a 1987-P dime that looks brand new, it might be worth sending it to a grading service. An MS65 grade might fetch a few dollars, but an MS67 or higher can reach significant prices at auction. To get a better idea of what professional graders look for, you can check the latest 1987-P Roosevelt Dime MS price guide to see recent sales data for high-quality strikes.
| Condition Grade | Estimated Value (USD) |
|---|---|
| Circulated (Average Wear) | $0.10 |
| Uncirculated (MS60) | $1.00 – $2.00 |
| Choice Uncirculated (MS65) | $10.00 – $15.00 |
| Gem Uncirculated (MS67+) | $100.00 – $550.00+ |
Looking for Errors on the 1987 Philadelphia Dime
Error coins are the “lottery tickets” of the numismatic world. While the 1987-P Roosevelt Dime does not have any famous, high-profile errors like the 1955 Double Die Penny, there are still minor errors to look for. These include broadstrikes, where the coin is struck outside its retaining collar, or clipped planchets, where a piece of the metal disc is missing.
Doubled dies are rare for this year but can occur on the lettering or the date. If you notice something “off” about the appearance of your dime, it is worth a second look. The CoinHix community often discusses these oddities, helping beginners identify whether a mark is a valuable factory error or just damage from a vending machine.
The “Full Bands” Detail and Why It Matters
For Roosevelt Dime collectors, the ultimate prize is the “Full Bands” (FB) designation. On the reverse of the dime, there is a torch with horizontal bands at the top and bottom. On most dimes, these bands are weakly struck or worn away. If the two sets of bands are clearly separated with a distinct line between them, the coin is designated as Full Bands.
A 1987-P dime with Full Bands is significantly more valuable than one without. This is because the Philadelphia Mint often had issues with die pressure during this era, making sharp strikes rare. High-grade FB dimes are the gems of institutional collections and are highly sought after in the secondary market. If you think you’ve found one, using CoinHix to compare your coin against high-resolution photos of FB examples is a smart move.
Q: Is a 1987-P Roosevelt Dime made of silver?
A: No, dimes minted in 1987 are made of a copper-nickel clad composition. The U.S. Mint stopped making circulating silver dimes after 1964.
Q: Where is the mint mark located on a 1987 dime?
A: The mint mark is found on the obverse (front) of the coin, just above the date, near the bottom of Roosevelt’s neck.
Q: Are there any 1987-P dimes worth thousands of dollars?
A: Generally, no. Extremely high-grade specimens (MS68 Full Bands) are very rare and might approach $1,000 at a high-end auction, but most are worth significantly less.
