1987 Dime Values: Have you ever checked your pocket change for valuable coins? You might want to start paying closer attention, especially to those 1987 dimes. Collectors are going absolutely wild for certain 1987 dimes, with some paying truly insane prices for these seemingly ordinary coins. What makes these particular dimes so special isn’t immediately obvious to the untrained eye, but in the world of numismatics (that’s coin collecting for the uninitiated), specific variations and errors from this year have created a fascinating market where coins worth 10 cents on paper can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars to the right buyer.
What Makes 1987 Dimes Valuable?
The 1987 Roosevelt dime, in most cases, isn’t particularly rare or valuable. The Philadelphia and Denver mints produced hundreds of millions of these coins, which normally would make them quite common. However, certain error varieties from this year have caught collectors’ attention. The most sought-after 1987 dimes feature minting errors such as doubled dies, off-center strikes, or repunched mint marks. These manufacturing mistakes, while technically flaws, create unique coins that stand out from the millions of perfectly produced examples. Collectors value these 1987 dime errors because they represent something unusual in an otherwise common mintage year, making them prized additions to specialized collections focused on error coins.
Additionally, condition plays a crucial role in determining a 1987 dime’s value. Coins in pristine, uncirculated condition (known as “Mint State” in collector terminology) can command significant premiums, especially those graded MS-67 or higher by professional coin grading services.
Why Collectors Are Paying Premium Prices
The surge in interest for 1987 dimes reflects broader trends in the rare coin market. As traditional investments have become more volatile, tangible assets like rare coins have attracted investors looking to diversify their portfolios. The 1987 dime values have been particularly affected by this trend, with social media and online auction platforms amplifying awareness of these once-overlooked coins. When a particularly rare example sells for an eye-popping sum, it creates a ripple effect throughout the collecting community, driving up prices for similar specimens. I’ve noticed that many collectors are drawn to these coins not just for potential financial gain but for the thrill of the hunt—finding something valuable that others might overlook.
- Scarcity of certain error varieties makes them highly desirable
- Growing interest in modern coin errors has expanded the collector base
- Social media has increased awareness and competition for rare examples
- Investment potential attracts both collectors and speculators
How to Identify Valuable 1987 Dimes
If you’re wondering whether you might have a valuable 1987 dime in your possession, there are several key features to examine. First, check the mint mark—a tiny letter found on the obverse (front) side of the coin near Roosevelt’s portrait. Dimes from 1987 were minted in Philadelphia (no mint mark) and Denver (D mint mark). Next, examine the coin under magnification, looking for doubling in the lettering, date, or design elements. Pay particular attention to the date, mint mark, and the words “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” Any visible doubling could indicate a valuable doubled die variety. Also look for off-center strikes, where the design isn’t properly centered on the coin blank.
When to Sell Your 1987 Dimes
Timing the market for collectible coins can be tricky, but there are some general principles that can help you maximize your return if you happen to find a valuable 1987 dime. The current enthusiasm for these coins suggests we may be in a seller’s market, where demand exceeds supply. However, before rushing to sell, I recommend getting your coin professionally authenticated and graded by a reputable service like PCGS or NGC. This small investment can significantly increase buyer confidence and potentially the final sale price. Consider selling when there’s notable media coverage about rare dimes, as this tends to drive new collectors into the market, temporarily boosting prices. Auction platforms that specialize in numismatics often yield better results than general marketplaces.
Record-Breaking Sale Example
In a stunning example of just how valuable these coins can become, a 1987 Roosevelt dime with a dramatic doubled die error sold at a specialized coin auction last year for over $3,800. The coin, which showed significant doubling on the date and lettering, had been discovered by a collector who purchased it as part of a mixed lot of seemingly ordinary coins. Graded MS-65 by PCGS, this particular dime demonstrated how even relatively modern coins can achieve remarkable values when they feature the right combination of rarity and condition. The seller had originally purchased the entire lot for less than $50, making this one of the most impressive returns on investment in recent numismatic history.
