A 1987-P Roosevelt dime with Full Bands sold for $1,840 at Heritage Auctions — yet billions of these same coins circulate at face value. Learn exactly where yours falls in that range.
The Full Bands (FB) designation on a Roosevelt dime's reverse torch is the single most powerful value multiplier for this date. A standard MS67 1987-D sells for $15–$20; the same coin with Full Bands brings $476–$525. Use the comparison and checklist below to assess your coin's strike quality.
The horizontal bands on the torch appear flat, merged, or bridged. No clear separation line between the two bands in each pair. This describes the vast majority of 1987 dimes — worth face value circulated, $3–$20 uncirculated depending on grade.
Both pairs of horizontal bands show a complete, unbroken separation line with no metal bridging. The bands are crisp and individually distinct at all points across the torch width. PCGS-certified FB examples command 30–40× the value of standard strikes at the same Mint State grade.
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The Full Bands checker and description tool give you a yes/no — the calculator below gives you an actual value range based on your mint mark, condition, and any errors.
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With over 1.4 billion 1987 dimes produced at Philadelphia and Denver alone, the sheer production volume means that minting errors — though rare — did occur. These anomalies range from dramatic off-center strikes visible to the naked eye to subtle die cracks requiring a loupe. Each error category below includes visual identification tips, value data, and notable examples to help you assess any unusual coins you find.
An off-center strike occurs when the planchet is misaligned under the dies at the moment of striking, so the design impression is shifted away from center. At Philadelphia and Denver, this happened when a coin blank moved out of the collar before the dies closed, forcing the design onto only part of the available metal surface and leaving a crescent-shaped blank area.
Identifying an off-center strike is straightforward: part of Roosevelt's portrait and surrounding inscriptions are missing, replaced by a featureless arc of metal. The degree of shift matters greatly to collectors — coins struck 10–20% off-center retain most of the date and are worth $20–$50, while dramatically shifted pieces at 40–60% off-center, especially those still showing the complete date, command the highest premiums of $150–$300+.
Collector demand for off-center strikes on clad Roosevelt dimes is driven by visual drama and authenticity. PCGS and NGC both encapsulate and attribute these errors, which dramatically increases marketability and realized price. A PCGS-certified example with strong visual impact can outperform unauthenticated pieces by 3–5× at auction.
Clipped planchet errors arise during the blanking process, when the coin strip is fed through a punch press and a new blank is punched out too close to a previously punched hole. The resulting blank is missing a curved section (curved clip) or a straight section (straight clip) along one edge, and this incomplete planchet travels through the rest of production to become a struck coin.
On a finished 1987 dime, a curved clip appears as a smooth, concave arc missing from the rim — often near "LIBERTY" or the date on the obverse. The Blakesley effect, a diagnostic feature of genuine clips, appears as a weak or missing rim segment directly opposite the clip. Straight clips cut through the design more sharply and are less common than curved clips. Clip size determines value: small clips (under 5%) bring $5–$15, while large clips (15%+) with the Blakesley effect confirmed can bring $50–$75.
Clipped planchets are among the most commonly encountered genuine errors for everyday roll-searchers, making them a popular entry point for error collectors. Authentication by PCGS or NGC is recommended for larger, more dramatic clips to maximize value and confirm the Blakesley effect, which distinguishes genuine production clips from post-mint damage.
Wrong planchet errors are the result of a foreign coin blank — intended for a different denomination or even a foreign coin — accidentally entering the dime production feed at the mint. When the dime dies strike this mismatched planchet, the resulting coin carries the dime design but on metal of the wrong size, thickness, composition, or all three. A documented double-denomination example — a 1987-P struck with both Lincoln Cent and Roosevelt Dime designs — was graded MS65 by PCGS and sold for $517 at Heritage Auctions.
Visually, a wrong planchet 1987 dime will be noticeably different from a normal example. A cent planchet gives the coin a copper-colored appearance and a smaller, thicker profile; a quarter planchet produces an oversized, heavier coin with the dime design centered and surrounded by blank metal. The coin will not match the standard 17.9mm diameter or 2.27g weight specifications of a normal clad dime.
These are among the most prized error coins in the entire Roosevelt dime series because they represent a fundamental breakdown in mint quality control affecting multiple production lines simultaneously. Professional authentication by PCGS or NGC is essential — both to confirm the error's legitimacy and to identify the specific planchet material, which drives the ultimate realized value. Collectors pay extreme premiums for dramatic examples with a clear denomination mismatch.
Die cracks form when the hardened steel working dies develop fractures from the stress of repeated high-speed strikes during the production of hundreds of millions of coins. As the die metal fatigues and cracks, the fracture fills with displaced coin metal during each subsequent strike, creating a raised line on every coin produced by that die until it is retired. Cuds are a more advanced die failure: when a section of the die near the rim breaks away entirely, every coin struck with that damaged die shows a raised, featureless blob of metal at that location.
On a 1987 dime, die cracks appear as thin raised lines running across the surface — often from the rim toward the design, through lettering, or across Roosevelt's portrait. They are most easily spotted under oblique (raking) lighting that causes the raised line to cast a shadow. Cuds, being larger, are visible to the naked eye as irregular raised blobs, typically near the coin's edge where die stress concentrates first during the die failure process.
Die cracks and cuds are the most accessible error category for beginning collectors — they are the most commonly encountered genuine errors and can be found in ordinary pocket change. Minor hairline cracks add only $2–$5 to a coin's value, but large, dramatic cracks crossing major design elements or full rim-to-rim cuds can bring $25–$50+, especially when independently attributed and photographically documented.
Struck-through errors occur when a foreign object — a piece of cloth, grease, wire, a die chip, or even a detached piece of the die's reeded collar — becomes trapped between the die face and the coin planchet at the moment of striking. The object prevents full metal flow in that area, leaving an incuse (sunken) impression or texture on the finished coin that corresponds exactly to the shape of the intruding object. For 1987 dimes, struck-through grease and wire examples represent the most frequently authenticated types.
A struck-through grease error is recognizable by a soft, indistinct area of the design where the inscription, portrait, or reverse motif is weakly defined or nearly absent — as if the die never fully contacted the metal in that zone. Struck-through wire or cloth errors are more dramatic, leaving a woven texture or linear impression in the coin's surface that is clearly inconsistent with normal die design. The affected area is smooth and incuse, not raised, which distinguishes it from a die crack or cud.
Value for struck-through errors depends on the size of the affected area, the identification of the intruding object, and the visual impact. Small grease-filled die errors are common on high-mintage coins and add little value; however, large, dramatic examples covering major design elements — or the rarer struck-through detached reeding type — are specifically documented for 1987 dimes by CoinValueApp and command $75–$150+ in authenticated grades.
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Calculate My Error Coin's Value →The table below covers all major varieties and conditions. For a complete step-by-step in-depth 1987 Roosevelt dime identification walkthrough, including photo diagnostics for Full Bands and grading comparisons, visit the linked guide. The gold rows highlight the signature Full Bands variety; the red rows mark the rarest varieties.
| Variety | Worn / Good | Fine / AU | Uncirculated (MS63–65) | Gem (MS66–MS68+) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1987-P (Philadelphia) | Face value | $0.23 – $2 | $3 – $8 | $10 – $285 |
| 1987-P Full Bands (FB) ⭐ | Face value | $0.23 – $2 | $20 – $75 | $175 – $1,840 |
| 1987-D (Denver) | Face value | $0.23 – $2 | $3 – $7 | $8 – $90 |
| 1987-D Full Bands (FB) ⭐ | Face value | $0.23 – $2 | $24 – $80 | $175 – $1,300 |
| 1987-S Proof (DCAM) 🔴 | N/A | N/A | $3 – $10 | $10 – $25 |
| Off-Center Strike (40–60%) 🔴 | $50 – $150 | $75 – $200 | $150 – $300+ | $300+ |
| Wrong Planchet Error | $500+ | $500+ | $517 – $1,000+ | $1,000+ |
⭐ = Full Bands/Full Torch signature variety (gold rows) · 🔴 = Rarest varieties (red rows) · Values reflect current market ranges; individual coins may vary.
🪙 CoinKnow can scan your coin from a photo and give you an instant grade estimate and value range for any 1987 dime variety — a coin identifier and value app.
| Mint | Mint Mark | Type | Mintage | Survival Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | P | Business Strike | 762,709,481 | Extremely common all grades; FB specimens very scarce at MS65+ |
| Denver | D | Business Strike | 653,203,402 | Very common; MS67+ FB rare — fewer than 20 known at MS66 FB or higher |
| San Francisco | S | Proof Only | 4,227,728 | Nearly all are DCAM; PR70 population has grown to 1,600+ (PCGS alone) |
| Total (all mints) | 1,420,140,611 | Combined circulation + proof production | ||
Composition: Copper-nickel clad copper — outer layers 75% copper / 25% nickel bonded over a pure copper core. Not silver.
Weight: 2.27 grams · Diameter: 17.90 mm · Edge: Reeded (118 reeds)
Designer: John R. Sinnock (obverse portrait of Franklin D. Roosevelt; reverse torch, olive branch, oak branch)
Melt value: Approximately $0.03 — well below face value. The 1987 dime has no precious metal content.
Grading a 1987 clad Roosevelt dime requires assessing two separate characteristics: surface preservation (the Sheldon grade number) and strike quality (whether torch bands are fully formed). A coin can score high on one measure and low on the other — and the combination determines final value.
High points are flat. Roosevelt's hair detail above the ear is smooth and merged. The cheekbone shows no texture. On the reverse, the torch flame is featureless and the vertical lines are gone. Horizontal bands are invisible. All 1987 dimes in this condition trade at face value (10¢) regardless of mint mark — they are common circulation coins with no collector premium.
Main design is sharp and detailed, but close inspection reveals slight flattening on Roosevelt's hair above the ear and subtle wear on the torch flame tips. Luster is broken on the high points under direct light — a tell-tale sign of circulation. EF examples show minor wear; AU coins have minimal circulation friction. All circulated 1987 dimes remain near face value at $0.23–$2 — high mintage makes even AU pieces common.
No wear anywhere on the coin — confirmed by rotating under direct light and looking for unbroken cartwheel luster across the hair above the ear, the cheekbone, the torch flames, and the leaf edges. Contact marks from bag handling are present and reduce the grade to MS60–MS62; fewer marks push to MS63–MS65. At MS65, minor marks are only visible under magnification. Standard MS65 examples are worth $3–$7; Full Bands at this grade command $20–$75.
Virtually mark-free surfaces with outstanding luster and eye appeal. In standard strike, MS67 1987-P examples sell for $15–$28; MS68 (condition census) brings $285+. The real premium tier is Full Bands at gem grades — MS67 FB commands $476–$615 at auction, and MS67+ FB can reach $1,300 (PCGS Price Guide). These are condition rarities of the modern clad era; fewer than 20 MS66 FB examples are documented for the 1987-D.
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Standard circulated 1987 dimes are not worth selling — spend them or keep them. The venues below are for coins that have genuine collector value: FB/FT specimens in MS65+, dramatic errors, or high-grade proofs.
The premier venue for high-grade 1987 FB examples and dramatic error coins. Heritage's numismatic-specialist audience maximizes competitive bidding on coins worth $200+. They hold the record sale for this date ($1,840 for the 1987-P FB MS62). Submit coins graded MS66 FB or higher, or any PCGS/NGC-authenticated error. Consignment fees apply; minimum lot values recommended are $500+.
The deepest market for mid-tier 1987 dimes (MS65–MS67, PR69 proofs). Check recently sold 1987-D dime prices and completed listings before listing to set a competitive asking price. PCGS or NGC holders consistently sell for 2–4× raw coin prices on eBay. Use "Buy It Now" with Best Offer for coins under $100; consider 7-day auctions for FB specimens where competitive bidding can push prices above guide.
Best for quick cash offers on circulated rolls or lower-grade singles. Expect 40–60% of guide value — dealers must build in profit margin. However, shops are useful for confirming whether your coin has the FB designation before you invest in professional grading fees. Many shops offer free opinions. Bring competition: get quotes from at least two shops before selling.
The r/Coins and r/CoinCollecting communities are ideal for a free initial assessment before you spend money on grading. Post clear macro photos of the torch bands and overall surfaces. Experienced collectors in these forums can often tell you whether your coin is worth submitting to PCGS/NGC and at which service tier. Not a selling venue, but invaluable for pre-sale decision making.
Most circulated 1987 dimes from Philadelphia or Denver are worth face value — 10 cents. In uncirculated condition (MS65), values reach $3–$7 for standard strikes. The real premium comes from Full Bands (FB) designation: an MS67 FB 1987-D can bring $476–$525, and the auction record for a 1987-P Full Bands example is $1,840 (Heritage Auctions, 2012). Proof 1987-S coins from San Francisco are worth $3–$25 depending on grade.
Full Bands (FB) is a PCGS designation given to Roosevelt dimes where both pairs of horizontal bands on the reverse torch are completely separated with no metal bridging. NGC uses the stricter Full Torch (FT) standard, which also requires clearly defined vertical torch lines. Because high-speed production with worn dies typically produces weakly struck bands, FB/FT examples are scarce — an MS67 FB 1987-D sells for 30–40 times more than the same coin without the designation.
Philadelphia struck 762,709,481 dimes in 1987 — the highest of all 1987 varieties. Denver produced 653,203,402 circulation strikes. San Francisco minted 4,227,728 proof-only coins for collector sets. The combined business-strike mintage exceeds 1.4 billion, making circulated examples extremely common and worth only face value.
The mint mark appears on the obverse (heads side) to the right of the date "1987," positioned above the last digit. Look for a small "P" for Philadelphia, "D" for Denver, or "S" for San Francisco proof coins. Philadelphia mint marks were added to dimes starting in 1980, so all 1987 Philadelphia coins should show the P. Use a 5× magnifier on worn coins where the letter may be faint.
Yes. The most valuable authenticated errors include off-center strikes (missing 40–60% of design), which can bring $50–$300 depending on severity. Clipped planchet errors sell for $5–$75. Wrong planchet errors — where a dime was struck on a cent or other denomination's blank — are the rarest and can command $500–$1,000+ if authenticated by PCGS or NGC. A double denomination 1987-P (Lincoln Cent/Roosevelt Dime) sold for $517 at Heritage Auctions.
The 1987-S proof dime was struck at San Francisco for collector sets with a mintage of 4,227,728. Nearly all examples exhibit Deep Cameo (DCAM) contrast because the Mint used fresh polished dies. PR68 DCAM examples are worth around $8–$10, PR69 DCAM brings $10–$15, and PR70 DCAM sells for $15–$25. The top recorded sale was $978 in 2003, but certified populations have grown dramatically, reducing current values significantly.
Examine the reverse torch under a 10× loupe or strong magnifier in good lighting. Locate the two pairs of horizontal bands on the torch — one pair near the top, one near the middle. In a Full Bands coin, each band pair shows a complete, unbroken line of separation between the two bands in each group. Any bridging, merging, or fading disqualifies the coin. The weakest point is typically at the torch handle where metal flow is most restricted during striking.
No. The 1987 dime is copper-nickel clad — 75% copper and 25% nickel bonded over a pure copper core. All Roosevelt dimes from 1965 onward are clad, not silver. Silver Roosevelt dimes were only minted from 1946 through 1964. You can confirm a clad dime by looking at the edge — you'll see a visible copper core sandwich layer. The melt value of a 1987 dime is approximately $0.03.
Professional grading is only worthwhile if your coin appears to be MS66 or higher with potential Full Bands designation. Grading fees start at $20–$30 per coin, so a standard MS64 example worth $3–$4 doesn't justify the cost. However, if you believe you have an FB specimen — especially at MS67 or higher — certification by PCGS or NGC is essential to confirm the designation, maximize sale price, and establish authenticity for buyers.
The highest recorded auction price for a standard 1987 dime is $1,840, realized in July 2012 at Heritage Auctions for a 1987-P graded MS62 with Full Bands designation by PCGS. This exceptional result — mid Mint State grade, yet four figures — illustrates how powerfully the FB designation affects demand. A 1987-P MS67 Full Torch example sold for $720 at Heritage in October 2020. The PCGS Price Guide values a 1987-D MS67+ FB at $1,300.
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