The 1987-D Washington Quarter is worth between $0.25 and $8 in typical circulated condition, but well-preserved uncirculated examples can fetch $10 to $25 or more depending on grade. If you found one in a drawer or old coin jar, you’re in the right place — let’s break down exactly what it’s worth.
What Makes the 1987-D Washington Quarter Special
The 1987-D Washington Quarter was struck at the Denver Mint, which is indicated by the small “D” mintmark found on the obverse (front) of the coin, just to the right of Washington’s neck ribbon. In 1987, the Denver Mint produced 655,594,696 of these quarters — that’s over 655 million coins — making it one of the higher-mintage issues of the decade. Because so many were made, they’re not rare by any stretch of the imagination, but that doesn’t mean they’re worthless.
For everyday collectors and curious finders, using a coin identification app is a great first step to confirm exactly what you have. Apps like CoinKnow can scan your coin, identify it instantly, and even give you an estimated value based on condition — no numismatic experience required. If you’ve got a jar of old quarters sitting around, it’s honestly one of the fastest ways to sort through them.
The key factor here is condition. A heavily worn 1987-D quarter that’s been circulating for decades is essentially worth face value. But one that was set aside early and kept in decent shape? That’s a different story.
1987-D Washington Quarter Value by Grade
Here’s where things get interesting. Coin values change dramatically depending on the grade — the official rating of a coin’s condition. The Sheldon scale runs from 1 (barely identifiable) to 70 (perfect mint state). Here’s a quick look at typical values for the 1987-D quarter across different grades:
| Grade | Condition Description | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Circulated (G–VF) | Worn, details visible | $0.25 – $1.00 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-45) | Light wear, sharp details | $1.00 – $3.00 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-58) | Slight friction, nearly full luster | $3.00 – $8.00 |
| Mint State (MS-63) | Uncirculated, minor marks | $8.00 – $15.00 |
| Gem Mint State (MS-65+) | Exceptional luster and strike | $20.00 – $40.00+ |
For the most current and detailed 1987-D Washington Quarter price data across mint state grades, it’s worth checking a dedicated coin pricing resource that tracks auction results in real time.
How to Tell What Grade Your 1987-D Quarter Is
You don’t need to be an expert to do a rough assessment. Start by looking at the high points of the design — Washington’s cheek, his hair above the ear, and the eagle’s breast feathers on the reverse. If these areas are flat and worn smooth, the coin is circulated. If you can still see sharp details and the coin has a slight shine or “luster” to it, you might have an About Uncirculated or better example.
Natural light or a simple loupe (a small magnifying glass) helps a lot. Look for scratches, spots, or discoloration that would lower the grade. Coins that were stored in old cloth or paper can sometimes develop toning — this can be attractive or unattractive depending on the color.
Still not sure? CoinKnow makes this process dead simple. Just take a clear photo with your phone, and the app walks you through the grading process with visual comparisons. For coins where condition really affects value, having a reliable tool in your pocket is a genuine advantage.
Is the 1987-D Quarter Worth Selling
Honestly, for most circulated examples, the answer is probably no — at least not individually. A worn 1987-D quarter is worth a quarter. But if you have rolls or bags of unsearched coins, or if you believe you have a high-grade uncirculated example, it may be worth having it evaluated.
For a comprehensive breakdown of what your 1987 quarter is worth based on condition and mint mark, comparing both Denver and Philadelphia issues side by side can help you decide whether you’ve got something worth holding onto.
Collectors who specialize in modern Washington quarters do pay premiums for high-grade examples, especially those graded MS-66 or above by professional grading services like PCGS or NGC. A certified MS-67 example could realistically sell for $50–$100 or more at auction. These are rare finds, but they do exist — and they usually come from rolls that were set aside years ago unopened.
Quick Tips for Storing and Handling Your Coin
If you think you might have a nice example, stop handling it with bare hands immediately. The oils on your skin can damage coin surfaces over time and lower the grade. Use cotton gloves or hold it by the edges. Store it in a soft flip or airtight plastic holder — not a paper envelope or loose in a drawer.
And remember, cleaning a coin is one of the worst things you can do. Even if it looks dull or dirty, a cleaned coin is worth significantly less to collectors than one with original surfaces, even if those surfaces are imperfect. When in doubt, leave it alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much is a 1987-D Washington Quarter worth today?
A: In circulated condition, it’s generally worth face value to around $1. In uncirculated mint state grades, values range from $8 to $40 or more depending on the specific grade. Exceptional examples graded MS-67 or above can sell for $50 to $100+.
Q: What does the “D” mintmark mean on a 1987 quarter?
A: The “D” stands for Denver, meaning the coin was produced at the U.S. Mint’s Denver facility. You’ll find this mintmark on the obverse of the coin, just to the right of Washington’s neck. The Philadelphia Mint struck the 1987-P quarter with no mintmark or a “P.”
Q: Is it worth getting my 1987-D quarter professionally graded?
A: Generally only if you believe the coin is in exceptional uncirculated condition — MS-65 or better. Professional grading costs typically start around $20–$30 per coin, so it only makes financial sense if the potential value justifies the expense. Use CoinKnow to get a preliminary estimate before committing to professional grading.
