1987 Dime Value: Have you ever checked your pocket change for hidden treasures? What might seem like ordinary coins could actually be worth a small fortune. The numismatic world has recently been turned upside down as collectors scramble to find a specific 1987 dime that’s causing an unprecedented collecting frenzy. These seemingly ordinary Roosevelt dimes from 1987 have suddenly skyrocketed in value, with some specimens selling for hundreds or even thousands of dollars overnight. As a coin enthusiast myself, I’ve been following this remarkable development with great interest, watching as values soar and collectors compete fiercely to add these dimes to their collections.
What Makes the 1987 Dime Special?
The 1987 dime that’s creating such excitement isn’t just any ordinary dime. What makes these coins particularly valuable are specific error varieties and condition rarities that weren’t widely recognized until recently. The Philadelphia and Denver mints produced millions of Roosevelt dimes in 1987, but only a small percentage exhibit the characteristics that collectors are now hunting for. These include doubled die varieties, off-center strikes, and specimens in absolutely pristine, uncirculated condition. The most sought-after examples show clear doubling on Roosevelt’s profile or the date, a minting error that occurred when the die struck the planchet multiple times at slightly different angles. I’ve noticed that even common 1987 dimes in exceptional mint state condition are commanding premium prices as the collector craze intensifies.
Why Has the 1987 Dime Value Soared Overnight?
The sudden explosion in 1987 dime values can be attributed to several converging factors. First, a prominent coin dealer recently discovered a previously undocumented die variety in the 1987 series, publishing findings that sent ripples through the collecting community. Second, social media has amplified interest exponentially, with collectors sharing their finds and sales across platforms like Instagram and specialized coin forums. Third, the relatively affordable entry point has attracted both seasoned numismatists and newcomers hoping to strike it rich. Unlike rare gold coins that might cost thousands just to enter the market, anyone can search through their change for these valuable dimes. The limited supply of premium specimens coupled with this sudden surge in demand has created a perfect storm for value appreciation. I’ve watched auction prices climb week after week as the frenzy continues to build.
How to Identify Valuable 1987 Dimes
If you’re hoping to find one of these valuable 1987 dimes, you’ll need to know exactly what to look for. The most important factors are mint mark, condition, and error varieties. First, check the mint mark on the obverse (front) side of the coin, just below Roosevelt’s bust. Philadelphia-minted coins have no mint mark, while Denver coins show a small “D.” Next, examine the coin under magnification, looking particularly at Roosevelt’s profile, the date, and the torch on the reverse. The most valuable specimens show clear doubling on these elements. Finally, assess the overall condition—coins with full luster, no wear on high points, and minimal contact marks command the highest premiums.
- Check for doubling on Roosevelt’s profile and the date
- Look for off-center strikes and other minting errors
- Examine the mint mark (or absence of one)
- Assess overall condition and luster
When to Sell Your 1987 Dime Discoveries
Timing can be everything when it comes to capitalizing on numismatic trends like the 1987 dime phenomenon. If you’ve discovered a potentially valuable specimen, you might be wondering whether to sell immediately or hold for potential future appreciation. Market trends for sudden collecting crazes like this one typically follow a pattern: initial discovery, rapid price escalation, peak interest, and eventual stabilization. We’re currently in the rapid escalation phase, with prices climbing weekly. While it’s impossible to perfectly time the market peak, selling during this period of intense interest often yields strong results. However, if your specimen is truly exceptional—perhaps the finest known example of a rare variety—there may be merit in holding longer. I recommend consulting with a reputable coin dealer or obtaining professional grading before making any final decisions.
Real-World Example: The Johnson Collection Find
One of the most remarkable stories to emerge from this 1987 dime craze involves collector Michael Johnson from Ohio. While sorting through a bank roll of dimes he purchased for face value, Johnson discovered a 1987 Philadelphia dime with significant doubling on both the date and Roosevelt’s profile. After having the coin professionally graded by PCGS as MS-67 with the doubled die designation, he listed it on an online auction site with a starting bid of $100. After a week of fierce bidding, the final hammer price reached an astonishing $7,800—a return of 78,000 times its face value. Johnson’s find has since been featured in several numismatic publications, further fueling the hunt for these elusive dimes.
The current 1987 dime collecting craze reminds us that valuable treasures might be hiding in plain sight. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just someone curious about the coins in your pocket, it’s worth taking a closer look at your change. Who knows? You might be carrying around a small fortune without even realizing it. Have you checked your coin jar lately? The next big find could be waiting right there among your everyday pocket change.
