1987 Penny Value — The Cent Nobody Checks
In 1987, the U.S. Mint continued the mass production of 1-cent coins using the copper-plated zinc composition introduced in 1982.
The core, consisting of 99.2% zinc and 0.8% copper, remains hidden beneath a thin outer layer of pure copper.
The standard weight of a specimen amounts to 2.5 grams, having a strict tolerance of +/- 0.10 grams.
The diameter remains fixed at 19.05 mm with a plain edge lacking any reeding.
Minting took place at two primary facilities: Philadelphia, producing coins without a mint mark, and Denver, utilizing the "D" mark.
The total mintage exceeded 9.5 billion pieces, being distributed almost equally between the two branches with Philadelphia striking approximately 4.68 billion and Denver striking 4.82 billion.
High mintage volume causes the low 1987 penny value of most coins removed from circulation, as billions of units remain available in the global supply.
Condition | 1987 (P) Value ($) | 1987-D Value ($) | Record Price ($) |
MS63 | 0.05 – 0.10 | 0.05 – 0.10 | 2 |
MS64 | 0.10 – 0.25 | 0.10 – 0.25 | 5 |
MS65 | 0.15 – 0.50 | 0.15 – 0.50 | 15 |
MS66 | 1.00 – 3.00 | 1.00 – 3.00 | 45 |
MS67 | 15 – 25 | 12 – 20 | 185 |
MS68 | 150 – 350 | 100 – 250 | 1,200 |
MS68+ | 600 – 950 | 500 – 800 | 2,150 |
MS69 | 2,500+ | 1,800+ | 4,113 |
High-Grade Specimens and Surface Integrity
1987 coins in MS68 condition and higher occur extremely rarely due to the physical characteristics of zinc planchets being prone to forming gas bubbles under the copper coating.
Small pockets of air trapped during the electroplating process expand over time, creating "zinc blisters" that ruin the coin's surface profile.
A surface degradation process called "zinc corrosion" reduces the number of surviving ideal specimens by eating through the copper layer from the inside out.
In 2014, at a Heritage Auctions sale, a 1987 cent without a mint mark in MS69 RD condition was sold for 4,113 dollars.
This specimen remains the most expensive in history for this date, confirming the extreme significance of professional grading for nominal value.
Statistical analysis shows prices for MS68 RD specimens rising by an average of 8% annually between 2018 and 2023, reflecting the growing difficulty of finding clean surfaces.
The population of MS69 specimens for 1987 remains in the single digits across both major grading services, like the best coin value app.
Identification and Evaluation
Production errors in 1987 occur less frequently than in the 1982–1983 transition period, increasing the rarity and value of discovered defects.
Double Die
Doubling of the obverse on 1987 coins appears weakly, manifesting primarily in the date digits and the letters of the "LIBERTY" inscription.
This phenomenon occurs during the hubbing process when the die receives two impressions at slightly different angles.
Using a microscope, experts identify a characteristic widening of font elements rather than distinct secondary images.
The price for a certified sample with clear doubling varies from 20 to 100 dollars depending on the visibility of the "split serifs."
A prominent 1987 DDO listed in the Cherrypickers' Guide serves as the primary target for specialized collectors.
Off-Center Strike
Image displacement happens upon the disruption of planchet feeding into the striking unit, causing the die to hit only a portion of the metal.
Coins having a 10% offset are valued at 5–10 dollars, representing the most common entry-level error.
Specimens demonstrating a 50% offset while retaining a full date reach prices of 75–120 dollars.
If the date is missing due to the offset, the value drops by approximately 60% because collectors prioritize the identification of the year.
Die Cracks, Cuds, Die Breaks
Small cracks arising from the mechanical wear of steel dies under high pressure are common defects for this high-mintage year.
Metal protrusions forming at the coin's rim (Cuds) are valued higher than ordinary internal cracks.
A "Cud" occurs when a piece of the die's edge breaks off completely, allowing molten-like zinc to fill the void during striking.
The average price for a large 1987 "Cud" stands at 40–60 dollars on the secondary market.
Broadstrikes
A broadstrike occurs when the circular collar intended to hold the planchet fails to engage.
The metal spreads outward beyond the normal diameter, resulting in a thinner, wider coin with a distorted rim.
1987 broadstrikes in uncirculated condition fetch between 15 and 30 dollars.
Coating Type, Luster, and Color
Numismatic classification strictly divides cents into three categories based on the oxidation level of the copper: Brown (BN), Red-Brown (RB), and Red (RD).
Coins of the RD (Red) category must retain at least 95% of the original copper luster as specified by grading standards.
BN (Brown): Possessing practically no added value in low grades, these coins have fully oxidized surfaces.
RB (Red-Brown): The price amounts to 30–50% of the value of "red" counterparts, showing a mix of original luster and brown toning.
RD (Red): The only category capable of reaching four-figure sums at auctions due to the preservation of the original mint state.
Color loss at 1% per year serves as a standard indicator for coins stored outside specialized air-tight capsules.
Environmental factors such as high humidity accelerate the transition from RD to BN, making preserved red coins increasingly scarce.
Population Trends 2010 - 2025
Data extracted from PCGS and NGC population reports allow for tracking the shifting rarity of specific grades.
Quantity of MS68 RD (1987-P): This population increased by only 15 units over 10 years, showing the difficulty of finding "raw" coins capable of achieving this grade.
Price Volatility: Market data shows volatility amounting to 12% for medium grades (MS66-67), while top-tier lots (MS68+) show a stable 4% volatility.
Grading Rejection Rate: Up to 40% of 1987 coins sent for professional evaluation fail to receive a high score due to microscopic coating defects invisible to the naked eye.
Average Auction Hold Time: Investors typically hold MS68+ 1987 pennies for 7.2 years before reselling, indicating a long-term appreciation strategy.
Annual Appreciation: The compounded annual growth rate for MS67 specimens has stabilized at 3.5%, while MS68 specimens have seen a 6.2% growth rate.
Manual Inspection
To determine the potential value of a discovered 1987 coin, one must perform a technical inspection according to these points, oc course, with the help of the coin scanner app.
Precision Weight Measurement. A deviation exceeding 2.5 g might indicate the use of a non-standard planchet, such as a leftover 1982 bronze planchet (though none are confirmed for 1987).
Surface Fingerprint Analysis. The presence of skin oils on a red coin causes permanent black spots over time, reducing the grade to MS63 or lower regardless of luster.
Edge and Rim Evaluation. The absence of nicks and contact marks from other coins in a ballistic bag is mandatory for a valuation exceeding 100 dollars.
Search for "Reference" Luster. A matte or dull appearance of the metal, often caused by improper cleaning, reduces the price to face value regardless of the lack of physical wear.
Strike Sharpness. Check the "steps" on the Lincoln Memorial; a weak strike resulting from worn dies prevents the coin from reaching the highest grades.
Philadelphia vs Denver Mint Quality
Historical data suggests that the Denver Mint produced slightly better-struck specimens in 1987 compared to Philadelphia.
The 1987-D coins often exhibit cleaner fields, though they remain subject to the same zinc rot issues as their Philadelphia counterparts.
The "Record Price" for a Denver specimen in MS69 RD stands at approximately 2,820 dollars, reflecting a slightly higher population compared to the Philadelphia MS69.
