Price Guide for 1987 Cent Variants
This guide presents price ranges for variants from three sources: eBay sales, third-party auctions, and PCGS guides. Values are shown for various conditions, allowing collectors to compare across different market segments. Price estimates may vary between sources, especially for rarer variants.
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $7.00 – $1,998.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $12,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $5.00 – $15,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $9.00 – $870.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $400.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $6.00 – $5,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $2,070.00
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eBayCirculated: $97.00 – $105.00Uncirculated: $0.99 – $538.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1.00 – $110.00
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eBayUncirculated: $4.50 – $16.38
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $192.00 – $1,800.00
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eBayUncirculated: $92.00 – $305.49
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $100.00 – $1,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $6.00Uncirculated: $10.00 – $253.00
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eBayCirculated: $750.00Uncirculated: $1.98 – $285.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $27.00Uncirculated: $38.00 – $1,093.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1.00 – $52.50
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $115.00 – $128.00
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eBayUncirculated: $2.99 – $11.00
Design and Specifications of the 1987 Cent
The 1987 Lincoln Cent continued the long-standing tradition of honoring America’s 16th president, Abraham Lincoln. This coin was part of the Lincoln Memorial cent series, which began in 1959 and lasted until 2008. The year 1987 marked no significant changes or commemorations for the cent, but it remained an essential part of everyday commerce and coin collecting.
| Weight | 2.5 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 19.05 mm |
| Mint Marks | P, D, S |
| Composition | 99.2% zinc, 0.8% copper |
| Obverse Design | Abraham Lincoln profile facing right, designed by Victor D. Brenner |
| Reverse Design | Lincoln Memorial, designed by Frank Gasparro |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 1987 Lincoln Cents significantly impacts their value, especially for circulation strikes. Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 and above) are more valuable than circulated examples. The highest premium is placed on coins grading MS67 or higher, as these are scarce for the year.
Red copper coins (those retaining their original mint luster) are more desirable than brown examples. Full steps on the Lincoln Memorial (visible on the reverse) can also add to the coin’s value in high grades.
Mintage: 4,682,236,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Common in grades up to MS66, scarce in MS67 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Low, primarily of interest to collectors assembling date sets
Mintage: 4,879,389,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Common in grades up to MS66, scarce in MS67 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Low, primarily of interest to collectors assembling date sets
Mintage: 4,227,728
Rarity Scale: Common for proofs
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Common in grades up to PR69, scarce in PR70
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, popular among proof set collectors
Strike quality is an important factor for 1987 cents. Well-struck coins with sharp details, especially on Lincoln’s hair and the Memorial columns, are more desirable. Luster plays a crucial role, with coins exhibiting bright, cartwheel luster being more valuable.
For proof coins, cameo and deep cameo contrasts between the fields and devices can significantly increase value. Toning, while not typically a major factor for modern cents, can add value if it’s attractive and natural.
While not particularly rare, error coins such as off-center strikes, die cracks, or doubled dies would carry a premium if discovered in the 1987 mintage.
