The 1987 penny represents an exciting year for error coin collectors due to several documented minting mistakes. This was one of the final years when mint workers hand-punched mintmarks into dies, creating opportunities for valuable varieties.
Accurate identification is crucial for coin collectors because the difference between a common penny and a rare error can mean hundreds or even thousands of dollars. The 1987-D/D RPM alone has sold for over $1,800 in top grades.
Coin identifier apps like CoinKnow can help you identify these errors, provide grading, and determine accurate values. Let's explore the documented errors you should be hunting for.
Rare 1987 Penny Error List & Coin Value
1. 1987-D Penny Repunched Mintmark Error
The 1987-D/D RPM FS-501 stands as the crown jewel among all 1987 penny errors. This variety shows a dramatic repunching of the "D" mintmark shifted to the north.
Designated as RPM#3 by Wexler, this is the strongest repunched mintmark known for the entire date. It carries an extremely rare URS-3 rating with only a handful of examples originally documented.
Values for this variety are exceptional. Examples have sold for $65 in MS64RD up to an impressive $1,800 in MS67 condition.
To identify this error, examine the "D" mintmark carefully under magnification. Look for traces of a secondary mintmark positioned north of the primary letter.
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2. 1987 Penny Off-Center Strike Error
Off-center strikes occur when the planchet shifts before the coin is struck. Part of the design appears missing with blank planchet space visible.
These errors happen when planchets are improperly positioned between the dies during striking. The result is a coin with incomplete design elements on one or both sides.
Values depend heavily on the percentage off-center and whether the date remains visible. Specimens around 50% off-center with complete dates are most desirable, typically worth $50 to $100.
Look for coins where the rim appears uneven or the design shifts noticeably to one side. Minor off-center errors under 10% are worth $20 to $50.
3. 1987 Penny Broadstrike Error
A broadstrike occurs when a penny is struck outside its retaining collar. The coin appears flatter and wider than normal without proper rim formation.
Without the collar to contain metal flow during striking, the coin expands outward. All design elements remain present but appear spread or distorted.
These errors are uncommon but not extremely rare for 1987 pennies. Values typically range from $10 to $30 for well-centered examples.
The coin should measure noticeably larger than a standard penny's 19.05mm diameter. Compare suspected broadstrikes against normal pennies to confirm the error.
A reliable coin value app can help distinguish true broadstrikes from damaged coins.
4. 1987 Penny Doubled Die Error
Doubled die varieties show doubling in the lettering, date, or design elements. These occur during die production when impressions don't perfectly align.
The doubling appears raised and crisp, unlike flat machine doubling which has no collector value. True doubled dies show consistent doubling across all coins struck from that die.
Values for 1987 doubled die pennies range from $20 to $50 depending on the strength of doubling. Stronger, more visible doubling commands higher premiums.
Examine the date, LIBERTY, and IN GOD WE TRUST inscriptions carefully under magnification. Look for separated, raised doubling rather than shelf-like flattening.
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5. 1987 Penny BIE Error
The BIE error is a popular die crack variety exclusive to Lincoln cents. A vertical crack between "B" and "E" in LIBERTY resembles the letter "I."
Over 1000 different BIE varieties have been documented across the Lincoln cent series. They result from die fatigue in the thin area between these letters.
BIE errors are relatively affordable, making them perfect for beginning collectors. Values typically range from $5 to $10 each.
Look for a raised vertical line or blob between the B and E that creates the appearance of "LIBIERTY." These are easy to spot with a basic magnifier.
6. 1987 Penny Die Crack and Cud Error
Die cracks appear as raised lines across the coin's surface where the die developed fractures. When pieces of the die break away completely, the result is called a cud.
Cuds appear as raised, featureless blobs of metal typically connected to the rim. Larger cuds that affect significant portions of the design are most valuable.
Minor die cracks are worth $3 to $50 depending on prominence and location. Major cuds can command $100 to $200 or more for dramatic examples.
Examine your coins for raised lines running across the surface or flat areas along the rim. These indicate die deterioration captured during the minting process.
7. 1987 Penny Plating Error
Since 1987 pennies feature zinc cores with copper plating, various plating errors can occur. These include missing plating, plating bubbles, and lamination defects.
Completely unplated zinc cents appear silvery-gray instead of copper colored. Partial plating errors show patches of exposed zinc beneath the copper surface.
A fully unplated 1987 penny can be worth $100 or more if authenticated. Partial plating errors typically bring $10 to $50 depending on severity.
Look for unusual coloring or areas where the copper appears missing or bubbled. Weigh suspected errors as unplated cents should be slightly lighter.
How Much is a 1987 Penny Worth? Coin Identifier I Recommended
Determining accurate values for 1987 penny errors requires proper identification and current market data. Two excellent apps can assist collectors with this process.
CoinKnow delivers exceptional accuracy for identifying error coins using advanced AI technology. The app instantly detects repunched mintmarks, doubled dies, and striking errors while providing professional grading assessments and real-time market valuations to help collectors make informed decisions.
CoinValueChecker offers comprehensive analysis tools for serious numismatists seeking detailed information. The app features automatic error detection, market trend analysis, and collection management capabilities, making it ideal for collectors wanting identification combined with sophisticated market intelligence in one convenient platform.
Both apps represent valuable resources for any collector serious about finding and accurately valuing 1987 penny errors.
