1987-S Proof

San Francisco delivered 4,227,728 proof Roosevelt dimes in 1987 for inclusion in the annual proof set, a 40 percent rebound from the 1986-S figure and a return to the higher proof-set demand level that characterized most of the second half of the decade. The increase tracked the recovering collector market and the Mint's introduction of the Prestige proof set in earlier years, which had brought new buyers into the proof program. The S mintmark sat sharp above the date, dies were hand-polished to mirror finish, and the cupronickel-clad planchet was struck at higher pressure on a slower press to produce the squared rims and frosted devices that distinguish proof finish from circulation strike.

Authentication on a 1987-S proof rests on standard finish diagnostics: deeply mirrored fields under 10x magnification, sharp ninety-degree rim profile, and frosted devices on examples that earn Cameo and Deep Cameo designations from PCGS and NGC. Cameo, the contrast between mirrored fields and frosted relief, and Deep Cameo, the same effect at heavier frost depth, carry the price premium at PR69 and PR70. Die-polish lines visible at angle under loupe magnification confirm proof finish, and the S mintmark must show sharp serifs and clean fields around the punch. The 1987-S strike quality is consistent across the production, and Cameo and Deep Cameo certification rates run higher than on the 1986-S because of cleaner die preparation; PR70 DCAM examples remain achievable rather than rare.

The 1987-S sits in the routine middle tier of late-1980s regular proof issues, with PR69 DCAM examples available at modest price levels and PR70 DCAM forming the meaningful condition-rarity step. Most surviving examples remain in original Mint proof packaging, and submission economics keep raw market supply thin. The price ladder is flat through PR69, steps up at PR69 DCAM, and accelerates at PR70 DCAM where PCGS and NGC population reports support genuine premiums for registry-set competition. The 1987-S is a routine entry in any modern proof-Roosevelt date set and shows no fundamental scarcity outside the top-grade tier; the higher mintage relative to the surrounding 1986-S and 1988-S figures has not produced meaningful base-grade price compression. For background on the San Francisco proof program through the second half of the 1980s, see the Roosevelt Dime series history.