1987 Lincoln Penny Value No Mint Mark and What It’s Worth Today
The 1987 Lincoln penny with no mint mark is worth anywhere from 1 cent in heavily worn condition to around $10 or more in certified mint state grades. Most examples you’ll find in pocket change are worth face value, but higher-grade coins can surprise you.
If you’ve been finding old pennies at the bottom of a drawer or going through grandma’s coin jar, you’re not alone. Millions of Americans discover Lincoln cents and wonder if they’re sitting on something valuable. A quick way to start is by using a free coin identifier app on your smartphone — it can help you quickly confirm what you’ve got before diving deeper into research.
What Is the 1987 Lincoln Penny No Mint Mark?
The 1987 Lincoln penny with no mint mark was struck at the Philadelphia Mint. Philadelphia has a long tradition of not placing a mint mark on its coins, so the absence of a letter beneath the date doesn’t mean your coin is rare or special — it simply means it came from Philly. In 1987, the Philadelphia Mint produced over 4.6 billion Lincoln cents, making this one of the most common modern pennies in circulation. The coin features Victor David Brenner’s iconic portrait of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and the Lincoln Memorial design on the reverse, a design that ran from 1959 through 2008. The composition is 97.5% zinc with a thin copper plating, which means older examples may show signs of corrosion or spotting if stored improperly.
1987 Lincoln Penny No Mint Mark Value by Grade
The value of any coin depends heavily on its condition, or “grade.” A 1987 Lincoln penny that spent years in circulation will show wear on Lincoln’s cheekbone and hair details, and those coins are typically only worth face value. However, coins that were never used — pulled directly from mint bags or rolls — can grade quite high and carry a small premium among collectors. Here’s a quick breakdown of typical values:
| Grade | Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | Heavy wear, details faint | Face value (~$0.01) |
| Fine (F-12) | Moderate wear, major details visible | $0.05 – $0.10 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | Light wear on high points | $0.10 – $0.25 |
| Mint State (MS-63) | Uncirculated, some marks | $0.50 – $2.00 |
| Mint State (MS-65 Red) | Gem uncirculated, full red color | $5.00 – $10.00+ |
For a more detailed breakdown of 1987 Lincoln penny MS Red grade pricing and auction data, professional numismatic sources can show you real sale records from certified coins.
Does Color Designation Affect the 1987 Penny No Mint Mark Value?
Yes, and this is something many beginners don’t realize. When grading services like PCGS or NGC evaluate copper and zinc cents, they also assign a color designation: Red (RD), Red-Brown (RB), or Brown (BN). A 1987 Lincoln penny with full original red luster — meaning the coin was never exposed to air long enough to tone — commands the highest prices. A gem MS-65 Red example could retail for $8 to $12 or more, while the same grade in Brown might only bring $1 to $3. This makes proper storage critical if you’re building a collection. Keep your coins in acid-free holders and away from humidity. If you want to track how these color designations affect today’s market prices, the complete 1987 penny value guide including color grades is a great resource to bookmark.
How to Check If Your 1987 Penny No Mint Mark Is Worth More
Start by examining the coin under good lighting or a magnifying glass. Look for sharp, unbroken details in Lincoln’s hair, his coat, and the lettering around the rim. Any coin that looks like it just came out of a mint bag is worth setting aside. Next, check for errors — doubling on the lettering or date, off-center strikes, or die cracks can add real value even to common-date coins. The best tool many collectors use today is CoinKnow, a smart coin identification app that can help you assess your coins with just a photo. CoinKnow is especially helpful for beginners who aren’t sure where to start. Once you’ve identified what you have, research recent auction results to get a realistic picture of current market value.
Is the 1987 Lincoln Penny No Mint Mark Worth Collecting?
For date-and-mint-mark collectors completing a Lincoln Memorial cent set, the 1987 Philadelphia issue is a must-have — and fortunately, it’s very affordable. You can pick up a nice uncirculated example for under $2 at most coin shows or online shops. It’s a great starting point for new collectors. If you stumble across a roll of 1987 pennies in pristine condition, consider submitting the best-looking examples to a professional grading service. A certified MS-65 RD coin is always more marketable than a raw one. CoinKnow can help you pre-screen coins before you spend money on professional grading, saving you time and effort.
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FAQ
Q: Why does my 1987 penny have no mint mark — is it rare?
A: No, the lack of a mint mark simply means your coin was made at the Philadelphia Mint, which traditionally does not use a mint mark on pennies. Over 4.6 billion of these were produced in 1987, so they are very common.
Q: What is the most valuable 1987 Lincoln penny no mint mark?
A: The highest-value examples are certified MS-67 Red coins, which can sell for $50 to $100 or more at auction. These are exceptionally well-preserved coins with full original color and virtually no surface marks.
Q: Should I clean my 1987 penny to make it look better?
A: Never clean a coin. Cleaning removes the original surface and destroys value. Even a slightly worn coin in original, uncleaned condition is worth more to a collector than a bright, polished one. Leave it as-is and let a professional assess it.
