Eisenhower Silver Dollar Values and Price Chart - SD Bullion (2024)

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The year 1969 is, beyond a shadow of a doubt, an important year in United States' history. The month of March marked the passing of President and WW2 General Dwight D. Eisenhower. In July, scientific research and development culminated with the man's first landing on the Moon. And after the U.S Mint announced the production of a new dollar coin, Congress saw the opportunity to honor both events in the piece's designs.

Minted from 1971 to 1978, the Eisenhower dollar coin is an alluring piece of U.S coinage. They are the U.S' last circulating large-size dollar coin, minted with a composition of 40% Silver in a copper-nickel clad.

No dollar coin had been produced since 1935, the last year of the Peace dollars. Nevertheless, Eisenhower dollars had a short run and a small number of varieties.

In that regard, they are a favorite choice to kickstart a collection while, at the same time, being a possible way to earn some money. “Ike" dollar pieces made of silver can be worth well over their face value, depending on their condition.

In this article, we will show you all Eisenhower silver dollars worth money, including what is the most valuable ever auctioned. There is also a price chart with their estimated auction prices according to professional coin grading services, such as PCGS and NGC. Don't be afraid to look into your change or check in with your coin dealer for these coins. They could be an opportunity to earn some money in an enjoyable manner.

Eisenhower Dollar Coin History

The United States Mint introduced the Eisenhower Dollars in 1971, after over thirty years of not minting any coins of that denomination.

Up until the 1960s, the bullion value of a silver dollar did not exceed 70 cents. However, this decade saw a rise in the price of silver, leading many people to hoard the coin due to its precious metal content.

This caused a shortage in the Western states they circulated the most. In view of that, Congress wanted new coins to be minted. At the time, Mint Director Mary Brooks intended to revitalize the dollar coin with a new design.

The events surrounding the discussions in Congress about the new coin took place around the same time as the passing of President Eisenhower, as well as the Apollo 11 mission landing on the Moon's surface. As a consequence, Congress saw the opportunity to honor both in the coin's design.

After over thirty years of no dollar coins produced, the first Eisenhower Dollars struck brought a new alloy to the denomination. With silver prices on the rise, coins struck by the United States Mint started to have a copper-nickel clad composition.

The copper-nickel clad business strikes were produced in both the Denver and the Philadelphia Mint.

Nonetheless, the new decision didn't cease the use of silver in U.S coins altogether. The San Francisco Mint was responsible for producing 90% silver varieties of the clad dollars in both uncirculated and proof finishes for coin collectors in 1971.

The pieces with more silver content sold well, but the overall opinion on the Eisenhower dollars was unpopular. The copper-nickel coins did not circulate well, and got limited to casinos and eventually collectors.

The prices and auction values displayed below are from the last 10 years, from 2012 up until 2023. They are provided by professional coin grading services such as PCGS and NGC.

Eisenhower Dollar Coins Designs

The design of the Eisenhower dollar coin was envisioned by Mint Chief Engraver Frank Gasparro. He created both the obverse and reverse of the dollar coin.

Yet, in 1973, production started for a new set of coins celebrating America’s bicentenary. For that occasion, the 1976 Eisenhower dollar received a new design chosen by the Treasury Secretary from a national competition honoring the country’s ideals of freedom and free thought with a depiction of the Liberty Bell.

Regular Design

Obverse and Reverse of the Eisenhower dollar coin. Source

The obverse of the Eisenhower dollar coin features Gasparro’s portrait of President Dwight Eisenhower. Arching along the coin’s upper half is the word “LIBERTY” in spread-out letters. Under his chin is the national motto “IN GOD WE TRUST”. The mint year is featured beneath the president’s profile.

Eisenhower dollars minted in the Denver and San Francisco facilities bear a “D” and “S” mint mark, respectively. They are located slightly below the neck. Philadelphia mint coins bear no mint mark.

The Ike dollar’s reverse was based on the Apollo 11 mission insignia, designed by astronaut Michael Collins. It portrays a bald eagle, America’s national bird, hovering near the Moon’s surface, grasping an olive branch in its talons. Thirteen stars, representing the original states, can be seen surrounding the eagle. In addition, a distant Earth is visible above the animal’s head.

To the planet’s right, the national motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” is inscribed. Arching around the reverse’s upper and lower half, respectively, are the words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”, and “ONE DOLLAR”.

Bicentennial Design

Obverse and Reverse of a Bicentennial dollar coin. Source

The United States Mint celebrated America’s bicentennial in 1976 with a series of commemorative coins. The quarter, half-dollar, and dollar coins all received a temporary redesign.

Read more about Bicentennial Quarters on our article.

The Bicentennial dollar features a “1776-1976” double date on the obverse and is a very popular coin among collectors. There were no other changes to the obverse of the 1976 bicentennial pieces.

The reverse of the Bicentennial Dollar was designed by art student Dennis R. Williams, who was 21 then. It displays the Liberty Bell superimposed on the moon, which takes up most of the reverse. To the bell's right, the national motto reads “E PLURIBUS UNUM”.

Williams' initials can be seen directly below the bottom edge of the Liberty Bell. The inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “ONE DOLLAR” arch around the edge of the coin. Both inscriptions are separated by two stars slightly below the equator of the coin.

Numismatics often ask themselves: how much is an Eisenhower bicentennial dollar worth? The 1976 Eisenhower dollar series remains to this day a favorite among collectors. Bicentennial dollars, in both 40% silver and copper-nickel clad, are highly marketable, be it for enthusiasts or coin dealers.

In any case, due to factors like rarity, Eisenhower dollar values are directly tied to their mintage number.

Check out our article about Rare Silver Dollars - What are the Most Valuable Silver Dollars?

Eisenhower Silver Dollar Mintage

The San Francisco Mint was the one responsible for the production of Eisenhower Silver dollars. The branch produced uncirculated and proof strikes of the dollar coin for collectors. These Eisenhower dollars have an outer layer of 80% silver content and 20% copper, with a core of 79% copper and 21% silver.

There are no dollar coins dated 1975, given America's 1976 bicentennial. The production of the bicentennial silver dollar began almost two years before its inception, as mint officials deemed there would be little time to prepare the commemorative coins in under a year.

At any rate, these were the mintage figures for each year:

Uncirculated Silver Dollars

Proof Silver Dollars

The US Mint sold the San Francisco Mint’s pieces at a premium in special mint sets until 1974. They are often referred to by collectors as blue ikes and brown ikes.

Blue Ikes

1973-S Blue Ike coin box set. Source

Eisenhower silver dollars struck in uncirculated condition were sold by the United States Mint in blue envelopes. For this reason, these coins are generally referred to as the blue Ike dollar. They bear an “S” mintmark and were accompanied in their box set by a blue and silver token adorned with the U.S Mint logo.

The blue Ike mint sets had an original sale price of $3.

Brown Ikes

1974-S Brown Ike coin box set.Source

Proof sets versions of the 40% silver Eisenhower dollar were sold in brown faux wood grain boxes. These boxes carried a golden seal on their outside and housed the proof silver coin in a plastic case on their inside. The brown Ike dollar, as it is known, also bears an “S” mintmark.

The brown Ike proof sets had an original sale price of $10.

In view of this, let’s take a look at how much the silver Eisenhower dollars are worth. All values are shown in a USD price chart, for swift reading and consultation.

Eisenhower Silver Dollars Price Chart

1972 Eisenhower Dollar Types

Eisenhower dollars produced in 1972 by the Philadelphia Mint bring about an interesting variation. There are three varieties produced that year using the cupro-nickel alloy as the US Mint tested dies for long-term production. These pieces are specified as types I to III, and their variations are visible on the coin’s reverse side.

The 1972 Eisenhower dollar features Gasparro’s portrayal of the Apollo 11 insignia. The three types regard differences in planet Earth’s depiction.

Should you want to read more about the three varieties of the 1972 Eisenhower Dollar, you can check them out in our in-depth article.

1976 no "S" Eisenhower Proof Silver Dollar

Source

The 1976 No S Proof Eisenhower Silver Dollar is a unique variety. Like the regular 1976 proof coin, it was minted to commemorate the bicentennial of the United States and features a special reverse design that depicts the Liberty Bell superimposed on the moon and the dual date 1776 - 1976 on the obverse.

The "No S" variety is so named because it lacks the traditional "S" mintmark that is supposed to appear on proof coins minted at the San Francisco Mint. It is believed that a single specimen was mistakenly struck without the mintmark.

The absence of the mintmark makes the 1976 No S Proof Eisenhower Silver Dollar one of the rarest modern coin varieties there is. It is valued at $850,000, making it the most valuable Eisenhower Silver Dollar known to exist.

Collecting Eisenhower Dollars

Due to their short run and availability, Eisenhower silver dollars have an appeal to coin collectors. This variety can be a great way to start a coin collection, given that most dates can be found for sale or in auctions at a decent starting price.

On top of that, Ike dollars are the last of the large dollar coins minted for circulation by the U.S Mint and mark the inception of the copper-nickel clad in U.S coinage. This can grant them great numismatic value, by being different from all U.S coins in circulation before them.

Besides, their rich historical background can tie both President and General Eisenhower to the revolutionary Apollo 11 mission that landed on the moon. Not to mention that, along with the quarter and Kennedy half-dollar, the 1976 Eisenhower dollar is part of the bicentennial coins that were released for the 200th anniversary of the signing of the declaration.

Collectors that turn to Eisenhower dollars often do so with the interest of completing a 32-coin set. Such a set includes all varieties that were minted, from regular issues to proof coins, in both copper-nickel clad and silver composition.

Nevertheless, a complete set of silver Ike dollars comprises 10 coins, regular issues, and proofs included. Therefore, they can be an attractive option for collectors.

FAQs

Are Eisenhower Silver Dollars Worth Anything?

Eisenhower dollars made using the copper-nickel clad can be found with relative ease, and are worth a bit over their face value.

However, Eisenhower dollars made of 40% silver are worth a lot more than their face and melt value. Regular issues and proof coins in good conditions can reach hundreds and even thousands of dollars in auctions.

Where Is The Mint Mark On A 1776-1976 Silver Dollar?

The bicentennial dollars, half-dollar, and quarter 40% silver coins were struck at the San Francisco Mint, in both uncirculated and proof versions for collectors. The 1976 silver coin bears an “S” mintmark, below the profile of President Eisenhower.

There is only 1 known example of a 1976 bicentennial dollar struck without mint marks. It is considered one of the rarest coins.

What Eisenhower Silver Dollars Are Worth Money?

Ike dollars in silver are worth more than their face value. These coins contain a 40% silver composition and given factors such as their condition, scarcity, and their melt value, they can be worth a lot more.

A 1971 silver dollar value ranges from $11 up to $6900, as recorded in auctions. Other similar varieties may be within this price range.

What Is The Rarest Eisenhower Dollar?

A silver 1976 bicentennial dollar that was struck without the “S” mintmark is considered one of the rarest modern coins. The bicentennial coins were first struck as strike trials in proof, with only one example of each coin. This unique sample is worth around $850,000.

What makes a 1776 1976 Eisenhower Dollar rare?

The 1776-1976 Eisenhower Dollar is a bicentennial commemorative coin produced in large quantities, with over 200 million minted, so they are not generally rare. However, there are a few factors that can make certain coins more valuable, such as the presence of an error or the coin's condition. Additionally, coins that were produced at the San Francisco mint and have a proof finish may be more valuable to coin collectors.

Is a 1972 Eisenhower Dollar worth anything?

The value of a 1972 Eisenhower Dollar depends on factors such as its condition, mint mark, and any unique characteristics it may have. In average circulated condition, a 1972 Eisenhower Dollar is worth its face value of one dollar. However, if the coin is in uncirculated condition or has a rare mint mark or error, it could be worth more to collectors. The value could range from a few dollars to several hundred dollars.

Which Eisenhower dollars are 90% silver?

Not all Eisenhower Dollars contain silver. Eisenhower Dollars were minted from 1971 to 1978, and those minted from 1971 to 1974 were made of 40% silver.

However, there is a special 1971-S Eisenhower Silver Dollar that is 90% silver and was sold as collector's edition. These coins were struck at the San Francisco Mint and have a "S" mint mark on them. The 1971-S Eisenhower Silver Dollar was not released into circulation and was only sold to collectors, making it a rare and valuable to coin collections.