Learn to Identify the Key Ike Dollars (2024)

Learn How to Identify These Rare and Valuable Ike Dollars

By

James Bucki

Learn to Identify the Key Ike Dollars (1)

James Bucki is a nationally-recognized coin collector and numismatic expert and author, sharing his knowledge and specialized training in coin grading, minting errors, and collection techniques. He has over 50 years of numismatic and writing experience, including a monthly magazine column for the American Numismatic Association.

Updated on 04/30/22

Although the Eisenhower or "Ike" one-dollar coin never circulated widely, it is starting to become more popular among coin collectors. The United States Mint first produced Eisenhower dollars in 1971 to honor the late president and World War II hero. On April 29, 1969, Congressman Robert Casey of Texas introduced legislation mandating this new one-dollar coin. On October 29, 1969, Congressman Robert R. Casey proposed another bill to define the reverse of the new dollar coin as a tribute to the Apollo 11 Moon landing. Production continued until 1978.

Since more coin collectors are starting to collect this series, this increased collector interest has led to the discovery of multiple die varieties and errors. However, not all of them will be listed in standard coin catalogs and value guides. Instead, the editors of these guides usually wait until collector interest in a particular die variety or error rises to the level of attention that conventional collectors would want to know the value.

Additionally, editors of coin value guides need to have an adequate volume of sales history to publish a value. One of the most valuable Eisenhower dollars is the 1972 Type 2. This is easily identifiable by looking at the image of the moon on the reverse. You can study these popular Eisenhower dollarvarietiesanderrorsto add them to your collection.

  • 01 of 07

    1971-S Proof Eisenhower Dollar - Normal "R"

    Learn to Identify the Key Ike Dollars (2)

    On most San Francisco 1971-SProof Eisenhower dollar issues, the "R" in LIBERTY has a serif at the bottom of the vertical leg. Two artistic protrusions easily identify this from the bottom of the vertical leg on the R. These coins were struck early in the life of the die before they began to wear out. The strike and cameo contrast are usually bold and clear. This is the most common die variety because it is exactly as the designer created it.

  • 02 of 07

    1971-S Proof Eisenhower Dollar - Peg Leg "R"

    Learn to Identify the Key Ike Dollars (3)

    The rare variety of the San Francisco minted 1971 Proof Eisenhower one-dollar coin does not have the serifs at the bottom of the vertical leg on the "R" in LIBERTY. Some researchers believe that this variety was caused by over-polishing the Proof dies (a.k.a. die abrasion). Others think that it was a change in the coin hub that created the master die. Regardless of the cause of this die variety, it is a rare coin and carries a premium over and above common strikes.

    Read More:Ike Peg Legs FAQfromThe Ike Group.

  • 03 of 07

    1972 Eisenhower Dollar – Type 1 (Low Relief)

    Learn to Identify the Key Ike Dollars (4)

    The 1972 Philadelphia minted Eisenhower dollar Type I reverse was used from January of that year through August. You can identify this variety by looking at the three islands to the right of Florida found on the earth rising above the moon. Additionally, the earth's rim is flat from about eight o'clock to eleven o'clock and the feathers on the eagle's breast are raised and distinct.

    Since the production run of this variety ran for nine months, it is the most common of the three varieties. Therefore, it carries very little numismatic premium.

  • 04 of 07

    1972 Eisenhower Dollar – Type 2 (High Relief)

    Learn to Identify the Key Ike Dollars (5)

    The 1972 Philadelphia Minted Ike Dollar Type 2 reverse is the rarest of all three varieties. This was created when the mint mistakenly used a Proof reverse die in August at the Philadelphia mint facility. This type was created from a single coin die and was used in only one production run. This variety is identified by the absence of islands beneath Florida on the earth rising above the moon. Instead of islands, three incuse lines look like water. Additionally, North America and South America seemed to fade out at the top and bottom of the earth.

    Since the mint used only one coin die in producing this variety, it is estimated that the number of coins produced is under 100,000. Therefore, this is the most sought-after die variety in the Eisenhower Dollar series.

    Continue to 5 of 7 below.

  • 05 of 07

    1972 Eisenhower Dollar – Type 3 (Modified High Relief)

    Learn to Identify the Key Ike Dollars (6)

    The 1972 Type 3 Eisenhower dollar used a new reverse die that was created and used from September through the rest of the year. The islands on the earth that are rising over the moon on the reverse of this variety appear beneath and to the left of Florida and the overall relief and details of the earth are strengthened. On most strikes, earth is completely defined and does not blend in with the field of the coin on the left-hand side. The eagle's breast feathers are smooth and are not well defined. This variety is also known as the "Normal Reverse" in some publications.

  • 06 of 07

    1976 Bicentennial Eisenhower Dollar – Type 1

    Learn to Identify the Key Ike Dollars (7)

    Due to the anticipated high demand for bicentennial coins by the citizens and the public, the United States Mint began producing the duel dated (1776-1976) Bicentennial Eisenhower dollars in 1975. Therefore, there are no Eisenhower dollars dated 1975. The mint first used a reverse die with thick letters on UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and ONE DOLLAR. Unfortunately, problems getting the coins to strike up correctly persisted, and artists at the mint had to rework the coin die. The easiest way to identify this variety is to look at the "T" in STATES. The horizontal bar in the "T" is squared at each end.

  • 07 of 07

    1976 Bicentennial Eisenhower Dollar – Type 2

    Learn to Identify the Key Ike Dollars (8)

    The United States Mint created a new reverse die to strike the remainder of the Bicentennial dollars. This die had thin letters that were used for UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and ONE DOLLAR. Additionally, other details were enhanced and strengthened. The easiest way to identify this variety is to look at the "T" in STATES. The horizontal bar in the "T" is slanted at each end.

    The United States Mint began producing these Type 2 coins in early 1976. Since both Type 1 and Type 2 coins were produced for an entire year, neither variety carries a numismatic premium. Uncirculated coins can be purchased for around five dollars from your favorite coin dealer.

Learn to Identify the Key Ike Dollars (2024)

FAQs

How to identify Eisenhower Dollar coin? ›

The United States Mint produced Eisenhower (Ike) Dollars at three different mints: Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D) and San Francisco (S). The mint mark is located on the obverse of the coin, just below the truncation of President Eisenhower's portrait and just above the date.

How to identify 1972 Eisenhower Dollar? ›

1972 Eisenhower Dollar – Type 2 (High Relief)

This variety is identified by the absence of islands beneath Florida on the earth rising above the moon. Instead of islands, three incuse lines look like water. Additionally, North America and South America seemed to fade out at the top and bottom of the earth.

How do I know if my Eisenhower Dollar is worth money? ›

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.

What are the key dates for Eisenhower dollars? ›

The Eisenhower dollar was a one-dollar coin issued by the United States Mint from 1971 to 1978; it was the first coin of that denomination issued by the Mint since the Peace dollar series ended in 1935.
...
Eisenhower dollar.
Years of minting1971–1978. Coins struck in 1975 and 1976 bear double date "1776–1976"
Obverse
18 more rows

What makes a 1972 Eisenhower Dollar rare? ›

The 1972 Type 2 Silver Dollar was accidentally struck with a reverse die that was intended for proof coins only. Only 40,000 of these coins are believed to exist today.

How much is a 1776 to 1976 D Eisenhower Dollar worth? ›

1776-1976 D TYPE 1 Eisenhower Dollar Value

According to the NGC Price Guide, as of April 2023, a Eisenhower Dollar from 1776-1976 D in circulated condition is worth between $1.05 and $1.50.

What is the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 Eisenhower Dollar? ›

The Type 1 has thicker letters on the reverse, while the Type 2 has thinner letters on the reverse. The difference is most notable on the letters "United States of America" and "One Dollar." Both varieties are common up to about MS65 grades. The Type 1 is much scarcer in MS66 condition or higher than the Type 2.

What is the difference between a 1972 Eisenhower Dollar Type 1 and Type 2? ›

The Type 1 design, prepared in low relief, was used for coins struck during the first year of issue. The Type 2 had a high relief design and was used for the 40% silver Eisenhower Dollars struck in 1972.

What is the most valuable 1971 Eisenhower Dollar? ›

According to the NGC Price Guide, as of April 2023, a Eisenhower Dollar from 1971 in circulated condition is worth between $1.05 and $1.50. However, on the open market 1971 D Silver Dollars in pristine, uncirculated condition sell for as much as $2350.

What makes a 1776 1976 Eisenhower Dollar rare? ›

What makes a 1976 Eisenhower silver dollar rare? The Philadelphia mint struck only one 1976 bicentennial Ike silver dollar without the S mint mark as a striking trial. Therefore, collectors consider it the rarest modern American coin.

Are 1972 Eisenhower dollars worth anything? ›

1972 Eisenhower Dollar Value

According to the NGC Price Guide, as of April 2023, a Eisenhower Dollar from 1972 in circulated condition is worth between $1.05 and $1.50.

Why is a 1971 Eisenhower silver dollar worth so much? ›

What makes a 1971 Silver Dollar Rare? Out of the 125M Ike Dollars minted in 1971, barely 11M were 40% silver dollars. And very few of these coins entered circulation because many were hoarded and/or later melted for bullion. All the others were clad coins, and this low mintage number makes them quite rare.

Are old Eisenhower Dollars worth anything? ›

You have to look into the varieties and condition grades to find the higher values, so most Eisenhower Dollars are worth $1, if you find them in a mint or proof set then they will be worth a few dollars. Furthermore Eisenhower Dollars look silver but most are not, and when they are silver they're clad in 40% silver.

What is a Type 3 Eisenhower Dollar? ›

One major variety is the 1972 Type 3 Eisenhower "Ike" Dollar - also known as Variety 3. The varieties of this year largely deal with the styling of the depiction of earth on the reverse of the coin and the differences are very subtle - but easy to distinguish.

Are Eisenhower Dollars still legal tender? ›

The Eisenhower Dollar was issued by the United States Mint from 1971 to 1978, with most of the coins during this period issued as a cupro-nickel legal tender coin. Legal tender coins such as these, even though no longer released, come with collectible options for modern buyers.

What is the most valuable 1972 silver dollar? ›

According to the NGC Price Guide, as of April 2023, a Eisenhower Dollar from 1972 in circulated condition is worth between $1.05 and $1.50. However, on the open market 1972 D Silver Dollars in pristine, uncirculated condition sell for as much as $7500.

How do I know if my silver dollar is worth money? ›

To calculate the value of a silver dollar, you multiply its fine silver content by the current spot price for silver. A silver dollar contains 0.7735 troy ounces of pure silver, so at the time of writing a silver Dollar would be worth over $17 on metal value alone.

How much is a 1972 Eisenhower Dollar worth no mint mark? ›

1972 Eisenhower Dollar Value Chart
Mint MarkGoodFine
1972 No mint mark Eisenhower Dollar Value$2 – $4$5 – $10
1972 D Mint Mark (Denver) Eisenhower Dollar Value$2 – $4$5 – $10
1972 S Mint Mark (San Francisco) Eisenhower Dollar Value$3 – $6$8 – $12
1 more row

How much is a Susan B Anthony dollar worth? ›

According to the NGC Price Guide, as of April 2023, a Susan B Anthony Coin from 1979 in circulated condition is worth between $1.05 and $1.35. However, on the open market 1979 D Silver Dollars in pristine, uncirculated condition sell for as much as $1950.

What is the rarest Eisenhower bicentennial dollar? ›

The unique 1976 no mint mark (No “S”) type 2 with a silver surface is probably the rarest variety of the Eisenhower dollar coin. In fact, there's only one of its kind known to exist.

How much is a 2000 Sacagawea $1 coin worth? ›

2000 D Sacagawea Coin Value

According to the NGC Price Guide, as of April 2023, a Sacagawea Coin from 2000 in circulated condition is worth between $1.05 and $1.35. However, on the open market 2000 D Dollars in pristine, uncirculated condition sell for as much as $100.

What is the error on the Kennedy Bicentennial half dollar? ›

A production error occurred on the obverse coin die in 1974. The letters on the coin appear to be doubled. The doubling is especially evident in the letters in TRUST on the obverse.

What makes a 1971 half dollar rare? ›

The silver planchets from the previous year that had remained in the factories made their way into the minting process. Thus, the rare silver 1971 half dollar came into existence with around 40% silver. The rarest type of 1971 half dollar is the 1971-D Planchet error. It is also the most expensive 1971 half dollar.

What is a 1776 to 1976 bicentennial half dollar worth? ›

A 1776-1976 Bicentennial half dollar is worth about $6 to $8, depending on its condition. These coins were minted to commemorate the United States bicentennial and are composed of silver.

What is a 1776 1976 Eisenhower Dollar no mint mark? ›

A 1776-1976 Eisenhower Dollar with no mint mark was manufactured in Philadelphia, as the mint mark was removed from coins made at this mint in 1975 and 1976. These coins were created to commemorate the bicentennial of the United States and contain a dual date of “1776-1976” on the side.

What makes a 1977 silver dollar rare? ›

Because there were plenty of 1977 silver dollars struck that mintage year, there aren't that many rare varieties of the coin. That said, uncirculated 1977 silver dollars in the higher grades (MS67 and above) are incredibly rare, making them extremely valuable.

How can you tell if a 1971 silver dollar is rare? ›

But when it comes to 1971 dollars, the easiest option is to look for a mint mark. San Francisco was the only mint facility to strike silver dollars in 1971. And it didn't strike any nickel-clad dollars that year either. So if your 1971 dollar has an “S” on the obverse, above the date, it's a silver dollar.

Which Eisenhower dollars are 90% silver? ›

The limited-edition Eisenhower Centennial Proof Silver Dollar, struck in 90% silver, the only U.S. coin to feature two portraits of the same person on the same side!

Are all 1971 Eisenhower dollars 40% silver? ›

The Eisenhower Dollar was conceived by the US Mint in 1969 and finally put into production in 1971. While the Eisenhower Dollar was issued from 1971 to 1978, only coins issued in BU and Proof versions from 1971 to 1976 had 40% silver.

How much is a Walking Liberty half dollar worth? ›

The range of prices the Walking Liberty Half Dollar falls under can range from as little as $10 to many thousands of dollars. While condition plays some role in determining the price of a Walking Liberty, the year in which the coin was minted and the type of coin it is also help determine a price.

How much is a 1976 bicentennial silver dollar worth? ›

You can expect at least $12 to $15 for a typical 1976-S Bicentennial silver-proof dollar coin. A standard uncirculated Bicentennial silver dollar in MS–63 conditions is valued at around $19. The coin's worth rises to around $24 in MS–65 condition.

How much is a 1978 Eisenhower silver dollar worth? ›

According to the NGC Price Guide, as of April 2023, a Eisenhower Dollar from 1978 in circulated condition is worth between $1.05 and $1.50.

What makes a 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar rare? ›

Since each 1964 Kennedy half-dollar contained so much silver, they stood out among other coins. Compared to other metals, silver coins have a higher premium. Due to the sentimental worth of the coins, few people actually spent their half dollars, making them rare.

Is a 1977 Eisenhower Dollar silver? ›

While most Eisenhower dollars are made from copper-nickel clad, many uncirculated pieces were minted in a 40% silver format at the San Francisco Mint and bear an ?

How much is a 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar worth? ›

1964 Kennedy Half Dollar Value

According to the NGC Price Guide, as of April 2023, a Kennedy Half Dollar from 1964 in circulated condition is worth between $11 and $11.50. However, on the open market 1964 Half Dollars in pristine, uncirculated condition sell for as much as $5200.

How much is a 1972 D Eisenhower silver dollar worth? ›

1972 D Eisenhower Dollar Value

According to the NGC Price Guide, as of April 2023, a Eisenhower Dollar from 1972 in circulated condition is worth between $1.05 and $1.50.

How much is a Kennedy Half Dollar 1971 worth? ›

1971 Kennedy Half Dollar Value

According to the NGC Price Guide, as of April 2023, a Kennedy Half Dollar from 1971 in circulated condition is worth between $0.60 and $0.75.

What is a Type 2 1972 dollar? ›

The 1972 Type 2 Eisenhower Dollar is the key coin to the entire series. This variety was only struck from one known reverse die. This is one of the primary reasons why there are so few examples available compared to any other date and mint mark of this series.

Why is it illegal to own a 1964 Peace Dollar? ›

Now you may be wondering why someone would not try to sell one of these coins if it could be worth over $1,000,000. The answer to this is that it is illegal to own one of these coins. Because no 1964-D Peace Dollars were released into circulation, they are still government property that someone stole in the past.

Are $2 bills worth anything? ›

That $2 bill you've likely had stored for years unsure of how to use it may be more valuable than you think. The currency now holds particular value, but only in certain cases. According to U.S. Currency Auctions, some versions of the bill could fetch as much as $4,500.

What is the oldest US currency that is still legal tender? ›

1862: The first one-dollar bill was issued as a Legal Tender Note (United States Note) with a portrait of Salmon P. Chase, the Secretary of the Treasury who served under President Abraham Lincoln.

What are the most valuable Eisenhower Dollar coins? ›

List Of Most Valuable Eisenhower Dollars
Name and year (Images)Mintage and varietiesEstimated value for circulated and uncirculated coins
1973-D $1 Eisenhower Dollar MS67 PCGS2,000,000 No$12,925
1971-S $1 Eisenhower Dollar Type 1 Silver Proof Reverse PR PCGS DCAM68 – Rare4,265,234 No$10,500
30 more rows
Oct 10, 2022

What is the error on the 1972 dollar coin? ›

1972 Silver Dollar Double Die

A double die error is one of the more common error types. It occurs when the planchet moves slightly between strikes of the die, producing a doubled image. The value of double die errors depends on both how marked the error is, and the quality of the coin.

What makes a 1971 Eisenhower Dollar rare? ›

What makes a 1971 Silver Dollar Rare? Out of the 125M Ike Dollars minted in 1971, barely 11M were 40% silver dollars. And very few of these coins entered circulation because many were hoarded and/or later melted for bullion. All the others were clad coins, and this low mintage number makes them quite rare.

What happens if my silver dollar doesn't have a mint mark? ›

The short is yes; the presence or absence of a mint mark can and usually do affect the coin's value. However, there is no defined rule of thumb to this because each coin is different. In some cases, the mint mark may increase the value, but in others, a no-mint-mark error may increase the worth.

What is the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 Eisenhower dollars? ›

The Type 1 has thicker letters on the reverse, while the Type 2 has thinner letters on the reverse. The difference is most notable on the letters "United States of America" and "One Dollar." Both varieties are common up to about MS65 grades. The Type 1 is much scarcer in MS66 condition or higher than the Type 2.

How much is a 1971 Eisenhower Dollar with no mint mark on it worth? ›

According to the NGC Price Guide, as of April 2023, a Eisenhower Dollar from 1971 in circulated condition is worth between $1.05 and $1.50.

What is a Type 2 1972 Eisenhower Dollar? ›

The 1972 Type 2 Eisenhower Dollar was accidentally struck with a reverse die intended for proof coins only. A typical circulation strike die producing Eisenhower Dollars at the time was producing about 100,000 coins each.

What is the most valuable Bicentennial Eisenhower Dollar? ›

According to the NGC Price Guide, as of April 2023, a Eisenhower Dollar from 1776-1976 D in circulated condition is worth between $1.05 and $1.50. However, on the open market 1776-1976 D TYPE 1 Silver Dollars in pristine, uncirculated condition sell for as much as $3400.

How much is a 1972 silver dollar worth without mint mark? ›

According to the NGC Price Guide, as of April 2023, a Eisenhower Dollar from 1972 in circulated condition is worth between $1.05 and $1.50.

What is the most valuable coin error? ›

"Double die pennies are highly sought after by coin collectors because they are considered a rare and valuable error. The double image on the coin makes it unique and highly prized among collectors."

How can I tell if my Eisenhower Dollar is silver? ›

If a solid copper stripe exists, then one can assume that they have a clad Eisenhower silver dollar in their possession; however, if a solid silver stripe can be seen, then you likely have a 40% silver coin in your collection.

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