Eisenhower Silver Dollar Values & Price Chart
Eisenhower Silver Dollar Values & Price Chart
Complete collector's guide to America's last large dollar coin (1971-1978): values, varieties, and investment strategies
Introduction
The Eisenhower dollar, sometimes called the Bicentennial dollar, was struck from 1971 through 1978 and represents the final chapter in America's large-size dollar coin tradition. Originally intended for regular commerce, these massive coins ultimately failed to circulate beyond the casinos of Las Vegas, making them one of the most fascinating series in modern American numismatics.
Few people knew in the 1970s that the Eisenhower dollar would be the last circulating large-size dollar coin in United States history. Today, it has become one of the top modern collectible coins, and for good reason. Ike dollars constitute a relatively short series with many unusual varieties to collect, offering opportunities for collectors across all budget levels—from affordable circulated examples to premium specimens commanding thousands of dollars.
Table of Contents
Complete Eisenhower Dollar Price Chart
Eisenhower dollars appeal to collectors on a variety of budgets. While many pieces challenge financially well-heeled collectors with prices reaching into the thousands, the majority of Eisenhower dollars are much more affordable. The values below reflect examples in MS-63 (uncirculated) and Proof-65 grades.
| Date | Composition & Finish | MS-63/PR-65 Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1971 | Copper-Nickel Clad Uncirculated | $4 |
| 1971-D | Copper-Nickel Clad Uncirculated | $3.50 |
| 1971-S | 40% Silver Clad Uncirculated | $10 |
| 1971-S | 40% Silver Clad Proof | $11 |
| 1972 | Copper-Nickel Clad Uncirculated | $3.50 |
| 1972-D | Copper-Nickel Clad Uncirculated | $3.50 |
| 1972-S | 40% Silver Clad Uncirculated | $10 |
| 1972-S | 40% Silver Clad Proof | $11 |
| 1973 | Copper-Nickel Clad Uncirculated | $10 |
| 1973-D | Copper-Nickel Clad Uncirculated | $10 |
| 1973-S | Copper-Nickel Clad Proof | $11 |
| 1973-S | 40% Silver Clad Uncirculated | $11 |
| 1973-S | 40% Silver Clad Proof | $30 |
| 1974 | Copper-Nickel Clad Uncirculated | $4.50 |
| 1974-D | Copper-Nickel Clad Uncirculated | $4.50 |
| 1974-S | Copper-Nickel Clad Proof | $5 |
| 1974-S | 40% Silver Clad Uncirculated | $11 |
| 1974-S | 40% Silver Clad Proof | $13 |
| 1776–1976 | Copper-Nickel Clad Variety I Uncirculated | $6 |
| 1776–1976 | Copper-Nickel Clad Variety II Uncirculated | $3.50 |
| 1776–1976-D | Copper-Nickel Clad Variety I Uncirculated | $3.50 |
| 1776–1976-D | Copper-Nickel Clad Variety II Uncirculated | $3.50 |
| 1776–1976-S | Copper-Nickel Clad Variety I Proof | $8 |
| 1776–1976-S | Copper-Nickel Clad Variety II Proof | $6 |
| 1776–1976-S | Silver Clad Variety I Uncirculated | $14 |
| 1776–1976-S | Silver Clad Variety I Proof | $17 |
| 1977 | Copper-Nickel Clad Uncirculated | $3.50 |
| 1977-D | Copper-Nickel Clad Uncirculated | $3.50 |
| 1977-S | Copper-Nickel Clad Proof | $4 |
| 1978 | Copper-Nickel Clad Uncirculated | $3.75 |
| 1978-D | Copper-Nickel Clad Uncirculated | $3.50 |
| 1978-S | Copper-Nickel Clad Proof | $4 |
Grade Sensitivity
The values listed represent typical specimens with regular surface quality for their respective grades. Better pieces command significantly higher premiums due to the difficulty of locating Eisenhower dollars (mainly clad business strikes) with few contact marks. Most rarest Gem examples trade for more than $1,000 today.
Silver Content and Composition Analysis
The concept of a 1978 silver dollar is a common misconception. Although 40% silver Eisenhower dollars were made for the Bicentennial versions (dated "1776–1976"), all dollar coins dated 1977 and 1978 are copper-nickel clad with no silver content whatsoever, regardless of finish or mintmark.
Silver Eisenhower Specifications
- Composition: 40% silver, 60% copper
- Weight: 24.59 grams
- Pure silver content: 0.3161 troy ounces
- Current melt value tied to silver spot prices
Clad Coin Specifications
- Composition: Copper-nickel clad
- Weight: 22.68 grams
- No precious metal content
- Value based on numismatic factors only
Production Years
- Silver versions: 1971-S through 1976-S only
- Clad versions: All years 1971-1978
- All coins: 38.1 mm diameter, $1 face value
- Only small percentage contains silver
Important Note
Only a small percentage of total Eisenhower dollar mintage contains silver. The vast majority of Ike dollars encountered are copper-nickel clad coins worth their numismatic value rather than precious metals content. When looking to buy silver coins, ensure you're targeting the specific dates and mintmarks that actually contain silver.
Historical Background and Coin Creation
United States Mint Chief Engraver Frank Gasparro created the coin's obverse design depicting President Dwight D. Eisenhower. The reverse design shows an eagle landing on the moon carrying an olive branch—the artist's interpretation of the official insignia of the Apollo 11 mission. The first Eisenhower dollars were struck in 1971, representing both a tribute to the beloved president and a celebration of American space achievement.
Original Design (1971-1974, 1977-1978)
- Obverse: Eisenhower portrait by Frank Gasparro
- Reverse: Eagle landing on moon with olive branch
- Apollo 11 mission insignia inspiration
- Standard coin dating system used
Bicentennial Design (1975-1976)
- Dual date "1776–1976" on obverse
- Reverse: Liberty Bell superimposed on Moon
- Design by Dennis Williams
- Commemorated 200th anniversary of independence
Production Strategy
- Philadelphia and Denver: Clad circulation strikes
- San Francisco: Silver proofs for collectors
- Copper-nickel S-mint proofs began in 1973
- Multiple compositions for different markets
Public Reception and Circulation Issues
The public deemed the Eisenhower dollar too large and heavy for practical use. Americans were unwilling to carry these substantial coins during a period of runaway inflation in the 1970s. The large dollar coin failed to circulate well beyond casino use in Las Vegas, leading to its retirement after 1978 when the smaller Susan B. Anthony dollar was introduced.
Collecting Strategies and Investment Approaches
The vast majority of hobbyists who collect Eisenhower dollars aim to complete a 32-coin set consisting of all regular-issue business-strike and proof coins. This includes the silver Ikes dated 1971-S through 1976-S. Such a set can be completed with coins in typical uncirculated and proof grades for less than $500, making it an accessible collecting goal.
Basic Type Set (32 Coins)
- All regular business strikes
- All proof issues
- Includes key silver dates
- Completable under $500
Blue Ikes and Brown Ikes
- "Blue Ikes": Uncirculated in blue envelopes
- "Brown Ikes": Proofs in wooden brown boxes
- Original U.S. Mint packaging
- Collector terminology from 1970s
Advanced Collecting
- High-grade clad coins (MS-65+)
- Cameo and deep cameo proofs
- Variety collections
- Error coin specialization
Budget-Friendly Approach
Start with a basic type set focusing on one example of each major variety. Prioritize the silver issues first, as these provide both numismatic and precious metals value. Focus on typical MS-63 and PR-65 grades to keep costs manageable while building a comprehensive collection.
High-End Investment Strategy
Collectors with deeper pockets pursue each regular-issue clad coin in Gem grades (MS-65 or better). Clad business strikes in grades of MS-65 to MS-66 are among the most valuable Eisenhower dollars due to the U.S. Mint's poor handling of these large, heavy coins during production and transport. Most MS-68 or better examples trade for over $1,000.
Varieties and Proof Coins Guide
The Eisenhower dollar series boasts a wide array of varieties that keep collectors engaged. Those who collect design varieties have plenty to explore, from the famous 1972 Earth varieties to rare transitional wrong-metal strikes.
1972 Earth Varieties
- Type I: Low relief, three islands right of Florida
- Type II: Scarcest variety, no islands below Florida
- Type III: Three islands below and left of Florida
- Geography issues create collecting interest
Proof Coin Analysis
- 40% silver proofs easier to find in PR-69/70
- Deep cameo contrast common on 1977-S, 1978-S
- Cameo frosting varies by year
- Top-end proofs more available than business strikes
Error Coins and Rarities
- 1974-D and 1977-D 40% silver wrong-metal strikes
- Various doubled die varieties
- Transitional errors between compositions
- Specialized collecting opportunities
Variety Collecting Tip
The 1972 varieties provide an excellent introduction to variety collecting within the Eisenhower series. The differences in Earth's depiction are easily visible and create a natural collecting subset. Many collectors begin with these three varieties before expanding to other specialized areas of the series.
Market Trends and Future Outlook
The Eisenhower dollar market operates on multiple levels. Silver varieties benefit from precious metals price movements, while high-grade clad examples derive value from their scarcity and condition rarity. The series attracts both type collectors and specialists, creating steady demand across different price points and collecting approaches.
Market Strengths
- Short series with defined end point
- Multiple collecting approaches possible
- Strong variety and error coin interest
- Accessible entry points for new collectors
Investment Factors
- Condition rarity in high grades
- Silver content provides value floor
- Growing recognition as modern classic
- Historical significance as last large dollar
Future Considerations
- Increasing collector base appreciation
- Registry set competition driving high grades
- Variety research continuing to develop
- Modern coin market maturation
Collecting Philosophy
Eisenhower dollars offer something unique in modern numismatics: a complete series with numerous avenues for specialization. Whether pursuing a basic type set, focusing on varieties, or chasing condition rarities, the series provides enough depth to satisfy collectors for years. The combination of affordability and challenge makes it an ideal modern series for serious collecting.
Conclusion
The Eisenhower dollar represents more than just another coin series—it marks the end of an era in American coinage. As the final large-size dollar coin intended for circulation, these coins carry both historical significance and numismatic appeal that continues to attract collectors decades after production ended.
From affordable type collecting to high-stakes condition rarity pursuits, the Eisenhower dollar series offers opportunities across all collecting budgets and interests. The silver varieties provide precious metals exposure, while the extensive variety landscape keeps specialists engaged. Understanding the series' structure, from basic composition differences to complex variety classifications, enables collectors to make informed decisions about their collecting goals and investment strategies.
Collecting Recommendation
Whether you're building your first type set or pursuing advanced varieties, Eisenhower dollars reward patient, systematic collecting. Focus on understanding the series structure, prioritize quality over quantity, and appreciate these coins as both numismatic treasures and historical artifacts marking America's transition into the modern era of coinage.
Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. Coin values fluctuate based on market conditions, and past performance does not guarantee future results. Always consult with qualified professionals before making significant collecting or investment decisions.