How Much Are Silver Dollars Worth? - Eisenhower Dollar Value January 07 2016
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In previous articles, we've explained how to value earlier series of U.S silver dollars, like Morgan and Peace Dollars (minted 1878-1935) as well as Trade Dollars (1873-1885). In today's article, we're going to discuss a more modern dollar coin — the Eisenhower Dollar, minted from 1971-1978.
History of the Eisenhower Dollar
Originally struck from 1971 to 1978, Eisenhower Dollars (or "Ikes") were the first large-size dollar coins to be produced by the U.S. Mint since the end of the Peace Dollar series in 1935.
As you might guess from the name, Eisenhower Dollars were created to commemorate President Dwight Eisenhower, whose portrait is featured on the obverse (front) side of the coin.
Eisenhower was selected in part because of his political party affiliation. Republicans in Congress agreed that the Mint needed a coin commemorating a Republican president, as the Democrats had recently secured a spot for President Kennedy on the half dollar (replacing Benjamin Franklin).
The coin's reverse features the Apollo 11 insignia, an eagle landing on the moon while grasping an olive branch, in commemoration of the first Apollo mission moon landing in 1969. The coin's designer, Frank Gasparro, was ordered to change his original design of the eagle because it was "too fierce and too warlike", and reluctantly updated it to make the eagle look friendlier.

Unlike Peace Dollars and Morgan Dollars, Eisenhower dollars were minted in a copper-nickel alloy rather than a 90% silver 10% copper alloy.
By the 1970's, silver prices had risen to the point where striking general circulation coins from silver was no longer cost-effective. Prior to 1965, all dimes, quarters, half dollars and dollars coins were produced in a 90% silver 10% copper alloy. This proved a point of contention for Congress—several congressmen argued that producing the new dollar coin in copper-nickel instead of silver would be a dishonor to Eisenhower's memory.
But eventually a compromise was reached. All Eisenhower Dollars produced for general circulation would be struck in copper-nickel, while the Mint would also sell dollar coins with a special 40% silver alloy to collectors for a small premium.
As a result, most Ikes aren't true "silver dollars." But the upside of that is that Eisenhower dollars are much more affordable than their 90% silver predecessors.
There are two different reverse designs within the Eisenhower series. From 1971 to 1974 and from 1977 to 1978, the Apollo 11 design was used for the coin's reverse. But in 1976, all quarters, half dollars, and dollar coins were switched to a special design commemorating the nation's bicentennial. The 1776-1976 Eisenhower Dollar featured the Liberty Bell superimposed upon the moon.
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Values
(Values derived from the Red Book, the definitive price guide for U.S. coins).
Circulated Condition means a coin with signs of wear or marks, from being circulated/used by the general public.
Uncirculated Condition means a coin with bright original mint luster and no signs of wear. See the picture below for a visual comparison of the two.
As you can see, most Eisenhower dollars are readily available and are worth little more than face value. However, there are a few more valuable coins that are well worth keeping an eye out for.
Rare Eisenhower Dollars
While all Ikes intended for general circulation were struck in copper-nickel, the U.S. Mint also struck a number of S-mintmark coins (produced at the San Francisco mint) for collectors in 40% silver (each containing 1/3rd ounce pure silver). Not all S-mint Ikes are silver though, as the 1977-S and 1978-S Eisenhower dollars were both produced in copper-nickel.
The silver coins can be identified by their lighter color (see copper-nickel vs silver). A simple way to determine whether your Ike is silver or copper-nickel is the tissue test, as demonstrated below.

There is also one copper-nickel coin variety that commands a premium. The rare 1972 "Type 2" design variety with no mintmark is worth upwards of $30 in all conditions. Type 2 dollars are identified by the details of Earth, above the eagle on the reverse side of the coin. Next to the outline of Florida there are no distinguishable islands on Type 2 Ikes. On the less valuable Type 1 and Type 2 1972 dollars, there are distinct islands in the Caribbean. No other years in the Eisenhower Dollar series besides the 1972 feature the rare Type 2 design.
Here's a picture to illustrate the difference - note the small islands visible within the red circles on the Type 1 and Type 3 coins, while the Type 2 coin shows no distinct islands.
The Type 2 design is rough and undefined, with a barely distinguishable outline of the east coast, while small dots/islands can be spotted off the coast of Florida on the Type 1 and Type 3 designs. This can be tough to spot, so make sure you're using a magnifying glass or a jeweler's loupe to be sure.
Outside of the 1972 Type 2 and the silver Ikes, there are no real rarities within the series. Proof coins, specially produced by the U.S. Mint with mirrored surfaces and sold to collectors, are generally only worth a small premium.
But the lack of keydates means that a nice set of Eisenhower Dollars is easily attainable no matter what your budget.
Last updated 8/7/2018
Comments
Travis Walls September 24 2018 at 02:21PM
I have 62 Susan B Anthony all uncirculated,and I have 16 Bicentennial 1776 – 1976 Eisenhower clad dollars \, plus 13 Eisenhower 1971 clad dollars ,and 1- 1972 Eisenhower clad dollar. I would like to know what they are worth, can anybody give me some information please
Julia August 07 2018 at 03:19PM
Where do I look for 1971 and 72 Ike dollars designer’s initials? Thank you.
Carol penwell August 07 2018 at 03:18PM
I have a 1974 dollar coin on the coin has the L missing in Liberty and 3 lines running across the front of it also I was wondering what the worth of the coin .
Roy August 07 2018 at 03:18PM
Need alittle help new to coin collecting, I have a 1971 Eisenhower dollar coin it is more different than the others i have that is 1971 it’s condition is in excellent the color is what I am wondering about it almost look like its silver and or looks like spray paint type silver looking and bright there’s no mint mark on coin is it a fake or real but in error.
Jeffrey Huttner March 17 2017 at 09:59PM
If you were to start collecting a coin now days, with a good future return, what coin would it be? I’m brand new to collecting and looking to make money on whatever coin you would suggest. I have no emotional attachment will be collecting for a profit only. Thank you!!
Mike sporre August 07 2018 at 03:18PM
I have a bicentennial silver clad, which has no mint mark. Being silver, I expected it should be an “s”. Can you tell me what I have?
Tammy August 07 2018 at 03:18PM
I have some silver dollars dating 1776-1976 with the liberty bell, 1977 silver dollar with an eagle,
1986 silver dollar with the queen, 2-silver dollars with queen & eagle dated 1921, 2- with eagle (sitting not flying) 1922, 1928, 1923 silver dollars, 1979 silver dollar, and 1990 and 1884 silver dollar, 1905 silver dollar.
Also have Inc I’ll else and dimes dating1969, 1979,1964.
Also half-dollars dating 1961,1965, 1964.
I was wondering if I could get some information on these coins.
Thank you,
Tammy Skeltn
billy wiseman August 07 2018 at 03:17PM
Say I had a Eisenhower Dollar Bicentennial Design with no mint mark. How much would it be worth?
Don lang August 07 2018 at 03:17PM
How do tell what Eisenhower dollar I have?
Other than 1776-1976 there doesn’t seem to be
Anything else.
Kelley T April 03 2014 at 08:10PM
I have a 1978 D Eisenhower with a matte finish. I cannot seem to find a value attached to the matte finish. Is it the same value? It is uncirculated. Thanks for any help.
Robert March 31 2014 at 10:01AM
Clad ike are not “silver dollars”. Silver dollar isn’t a term, it’s a dollar that is silver! If you go around calling clad ike dollars “silver dollar”, then what do you call one that IS Silver? people say because of it’s silvery appearance…. Then lets call all our currency “silver” since they all appear that color. o look, a 2014 nickel that looks silver. I’m going to call it a silver nickel….. Starting to make sense yet?
Richard March 23 2014 at 04:08PM
I have 9 1972 ike silver dollars, 2 have a D and the rest just have the date. They are all in nice shiny condition and they all have an eagle on the reverse. I also have 6 1976 Ike silver dollars and 2 of them have a D, also nice shiny condition. How do I no what type 1 2 or 3 they are and are they worth more then face value. Thanks
Max (Author) March 01 2014 at 07:13PM
@Cody: If I’m understanding your question correctly, the designer’s initials (or a monogram) have been included on nearly every U.S. coin produced since the 19th century. You can occasionally come across Ike error coins that are missing the designer’s initials – those are worth a small premium.
Cody February 28 2014 at 04:39PM
I haven’t been able to find a site that could answer this question but the designer Frank Gasparros initials are printed on the base of Eisenhowers neck, is this on every coin or special in any way?
Max January 26 2014 at 07:32PM
@Joan: All Eisenhower dollars were produced with the traditional coin alignment, which means that the eagle is upside down relative to Eisenhower’s bust.
Joan Corica January 24 2014 at 08:24PM
Hi, can you let me know whether, on a 1974 Íke’ Silver dollar, does the head of the eagle face the same way up as the Ike head when you flip it sideways, or is it facing down? thank you. Joan
Max November 20 2013 at 06:00PM
All the prices are based on eBay sold listings.
Matt November 16 2013 at 03:13PM
Wow for these prices I would take the whole set. Where can I get them at these prices