Eisenhower Dollar Values
How Much Eisenhower Dollars are Worth: Eisenhower Dollar Values & Coin Price Chart
Year | Mint | Variety | Designation | VG-8 | F-12 | VF-20 | EF-40 | AU-50 | U-60 | MS-63 | MS-64 | MS-65 | MS-66 | MS-67 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1800 | P | Plain 4- Stemless Wreath | Red-brown | 200 | 300 | 400 | 500 | 600 | 700 | 800 | 900 | 1000 | 1200 | 1100 |
| Year | Mint | Variety | Designation | VG-8 | F-12 | VF-20 | EF-40 | AU-50 | MS-60 | MS-63 | MS-64 | MS-65 | MS-66 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1971 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $3.60 | $13.70 | $23.90 | $106 | $619 |
| 1971 | D | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1.30 | $4.20 | $15.90 | $18.50 | $28.50 | $63 |
| 1971 | S | Silver | -- | $10 | $10 | $10 | $11 | $11 | $17.60 | $14.90 | $19.10 | $25.90 | $32 |
| 1972 | (None) Phil | Type 1 | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $5 | $16 | $25.90 | $119 | $2,775 |
| 1972 | D | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $3.60 | $13.80 | $17.90 | $25.80 | $143 |
| 1972 | S | -- | -- | $10 | $10 | $10 | $11 | $11 | $17.60 | $14.90 | $17.60 | $24 | $29.80 |
| 1973 | (None) Phil | Silver | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $5.20 | $12.20 | $23.40 | $50 | $459 |
| 1973 | D | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $4.70 | $14.90 | $16.90 | $27.90 | $280 |
| 1973 | S | Silver | -- | $10 | $10 | $10 | $11 | $11 | $19.60 | $14.50 | $17 | $22.30 | $29.10 |
| 1974 | S | Silver | -- | $10 | $10 | $10 | $11 | $11 | $12.20 | $14.50 | $17 | $21.30 | $27 |
| 1974 | D | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $4 | $13.70 | $17.90 | $27.40 | $101 |
| 1974 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $4 | $11.70 | $21.90 | $45 | $204 |
| 1976 | (None) Phil | Type 1 | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $2 | $3 | $5.70 | $10.20 | $20.60 | $112 | $1,437 |
| 1976 | (None) Phil | Type 2 | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $2 | $3 | $3.50 | $7.70 | $10.80 | $20.60 | $90 |
| 1976 | D | Type 1 | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $2 | $3 | $5.10 | $7.70 | $20.80 | $37 | $197 |
| 1976 | D | Type 2 | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $2 | $3 | $5.10 | $7.70 | $13 | $20.80 | $73 |
| 1976 | S | Silver | -- | $13 | $13 | $13 | $13 | $14 | $19.60 | $16.10 | $18.30 | $23.90 | $36 |
| 1977 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $3.60 | $13.70 | $21.80 | $28.50 | $69 |
| 1977 | D | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $3.60 | $13.70 | $20.50 | $31 | $108 |
| 1978 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $3.90 | $13.70 | $19 | $27.90 | $133 |
| 1978 | D | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $5 | $13.70 | $20.50 | $39 | $180 |
Eisenhower Dollar: A Tribute to Leadership and Space Exploration
Minted from 1971 to 1978, the Eisenhower Dollar was the first U.S. dollar coin issued after the silver dollar was discontinued in 1935. It was introduced to honor General Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th President of the United States, and to commemorate the nation’s advancements in space exploration. Designed by Frank Gasparro, the Eisenhower Dollar holds a unique place in numismatic history as the last large-sized dollar intended for circulation.
From Concept to Coinage: Design and Production
The Eisenhower Dollar was authorized in 1970 and released the following year. The obverse features a bold profile of Dwight D. Eisenhower, a tribute to his military leadership and presidency. The reverse, inspired by the Apollo 11 moon landing, showcases an American eagle landing on the lunar surface, reflecting NASA’s achievements and the spirit of exploration.
The series was produced in two compositions:
- Copper-Nickel Clad (1971–1978) – Primarily struck for circulation, these coins were widely used in casinos and vending machines.
- 40% Silver Clad (1971–1976) – Special collector’s issues were struck in silver, offering a nod to traditional silver dollar coinage.
Why Collectors Appreciate the Eisenhower Dollar
The short mintage period, historical themes, and design variations make the Eisenhower Dollar fascinating to collectors. While many were heavily circulated, proof and uncirculated versions—particularly the silver-clad and bicentennial issues—hold special appeal.
Collector’s Guide: What to Watch For
- Where to Find Them: Eisenhower Dollars are accessible through coin dealers, mint sets, and estate collections.
- Noteworthy Features: Seek Deep Cameo proofs, high-grade silver-clad issues, and well-struck specimens for maximum value.
- Storage and Care: Because of their large surface area, Eisenhower Dollars are prone to contact marks. They are best stored in certified holders or protective capsules.
The Most Sought-After Eisenhower Dollar
Among the most valuable in the series is the 1972 Type 2 Eisenhower Dollar, distinguished by its altered Earth design on the reverse. This low-mintage variety is significantly scarcer than other issues and commands premiums, especially in higher grades.
Investment Potential of Eisenhower Dollars
While circulation issues remain affordable, high-quality Eisenhower Dollars—especially silver proofs and rare varieties—continue to appreciate. Their historical significance, low-mintage varieties, and collector interest make them an intriguing long-term investment. The collector’s editions contain 0.3161 troy ounces of silver, but their status as collectibles is more valuable than the metal content.
Key Dates and Collectible Varieties
Some of the most desirable Eisenhower Dollars include:
- 1971-S 40% Silver Eisenhower Dollar – The first-year issue in silver-clad composition.
- 1972 Type 2 Eisenhower Dollar – Features a rare Earth design variation on the reverse.
- 1976 Bicentennial Eisenhower Dollar – A one-time-only design celebrating America’s 200th anniversary.
- Notable Errors: Look for double dies, off-center strikes, and missing clad layers, which can increase a coin’s rarity.
The Influence of Gasparro’s Design
Frank Gasparro’s Eisenhower Dollar was a unique blend of historical tribute and modern innovation, bridging America’s past leadership with its future ambitions in space. The Apollo 11 reverse was fitting, symbolizing both Eisenhower’s era and the nation’s technological progress.
Why Buy Eisenhower Dollars?
The Eisenhower Dollar is a significant piece of modern American numismatics, combining patriotic symbolism, space exploration, and a tribute to an iconic leader. Whether collected for its historical significance, investment potential, or unique design variations, this series offers a rewarding experience for numismatists of all levels.
