Eisenhower Dollar Value
1971–1978 · $1 · copper-nickel clad (or 40% silver)
Value by Grade
| Grade | Est. Value |
|---|---|
| Poor (P-1) | $2.00 |
| Good (G-4) | $3.00 |
| Fine (F-12) | $5.00 |
| Uncirculated (MS-63) | $15.00 |
| Gem (MS-65) | $45.00 |
| Perfect (MS-70) | $225.00 |
Key Dates & Rare Varieties
| Date/Variety | Why It's Special | Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1972 Type 2 | Reverse variety with subtle Earth detail differences — scarce | $50–$500 |
| 1973-S Silver | 40% silver collector issue, low mintage | $15–$40 |
| 1971-S Silver Proof | First year 40% silver proof | $12–$30 |
| 1974-D | High mintage but scarce in gem condition | $5–$25 |
Coin Specifications
- Designer
- Frank Gasparro
- Years
- 1971–1978
- Denomination
- $1
- Composition
- copper-nickel clad (or 40% silver)
- Diameter
- 38.1 mm
- Weight
- 22.68 g
Quick Value
Where to Buy/Sell
Eisenhower Dollar: History & Background
The Eisenhower Dollar was the last large-format US dollar coin, honoring President Dwight D. Eisenhower and the Apollo 11 moon landing. The obverse features Eisenhower's portrait while the reverse depicts the Apollo 11 mission insignia — an eagle landing on the Moon with Earth in the background. Circulation strikes were copper-nickel clad, but the San Francisco Mint produced 40% silver versions for collectors. The coin saw limited use in everyday commerce due to its size and weight but was popular in casinos. It was replaced by the smaller Susan B. Anthony dollar in 1979.
How to Grade a Eisenhower Dollar
Accurate grading is the single most important factor in determining a coin's value. A difference of just a few grade points can mean 10× or more in value. Examine the highest points of the design first — these are where wear appears earliest. For the finest grades, luster, strike quality, and surface preservation all matter. Professional grading by PCGS or NGC adds certainty and typically increases resale value. Read our complete grading guide →
What Affects Eisenhower Dollar Value?
Condition & Grade
The grade spread for Eisenhower Dollars is dramatic: a common-date example jumps from $2.00 in Poor to $15.00 in Uncirculated — a 8× increase. Gem-quality MS-65 specimens can reach $45.00 or more. Even a single grade point difference at the upper end can double a coin's price.
Date & Mintmark
The Eisenhower Dollar series has 4 notable key dates. The 1972 Type 2 is valued at $50–$500, far above common dates. Mintmark location and variety (such as overdates or repunched marks) can multiply a coin's value significantly.
Precious Metal Content
With a composition of copper-nickel clad (or 40% silver) and a weight of 22.68g, the Eisenhower Dollar carries intrinsic metal value that sets a price floor. When silver prices rise, even heavily worn examples appreciate. The melt value provides downside protection that base-metal coins lack.
Strike Quality & Eye Appeal
Designed by Frank Gasparro, the Eisenhower Dollar (38.1mm diameter) can exhibit varying strike quality across different mint facilities and years. Coins with full, sharp design details, original luster, and attractive toning trade at premiums of 20–50% above the same technical grade with average eye appeal.
Collector Notes: Eisenhower Dollar
The Eisenhower Dollar (1971–1978) holds a distinctive place in US numismatics. Designed by Frank Gasparro, this $1 coin was struck in copper-nickel clad (or 40% silver) with a diameter of 38.1mm and weight of 22.68 grams. These physical specifications are essential for authentication — any deviation from these measurements is a red flag for counterfeits.
Collectors approaching the Eisenhower Dollar series should start by assembling a date-and-mintmark set in a consistent grade. Fine (F-12) offers a good balance of affordability and visual appeal for most dates, with clear design elements still visible. Budget roughly $5.00 per common date in Fine condition, then set aside a larger budget for the 4 key dates in the series.
For registry set collectors pursuing top grades, the Eisenhower Dollar in MS-65 or better represents a more significant investment at $45.00+ per coin. Population reports from PCGS and NGC show that the supply of certified high-grade examples is limited, and competition among registry set collectors has driven premiums for condition-census coins.
Before purchasing any Eisenhower Dollar valued above $100, we recommend reviewing our 2026 US Coin Values Quick Reference PDF ($2.99) which includes a complete grade-by-grade price breakdown and key date identification guide for this series.
Eisenhower Dollar: Frequently Asked Questions
▶How much is a Eisenhower Dollar worth today?
A Eisenhower Dollar (1971–1978) is worth between $2.00 in Poor condition and $15.00 or more in Uncirculated condition. In the most commonly found Fine grade, expect around $5.00. Gem specimens graded MS-65 can reach $45.00 or higher. Values fluctuate with collector demand and the spot price of silver.
▶What is the most valuable Eisenhower Dollar?
The most valuable Eisenhower Dollar is the 1972 Type 2 — reverse variety with subtle earth detail differences — scarce. This date is valued at $50–$500 depending on grade and condition. Always have potentially valuable dates authenticated by PCGS or NGC before selling.
▶How do I grade a Eisenhower Dollar?
Grading a Eisenhower Dollar starts with examining the highest points of the design, where wear appears first. Look for remaining luster, sharpness of details, and surface marks. The Sheldon scale runs from 1 (Poor) to 70 (Perfect). For this series, the jump from Fine (F-12, worth ~$5.00) to Uncirculated (MS-63, worth ~$15.00) is significant. Professional grading by PCGS or NGC costs $20–$50 per coin and is recommended for coins that appear to be worth $100 or more. Our PDF guide ($2.99) includes a visual grading chart for this series.
▶Where is the best place to sell Eisenhower Dollars?
For common-date Eisenhower Dollars in circulated grades, local coin shops and eBay are practical options — expect 70–85% of retail value. For key dates or high-grade examples, Heritage Auctions or Stack's Bowers will reach the most serious buyers and typically achieve the strongest prices. PCGS or NGC certification is essential before consigning valuable coins to auction. For a detailed selling strategy, see our selling guide.
▶Are there error varieties of the Eisenhower Dollar?
Yes. Known Eisenhower Dollar errors include doubled die obverses and reverses, repunched mintmarks, off-center strikes, and die cracks. Some error varieties can be worth multiples of normal strikes. Always examine coins under magnification to check for die doubling, especially on lettering and dates.
▶How can I tell if my Eisenhower Dollar is real?
Authentic Eisenhower Dollars weigh 22.68 grams and measure 38.1 mm in diameter. Check the weight with a precision scale (digital scales accurate to 0.01g are available for under $20). The coin should be composed of copper-nickel clad (or 40% silver). Counterfeit coins often fail the weight test, show seams on the edge, or have mushy design details. For valuable dates, always obtain PCGS or NGC authentication — the cost is minimal compared to the risk of buying or selling a counterfeit.
▶What affects the value of a Eisenhower Dollar the most?
The four biggest value drivers for Eisenhower Dollars are: (1) Grade — the difference between Good and Uncirculated is $12.00 for common dates; (2) Date and mintmark — key dates like 1972 Type 2 command large premiums; (3) Silver spot price — sets a floor value for circulated examples; (4) Eye appeal — original surfaces, attractive toning, and strong strikes increase desirability among collectors.
▶How many Eisenhower Dollars were made?
The Eisenhower Dollar was produced from 1971–1978. Mintage varied widely by year and mint — some dates had millions struck while key dates had far fewer. The scarce 1972 Type 2 is especially sought after. Check our full value table above for key dates and their relative scarcity.
▶Should I clean my Eisenhower Dollar?
Never clean a Eisenhower Dollar or any collectible coin. Cleaning removes the original surface and patina, which collectors prize — a cleaned coin can lose 50% or more of its value compared to an original, naturally toned example. Even coins that look "dirty" often have desirable original toning. If you must remove loose debris, hold the coin by its edges and gently rinse with distilled water. Our coin storage guide has more preservation tips.
▶Is the Eisenhower Dollar a good investment?
Eisenhower Dollars in key dates and high grades have historically appreciated well. Common dates in circulated grades are affordable entry points and carry intrinsic silver value as a floor. For investment purposes, focus on PCGS/NGC-certified examples in grades of Fine or better, and prioritize key dates with low mintages. Our PDF Quick Reference Guide ($2.99) covers all Eisenhower Dollar dates and values to help identify the best opportunities.