Eisenhower dollar values tell a story of America’s last large-size dollar coin, with prices ranging from $1.60 for common clad strikes to $36,000 for the rarest proof varieties. Nicknamed “Ike dollars” after President Dwight D. Eisenhower, these hefty coins were minted from 1971 to 1978, marking both a tribute to the beloved president who died in 1969 and a celebration of America’s Apollo 11 moon landing.
Designed by Chief Engraver Frank Gasparro, the series represents a unique transitional period in American coinage—the first dollar struck in the modern copper-nickel clad era while maintaining the traditional 38.1mm diameter of earlier silver dollars. Despite initial optimism, these substantial coins failed to circulate beyond Las Vegas casinos, where their size made them perfect for slot machines.
Understanding Eisenhower dollar values requires distinguishing between the common copper-nickel clad coins that comprise the vast majority of production and the scarcer 40% silver versions struck at San Francisco for collectors.
Eisenhower Dollar Value Chart (1971-1978)
| Year | GOOD | FINE | AU | MS | PR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1971 | $0.91 | $1.00 | $1.00 | $24.80 | — |
| 1971-D | $0.91 | $1.00 | $1.00 | $25.83 | — |
| 1971-S Silver | $10.67 | $11.00 | $12.00 | $20.83 | — |
| 1971-S Silver PR | $0.61 | $2.09 | $5.35 | $11.88 | — |
| 1972 Type 1 | $0.91 | $1.00 | $1.00 | $32.80 | — |
| 1972 Type 2 | $9.03 | $37.83 | $69.50 | $396.80 | — |
| 1972 Type 3 | $3.88 | $5.83 | $16.50 | $45.20 | — |
| 1972-D | $0.91 | $1.00 | $1.00 | $17.80 | — |
| 1972-S Silver | $10.06 | $11.00 | $12.00 | $21.14 | — |
| 1972-S Silver PR | $0.46 | $1.57 | $4.01 | $10.62 | — |
| 1973 | $0.91 | $1.00 | $1.00 | $20.40 | — |
| 1973-D | $0.91 | $1.00 | $1.00 | $62.50 | — |
| 1973-S Silver | $10.06 | $11.00 | $12.00 | $22.43 | — |
| 1973-S Silver PR | $0.23 | $0.78 | $2.00 | $7.62 | — |
| 1973-S Clad PR | $0.97 | $1.17 | $3.00 | $13.44 | — |
| 1974 | $0.91 | $1.00 | $1.00 | $16.80 | — |
| 1974-D | $0.91 | $1.00 | $1.00 | $31.00 | — |
| 1974-S Silver | $10.06 | $11.00 | $12.00 | $21.14 | — |
| 1974-S Silver PR | $0.84 | $2.87 | $7.35 | $12.88 | — |
| 1974-S Clad PR | $0.97 | $1.17 | $3.00 | $13.22 | — |
| 1976 Type 1 | $1.00 | $1.00 | $2.00 | $13.25 | — |
| 1976 Type 2 | $1.00 | $1.00 | $2.00 | $24.67 | — |
| 1976-D Type 1 | $1.00 | $1.00 | $2.00 | $16.00 | — |
| 1976-D Type 2 | $1.00 | $1.00 | $2.00 | $21.50 | — |
| 1976-S Silver | $10.06 | $11.00 | $12.00 | $22.71 | — |
| 1976-S Clad Type 1 PR | $0.23 | $0.78 | $2.00 | $6.88 | — |
| 1976-S Clad Type 2 PR | $0.23 | $0.78 | $2.00 | $7.25 | — |
| 1976-S Silver PR | $0.91 | $3.13 | $8.02 | $14.62 | — |
| 1976 No S PR | $22481.69 | $76979.51 | $197106.02 | $493025.44 | — |
| 1977 | $0.91 | $1.00 | $1.00 | $273.43 | — |
| 1977-D | $0.91 | $1.00 | $1.00 | $15.60 | — |
| 1977-S PR | $0.97 | $1.17 | $3.00 | $13.00 | — |
| 1978 | $0.91 | $1.00 | $1.00 | $16.00 | — |
| 1978-D | $0.91 | $1.00 | $1.00 | $17.20 | — |
| 1978-S PR | $0.97 | $1.17 | $3.00 | $13.44 | — |
Summary: Eisenhower dollar value
Eisenhower dollar values divide sharply between clad and silver compositions, with copper-nickel business strikes worth face value in circulated grades but becoming surprisingly valuable in high mint state conditions—MS65 examples are scarce, MS66 rare, and MS67 virtually elusive due to bag damage during transport.
The 40% silver versions (1971-S through 1976-S) carry premiums starting around $18, sold originally in blue envelopes (“Blue Ikes”) for uncirculated and brown boxes (“Brown Ikes”) for proofs. Key varieties include the 1972 Type 2 with modified eagle design details, the 1776-1976 bicentennial issues with Type 1 and Type 2 reverses, and the scarce 1973-S silver (under 2.9 million total struck).
Deep cameo proofs, particularly pre-bicentennial dates, command significant premiums—a PR70 Deep Cameo can reach five figures. The legendary 1971-S “Peg Leg” variety, missing serifs on the R in LIBERTY, adds substantial value even in modest grades.
A complete 32-coin set of regular issues can be assembled for under $500, making Eisenhower dollars accessible to collectors while offering challenges for those seeking exceptional grades or varieties, proving that even modern “failed” circulating coins can develop significant numismatic premiums.
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