Eisenhower Dollars
1971–1978 • 40% Silver Issues • Bicentennial • Key Dates & Errors
America's Last Large Dollar Coin
History, Design & Why Collectors Still Hunt Ike Dollars
The Eisenhower dollar, minted from 1971 to 1978, marked the return of a large-size U.S. dollar coin for the first time since the final Peace Dollar of 1935. Designed by Frank Gasparro, it honored President Dwight D. Eisenhower — supreme Allied commander in World War II and 34th President — on the obverse, with a reverse inspired by the Apollo 11 mission insignia: an eagle landing on the Moon carrying an olive branch. The design connected two of the most consequential moments in 20th century American history: Eisenhower's wartime leadership and the Moon landing he helped make possible through the NASA programs launched during his presidency.
The series divides naturally into two compositions. Clad Eisenhower dollars — struck in copper-nickel for general circulation from Philadelphia and Denver — are common and affordable, with most dates worth only a dollar or two in circulated grades. Collector issues struck in 40% silver at the San Francisco Mint are a different matter entirely: proof silver Ikes from 1971–1974 and uncirculated silver versions ("Blue Ikes" and "Brown Ikes" in their distinctive packaging) carry meaningful premiums over their clad counterparts, both for their silver content and their collector appeal.
Eisenhower Dollar Key Facts
Composition, Mintage & Collector Basics
| Issue Type | Years | Composition | Est. Value Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clad (Circulation) | 1971–1978 | Cu-Ni clad | $1 – $15 |
| 40% Silver Uncirculated ("Blue Ike") | 1971–1974 | 40% silver | $15 – $50+ |
| 40% Silver Proof ("Brown Ike") | 1971–1974 | 40% silver | $15 – $60+ |
| Bicentennial Clad | 1975–1976 | Cu-Ni clad | $2 – $20 |
| Bicentennial Silver Proof | 1975–1976 | 40% silver | $15 – $50+ |
| 1972 Type 2 (High Relief) | 1972 | Cu-Ni clad | $15 – $200+ |
| 1974-D Aluminum Pattern | 1974 | Aluminum (pattern) | Extremely rare |
| MS-65 Gem Clad (any date) | Various | Cu-Ni clad | $30 – $500+ |
Eisenhower Dollar Varieties & Collecting Categories
What Collectors Pursue in This Series
40% Silver Issues
1971–1974 S-mint silver Ikes in original Blue (uncirculated) and Brown (proof) packaging. Precious metal content plus collector premium.
Bicentennial Ike
1776–1976 dual-date dollar with Liberty Bell and Moon reverse. Clad and 40% silver versions. One of the most recognized U.S. commemorative designs.
Die Varieties
1972 Type 1/2/3 Earth reverses, doubled dies, and RPMs across the series. The 1972 Type 2 is the most actively collected variety.
Error Coins
Off-center strikes, doubled dies, missing clad layers, and wrong planchet errors. Rare but genuinely findable in rolls and collections.
High-Grade Gems
MS-65 and above clad Ikes are genuinely scarce — the large coins were easily bag-marked. Registry set collecting drives strong premiums on top-pop examples.
Original Mint Sets
Blue Ikes (uncirculated silver) and Brown Ikes (proof silver) in original U.S. Mint packaging with COA — the standard for maximum collector value.
Eisenhower Dollar Explorer
Browse by Type • Click Any Coin for Details & eBay Listings
The 1972 Type 2 Earth Reverse
The Most Actively Collected Eisenhower Dollar Variety
The most sought variety in the Eisenhower dollar series is the 1972 Type 2 reverse — identifiable by a high-relief, well-detailed Earth on the reverse compared to the flat, low-relief Earth of the Type 1. Three distinct reverse types exist for 1972 Philadelphia dollars: Type 1 (flat Earth, five islands in Caribbean), Type 2 (high relief, modified Earth, three islands in Caribbean — struck from Proof dies accidentally used on business strikes), and Type 3 (similar to Type 1 but with a modified Earth). The Type 2 is the rarest of the three and commands $15–$200+ over the standard Type 1 issue depending on grade. Identification requires examining the Earth on the reverse under magnification — the relief difference is visible but subtle.
40% Silver Eisenhower Dollars
Blue Ikes, Brown Ikes & Why Silver Composition Matters
From 1971 through 1974, the U.S. Mint struck collector versions of the Eisenhower dollar in 40% silver at the San Francisco Mint. These came in two formats: the "Blue Ike" — an uncirculated coin in a blue pack — and the "Brown Ike" — a proof coin in a brown box. Both are struck to higher standards than circulation coins and contain real silver, giving them both numismatic and intrinsic value. Silver Ikes are identifiable by their S mint mark and a slightly more satin luster compared to clad issues. At current silver prices, each 40% silver Ike contains approximately 0.3161 troy ounces of silver, providing a meaningful metal floor under collector premiums.
The Bicentennial Eisenhower Dollar
1776–1976 — Liberty Bell, Moon & American History
The Bicentennial Eisenhower dollar — struck in both 1975 and 1976 but dated 1776–1976 — features a reverse design by Dennis R. Williams depicting the Liberty Bell superimposed over the Moon. It was part of the broader Bicentennial coinage program that applied special reverses to the quarter and half dollar as well. The Bicentennial Ike was produced in enormous quantities in both clad (for circulation) and 40% silver (for collectors) formats. While common clad examples are worth face value in circulated grades, the silver proof and uncirculated versions in original Mint packaging are genuine collector pieces, and gem-quality clad examples with full strikes can bring premiums in the registry collecting community.
Shop Eisenhower Dollars on eBay
Browse clad dates, 40% silver issues, bicentennial varieties, and certified key dates from dealers and collectors nationwide.
🛍️ Shop Eisenhower Dollars on eBay 📚 Albums & References on AmazonFindRareCoins.com participates in the eBay Partner Network and Amazon Associates program. Purchases through links on this page may earn us a commission at no additional cost to you.
Where to Buy Eisenhower Dollars
Trusted Sources for Silver Issues, Bicentennial Varieties & Certified Dates
eBay
The largest market for Eisenhower dollars. Silver Ikes, Bicentennial issues, error coins, and certified examples from specialist dealers.
Browse eBay →JM Bullion
Carries 40% silver Eisenhower dollars alongside modern silver coins at competitive premiums over spot price.
Shop JM Bullion →Kitco
Live silver spot pricing — use it to calculate the 40% silver melt value of your Eisenhower dollar before buying or selling.
Check Silver Price →Money Metals Exchange
Buy 40% silver Eisenhower dollars at transparent premiums over spot with a strong buyback program for sellers.
Shop Money Metals →Amazon
Reference books, coin albums, and storage supplies for Eisenhower dollar collections. Whitman and Dansco folders available.
Shop Amazon →FRC Coin Price Guide
Check certified values for Eisenhower dollars and related modern U.S. coins by date, mint mark, and grade.
Check Values →Frequently Asked Questions
Are Eisenhower dollars worth anything?
Most circulated clad Eisenhower dollars (from Philadelphia and Denver) are worth $1–$2 — essentially face value. However, 40% silver issues from the San Francisco Mint (1971–1974, both proof and uncirculated) are worth $15–$60+ for the silver content alone. Gem uncirculated clad examples (MS-65 and above) can bring $30–$500+ depending on date and mint. Error coins, die varieties like the 1972 Type 2, and original Blue/Brown Ike packaging add further collector value. Check current certified values before buying or selling.
How do I tell if my Eisenhower dollar is silver?
Silver Eisenhower dollars all bear the S mint mark on the obverse (above the date). However, not all S-mint Ikes are silver — the San Francisco Mint also struck proof clad versions with S mint marks from 1973 onward. The surest method is weight: a 40% silver Ike weighs 24.59 grams, while a clad Ike weighs 22.68 grams. Original Blue Ike (uncirculated silver) and Brown Ike (proof silver) packaging is also a reliable indicator. If the coin is in original sealed packaging labeled as silver, it almost certainly is.
What is the 1972 Type 2 Eisenhower dollar?
The 1972 Type 2 is the most actively collected Eisenhower dollar variety. Three reverse types exist for 1972 Philadelphia dollars, distinguished by the relief and detail of the Earth globe on the reverse. The Type 2 — struck from proof dies accidentally used for business strikes — shows a high-relief, detailed Earth with three islands visible in the Caribbean. It commands a premium of $15–$200+ over the standard Type 1 depending on grade. Identification requires careful examination under magnification.
What is the rarest Eisenhower dollar?
The 1974-D aluminum pattern is the most famous Eisenhower dollar rarity — struck as a test piece, nearly all were recalled and melted. One surfaced publicly and was ultimately returned to the U.S. Mint. Among regular issues, the 1972 Type 2 is the most valuable standard clad variety. Among silver issues, early San Francisco proof examples in original packaging and high-grade gem specimens certified by PCGS or NGC command the strongest premiums. Any error Eisenhower dollar (wrong planchet, die cap, dramatic off-center) is extremely scarce.
Should I collect Eisenhower dollars?
The Eisenhower dollar is an excellent entry-level series for modern U.S. coin collecting. The full date-and-mint set is completable within a modest budget since most clad dates are inexpensive. Silver issues add a precious metal component. The 1972 Type 2 and die varieties provide the hunt element. And the series connects to two of the most significant events in 20th century American history — making Ike dollars meaningful historical artifacts as well as collectible coins. Start with a Whitman or Dansco Eisenhower dollar album and work from there.
What is the Bicentennial Eisenhower dollar worth?
Circulated clad Bicentennial Eisenhower dollars (dated 1776–1976) are worth $1–$3 in average condition — they were struck in the millions and remain plentiful. Uncirculated examples bring $5–$20. The 40% silver Bicentennial proof set (which includes the Bicentennial quarter, half dollar, and dollar) is worth $20–$50 in original packaging. Gem clad examples certified MS-65 or higher by PCGS or NGC can bring $30–$100+ for registry collectors seeking the finest known examples.
'