Many U.S. coins are highly sought-after and as such are highly valued and priced as well. However, no other coin is more in demand and more talked about than the Eisenhower silver dollar.

Amongst the most interesting issue of the Eisenhower silver dollar is the 1972 issue, which is the exact topic of this article. Regardless of whether you’re just browsing through interesting information, or you’re actively seeking relevant information for your collection as a numismatist/coin enthusiast, this is the best starting point. 

In the following paragraphs, we’re going to tackle the history and origin of this coin, its current market value and price, and a lot of other interesting info that can help you get your money’s worth, whether you’re selling the coin or buying it. So, without further ado, let’s dive in!

The 1972 Eisenhower Silver Dollar: How Much Is it Worth?

The History and Origin

The Eisenhower dollar was one dollar coin issued by the United States Mint in 1971. Ever since the Peace dollar series ended in 1935, the Mint didn’t issue a coin of the one-dollar denomination, so the Eisenhower dollar was the first one in almost two and a half decades. But, why was this the case?

Well, during the 1930s, silver dollars were largely used in the gambling industry, and the demand was high. To prevent the misuse of the denomination, legislation was introduced as a response to the rising silver prices. It forbids the use of metal in coins for the next 25 years, or to be exact, until the 1970s. 

Dwight D. Eisenhower, also known as Ike, was an American military officer and statesman who served as the 24th president of the United States, in the period from 1953 to 1961. Now, Eisenhower died in March 1969, and immediately after his death, the legislators started forming a commemoration coin, that would be the new silver coin. It was basically a perfect situation, since a new silver dollar coin was due to be made in 1970, and this way it would honor one of the most important presidents in United States history. 

Nevertheless, things didn’t go as smoothly as planned; silver was still super expensive, so a decision has been made. The new silver dollar wouldn’t be made out of silver; the plan was to use a copper core and a silver coating to make it 40% silver, unlike the 90% beforehand. 

Unfortunately, the Eisenhower wasn’t as popular as expected, at the minting of this coin lasted until 1979, when it was replaced by the smaller and lighter Susan B. Anthony dollar.

The Coin Design and Features

The Eisenhower silver dollar was designed by the U.S. Mint’s Chief engraver, Frank Gasparro, back in 1945. That was when Gasparro watched the New York parade celebrating the Allied victory in Europe at the very end of World War II.

Eisenhower was there, and Gasparro saw him, immediately being struck by his presence and inspired to sketch out his general features. That very sketch was used as a basis for the coin design, which was later approved by the late President’s widow, Mamie Eisenhower. Now that we have some background info regarding the origin of the Eisenhower silver dollar design, let’s take a closer look at both the obverse and the reverse of the coin;

Read More: Most Valuable Eisenhower Dollar Value Guide (1976-S Clad Type 2 PR Sold For $41,400.00)

The obverse of the 1972 silver dollar

1972-eisenhower-silver-dollar

The obverse of the Eisenhower silver dollar bears the portrait image of the late President Dwight D. Eisenhower, as based on the sketch provided by Frank Gasparro. There should also be a mint mark, but there isn’t one for the silver dollar coins minted in the Philadelphia Mint. Those minted in Denver or San Francisco Mint bear the respective D or S mintmark on the obverse side of the coin. 

Moreover, there are the inscriptions Liberty and In God We Trust. Because there are several types of the 1972 Eisenhower silver dollar, there are also some slight variations in design between them. For example, the Type 3 silver dollars features crisper and cleaner details, as well as lacks the serif on the bottom left of the letter R in the word Liberty.

The reverse of the 1972 silver dollar

reverse-of-the 1972-silver dollar

The reverse of the 1972 Eisenhower silver dollar features the image of an eagle landing on the moon. The design inspiration came from the patch designed by the astronaut Michael D. Collins, and others. The patch was created to honor and mark the success of the Apollo 11 mission. Above the eagle, a tiny planet Earth can be seen, alongside the olive branch in the eagle’s claws. 

The image is surrounded by stars, as well as the inscriptions United States of America, the dollar denomination, as well as the Latin motto E Pluribus Unum (meaning, from many one). As we previously mentioned, there are several different types of the 1972 silver dollars, which slightly differ in design; the same applies to the reverse design. For example, Type 1 coins feature the tiny planet Earth image in a slightly flattened position.

Types of the 1972 Eisenhower Silver Dollar

Despite the short-lived Eisenhower silver dollar, there were still several coin series and different types of the dollar that we need to talk about. These different coins have some slight differentiation in the designs, metal compositions, even dates, and of course, mint marks. Let’s take a closer look at them; 

  • Type 1

The main features of the Type 1 1972 Eisenhowe silver dollar are the low relief reverse type features of the Earth with three islands falling to the right of Florida. Additionally, the Earth is flat from 8 o’clock to 11 o’clock and the eagle’s breast feathers are raised and distinct. 

  • Type 2

 When it comes to the Type 2 of the 1972 Eisenhower dollar, the proof reverse has a completely different and unique appearance when compared to the other types. The planet Earth has been further flattened with little relief in North and South America. The eagle’s feathers are smooth and crisp in detail.

  • Type 3

When it comes to the Type 3 of the 1972 Eisenhower dollar, the normal reverse shows a higher relief than the Type 1. This change is attributed to the use of a new more resilient die steel. Type 3 can be distinguished by the islands falling directly below Florida. Like the Type 2, the eagle’s breast feathers are smooth and crisp in detail.

Out of the three types, Type 2 is the scarcest. NGC has graded 89 examples of Type 2 1972 Eisenhower Silver Dollars, ranging from EF 45 to MS65. A Type 2 graded MS65 trades for a couple of thousand dollars. By contrast, the Type 1 and Type 3 coins each trade for at least a couple hundred dollars in MS65, with the Type 1 being slightly higher in value. The price differences reflect the demand and scarcity of this coin. The Type 2 1972 silver dollar is now a recognized key among modern coin collectors and enthusiasts.

Also Read:

The 1972 Eisenhower Silver Dollar: No Mint Mark, Rare Errors, “D” and “S” Mark Worth

The No Mint Mark 1972 Eisenhower Dollar – Philadelphia Mint (Type 1)

1972-eisenhower-dollar

  • Category: Eisenhower Dollars (1971-1978)
  • Mint: Philadelphia
  • Mintage: 75,890,000
  • Obverse Designer: Frank Gasparro
  • Reverse Designer: Frank Gasparro
  • Composition: Copper-Nickel Clad Copper
  • Weight: 22.68g
  • Diameter: 38.1mm
  • Edge: Reeded

The Philadephia Mint produced and issued the 1972 Eisenhower dollar for the purpose of regular circulation, and the majority of the Philadelphia coins are considered to be the Type 1 1972 Eisenhower silver dollars. Generally speaking, such coins are considered slightly more valuable than their original face value, but those in uncirculated condition and of a high grade can be rather pricey.

According to the NGC Price Guide, and in line with the July 2023 market climate, Eisenhower Dollar from 1972 in the circulated condition is worth between $1.05 and $1.50. However, on the open market, 1972 Silver Dollars in pristine, uncirculated condition sell for as much as $2000.

The D Mint Mark 1972 Eisenhower Silver Dollar – Denver Mint

D-mint-mark-1972-eisenhower-silver-dollar

  • Category: Eisenhower Dollars (1971-1978)
  • Mint: Denver
  • Mintage: 92,548,511
  • Obverse Designer: Frank Gasparro
  • Reverse Designer: Frank Gasparro
  • Composition: Copper-Nickel Clad Copper
  • Weight: 22.68g
  • Diameter: 38.1mm
  • Edge: Reeded

Just like the Philadelphia Mint, the Denver Mint produced Eisenhower silver dollars meant for circulation. Therefore, they aren’t considered to be more valuable than the initial face value. Of course, in uncirculated conditions or if of a higher grade, these coins can reach a significant price in the current market.

These are also not to be mistaken or considered the Type 2 Eisenhower dollars (we’ll talk about these in the following paragraphs). According to the NGC Price Guide, and in line with the July 2023 market climate, an Eisenhower Dollar from 1972 in the circulated condition is worth between $1.05 and $1.50. However, on the open market, 1972 D Silver Dollars in pristine, uncirculated condition sell for as much as $7500.

The S Mint Mark 1972 Eisenhower Silver Dollar – San Francisco Mint

S-mint-mark-1972-eisenhower-silver-dollar

  • Category: Eisenhower Dollars (1971-1978)
  • Mint: San Francisco
  • Mintage: 2,193,056
  • Obverse Designer: Frank Gasparro
  • Reverse Designer: Frank Gasparro
  • Composition: Silver
  • Fineness: 0.4
  • Weight: 24.59g
  • ASW: 0.3162oz
  • Melt Value: $7.88 (7/17/2023)
  • Diameter: 38.1mm
  • Edge: Reeded

The San Francisco Mint has issued two types of silver-clad Eisenhower silver dollars. These were the so-called proof, mint-state coins that were never actually meant for circulation. Special dies and high quality planchets were used to strike these coins.

Nevertheless, low minting numbers, their overall rarity, and high demand by the collectors have made them only slightly more valuable than the other types of the 1972 Eisenhower silver dollar. According to the NGC Price Guide, in line with the July 2023 market climate, an Eisenhower Dollar from 1972 S in the circulated condition is worth between $8.50 and $9.75. However, on the open market, 1972 S Silver Dollars in pristine, uncirculated condition sell for as much as $3000.

The Type 2 1972 Eisenhower Silver Dollar

type-2-1972-eisenhower-silver-dollar

  • Designer: Frank Gasparro/Michael Collins & James Cooper
  • Edge: Reeded
  • Diameter: 38.50 mm
  • Weight: 22.70 Grams
  • Mintage: 75,890,000
  • Mint: Philadelphia
  • Metal: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel over a pure Copper center

The Type 2 1972 Eisenhower silver dollar was also struck in the Philadelphia Mint, using the dies meant for the silver-clad dollar coins to be struck in the San Francisco Mint. These were only used in March 1972 and were ceased when an error was spotted.

As a result, only 100,000 of these coins were struck, while it is believed that only 40,000 have survived to this day.

According to the PCGS Price Guide, a mint-state Type 2 Eisenhower silver dollar can reach the price of $225 for an MS 63+ coin, while the auction records show that the price can go as high as $14,400.

The Type 3 1972 Eisenhower Silver Dollar

the-type-3-1972-eisenhower-silver-dollar

  • Designer: Frank Gasparro/Michael Collins & James Cooper
  • Edge: Reeded
  • Diameter: 38.50 Millimeters
  • Weight: 22.70 Grams
  • Mintage: 75,890,000
  • Mint: Philadelphia
  • Metal: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel Over A Pure Copper Center

Just like the Type 2, the Type 3 1972 Eisenhower silver dollar was struck in the Philadelphia Mint, only in smaller mintage numbers. Nevertheless, plenty of the Type 3 coins are available, mostly in circulated grades.

What makes the Type 3 silver dollar stand out is the incredibly accurate map of the planet Earth on the reverse side, out of all the three types. This is probably one of the main reasons why three types of silver dollars were made in the first place.

According to the PCGS Price Guide, a mint-state Type 3 Eisenhower silver dollar can reach the price of $70 for an MS 64+ coin, while the auction records show that the price can go as high as $5,880.

The 1972 Eisenhower Silver Dollar Error Coins

  • 1972-D $1 Error Eisenhower Dollar–3% Clipped Planchet–MS62 â€“ According to the PCGS Price Guide and the Heritage Auctions description, this error comprises of the obverse having a small clip between 4 and 5 o’clock, with a noticeable Blakesley effect opposite at 10 o’clock. A wispy horizontal pin scratch across Ike’s portrait precludes a higher grade., and as such, this coin was sold for $31. 
  • 972-S $1 Silver Eisenhower Dollar–Double Struck in Collar, Close Overlap–MS67 â€“ According to the PCGS Price Guide and the Heritage Auctions description, this error comprises of the coin being double struck in the collar, as no rotation took place between the die blows. The best evidence of the double-die error is the separation between the top of the letters in the word Liberty. The One Dollar inscription also has to double, but the effects of the error are less dramatic than the obverse. This coin wasn’t yet sold, but the expected price for it is between $1,610 and $1,726.

Final Thoughts

The 1972 Eisenhower silver dollar is a special coin, essential to American history and the history of the US denomination. Made to honor the late President Dwight D. Eisenhower, the coin remains high in demand and popular among current collectors and enthusiasts.

Regardless of its rarity and market value, one must admit that it is a highly sentimental coin, and as such it is considered priceless by many. Hopefully, we’ve managed to bring you the story of this coin a bit closer, or at least pique your interest in coins overall. For more information about this specific coin, or coins in general, and their current value, we recommend you check out the Professional Coin Grading Service website.

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One Comment

  1. Barb Stewart says:

    I enjoyed your presentation on the Eisenhower dollar. Very confusing w/ red book.

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