1972 Copper-Nickel Clad Eisenhower Dollar
1976 Copper-Nickel Bicentennial Eisenhower Clad Dollar
1978 Silver Proof Eisenhower Dollar
Eisenhower Dollar
1971-1978
Eisenhower (Ike) dollars were minted from 1971 to 1978. Business strikes were minted with copper-nickel planchets and have little numismatic value in the marketplace unless they are certified in gem (MS65 or better) condition. These can easily be attributed by looking at the reeding side of the coin. You will see a copper looking band in the reeding. In 1975 and 1976, a different design was used for the 1776-1976 bicentennial reverse. It displayed a Liberty Bell in the front of the moon. These were minted with two slightly different types of reverses. Type 1 had thicker reverse letters, while Type 2 displayed thinner letters. Neither are of significant numismatic value, although Type 1 in gem condition commands a modest premium.
The 1971 and 1972 copper-nickel dollars are slightly better dates, and worth a significant premium in gem condition. Rare die varieties include a 1971-D Type VI (FS#901 in the Cherrypickers’ Guide to Rare Die Varieties) reverse with one big island showing on Earth below Florida on the reverse rather than several small ones. The 1972 was minted with three slightly different reverses, however the one with an incuse earth, Type 2 (as minted on the proof dollars) is rarest and commands a substantial premium in mint state and a high premium in gem condition. Check current prices by searching eBay.com.
Collecting 40% Silver Eisenhower Dollars
Eisenhower dollars were also struck in 40% silver and sold in pliobags with a blue envelope. They contain 0.3161 oz. of pure silver and have a “S” mint mark. Proof Ikes were sold to collectors in a brown box with an encapsulated 40% silver or copper-Nickel proof dollar in a hard black plastic capsule. The key date for the series was 1973-S 40% silver with a mintage of 1,013,646 dollars. These proof coins have highly polished fields that reflect like a mirror. Check the spot price of silver to determine value, or search eBay.com.
The 1973-S Proof dollars were also struck in copper-nickel and can be distinguished from the more valuable silver proof by color. The 40% silver dollars display a bright white, while the copper-nickel dollars are not as bright a white color. If you place a handkerchief over the holder, the white silver of the 40% dollar will show through, whereas the copper-nickel coin will not.
There are many minor doubled dies in the series that don’t command a substantial premium. However, there are a couple of 1971-S proof double dies that bring a substantial premium. They are listed in the Cherrypickers’ Guide to Rare Die Varieties (see below).
Proof-like copper-nickel business strike Ike dollars are rare and command a substantial premium (see discussion about proof-like Morgan dollars). Some of the rarer errors, like those illustrated in the Morgan dollar section, can bring substantial premiums. There are known copper nickel business strikes that were mistakenly struck in 40% silver. These are rare errors that can bring huge premiums over common Ikes.
For further information about rare and valuable Eisenhower dollars, a good reference is the Cherrypickers’ Guide 6th edition Volume III, An Official Whitman Guidebook by Bill Fivaz and J.T. Stanton. Whitman Publishing, LLC, Pelham, AL 35124.