Eisenhower Dollar Value
The big Ike dollar feels like it should be silver — but circulation strikes are copper-nickel clad and trade at $1–2. The silver is in the S-mint collector issues: 1971-S through 1974-S “blue” and “brown” Ikes are 40% silver with a live melt floor.
Varieties add a second layer: the 1972 Type 2 (high-relief earth) is the notable circulation find, and 1973 circulation strikes were only sold in mint sets, making them better dates in any grade.
Value bands by condition
| Condition | Typical retail (common dates) |
|---|---|
| Heavily worn (dateable) | $1.00 – $1.00 |
| Average circulated | $1.00 – $2.00 |
| Lightly worn (sharp detail) | $1.50 – $3.00 |
| Uncirculated (no wear, mint luster) | $3.00 – $10.00 |
Clad circulation Ikes trade barely above face; the money is in 40% S-mints and high grades.
Dates and varieties worth pulling aside
| Date / variety | Status | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| 1971-S / 1972-S / 1973-S / 1974-S (40% silver) | 40% silver | Melt floor applies (0.1479 oz halves / 0.3161 oz Ikes). |
| 1972 (type 2) | Better date | Carries a real premium over common dates; look it up before treating as bulk. |
Coin specifications from U.S. Mint historical standards; value bands are editorial retail ranges reviewed against public auction and dealer pricing — they are context, not offers. Live melt data via gold-api.com. See how we calculate.