The Eisenhower silver dollar is one of the most desired coins out there. However, even if you own one, this doesn’t mean you sit on a fortune. Multiple factors dictate the 1972 Eisenhower silver dollar value.
Curious about this topic? Below we have brought together all the details you need to remember when trying to value or buy 1972 Eisenhower silver dollars.
A Quick History Of The 1972 Silver Dollar
Although they were pretty unpopular during 1972 for their bold nature, today, the 1972 Eisenhower dollar value has increased, making these items a big deal among collectors. The price for such a coin can reach thousands of dollars.
First of all, the Eisenhower dollars were first released by the U.S. mint (from 1971 to 1978) with the explicit purpose of honoring the late former President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Their creator was Frank Gasparro, who designed both the reverse and obverse sides of these coins. While the obverse side portrays President Eisenhower, the reverse side includes the image of an eagle gripping an olive branch while landing on the Moon. If you look closer, there is also a tiny Earth on the reverse side.
Interesting fact: In 1972 over 170 million Eisenhower dollars were struck!
Now, regarding the minting processes, you should know that there were multiple sources in this case. While the Denver mint used to produce most of these coins, the Philadelphia mint had three different reverse dies. Consequently, these coins were labeled as Type 1, 2, and 3. More information on this is explained below.
Many collectors claim they can see the differences with the naked eye. Furthermore, it is believed that these particular differences are the reason why the 1972 silver dollars are so unique and interesting.
Did you know? Some of these coins have never been circulated (uncirculated condition), making them even more precious than the rest.
1972 Silver Dollar Value
As you can probably imagine, the 1972 silver dollar’s value depends on the coin’s overall condition. Thus, here are some of the main characteristics that influence the price:
Their availability
It is for the US government to decide how many coins are made available as uncirculated and these will be the most valuable due to their excellent condition. An average circulated 1972 silver dollar may range between $8 and $20.
The total weight in silver
Most of the time, the coin’s value has a lot to do with its weight in silver. Different Types of this coin have different silver content. For example, the 1972 S silver dollars had both a center with silver content and were clad in silver (Outer layers/cladding – 80% Silver, 20% Copper. Center of the coin – 79% Copper, 21% Silver).
Therefore, the more silver content and the better the condition of the coin, the higher the value. The auction record for a 1972 S silver dollar was $5,750 in 2005!
Coin stickers
There are many factors that play a massive role in determining how much a coin is worth, and one of them is the presence of stickers. Therefore, stickers such as CAC and MAC are claimed to increase the overall value of a coin.
Their rarity
Needles to say that the rarity of a coin is also a factor that influences the final value. Coins with errors are appreciated precisely for their defects.
Grading
Last but not least, you need to know that grading plays a great part in establishing the 1972 silver dollar’s value.
To clarify all this information, we added a table that will help you compare the prices. If you own a 1972 dollar and try to sell it, start by checking the small table underneath and figure out the approximate market value.
1972 Silver Dollar Value Chart
| COIN TYPE⬇\QUALITY➜ |
Circulated |
MS 63 |
MS 65 |
PR 65 |
PR 67 |
| Type 1 1972 | $5 | $16 | $95 | N/A | N/A |
| Type 2 1972 | $40 | $125 | $1920 | N/A | N/A |
| Type 3 1972 | $6.65 | $23 | $153 | N/A | N/A |
| 1972-D | $2.49 | $13 | $20 | N/A | N/A |
| 1972-S | – | – | $25 | $24 d | $35 |
Side Note!
It is crucial for everyone to understand that this information was collected from different sources including USA Coin Book the PCGS official site. Values may change over time.
These values simply serve as a typical representation of the 1972 silver dollars. You should not rely on these numbers 100%, this information should be taken as a general estimate.
1972 Eisenhower Dollar Errors
When it comes to errors, I can tell you for a fact that there are only 100,00 1972 silver dollars that have a specific rare error. This was created when the Philadelphia mint accidentally used a reverse proof die.
It’s important to know that this error happened during only one production run. You can easily recognize such coins due to the absence of islands beneath Florida on the coin’s design.
Since the Philadelphia mint used only one coin die for making this variety, it is almost impossible to find one on the collectors’ market.
Other Errors On Eisenhower Silver Dollars:
- Various strikes
- Off center strikes
- Broadstrikes
- Clipped planchets
- Blank planchets
FAQs
Q: What are the mint marks for 1972 silver dollars?
A: Most of the 1972 silver dollar coins should have an S mark right below Eisenhower’s neck. This mark will indicate the silver authenticity and guarantee the coin is 40% silver and truly valuable. Of course, if you want to be sure, you should see an expert and let them inspect and guarantee the coin’s authenticity.
Some 1972 silver dollars can have other types of mint marks. For instance, you may find a D instead of the S we have discussed previously. This means it was minted in the Denver mint.
Q: How Can You Tell An Eisenhower Dollar Is Silver?
A: This can very easily be tested by a specialist. However, if you want to check on your own, then the first step you should take is to check its structure.
Do you notice a solid silver stripe all over the edges? If so, then your coin is a 40% 1972 silver coin. On the other hand, if the coin has a copper stripe, it is not silver, despite its name. Remember how we’ve discussed the mint marks? Well, if your coin has the S mint mark, that’s the easiest way to tell if the material is silver.
Learn to check the most expensive 1972 silver dollar types from this video.
Q: How Do I Know My Silver Dollar Is Genuine?
A: Let’s say that your coin doesn’t have a mark and doesn’t present any copper stripes. What next? Well, one of the easiest ways to tell if a coin is a real silver one is by checking its weight. Generally speaking, silver dollars are much heavier than common ones.
Be careful! You must know that fake coins use alloy instead of silver to make the coin feel heavier. This is one of the tactics used to fool beginner collectors.
Q: Circulated, Uncirculated, or Proof?
A: Before you try to establish how much your 1972 silver dollar is worth, it is essential to know if that coin was circulated, uncirculated, or proof.
- The circulated coins have been in public since their very beginning. Considering how endlessly they have gone through pockets, shops, and banks, they probably have signs of wear and tear.
- Uncirculated coins have been kept in personal collections or stored. The chance of them presenting any sign of wear is unlikely.
- Proof coins, however, are slightly different, compared to the uncirculated coins. First, you will notice the finish which has a mirror-like effect. Secondly, the details are striking – look for sharp corners and you will notice there is no “frosting”.
Needless to say that uncirculated and proof coins are much more valuable compared to circulated ones.
The Coin Grading System In Checking The 1972 Silver Dollar Value
A quick way to check how valuable your silver coins are is by following the grading system. Usually, the Eisenhower ones are graded starting from MS60 to MS70.
- MS60 stands for those coins that contain different damage marks.
- MS70, on the other hand, is for flawless coins.
Most of the clean coins that have not been circulated will range from MS60 – 63 and higher. However, these coins are pretty challenging to find, and if you are lucky to stumble upon these pieces, they will most probably be worth over $1000. Circulated coins may be worth $10 to $
For instance, proof coins that are probably uncirculated have grades from 60 to 70. A simple way to figure out that a coin is a proof is by checking the “PR” mark.
On the other hand, circulated coins come with a unique grading system, which ranges from good to very good, then fine, very fine, and extra-fine.
Uncirculated coins are denoted as AU, and the wearing signs are delicate and only visible on the coin’s highest points.
As you can imagine, the higher the grading, the bigger the costs. Because let’s face it, what collector wouldn’t enjoy having a spotless coin that is 50 years old?
Here is a video about the grading methods.
Last Thoughts
So this is it. This is everything you need to know regarding the 1972 silver dollar value, including how to check the coins you wish to add to your collection or sell for profit.
