Have you come upon a 1974 silver dollar and don’t know if this coin is worth keeping? 1974 Eisenhower dollars can be truly valuable, especially in good condition.
According to the NGC Price Guide, an “average” Eisenhower dollar dating back to 1974 in circulated condition can be worth somewhere between $1.05 and $1.50. However, on the open market and online auction, a 1974 silver dollar in uncirculated condition and pristine condition can be worth a small fortune.
1974 Eisenhower Silver Dollar History
The Eisenhower dollar was a one-dollar coin issued by the United States Mint, issued from 1971 to 1978. This particular design was the first of the dollar denominations released by the US Mint since the Peace dollar era, which ended in 1935.
Interesting facts from the history of Eisenhower silver dollars:
- Most of the Eisenhower dollars were made of a copper-nickel combination; nevertheless, the collectible specimens were 40% silver composition.
- From 1971 until 1974, the U.S. Mint struck special edition silver Eisenhower coins, which were sold in outstanding brown presentation boxes. Each of these packages was originally valued at $10.
Design
Both sides of the 1974 silver dollar coin were designed by Frank Gasparro.
Also, these coins were the only dollar coins whose circulation strikes had no silver in their composition.
Obverse
On the obverse, or the head side, the coin depicts the portrait of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, one of America’s most prominent military commanders and United States’ thirty-fourth President.
Reverse
The reverse, also known as the tail side, presents a reshaped Apollo 11 insignia, the symbol for the 1969 NASA operation. This was a historical moment for humanity when the first men landed on the moon. The emblem for the Apollo 11 moon-landing mission was sketched by Michael Collins, one of the astronauts who took part in this memorable journey.
Look at this excellent presentation video of a 1974 silver dollar containing 40% silver.
1974 Silver Dollar Value
Mint Marks
Mint marks indicate the mint that has struck those specific coins. Regarding 1974 silver dollars, these coins were minted in 3 different areas of the U.S.A.
1974 Dollar With No Mintmark
These 1974 Eisenhower dollars with no mintmarks were struck in the Philadelphia Mint. Their mintage (number of coins minted) reached an impressive 27,3 million pieces. Expect these coins to be quite common and easy to find on the market.
Regardless of their condition, the no-mint mark of 1974 dollars is worth more than their face value. These coins are highly collectible, and it’s no wonder, considering their historical value.
Their approximate value in well-circulated grades is $1.10 to $1.25. In uncirculated condition (MS-63), the no mint mark 1974 dollar is worth $6.65 according to the USA Coin Book. Last but not least, this type of 1974 silver dollar in MS-67 can value a small fortune, considering the auction record of $6,600 paid for this specimen in 2021.
1974-D Dollar Coin Value
You can easily recognize these specimens by the “D” mintmark, which comes from the Denver Mint. 45,5 million pieces of the D Eisenhower dollar were struck during 1974.
In circulated condition, the 1974-D Eisenhower dollar coins value around $1.25 according to NCG Coin Guide. On the other hand, uncirculated specimens would typically fetch less than $10.
In MS-65 condition, the 1974-D one-dollar coin is truly precious, and its price can go up to $14,100 – the absolute record in an online auction.
1974-S Silver Dollar Value
The 1974-S silver dollars were struck by the San Francisco Mint, and the total mintage of these coins was almost 2 million pieces. This is a relatively small number compared to the previous categories.
However, these pieces are relatively common except for those in high mint state grades. Usually, the 1974-S Eisenhower silver dollar will be worth around $10 in circulated condition.
However, you should know that the auction record for the 1974-S silver dollar in MS-68 was registered in 2021, when this type of coin sold for more than $13,000.
1974-S Silver Proof Dollar Coin
Also popularly known as the brown Ike among passionate collectors, the 1974-S 40% silver proof dollars were also struck by the San Francisco Mint.
These proof silver coins saw a mintage of 1,3 million pieces. Their average price is around $10, but this value can increase based on the condition.
The most valuable 1974-S proof silver dollar was Proof-70 graded and was sold in 2007 for $4,600.
1974 Silver Dollar Grading System
Determining the value of an old coin has a lot to do with its grade and condition. Check these grades before purchasing or selling your 1974 silver dollars:
- Very Fine (VF-20) – the hair over the eye details on the portrait of Eisenhower are quite worn, while the other strands over the ear are still well-defined.
- About Uncirculated (AU-50) – the coins might present some slight traces of wear; nevertheless, most of the original luster is still visible, although a little damaged by some contact marks.
- Uncirculated (MS-60) – the coins have no traces of wear; the full mint luster is visible, but you can expect to notice some surface marks, even tiny traces of wear.
- MS-63 Uncirculated – contact marks and blemishes might appear on focal prominent areas. Luster is not consistent.
- MS-64 Uncirculated – These coins are highly attractive and have a visible luster.
- MS-65 – This is one of the more common higher grades; coins have only light scattered contact marks. Expect to have an eye-appealing piece of the collection.
- MS-67 and beyond – coins in mint condition are graded MS-67 and above, these are rare and will be the most valuable (other than rare error coins in mint condition)
1974 Silver Dollar Value Chart
| COIN TYPE⬇
QUALITY➜ |
VF20 | AU 50 | MS
60 |
MS 63 | MS-64 | MS 65 | PR
65 |
| 1974 Eisenhower Dollar No Mint Mark | $1.05 | $1.10 | $2 | $15 | $25 | $35 | – |
| 1974-D Eisenhower Dollar | $1.05 | $1.10 | $2 | $12.50 | $17.50 | $30 | – |
| 1974 S Silver Dollar | $6.75 | $7.25 | $10 | $17.50 | $20 | $25 | – |
Editor’s Note
Keep in mind that these are only average prices which are meant as a guide. They might differ from one source to another, as well as according to market fluctuations. Values stated are correct at the time of writing according to USA Coin Book. Thorough market research is required for up-to-date values.
Precious 1974 Silver Dollar Errors
The 1974 silver dollar errors might add even more value to the coin. These are the most frequent flaws that appear on 1974 silver dollars:
- The Double Die Coin Error is quite scarce. Depending on how prominent the doubling is, these coins might value a small fortune, especially if they are silver. Look closely for the doubling in the date, design details, or lettering. This is an expensive example found on eBay.
- The 1974 Off-Center Dollar Coin Error – if you stumble upon this type of error, you are lucky, especially if it is a 1974-S silver dollar.
- 1974 Broadstrike Dollar Coin Error applies to Ike dollars and refers to edge errors. These coins might not have parallel lines; you can notice this error by looking at the edges. These coins are wider than normal and show no edge reeding.
Find more about the 1974 silver dollar error from this compelling video which will also provide an estimation of the value you can expect.
FAQs
Q: Where is the mint mark on the 1974 silver dollars?
A: The mint mark is located on the coin’s obverse, right under President Eisenhower’s portrait and above the 1974 date.
Q: Which Eisenhower dollars have silver content?
A: The Eisenhower dollars were first conceived in 1969 by the US Mint. However, the production started in 1971. Only the coins issued in Proof and BU versions from 1971 to 1976 were 40% silver.
Q: How to distinguish silver coins from clad coins?
A: The best method to determine whether the coins are silver or not is by looking at the edges. The coin is genuine silver if you see a solid silver stripe. On the other hand, a copper line indicates the coin is clad.
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