Eisenhower Dollar Value: Clad, Silver, and Bicentennial Ikes
Most Eisenhower dollars are clad coins worth about a dollar, but the special 40% silver versions are worth more for their metal. Struck from 1971 to 1978, the large 'Ike' dollar was the last big circulating dollar coin, and it came in both copper-nickel clad and collector silver formats. This guide explains which Ikes contain silver, how to tell them apart, the Bicentennial design, and the varieties worth knowing.
Key takeaways
- Circulating Eisenhower dollars (1971–1978) are copper-nickel clad and usually worth face value to a small premium.
- Special 40% silver 'Ike' dollars were sold to collectors and contain about 0.3162 troy ounces of silver.
- Silver Ikes carry an S mint mark and came in special blue (uncirculated) or brown (proof) packaging; the surest test is the coin's weight.
- The 1975–1976 Bicentennial Ikes are dual-dated 1776–1976 with a Liberty Bell and moon reverse.
- Collectible varieties like the 1972 Type 2 reverse and high-grade examples bring premiums over common clad coins.
How much is an Eisenhower dollar worth?
A circulated, clad Eisenhower dollar is usually worth face value to a couple of dollars. The 40% silver collector versions are worth their silver content, and a few varieties and high grades bring more.
So the first question is always composition: is your Ike a common clad coin or one of the special silver issues?
Which Eisenhower dollars are silver?
None of the circulating Ikes are silver — those are copper-nickel clad. The U.S. Mint did strike special 40% silver Eisenhower dollars for collectors from 1971 to 1976, sold individually in blue packaging (uncirculated) or brown packaging (proof).
These silver Ikes contain about 0.3162 troy ounces of silver. There is no 90% silver Eisenhower dollar — the silver versions are all the 40% collector type.
| Type | Composition | Silver content (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Circulating (1971–1978) | Copper-nickel clad | None |
| Collector silver (1971–1976, S mint) | 40% silver | 0.3162 troy oz |
How can you tell a silver Ike from a clad one?
Silver Eisenhower dollars carry an S mint mark (San Francisco) and came in special Mint packaging, while circulating clad coins are from Philadelphia (no mint mark) or Denver (D). But some S-mint Ikes are clad proofs, so the mint mark alone is not conclusive.
The surest test is weight: a 40% silver Ike weighs slightly more than a clad one. If you still have the original blue or brown Mint packaging, that confirms it immediately.
What is the Bicentennial Eisenhower dollar?
For the nation's 200th birthday, the 1975 and 1976 Ikes were redesigned with a reverse showing the Liberty Bell superimposed on the moon, and they are dual-dated 1776–1976. There are no 1975-dated dollars — coins struck in 1975 already carry the Bicentennial dual date.
Most Bicentennial Ikes are clad and worth a dollar or two; the 40% silver collector versions are worth their metal. Our Bicentennial coins value guide covers the quarter, half, and dollar together.
Which varieties and grades are worth more?
The best-known variety is the 1972 Type 2 reverse, identifiable by the rounded, less detailed Earth above the eagle; it is scarcer than the other 1972 reverses and brings a premium. High-grade uncirculated coins and deep cameo proofs also sell for more.
As always, condition and a trusted grade matter on better coins — see coin grading explained.
Where should you sell Eisenhower dollars?
Sell silver Ikes to an established coin shop or gold and silver buyer based on their silver content. For the 1972 Type 2, high grades, and proofs, a rare coin dealer may pay a collector premium.
For context on dollar coins generally, see are dollar coins worth anything.
Frequently asked questions
Are Eisenhower dollars silver?+
Circulating Ikes are copper-nickel clad with no silver. The Mint sold special 40% silver versions to collectors from 1971 to 1976, which contain about 0.3162 troy ounces of silver.
How can I tell if my Eisenhower dollar is silver?+
Silver Ikes carry an S mint mark and came in blue or brown Mint packaging, but the surest test is weight, since some S-mint coins are clad proofs. A 40% silver Ike weighs slightly more than a clad one.
What is the 1972 Type 2 Eisenhower dollar?+
It is a reverse variety with a rounded, less detailed Earth above the eagle. It is scarcer than the other 1972 reverses and sells for a premium.
Why are some Eisenhower dollars dated 1776–1976?+
Those are Bicentennial coins struck for the nation's 200th anniversary, with a special Liberty Bell and moon reverse. No Ike dollars are dated 1975.