Noa Levinson is an aspiring numismatic market analyst who mainly focuses on historical currency trends from all over the world. Her obsession came from her first day volunteering at a local historical museum – it was the time she understood how valuable coins can be and how amusing and profitable it is to have them in a personal collection. Her path was yet to commence.
By the age of 24, so as to make her explorations more academic and proof-based, Noa obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and a Master’s degree in Social Sciences from the University of Chicago, where she focused on the evolution of US monetary policies and numismatic markets. Currently, she works as a senior market analyst for a rare coin auction house and regularly writes investment notes for her personal blog.
Today, we are pleased to feature her expert insights on the 1971 silver dollar value today for one to explore the investment potential of a precious item and its worth.
| Coin Name | 1971 Eisenhower Dollar |
| Obverse Design | Dwight D. Eisenhower |
| Reverse Design | Eagle landing on the Moon (inspired by Apollo 11 mission insignia) |
| Metal Composition | Outer layers of 80% silver with a center of 20.9% silver (for proofs only) or clad (copper-nickel) |
| Series Start | 1971 (first year of Eisenhower Dollar series) |
| Series End | 1978 |
| Designer | Frank Gasparro |
| Common Nickname | “Ike Dollar” |
The 1971 Eisenhower Dollar, also known as the “Ike Dollar,” was the first US dollar coin issued after the Peace Dollar ended its minting period in 1935. It was a significant moment in US coinage history: although this time seems too far, the remnants of this iteration can be heard up until these days.
The first US dollar was minted at the dawn of American numismatics, in 1794, with a groundbreaking design: the Flowing Hair pattern, featuring a youthful Liberty with loose hair on the obverse and a small, delicate eagle encircled by a wreath on the reverse side. What is unique is that these were minted in .8924 fine silver, which was meant to rival European silver dollars used in the territory of the US at that time.
As time passed by, so did the designs. Draped Bust, Seated Liberty, Morgan, and Trade dollars – all of them appeared here and there during the 19th century, i.e., a period of rising cultural consciousness, industrial boom, and trading expansion.
The 20th century continued the traditions of the past and introduced the Peace design, originally intended to commemorate the fragile peace established after World War I. However, its life was not long. After its final mintage in 1935, the production of silver dollars was temporarily suspended: it was no longer profitable to mint coins of silver due to rising precious metals rates and currency needs on the global scene.
In 1971, there was initiated a return of such a numismatic creation (with a twist, though). It was a true revival of silver coinage, at least in its name and size. While most 1971 issues were made from copper-nickel clad, the US Mint still struck limited editions in 40% silver for collectors and authorities concerned with the high 1971 Eisenhower silver dollar value in particular. This was just the beginning of a new era for coins confined to America’s market.
Silver units of currency have always been unique creations, especially when it comes to 1971 uncirculated Eisenhower silver dollars. They exhibit the highest level of detail, as well as original luster and pristine surfaces free from any signs of wear. Let us break down the design features of the coin and define the true 1971 Eisenhower dollar silver content.
Obverse: The obverse side features a left-facing portrait of Dwight D. Eisenhower, designed by Frank Gasparro, Chief Engraver of the US Mint, with the inscriptions “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and “1971” around it. As for other notable attributes, coins minted in Denver and San Francisco carry a mint mark just below Eisenhower’s neck truncation.
Reverse: The reverse side, on its part, showcases an eagle landing on the moon, while holding an olive branch in its talons, surrounded by the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and the denomination “ONE DOLLAR.”
| The Main Characteristics | |
| Obverse Design | Portrait of Dwight D. Eisenhower by Frank Gasparro |
| Reverse Design | Eagle landing on the Moon, from Apollo 11 insignia |
| Mint Marks | None for Philadelphia“D” for Denver“S” for San Francisco |
| Metal Composition | Copper-Nickel Clad (for regular strikes) Outer layers of 80% silver with a center of 20.9% silver (for proofs only) |
| Silver | 0.3162 troy oz (for silver-clad pieces) |
| Diameter | 38.1 mm |
| Thickness | 2.58 |
| Weight | 22.68 g (clad)24.59 g (silver) |
| Edge | Reeded |
| Designer | Frank Gasparro |
| Year of Issue | 1971 |
Produced by: San Francisco Mint
Mintage: 6,868,530
Auction Record: $6,900 for MS68
These were the first US silver $1 coins issued since the Peace dollar was suspended. The 1971 Eisenhower uncirculated silver dollar was struck in 40% silver and packed in pliofilm inside a sturdy blue envelope, which is why they are usually called “Blue Ikes.” Samples in MS67 are indeed common, but higher grades can be of higher value anyway.
Produced by: San Francisco Mint
Mintage: 4,265,234
Auction Record: $13,800 for PR70
Designations: PR (Proof), Cameo, Deep Cameo
Another type of silver numismatic creations is the 1971 Eisenhower uncirculated silver dollar proofs that were made using polished dies and special planchets to produce a mirror-like finish with frosted details. In this case, the name is also different – “Brown Ikes,” which were housed in hard plastic cases and slipped into a faux-wood grain box. Most of them remain in excellent condition, and those PR70 options with deep cameo designation may boast a higher value of a 1971 silver dollar.
Produced by: San Francisco Mint
Mintage: 4,265,234 (shared with other 1971-S Proofs)
Auction Record: $30,550 for PR68DCAM
According to coin expert Jaime Hernandez, there is very limited public documentation about this piece. Some numismatists believe it may be a presentation strike or a pattern coin, potentially struck before regular production began. Anyway, it is a low-relief instance, which is extremely rare and potentially remarkably precious.
Produced by: San Francisco Mint
Mintage: 3 known prototypes
Auction Record: $264,000 for SP67
Here come the legends. This is the first prototype Eisenhower Dollar ever struck, bearing early die varieties (Double Die Obverse, as well as Obverse Die Variety 010 and Reverse Die Variety 007). As for its history, according to Joshua McMorrow-Hernandez, it was discovered in 2008 at the Long Beach Expo by Lee C. Lydston and his wife, Denise.
Why is a 1971 Eisenhower silver dollar worth so much? As such, this specimen, which is believed to be a trial strike, shows a hybrid finish combining proof and uncirculated characteristics, heavy die polishing, and unusual doubling.
Produced by: San Francisco Mint
Mintage: 3 known prototypes
Auction Record: $102,000 for SP67
Here is the second, 1971-S Eisenhower uncirculated silver dollar prototype, located in 2010. It shares the same reverse as the 1970 galvano held at the Eisenhower Presidential Library, but features a different obverse than the other two known prototypes. The appearance is rather peculiar, for it features unpolished surfaces, die quirks, and mint anomalies simultaneously. Only three prototypes of the Eisenhower uncirculated silver dollar 1971 are known, each now certified and slabbed by PCGS.
Produced by: Philadelphia Mint
Mintage: 47,799,000
Auction Record: $10,281 for MS66+
The Philadelphia Mint produced great volumes of the 1971 silver dollar no mint mark. Unfortunately for us, collectors, most instances were found with weak strikes, bag marks, and surface scuffs. MS66 is the highest known grade, with only about 50 certified examples at that level. Should you find a more flawless coin, rest assured that the Eisenhower silver dollar value 1971 will be exceptionally high.
Produced by: Denver Mint
Mintage: 68,587,424
Auction Record: $10,200 for MS67+
The 1971 silver dollar D is one more instance struck in copper-nickel clad, with a much sharper strike than its Philadelphia counterpart. Many samples have been put in collections from the very beginning, which is why the Eisenhower uncirculated silver dollar 1971 value cannot surprise. However, ultra-high grades such as MS67+ are still expensive.
Estimated Value: $1,999
This Denver-minted Eisenhower variety shows a mint error where a piece of wire was pressed into the planchet during striking. Such flaws are scarce enough to bring thousands of dollars per item.
Estimated Value: $1,499
The “Peg Leg” variation features a missing lower serif on the letter R in “LIBERTY,” caused by excessive die polishing. This version might potentially become one of the most desirable examples on the market.
Estimated Value: $449
There is another deviation that features additional raised areas on the Earth, resembling “extra islands.” The roots of the problem might be different: die chips or anomalies in the die engraving process. Indeed, it is not as dramatic as the previously mentioned options, yet it is still worth your attention.
Estimated Value: $189
Last but not least, we should refer to curved clip errors, where a crescent-shaped piece of metal is missing from the blank. This usually occurs when planchet strips are punched too close together. So, why not collect it?
What makes a 1971 silver dollar rare? It always comes down to several factors, e.g., its mint origin (Philadelphia, Denver, or San Francisco), metal composition (silver vs. clad), strike type (regular vs. proof), and most importantly, its condition or grade. The silver dollar 1971 value is a fluctuating variable, and learning about its general price ranges is of great importance.
Besides, it is vital to understand that auction records reflect rare, often certified coins in exceptional condition. These are not illustrative enough, for these values of 1971 Eisenhower silver dollar are defined by more complex concepts connected to human factors for the most part.
So, what is a 1971 silver dollar worth?
| Type | Composition | Strike Type | Grade | Estimated Value Range |
| 1971 $1 | Clad (Cu-Ni) | Regular | Circulated | $1.05 – $2 |
| MS63–MS65 | $5 – $50 | |||
| MS66+ | $300 – $10,000+ | |||
| 1971-D $1 | Clad (Cu-Ni) | Regular | Circulated | $1.05 – $2 |
| MS63–MS65 | $5 – $40 | |||
| MS67+ | $400 – $10,000+ | |||
| 1971-S $1 | 40% Silver | Special Strike | BU/MS63–MS65 | $10 – $30 |
| MS66–MS67 | $50 – $200+ | |||
| 1971-S $1 (Proof) | 40% Silver | Proof | PR63–PR67 | $8 – $25 |
| PR68–PR69 DCAM | $40 – $150+ | |||
| PR70 DCAM | $500 – $1,500+ |
*Values may vary with eye appeal, special designations, and market demand.
Mind that not all dollars released in 1971 were made of silver. Most were minted for circulation in copper-nickel clad, which is why using silver for such purposes was not reasonable. Anyway, here is how to tell the difference:
As we have stated above, the mint mark is located below Eisenhower’s neck on the obverse (front) side of the coin. Keep in mind that only San Francisco-minted samples are made of silver, and no other variety is.
If your coin came in special packaging, such as a blue envelope (Blue Ike) or a brown box (Brown Ike), then it is silver for sure. These have never been released into circulation, but they may come out of boxes due to long years of personal possessions.
Inspect the edge of the coin. Copper-nickel clad instances usually show a distinct copper stripe sandwiched between two silvery layers, and 40% silver coins may still show layers, but the copper core is much less visible.
Silver is not magnetic. While this will not distinguish silver from copper-nickel (since both are non-magnetic), it helps rule out counterfeits made with magnetic metals.
If you have a precise scale, take a look at the weights of these instances. Copper-nickel clads usually weigh 22.68 grams, while silver options are 24.59 grams.
Tap your coin gently with another coin. Silver coins produce a clear, bell-like ring, while clad coins have a duller sound.
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The 1971 Eisenhower Dollar is a great investment choice, since its potential is yet to be revealed. Sometimes, one may wonder that these are common and inexpensive, high-grade specimens, silver issues, and rare varieties like the prototype strikes or errors are far more valuable. Look for coins that captivate your mind and remember: silver will never fall in price.
