Oswald Peregrine Thimblecroft runs the quietest pawn shop in Eastbourne — not by rule, but by reverence. Coins speak here, and Oswald listens. Born during a wartime blackout, he claims he came into the world with a halfpenny in one hand and a glare in the other.
He wears tweed year-round, grades coins with a monocle older than most customers, and considers smartphones “blinking distractions from true metal.” His prized possession? A 1972 silver dollar D he once refused to trade for a Jaguar. Every Thursday, he hosts Tea & Tuppence, where tales of forgeries, mints, and accidental fortunes unfold like Victorian ghost stories.
Oswald writes his articles by fountain pen, posts them by mail, and insists errors give coins soul. He doesn’t collect coins — he adopts them.
The 1972 Eisenhower Dollar belongs to a coin series minted from 1971 to 1978, marking the first time the U.S. had produced a dollar coin since the Peace Dollar ended in 1935.
It was designed to honor President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who passed away in 1969, and to commemorate the Apollo 11 Moon Landing — a symbol of American achievement. But is a 1972 silver dollar worth anything?
1. A Tribute to Eisenhower
Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th President of the United States and a WWII Supreme Allied Commander, was a revered figure in American history.
After his death in 1969, there was strong bipartisan support to honor him with a coin.
Congress approved the Eisenhower Dollar in 1970, which became the first dollar coin since silver coins were removed from circulation in the mid-1960s.
2. A Salute to Space
The coin’s reverse, designed by Frank Gasparro, features an eagle landing on the Moon, adapted from the Apollo 11 mission patch — symbolizing human achievement and American exploration.
This was no accident. NASA’s success was deeply tied to Eisenhower’s presidency — he signed the act that created NASA in 1958.
Specification
1972 Clad Eisenhower Dollar (P & D)
1972-S Silver Eisenhower Dollar (Proof & Uncirculated)
Composition
Outer: 75% Copper, 25% NickelCore: 100% Copper
1972 Eisenhower dollar silver content: 40% Silver, 60% Copper
Weight
22.68 grams
24.59 grams
Diameter
38.1 mm
38.1 mm
Thickness
2.58 mm
2.58 mm
Edge
Reeded
Reeded
Mint Marks
No mint mark (Philadelphia), D (Denver)
S (San Francisco)
Finish
Business Strike
Proof / Uncirculated (Special Collector Issue)
Mintage
P: ~75,890,000D: ~92,548,511
S (Silver Proof): ~1,811,631S (Silver Unc): ~2,193,056
Note: All 1972 Eisenhower pieces — silver dollar 1972 dollar coin value or not — feature the same Apollo 11-inspired reverse design with an eagle landing on the moon, carrying an olive branch.
Moreover, there is no official U.S. coin called the “1972 Liberty Silver Dollar”, but this term is commonly misunderstood or used incorrectly to refer to the coin discussed.
The Return of Silver (Sort of): Why Some 1972 Dollars Contain Silver
By the early 1970s, the U.S. had already moved away from using silver in circulating coins. The Coinage Act of 1965 officially ended the use of 90% silver in dimes and quarters and reduced silver content in half dollars to 40% (later phased out entirely, check the 1972 Kennedy half dollar silver content = 1972 half dollar silver content). However, coin collectors still craved precious metal in their coins — not just for value, but for tradition.
To meet this demand without disrupting the new copper-nickel clad economy, the U.S. Mint produced a limited number of 40% silver Eisenhower Dollars exclusively for collectors. These were not intended for general circulation and were sold in special packaging:
1972 Eisenhower Uncirculated Silver Dollar S (in “Blue Packs” or “Blue Ikes”)
1972-S Proof Silver Dollars (in “Brown Boxes” or “Brown Ikes”)
These special-issue coins were minted in San Francisco and are distinguishable by the “S” mintmark. They weigh slightly more than their clad counterparts (~24.59g vs. ~22.68g), and the edge of a silver Ike tends to appear more uniform and lacks the copper core stripe seen in clad coins.
Still, the coin — especially the Eisenhower 1972 silver dollar versions — retains a devoted collector following today.
Coin Types
By Reverse Design: 3 Types (Philadelphia Mint Only)
Type
Description
Rarity
Value in MS65+
Type 1
Poorly defined Earth with low relief; flattened islands
Common
$15–$30
Type 2
Smooth globe with no islands; very faint Earth detail
Rare
$500–$1,000+
Type 3
Clear, well-defined Earth and islands
Most common
$12–$25
Only the 1972 (Philadelphia, no mintmark) issue has these reverse types. The 1972 silver dollar Type 2 is considered a key rarity in the entire Eisenhower series.
By Mint and Composition
Coin Type
Mintmark
Composition
Finish
Availability
1972 Eisenhower Dollar (Clad)
None (Philadelphia)
Copper-Nickel
Business Strike
Circulation
1972-D Eisenhower Dollar (Clad)
D (Denver)
Copper-Nickel
Business Strike
Circulation
1972-S Eisenhower Dollar (Silver Proof)
S (San Francisco)
40% Silver
Mirror Proof
Collector-Only
1972-S Eisenhower Dollar (Silver Uncirculated)
S (San Francisco)
40% Silver
Satin/BU
Collector-Only
Where is the mint mark on a 1972 silver dollar?
Look just above the date “1972” and beneath the neckline of Eisenhower’s portrait.
You’ll see one of the following:
No mintmark = Philadelphia Mint
“D” = Denver Mint
“S” = San Francisco Mint
How Much Is a 1972 Silver Dollar Worth Today?
Coin Type
Mintmark
Composition
Condition
Estimated Value
1972 Eisenhower Dollar
No Mintmark (Philadelphia)
Clad (NOT a 1972 Silver Dollar No Mint Mark Value)
This early reverse design features a globe with poorly defined land masses. The Earth appears flat and soft, with indistinct islands. It was quickly replaced due to aesthetic and technical shortcomings.
Key Identifiers:
No mintmark (Philadelphia issue)
Flat Earth design, poorly struck islands
Found only on business strikes (not proofs)
Value:
Circulated condition: Worth just above face value (~$1.10–$1.50)
MS63–MS65: Common, valued around $15–$30
MS66 or higher: Scarcer; can sell for $60–$150 depending on strike quality
Look for well-centered strikes and minimal surface marks. The 1972 silver dollar Type 1 value is more desirable than Type 3 in higher mint states due to relative scarcity.
Type 2 – 1972 Philadelphia (Clad, Reverse Type 2)
The rarest and most famous of the 1972 Ikes, Type 2 was struck using a proof reverse die by mistake. The globe is smooth with almost no visible islands. This was a true mint error and is highly sought after.
Key Identifiers:
No mintmark (Philadelphia)
Earth on the reverse is smooth and nearly featureless
Found only in circulation strike coins
Value:
MS60 or lower: $100–$250
MS63–MS65: $300–$1,000 depending on eye appeal
MS66+: Rare and auction-level quality; prices exceed $2,000 and may reach $5,000+
Always authenticate suspected Type 2 coins through a trusted dealer or grading service. This is one of the few clad coins from the 1970s worth a significant premium.
Type 3 – 1972 Philadelphia (Clad, Reverse Type 3)
The final and most refined design of the reverse globe. Features sharply defined landmasses and a clean strike. This became the standard for later years and is the most common 1972 variety.
Key Identifiers:
No mintmark (Philadelphia)
Clearly defined Earth and islands
Stronger detail than Type 1
1972 silver dollar Type 3 value (although NOT silver):
Circulated: $1.05–$1.50
MS60–MS65: Around $10–$25
MS66 and above: Up to $80–$100+ if certified by NGC or PCGS
Great entry point for new collectors. Affordable even in high mint state, especially for building full Type Sets.
1972-D Eisenhower Dollar (Denver Mint – Clad – NOT a 1972 Silver Dollar Value D)
Struck in Denver, these coins have no reverse type distinctions and are among the most common of the series. They were intended strictly for circulation.
Key Identifiers:
“D” mintmark below Eisenhower’s neck
Clad composition (no silver)
Standard globe reverse
Value:
Circulated: Face value to $1.50
MS60–MS65: $2 to $20
MS66+: Can sell for $40–$150 depending on strike and luster
1972-S Eisenhower Dollar – Silver Uncirculated (“Blue Ike”)
These coins contain 40% silver and were never released into circulation. Instead, they were sold in blue envelopes with a U.S. Mint token. The finish is uncirculated, not proof, with a soft satin surface.
Key Identifiers:
“S” mintmark (San Francisco)
Satin, non-reflective finish
Sold in “Blue Pack” packaging
What is a 1972 silver dollar worth?
Standard BU: $10–$18 depending on silver price
MS65+: $25–$60; premium for flawless surfaces and clean edges
1972-S Eisenhower Dollar – Silver Proof (“Brown Ike”)
Also struck in 40% silver, these coins were issued in brown faux-wood boxes and have a high-contrast mirror proof finish. They were made specifically for collectors and never meant for general use.
Key Identifiers:
“S” mintmark (San Francisco)
Deep mirror surfaces
Often shows frosted devices (Cameo or Deep Cameo)
Value of 1972 Silver Dollar:
PR70 DCAM: Rare; often $200–$500+
Proof 63–65: Around $10–$20
PR69 DCAM: Typically $30–$50
Focus on finding coins with strong contrast between mirrored fields and frosted designs. PR70s are rare, and their value of Eisenhower silver dollar 1972 is higher.
How Can I Tell If My 1972 Eisenhower Dollar Is Silver?
1. Check the Mintmark
Look below Eisenhower’s neck on the obverse (front).
If you see an “S” mintmark, your coin was made at the San Francisco Mint — only coins from this mint in 1972 were made with 40% silver.
If there’s no mintmark (Philadelphia – doesn’t mean the 1972 silver dollar value no mint mark) or a “D” (Denver), it is not silver — it’s copper-nickel clad.
2. Check the Finish
There are two types of 1972-S silver Eisenhower Dollars:
A. Uncirculated Silver (“Blue Ike”)
Satin (non-shiny) finish
Came in a blue envelope with a U.S. Mint token
Looks like a business strike, but is heavier and has a silvery edge
B. Proof Silver (“Brown Ike”)
Deep mirror-like finish with frosted features
Came in a brown box with a display case
If your coin is mirror-like and sharp, it’s likely the proof. If it’s duller with no wear but not mirror-like, it may be the uncirculated version.
3. Look at the Coin’s Edge
Silver coins have a uniform silver-gray edge.
Clad coins have a distinct copper-colored core visible from the side.
If you see a brownish stripe: not silver dollar 1972 value.
If it’s all silver-colored: likely 40% silver dollar value 1972.
4. Weigh It (if you have a scale)
40% Silver Eisenhower Dollar: ~24.59 grams
Clad Eisenhower Dollar: ~22.68 grams
A small digital scale (accurate to 0.1 grams) can easily tell the difference.
5. Use a Coin ID App
You can also scan your coin using an app like Coin ID Scanner — it identifies coins and varieties instantly from a photo.
Common Errors
Type 2 Reverse — The King of 1972 Ikes
The most famous variety by far, the Type 2 reverse is not an error in the traditional sense, but a dramatic die variety caused by a production mix-up at the Philadelphia Mint.
What Happened:
A reverse die intended for proof coins (normally used at the San Francisco Mint) was accidentally used to strike regular Philadelphia circulation coins.
The result? A reverse with no visible islands on the globe and a flat, blurry Earth.
How to Spot It:
Look for a smooth Earth on the reverse, just behind the eagle.
The globe will lack the well-defined land masses seen in Types 1 and 3.
Why It Matters:
Only a tiny number of these were struck and released into circulation.
It is the rarest variety in the entire Eisenhower series.
Value Range:
Circulated: $150–$300
Mint State MS63–MS65: $500–$1,500
MS66+: $2,500–$5,000+
This is a must-have for serious Ike collectors. It is frequently counterfeited, so certification by PCGS or NGC is strongly recommended.
Doubled Die Obverse (DDO)
These errors occur when the coin’s obverse die strikes with a doubled image — often due to a misalignment in the hubbing process.
What to Look For:
Doubling in LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, or the date “1972.”
Sometimes seen on Eisenhower’s eye or jawline.
Rarity: Less common than Type 2 reverse, but still highly collectible.
What is the value of a 1972 silver dollar?
Mild doubling: $20–$75
Strong doubling (especially on lettering): $100–$300 depending on grade
DDOs are most valuable when the doubling is sharp, visible without magnification, and accompanied by clean surfaces.
Off-Center Strike
Off-center errors occur when the blank planchet is not correctly seated in the press and receives an incomplete strike.
What to Look For:
Design elements shifted off-center
A crescent of blank metal on one side
Full or partial date still visible increases value significantly
How Rare? Scarce, especially on larger coins like Eisenhower Dollars
1972 Eisenhower silver dollar value:
5–10% off-center: $25–$50
20% or more with full date: $100–$200+
Symmetrical off-centers with full legends and dates are especially desirable. Keep them protected — they can be fragile.
Clipped Planchet
These errors happen when the metal strip feeding the press is misaligned, and the blank is cut too close to another, leaving a missing curved section.
Spotting It:
Crescent-shaped clip on the edge of the coin
May show a slight “Blakesley Effect” — a weakly struck rim opposite the clip
Rarity and Value:
Minor clips: $20–$40
Large or multiple clips: $75–$150+
Genuine clipped planchets have a natural curve and continuous edge reeding — avoid fakes created by filing or cutting.
Die Adjustment Strike
Die adjustment strikes are tests where the press is run at low pressure to calibrate die alignment. Occasionally, these test strikes are accidentally released into circulation.
Identification:
Weak, ghost-like images on one or both sides
May appear under-struck or worn out — but check for luster and edge integrity
1972 silver dollar value today:
$30–$80 depending on visibility and coin condition
These can easily be mistaken for worn coins. Look for uniform weakness and sharp rims — unlike natural wear.
Struck Through Foreign Material
During minting, foreign material (grease, thread, cloth, even wire) can get between the die and the blank, causing deformities or missing features.
Look For:
Patches of missing detail (e.g., a faded date or lettering)
Embedded objects or textures on the coin surface
Indentations with sharp edges and clean loss of detail
Rarity and Value:
Rare with dramatic or embedded materials ($50–$300+)
Common with grease (low value)
“Blue Ikes” and “Brown Ikes”
Blue Ikes – 1972-S Uncirculated 40% Silver Eisenhower Dollars
These coins were part of a special uncirculated issue from the San Francisco Mint, struck in 40% silver and offered directly to collectors through the U.S. Mint.
Shipped in a blue envelope (hence the nickname)
Each coin came sealed in a clear plastic film pack
Included a blue U.S. Mint token (plastic disk)
Label inside the envelope reads “Uncirculated Silver Eisenhower Dollar”
Coin Characteristics:
Satin, non-mirrored uncirculated finish
Weighs ~24.59 grams (due to silver content)
Often found with light contact marks due to soft packaging
How much is a 1972 Eisenhower silver dollar worth? Complete, untorn blue envelopes with intact coins and tokens can sell for $15–$25 or more, depending on condition.
Brown Ikes – 1972-S Proof 40% Silver Eisenhower Dollars
These are proof versions, also struck in 40% silver, featuring a deep mirror finish and stronger detail, meant for collectors who wanted a more refined version.
Shipped in a large brown faux-wood grain box with a clear display window
The coin is mounted in a removable plastic capsule
Includes a printed message from the U.S. Mint describing the coin and the President
Coin Characteristics:
Mirror-like proof finish with frosted (cameo) features
Struck multiple times for sharpness and detail
Popular among proof set collectors and variety hunters
How much is 1972 silver dollar worth? Complete Brown Ike sets with box and insert often sell for $15–$30, with premium prices for deep cameo coins or pristine boxes.
