At a grocery or a high-end boutique, dollar coins are simply a medium of exchange worth their $1 purchasing value. But for those of us who value them beyond their monetary face value, coins are emblems of history and gems of rare worth.
Such is the 1972 Eisenhower dollar coin.
The history-rich designs and inscriptions on the 1972 dollar coin and the presence of rare features can massively appreciate its value. And the value shoots up if the dollar coin is in pristine, mint condition.
Few I972 Eisenhower dollar coins have sold for 5-figure prices and more for 4-figure prices. The record-holding type-2 1972 dollar coin in MS66 grade sold for $14,400 at the Heritage Auctions in 2022.
If that price looks inspiring, this article is for you. I’ll explore the rich and fascinating history of the 1972 Eisenhower dollar coin minting and show you how rare details on its design appreciate its worth. You’ll also find the current market and auction prices for the 1972 dollar coin varieties and types.
Let’s get to it!
1972 Dollar Coin: An Insignia of Value and History
The US Mint struck the first dollar coin in 1794. The silver coin showed the Liberty woman on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse. This design took several tweaks during the 177 years that preceded the new-look Eisenhower dollar coin in 1971.
The US Mint created Eisenhower dollar coins, also known as Ike dollars, for 8 consecutive years from 1971-1978. Though this was a relatively short period, the coin series has produced several high-value collectibles for numismatists.
The 1972 dollar coin is the third most valuable in the Eisenhower dollar series after the 1976 and 1977 coins. To date, the coin has secured the 8th position in the list of the ten most valuable Eisenhower dollar coins.
| Position | Condition | Minting Year | Price |
| 1 | MS64 | 1976 | $28,200 |
| 2 | MS64 | 1976 | $27,025 |
| 3 | MS 62 | 1977 | $26,400 |
| 4 | PF70 | 1976 | $25,300 |
| 5 | PF70 | 1976 | $20,160 |
| 6 | MS69 | 1976 | $18,600 |
| 7 | MS63 | 1977 | $17,625 |
| 8 | MS66 | 1972 | $14,400 |
| 9 | MS65 | 1974 | $14,100 |
| 10 | PF70 | 1971 | $13,800 |
Minting the Eisenhower dollar coins in 1971 ended a long dollar coin drought commencing in 1935. Although the Denver Mint struck the controversial Peace Dollar in 1964, the coins didn’t go into circulation.
As such, history was made when President Richard M. Nixon signed into law the 1970 Bank Holding Company Act Amendments authorizing the minting of the Eisenhower dollar coins.
The proposers of the new dollar coin had two major historic events in mind:
- Commemorating the 34th President of the US, Dwight Eisenhower, who also doubled as an icon of victory in recently concluded wars.
- Celebrating America’s win over the USSR in the space race following the 1969 Apollo II landing on the moon.
These two historic events take center stage on both the obverse and reverse sides of the 1972 dollar coin.
On the obverse, a left-facing bust of President Eisenhower is the main feature. This work of art by the US Mint chief engraver of the time, Frank Gasparro, is surrounded by other details required by law:
- The inscription “LIBERTY” is in a curve over the head of the President.
- America’s motto “IN GOD WE TRUST”, below Eisenhower’s chin.
- The mint mark in tiny “D” or “S” inscriptions for the Denver and San Francisco mintages appears just below the truncated neckline. There’s no mint mark for the Philadelphia mintage.
- The mint year, “1972”, is inscribed in a curve along the bottom edge of the coin.
On the reverse, Gasparro engraved a bald eagle, a symbol of the Apollo II spaceflight landing on the moon’s surface. The eagle has an olive branch in his claws. Completing the theme of the reverse side of the 1972 dollar coin are also these details:
- The inscription, “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”, in a curve of well-distributed letters at the top edge of the coin.
- The coin denomination, “ONE DOLLAR”, is at the bottom edge of the coin.
- A set of 13 stars surrounding the main body of the eagle.
- The motto, “E PLURIBUS UNUM”, below the country name, inside the semicircle of stars.
- A design of the EARTH just above the head and right wing of the eagle.
- The engraver’s initial, “FG”, is just below the hind feathers of the eagle.
All these details define the 1972 dollar value among numismatists, either because they are in the original strike or have rare features. Also, the 1972 Eisenhower dollar has more than the usual varieties and types.
1972 Eisenhower Dollar Coin Varieties and Types
Coin varieties are usually determined by the mint locations. Going by that, there are 3 varieties of the 1972 Eisenhower dollar coin:
- 1972 no mint mark dollar coin – Struck at the Philadelphia mint.
- 1972 D dollar coin – Struck at the Denver mint.
- 1972 S dollar Coin – Struck at the San Francisco mint.
The 1972 no mint mark Eisenhower dollar coin has 3 reverse variations considered types within the variety. These types are differentiated by the precision, or lack of it, on the Earth, which appears above the head and right wing of the Apollo II insignia on the reverse side.
1. 1972 Eisenhower Dollar Type 1 Reverse
This type is differentiated from the other two by two flaws in the geographical representation of Florida and the islands below it.
- Florida appears as a truncated stump dangling off the rest of the continental US.
- Cuba appears as a stretched-out blob instead of a long semi-crescent form.
2. 1972 Eisenhower Dollar Type 2 Reverse
This is the most valuable 1972 dollar coin and the rarest of the 1972 no mint mark dollar coin types. It is differentiated from the other two types by these flaws:
- The Florida peninsula has a long funnel shape.
- The Caribbean islands appear flat and are almost invisible.
3. 1972 Eisenhower Dollar Type 3 Reverse
This type is the most geographically accurate of the three, with a clear-cut representation of the details. It shows:
- A geographically correct representation of the Florida peninsula, including the bend under the Naples city and the pointy tip on the east coast.
- An articulate image of Cuba with its southeast and southwest extensions toward Florida.
- Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, and Haiti appear southeast or east next to Cuba as they should be.
Although you can notice these differences using a magnifier, it is best to seek the services of professional agencies like the NGC and PCGS to grade your 1972 Eisenhower dollar coin.
As you’ll notice in the next sections, coin collectors and numismatists value these 1972 dollar coin varieties and types differently.
1972 Eisenhower Dollar Value
At face value, the 1972 dollar coin is worth just that, $1. However, in the open coin market, prices can range from low to high, depending on where you buy or sell and on factors like grading, variety, and type.
Going with the NGC price guide, a 1972 dollar coin in the circulated condition is worth around $1.05-1.50. But, in pristine condition, 1972 dollar coins can sell for higher prices of up to $2000.
According to the US Coin Book, instead, average grade (MS63/PR63) uncirculated 1972 dollar coins are worth around $6.81-$134 depending on a coin’s grading, variety, and type.
The 1972 dollar melt value also varies from $0.21 for the circulation coins (91.67% Copper + 8.33% Nickel) and $7.52 for the proof coins (60% Copper + 40% Silver).
We will talk about how grading, variety, and type can significantly appreciate the 1972 dollar coin value in a bit. Before that, check the current market price range in this 1972 dollar value chart.
| Variety/Type | Value | Melt Value |
| 1972 Eisenhower Dollar Type 1 | $6.81 | $0.21 |
| 1972 Eisenhower Dollar Type 2 | $134 | $0.21 |
| 1972 Eisenhower Dollar Type 3 | $6.81 | $0.21 |
| 1972 D Eisenhower Dollar | $6.81 | $0.21 |
| 1972 S Eisenhower Dollar | $20 | $7.52 |
What Makes the 1972 Dollar Coin Valuable?
Although the US Mint struck the Eisenhower dollar series for only 8 years, they made the coins in large quantities. In 1972, the US Mint made over 170 million Eisenhower dollar coins.
It is no wonder the NGC suggests there are plenty of Ike dollars in uncirculated condition, which makes them inexpensive. But there are 3 factors that can significantly increase the value of a 1972 Eisenhower dollar coin.
1. Higher Coin Grading
Because Eisenhower dollar coins are plentiful in uncirculated condition, grading is key in determining the value of a coin in this series. In other words, uncirculated 1972 dollar coins are more valuable in higher grades.
For example, the second most valuable 1972 dollar coin is an MS67+ 1972 D coin that sold for $13,200 at the Heritage Auctions this year (2023).
The abundance of uncirculated 1972 dollar coins also means coin collectors have little interest in circulated Ike dollars.
2. Mint Errors
The NGC has also found that some 1972 dollar coins were poorly struck, with errors of interest for numismatists. These mint errors significantly increase the value of 1972 Ike dollars.
In fact, a 1972 S dollar coin graded PR67 Cameo with double-struck and off-center strike errors on both sides ties with the earlier mentioned 1972 D dollar for the 2nd most valuable 1972 dollar. The coin sold for $13,200 at the Heritage Auctions in 2022.
3. Type 2 Reverse
The 1972 no mint mark dollar coins are also valuable if they have a type 2 reverse. That justifies why the auction record holder for the 1972 Ike dollar is a type 2 no mint mark coin graded MS 66. The coin sold for $14,400 in 2022 at the Heritage Auctions.
In the next sections, you’ll find out how these factors determine the worth of a 1972 Eisenhower dollar in its varieties and types.
1972 No Mint Mark Eisenhower Dollar Value
The no mint mark 1972 Eisenhower dollar coins were minted at the Philadelphia mint and bear the following specifications:
- Variety: 1972 no mint mark Eisenhower dollar
- Mint: Philadelphia
- Engraver: Frank Gasparro
- Mintage: 75,890,000
- Face value: $1
- Melt value: $0.21
- Metal Composition: 91.67% Copper, 8.33% Nickel
- Diameter: 38.1 mm
- Weight: 22.68 grams
- Edge: Reeded
A 1972 no mint mark dollar coin will sell for $6.81 in average uncirculated condition. But this value can rise to over $7000 for coins with higher grades, depending on the type.
1972 No Mint Mark Type 1 Eisenhower Dollar Value
According to the PCGS, 1972 no mint mark type 1 Eisenhower dollar coins are struck in low relief. That means the details on the Earth are weak and poorly stand out from the coin’s flat surface.
This type of 1972 Eisenhower dollar is quite common in the circulated condition and, therefore, scarce in uncirculated mint state. The coins become scarcer as the grade goes up.
For example, the PCGS has only graded 4 MS65+ 1972 type 1 dollar coins and 11 MS66 coins. The agency has not recorded any in a finer grade.
1972 type 1 Eisenhower dollar coins will sell for approximately $800 in MS65+ grading. In MS66 grade, the price can go up to about $2,000.
The 1972 type 1 Eisenhower dollar coin auction record is currently at $7,475 for an MS66 dollar coin. The coin was sold in 2011 at the Heritage Auctions.
Recent sales range between $55 for an MS64 sold in 2021 at the Stack’s Bowers and $3,360 for an MS66 sold last year (2022) at the Heritage Auctions.
Here are the 5 highest sales of the 1972 type one Eisenhower dollar so far.
| Sale Year | Grade | Price | Firm |
| 2011 | MS66 | $7,475 | Heritage Auctions |
| 2012 | MS66 | $6,188 | Great Collections |
| 2016 | MS66 | $5,170 | Heritage Auctions |
| 2016 | MS66 | $3,995 | Heritage Auctions |
| 2016 | MS66 | $3,760 | Heritage Auctions |
1972 No Mint Mark Type 2 Eisenhower Dollar Value
1972 type 2 Eisenhower dollar value is the highest among the three types. That’s because the mint workers unintentionally struck the coins in proof die, giving it a finer finish.
As such, even in finer circulated grades like Extremely Fine (XF) or About Uncirculated (AU), the coins can surpass the $6.81 price of an average MS63 type 1 dollar to sell for $25-$50.
In higher uncirculated grades, the coin can sell for over $1,000 in MS65 grade and about $7,000 in MS66 grading.
So far, the highest-valued 1972 type 2 Eisenhower dollar coin has an MS66 grade. The coin sold for $14,400 in 2022 at the Heritage Auctions.
More recent sales fall between a low value of $75 for an MS63 coin sold at the Heritage Auctions in 2022 and a higher value of $2,520 for an MS65+ sold this year (2023) at the same firm.
The 5 highest values of the 1972 type 2 Eisenhower dollar range around $3,000 and $14,000 as shown below.
| Sale Year | Grade | Price | Firm |
| 2022 | MS66 | $14,400 | Heritage Auctions |
| 2016 | MS66 | $9,988 | Heritage Auctions |
| 2016 | MS66 | $7,638 | Heritage Auctions |
| 2014 | MS65 | $4,847 | Heritage Auctions |
| 2006 | MS65 | $3,738 | Heritage Auctions |
1972 No Mint Mark Type 3 Eisenhower Dollar Value
Like type 1, type 3 1972 no mint mark Eisenhower dollar coin is also quite common in the circulated condition and lower mint state grades, making it low-priced.
But in higher gem grades, these coins will sell for hundreds of dollars in MS65 grading and over $1,000 in finer MS66+ grades.
None of the 1972 type 3 dollar coins have a grade beyond MS66+, and only one is recorded in that grade. That means it’s also the most valuable 1972 type 3 Eisenhower dollar. This coin sold for $5,880 in 2022 at the Heritage Auctions.
Recent type 3 sales range between $40 for an MS65 dollar coin at the Stack’s Bowers in 2022 and $552 for an MS66 dollar coin this year (2023) at the Heritage Auctions.
As you can guess, the other 4 most valuable 1972 type 3 Eisenhower dollars on the top 5 list below are worth below the current cap price of $5,880.
| Sale Year | Grade | Price | Firm |
| 2022 | MS66+ | $5,880 | Heritage Auctions |
| 2014 | MS66 | $4,700 | Heritage Auctions |
| 2016 | MS66 | $3,290 | Heritage Auctions |
| 2015 | MS66 | $2,820 | Heritage Auctions |
| 2013 | MS66 | $2,233 | Heritage Auctions |
Although the 1972 type 2 dollar has the highest value so far, on the whole, the “D” variety is better priced, with more and higher 4-figure sales.
1972 D Eisenhower Dollar Value
The 1972 D Eisenhower dollar coins were struck at the Denver mint. The Mint struck more than half of that year’s mintage, 92,548,511 in total.
Other specifications of the 1972 D Eisenhower dollar, including its face and melt value, metal composition, weight, and diameter, coincide with those of the Philadelphia, no mint mark coin.
That also means the 1972 D Eisenhower dollar value ranges around $6.81 in average uncirculated condition. But in pristine, higher-grade condition, the coin can sell for up to $13,200, which is the auction record price for a 1972 D Eisenhower dollar.
This coin, with an MS67+ grading, was sold this year (2023) at the Heritage Auctions and is top on a list of 5 most valuable 1972 D Eisenhower dollars that have sold for over $6,000.
| Sale Year | Grade | Price | Firm |
| 2023 | MS67+ | $13,200 | Heritage Auctions |
| 2011 | MS67 | $9,775 | Heritage Auctions |
| 2015 | MS67 | $7,931 | Heritage Auctions |
| 2008 | MS67 | $6,325 | Heritage Auctions |
| 2007 | MS62 | $6,325 | Heritage Auctions |
Recent 2023 sales for the 1972 D Eisenhower dollar coin range between $100 for an MS66 coin at the Stack’s Bowers and $840 for an MS66+ coin at the Heritage Auctions.
1972 S Eisenhower Dollar Value
The San Francisco mint struck the 1972 S Eisenhower dollar coins. These are proof coins with different specifications from the Philadelphia no mint mark dollar coins and the “D” Denver dollar coins.
- Variety: 1972 S Eisenhower dollar
- Mint: San Francisco
- Engraver: Frank Gasparro
- Mintage: 2,193,056
- Face value: $1
- Melt value: $7.52
- Metal Composition: 60% Copper, 40% Silver
- Diameter: 38.1 mm
- Weight: 24.59 grams
- Edge: Reeded
You will often see the 1972 S Eisenhower dollar described as the 1972 silver dollar or silver clad because of its 40% silver component. So, how much is a 1972 silver dollar worth?
Compared to the “D” and “no mint mark” varieties, the 1972 silver dollar has a higher market value of $20 in average condition. It also has a higher melt value of $7.52. The higher silver content is what makes a 1972 silver dollar rare.
In higher grade, pristine condition, the 1972 S dollar coin is worth up to $13,200. This is the auction record for this variety and is the value of a 1972 PF67 Cameo dollar coin with a double error on both sides.
Without mint errors to appreciate their value, the 1972 S dollar value only ranges around a few thousand dollars, even for coins with a perfect grade of 70.
So far, these are the 5 highest-valued 1972 dollar coins, without including the highest sale with mint errors.
| Sale Year | Grade | Price | Firm |
| 2006 | PF70 | $3,584 | Teletrade |
| 2008 | PF70 | $2,990 | Heritage Auctions |
| 2006 | PF70 | $2,912 | Teletrade |
| 2013 | PF70 | $2,820 | Heritage Auctions |
| 2007 | PF70 | $2,744 | Teletrade |
In the past 3 years, 1972 S Eisenhower dollar coin sales range between $30 for a PF68 dollar coin in 2021 at Stack’s Bowers and $312 for a PF70 dollar coin in 2021 at the same firm.
But for all 1972 Eisenhower dollar coin varieties and types, their value can significantly increase if the coin has mint errors.
1972 Eisenhower Dollar Coin Errors
We hinted earlier about the low-relief minting that characterized the 1972 dollars, especially those from the Philadelphia mint. This was mainly because the original dies were poorly polished.
Although the mints resolved the issue halfway through the minting process with modified dies, the 1972 dollar strikes did come with several errors.
Some of the 1972 Eisenhower dollar errors that create a sense of rarity and intrigue among coin collectors include:
- The obverse misaligned die error.
- Off-center strike error with UNC Details.
- Curved clip error.
- Double strike and off-center errors (on the same coin).
1. 1972 Eisenhower Dollar Obverse Misaligned Die Error
The obverse misaligned die error means the anvil die is not aligned with the hammer die when striking the coin. This causes a die offset on the obverse side but not the reverse side.
Like many other coin errors, die misalignment errors are common and don’t command very high prices.
A 1972-D Eisenhower dollar with obverse misaligned die error and MS62 grading sold for $169 this year (2023) at the Heritage Auctions.
2. 1972 Eisenhower Dollar Curved Clip Error
A curved clip error happens when the metal plate goes into the punching press at a speed lower than programmed. As a result, a clip occurs on a portion of the plate, leaving an empty curve on the coin.
Coins with curved clip errors are rare, but their prices only increase slightly. Two 1972 D Eisenhower dollars with curved clip error and MS65 grading sold for $114 and $132 in 2020 at the Heritage Auctions. A 1972 no mint mark coin with a curved clip error and the same grading also sold for $120 the same year at the same firm.
3. 1972 Eisenhower Dollar Off-Center Strike Error with UNC Details
Mint workers strike coins with an off-center error when they do not feed the planchet properly into the striking chamber, and the planchet lands partially on the holding collar.
As a result, only the part of the planchet that is over the die gets struck, and the other part has no design details. This error happens on both sides.
Although the off-center strike error is common, coin collectors still find it intriguing. But the off-center strike error only increases the coin’s worth by tens or a few hundred dollars.
But in a rare case, a 1972 D Eisenhower dollar value appreciated by several hundred dollars because it presented a 10% off-center strike with UNC Details.
A coin described with UNC Details bears damages not related to coin circulation. Graders do not assign a grade to such a coin but, instead, record it as having “UNC Details” or “MS Details”.
Despite no grading, these coins still inspire awe among collectors. So, the 1972 dollar with an off-center strike error and UNC Details sold for $666 in 2021 at the Heritage Auctions.
4. Rare 1972 S Eisenhower Dollar Double Error (Double Strike & Off-center)
Mints usually strike proof coins with ultimate care and a lustrous polish. Knowing this makes anyone wonder how a proof coin would bear a double error: a double strike error and an off-center error on both the obverse and reverse sides.
The double-struck error happens when a coin does not eject from the dies after the first strike, and the mint worker strikes it a second time. As a result, the design details appear in doubles.
A double-struck error happened together with an off-center strike error on a 1972 S Eisenhower dollar. The first strike was 40% off-center, and the second 35% off-center.
Heritage Auctions describes the error as “dramatic.” Surprisingly, this is one of the rarest and most valuable 1972 Eisenhower dollar errors.
We referenced this coin earlier as the most valuable 1972 S Eisenhower dollar coin. The PF67 Cameo dollar coin with a double error sold for $13,200 at the Heritage Auctions.
This price is almost $10,000 more than the next valuable 1972 S Eisenhower dollar coin, a PF70 Ultra Cameo coin that sold for $3,584 in 2006 at Teletrade.
Final Thoughts
The Eisenhower dollar coin is not your number one coin of interest among numismatists and coin collectors. However, the series has continued to inspire attention in the coin market.
In a 3rd position on the list of the most valuable Eisenhower dollar coins, the 1972 dollar has managed to command 5-figure prices in the coin market, reaching up to $14,000 for a type 2 reverse coin.
The 1972 Eisenhower dollar has several varieties and types, and you won’t be sure how much your 1972 Eisenhower dollar is worth by simply looking at it. As such, we recommend having your coin graded by a reliable grading agency like the NGC or PCGS.
