1971 Silver Dollar Value

Silver Eisenhower Dollars were struck by the United States Mint beginning in 1971 and running through 1974. They were again produced in conjunction with the bicentennial of the United States with dates of 1776-1976. The coins take their name from the fact that a portrait of General of the Army and President Dwight David Eisenhower is featured on the obverse.

1971-S Eisenhower silver-clad proof dollar in its original brown mint packaging. Product information Package Dimensions 7.4 x 5.4 x 0.8 inches Item Weight 8.8 ounces Manufacturer U S San Francisco Mint ASIN B001WRDRZU Customer Reviews: 3.4 out of 5. USA Coin Book Estimated Value of 1971-S Eisenhower Dollar (Silver Clad Variety) is Worth $18 or more in Uncirculated (MS+) Mint Condition. Proof coins can be worth $19 or more. Click here to Learn How to use Coin Price Charts. Also, click here to Learn About Grading Coins. If you're looking for an Eisenhower dollar price guide and don't want to read the full article, click the link or scroll down. In previous articles, we've explained how to value earlier series of U.S silver dollars, like Morgan and Peace Dollars (minted 1878-1935) as well as Trade Dollars (1873-1885). In today's article, we're going to discuss a more modern dollar coin — the Eisenhower.

Those Eisenhower Dollars minted in silver were composed from 40% of the precious metal for a total silver weight of 0.3161 ounces (current melt value information may be obtained by using the calculator in the right column). The strikes have a total weight of 24.59 grams and a diameter of 38.1 mm (1.5 inches).

Previous to the debut of the Eisenhower Dollars, a silver dollar had not been issued by the United States Mint since 1935 when the last Peace Dollar was struck. That gap would end, however, with plans in place to strike a new silver dollar which would feature a portrait of former President of the United States Dwight D. Eisenhower on the obverse and a reverse emblematic of man’s first landing on the moon.

Historical Eisenhower Dollar Silver Coin Melt Values

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Both the obverse and reverse of the new coin were designed by Frank Gasparro, Chief Engraver of the United States Mint. The obverse showcased a left-facing portrait of Eisenhower surrounded by the inscriptions of 'LIBERTY,' 'IN GOD WE TRUST' and the year of minting.

The reverse was emblematic of the Apollo 11 insignia and included an eagle clutching an olive branch while landing on the moon. Reverse inscriptions include 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,' 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' and 'ONE DOLLAR.'

A special reverse was created for the Bicentennial Eisenhower Dollars which showed a Liberty Bell over an image of the moon. The special reverse was designed by David R. Williams.

Unlike previous releases, silver Eisenhower Dollars were only struck for collectors. Clad versions of the coin were struck for circulation. The 1971-1974 silver Eisenhower’s were produced solely at the United States Mint’s facility in San Francisco. Uncirculated versions were referred to as 'Blue Ikes' since they shipped in a blue envelope. Proof Eisenhower’s were known as 'Brown Ikes' as they came in brown boxes. The 1976 Bicentennial Eisenhower Silver Dollars were released only as part of a three-coin set which included 1976 versions of the quarter, half dollar, and dollar.

Clad versions of the coin continued to be struck by the U.S. Mint through 1978. The Eisenhower’s were then replaced with smaller Susan B. Anthony Dollars beginning in 1979.

Overlooked for many years, the Eisenhower Dollars have gained increased attention recently from collectors who are able to create complete sets relatively easily and inexpensively owing to their small run. Eisenhower Silver Dollars are also of value owing to the 0.3161 ounces of silver in each piece. This gives them a melt value approximately equal to that amount of silver on the open market.

The 1971 Eisenhower silver dollars have value as both numismatic coins and as silver bullion. Keep reading to learn more about these coins.

Specifications

Type: Eisenhower Dollar
Year: 1971
Face Value: $1.00
Composition: 60% copper, 40% silver
Silver Weight: .3161 oz.
Total Weight: 24.59 grams
Current Silver Bullion Value: $8.61

The US minted the 1971 S Eisenhower silver dollar as an uncirculated coin and also as a proof coin. Most of the coins minted were proof coins. The mint mark can be found above the date.

Note that not every 1971 Eisenhower dollar is a silver coin. The US also minted the 1971 Eisenhower copper-nickel clad coin with no mint mark and also the 1971 D Eisenhower copper-nickel clad coin.

It's relatively easy to tell the difference between the silver clad coins and the copper-nickel clad coins. The silver coins will look shinier, and they will also weigh more. The silver coins weigh 24.59 grams compared to the copper-nickel coins that weigh 22.68 grams.

Value

This coin, regardless of condition, is worth at least its weight in silver. The silver melt value for this coin is $8.61 as of February 09, 2021. This melt value is calculated from the current silver spot price of $27.23 per ounce.

The standard 1971 silver dollar is worth around $13 in MS 63 choice uncirculated condition. In MS 65 gem uncirculated condition the price rises to around $18.

The 1971 proof silver dollar is worth around $14 in PR 65 condition. There were 4,265,234 proof coins minted.

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1979 Susan B Anthony Dollar Value

Grading System

MS 63 choice uncirculated- In the major focal areas there are some blemishes or contact marks. The coin's luster might not be as prominent.

MS 65 gem uncirculated- There is strong luster and eye appeal. A few light contact marks may be present but they are barely noticeable.

PR 65 proof- There are no flaws to this coin. A few blemishes may be present.

Value Of 1971 Dollar Coin

Sources:

1971 Silver Dollar Value Eisenhower Dollar

See also:

1971 Silver Dollar Value

1972 Silver Dollar
1973 Silver Dollar
1974 Silver Dollar