Can a 1976 silver dollar be valuable? Do these coins have errors? In this article, we will review all the vital information regarding the 1976 silver dollar, also known as the Eisenhower or Ike silver dollar.
The 1976 silver dollar is a bicentennial coin created to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and therefore has innumerable historical value. On top of that, this coin is silver (some of them), which means you can always sell it for its worth in silver!
Can a 1976 silver dollar be valuable? Do these coins have errors? In this article, we will review all the vital information regarding the 1976 silver dollar, also known as the Eisenhower or Ike silver dollar.
The 1976 silver dollar is a bicentennial coin created to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and therefore has innumerable historical value. On top of that, this coin is silver (some of them), which means you can always sell it for its worth in silver!
So, let’s check the 1976 silver dollar value!
1976 Silver Dollar Value
1976 Silver Dollar Value | ||||
Mint Mark | MS 66 | MS 66 + | MS 67 | MS 68 |
1976 No Mint Mark Silver Dollar Value Type 1 | $3360 | $100-$5640 | $3400 | / |
1976 No Mint Mark Silver Dollar Value | $74-$100 | $646 |
| / |
1976 D Silver Dollar Value Type 1 | $100 | $400 | $660 or higher | $8813 |
1976 D Silver Dollar Value Type 2 | $40 | $60 | $2000 | $1920 |
1976 S Silver Dollar Value | $30 | / | $50 | $300-$2000 |
The 1976 bicentennial silver dollar is a one-dollar piece struck from 1971 to 1978. Interestingly, it is the first coin with this denomination (1 dollar) to be issued by the Mint since the Peace dollars were discontinued in 1935.
Furthermore, this coin is also special because it is the only large-size dollar whose circulation coins did not contain any silver. As you can tell, the coin features President Dwight D. Eisenhower on the obverse, but the reverse is a bit more historically captivating.
It features the Apollo 11 mission, one of the turning points in the history of the US, and the project commenced during Eisenhower's presidency. Interestingly, it was the first coin to feature dual dates "1776-1976".
In the mid-1960s, the silver bullion price skyrocketed, and the US Mint diverted its production to copper-nickel coins.
Although, at the time, the silver coins seemed like a distant history, there were ideas to reintroduce the silver dollar into circulation. Considering that Eisenhower died in March 1969, the best way to honor the president was to issue a new coin.
However, questions were raised about whether the coin would be silver or copper-nickel clad. A comprise was reached, and the Eisenhower dollar would be struck in base metal for circulation, while the silver specimens would be for the collectors.
So, the coin has two varieties, and the thickness of the lettering can distinguish them. Variety 1, designed in low relief, has bold lettering on the reverse, while variety 2 has a sharp design with delicate lettering on the reverse.
The 1976 type 1 is a scarcer variety, and examples in MS 65 are very hard to find. Specimens of this variety with MS 66 or higher are highly rare, and if you think you have one, get it graded as soon as possible. Rarity equals big bucks!
Interestingly, Eisenhower silver dollar sold well and was popular among collectors; however, the base-metal specimens failed to circulate widely in the US (except for Nevada casinos).
Obverse
The obverse design was done by Frank Gasparro, the tenth Chief Engraver of the US Mint, who designed a number of American coins, including the Lincoln-head penny. In the center of the coin, we can see Dwight Eisenhower's bust facing left.
Above his head is the capitalized inscription "LIBERTY" stretched alongside the upper rim. The American motto, "IN GOD WE TRUST," is placed on the left side of the coin, next to the president's truncated neck. Finally, the dual date "1776-1976" is struck in the center of the lower rim.
Reverse
The reverse has an interesting design, which is attractive to most collectors. The reverse design was created by David R. Williams, who was at the time a 22-year-old art student and the youngest person to design a coin (to that point) in U.S. history.
Considering this is a bicentennial coin, the obverse remained the same, while the reverse had a new design.
The regular Eisenhower dollar features an American Bold eagle on the reverse. At the same time, the bicentennial variety has the Liberty Bell, a symbol of freedom, and the Moon in the center of the coin.
The moon clearly references the Apollo 11 mission, which seemed an ideal detail for the commemorative coin featuring Eisenhower. Along the upper rim, we can see the capitalized "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA."
The denomination is struck in the center of the lower rim, "ONE DOLLAR," with two stars surrounding it. Next to the Liberty Bell and the Moon, we can see the second American motto, "E PLURIBUS UNUM." The designer's initial is struck underneath the Liberty bell, "DRW."
Other Features
The face value of the coin is $1, while the coin's weight is 22.68 g. These bicentennial coins were struck in clad and silver composition, depending on which mint struck them. The commercial strikes contain 75% copper with 25% nickel-clad with a core of 100% copper.
The silver variety contains 40% silver and 60% copper and weighs slightly more than the nickel-clad variety- 24.62 g. The silver weight is 9.83 g or 0.31620 troy ounces. The diameter is 1.5 inches or 38.1 mm while the thickness is 0.10157 inches or 2.58mm, which are the same for both coin types.
The total mintage of the 1976 Silver dollar is 424,634,000. The bicentennial Eisenhower dollars were struck at Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco.
Philadelphia struck around 4,019,000 million of Eisenhower Silver dollar Type 1. These coins have a dual date on the obverse and were produced between 1975 and 1976. As noted, Type 1 is the most valuable and sought-after.
These lower-graded coins are not particularly worth much, and you can get a couple of dollars for them!
The 1976 No Mint Mark silver dollar Type 1 in MS 66 was sold for $3,360. The same coin in an MS 66+ was sold for $5,640 at Heritage Auctions. Philadelphia Mint struck around 113,318,000 1976 No Mint Mark silver dollars Type 2.
On the other hand, a 1976 No Mint Mark silver dollar Type 2 in MS 66 was sold for only $74 in 2021. However, the same coin (Type 2) in MS 66+ was sold for $646, which is a huge price difference. Here is link for you if you want to learn more Coin Value Checker!
The Denver Mint struck around 21 million bicentennial Eisenhower dollars Type 1. The "D" mint mark can distinguish these coins on the right side of the coin under Eisenhower's truncated neck.
Again, Type 1 is not as common as Type 2. However, considering that Denver Mint struck these coins with better quality, you can find these coins in MS 66 and even higher. In other words, they will not fetch high prices. The 1976 D silver dollar Type 1 in MS 66 + was sold for $660 at Heritage Auctions.
The highest grade for this variety is MS 67, and the 1976 D silver dollar Type 1 in MS 67 bagged $8,813 at Heritage Auctions. The Professional Coin Grading Service graded only 8 coins in this grade, meaning that the low population of this coin makes them highly valuable.
Regarding the Type 2 variety with the "D" mint mark, the Denver Mint struck over 82 million of Eisenhower silver dollar Type 2, which is not very valuable. Depending on the condition, you can get a dollar or two for this coin in lower grades.
The 1976 D silver dollar in MS 67 Type 2 was sold for $1,920. Remember, the Denver and Philadelphia Mint struck the 1976 bicentennial Eisenhower silver dollars for business and everyday transactions. These do not have any special finishes or glosses.
On the other hand, the San Francisco Mint struck regular dollars and proof coins, which have a wonderful luster and shine. As you probably know, the proof coins are not meant for circulation but for archival purposes, testing the dies, and as in this case, for collectors. These coins have an "S" mint mark.
The San Francisco Mint struck dollars in clad and silver composition. The clad bicentennial Eisenhower dollars also have two types. Type 1 has thicker lettering, and the tail of the final "S" of the word "STATES" curbs upwards toward the center of the letter "E."
Type 2 has a thinner letter, and the tail of the final "S" in "STATES" is roughly on the same level as the bottom of the letter "E." Both types are available in fairly equal quantities, or in other words, they are pretty common.
This means that they can easily be obtained in conditions such as MS 66, MS 67, and even MS 68. However, the most valuable and rare pieces are the ones in MS 69, especially if it is the Type 1.
The 1976 Proof Clad Eisenhower silver dollar Type 1 in PR 70 DCAM, the highest grade and the best finish, was sold for $7,657 at Heritage Auctions.
The 1976 S Clad Eisenhower silver dollar Type 2 in the same grade, PR 70, sold for $2,400. The silver bicentennial pennies are also selling for nice money.
Considering the high mintage of the 1976 Eisenhower silver dollar, it is expected that some mistakes would happen during production. Let's check them out!
As you already know, certain errors can boost the price of a coin, especially if it is in good condition. For example, the 1976 S Eisenhower silver dollar (silver composition) with the struck-through error was sold for over $1,500.
On the other hand, the 1976 S Proof Eisenhower silver dollar in PF 64 CAMEO with reverse lamination mint error was sold for $500.