1972 Dollar Value (2026 Guide): Errors List, “D”, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth

The 1972 Dollar value ranges dramatically based on subtle design variations that most owners never notice. Three distinct types were minted that year, each showing different details of Earth on the reverse.

A Type 1 in Good condition sells for $1.00, while the scarce Type 2 commands $9.03, and in MS (Mint State, meaning uncirculated) grade that gap widens to $32.80 versus $396.80. Type 3 coins, valued at $3.88 in Good condition, display the most defined geographical features with clearly visible islands.

Understanding which variety you own directly impacts value. While most 1972 Dollars traded at face value during circulation, identifying the correct type today can reveal whether you hold a common piece or a key date worth significantly more to collectors.

 

1972 Dollar Value By Variety

Market values vary significantly by grade and type. The chart below shows current pricing for 1972 Dollars from circulated to mint state condition, reflecting real marketplace data. If you know the grade of your coin, you can find the exact price below in the Value Guides section.

Also Read: Eisenhower Dollar Value (1971-1978)

 

Top 10 Most Valuable 1972 Dollar Worth Money

There are striking value differences among 1972 Eisenhower dollar coins based on their grade and variety. The 1972 Type 2 variant in MS66 grade commands $14,400, making it the most valuable on this list. This variant was accidentally struck with a reverse die intended for proof coins only, which explains its premium status.

The second position belongs to the 1972-D MS67+, valued at $13,200. This auction record was set at Heritage Auctions in July 2023.

The third-ranked coin, the 1972 Type 1 in MS66, reaches $7,475. While also a Philadelphia mint product, its value is roughly half that of the Type 2 variant. This difference stems from the Type 1 being more common.

Denver mint coins demonstrate consistent collector demand across multiple grades. Beyond the top-ranked MS67, lower grades maintain significant premiums with MS63 reaching $7,200 and MS62 fetching $6,325. These figures reflect strong interest in well-preserved specimens from the higher-mintage Denver facility.

The lower portion features 1972-S Silver variants ranging from $3,680 to $5,750. These coins contain 40% silver and were sold in special packaging, contributing to their collector appeal despite their lower relative values.

The absolute ceiling for the Type 2 was reset in August 2024, when a PCGS MS66+ CAC specimen sold for $15,870.38 at GreatCollections — the highest recorded price for any 1972 Eisenhower dollar to date.

 

History of The 1972 Dollar

When President Dwight Eisenhower died on March 28, 1969, Congress moved swiftly to honor his memory with a commemorative dollar. The decision reflected his extraordinary dual legacy.

As Supreme Commander of Allied forces in Europe during World War II, Eisenhower planned and supervised Operation Torch in North Africa and the D-Day invasion of Normandy, two of the war’s most consequential campaigns. He later served as the nation’s 34th president from 1953 to 1961.

The proposal received widespread bipartisan support, though debate over the coin’s composition delayed its passage for more than a year. A key obstacle was Representative Wright Patman, who blocked the bill in the House by attaching it to a bank holding company bill he needed passed — a political maneuver that forced a compromise on the coin’s composition.

That compromise, spelled out in the Bank Holding Company Act Amendments of 1970, authorized circulation strikes in copper-nickel clad while allowing up to 150 million silver-clad collector coins drawn from Treasury silver stockpiles. Finally, on December 31, 1970, President Richard Nixon signed the legislation just minutes before the midnight deadline — he had intended to let the bill pass without his signature, but aides realized that inaction would result in a pocket veto.

Designed by U.S. Mint Chief Engraver Frank Gasparro, who had long dreamed of placing Eisenhower on a coin, production began in early 1971 with the Mint striking over 125 million pieces that year. By 1972, production increased to over 170 million. Despite what COINage magazine called “near-heroic measures on the part of the Mint,” the dollar failed to circulate broadly. Numismatist Clement F. Bailey noted in a 1974 COINage article that “the circulation value of the coin has been nil,” with Nevada casinos as the coin’s primary commercial outlet.

During 1972, the Philadelphia Mint produced three distinct reverse varieties as the design was refined. A notable secondary characteristic of all 1972-S coins: the serifs at the foot of the “R” in LIBERTY are missing across all San Francisco issues that year — a feature collectors call the “Peg Leg” variety that was corrected once better die steel arrived. The Mint deployed that harder die steel later in 1972, which also resolved the Type 1’s low-relief problems.

The 1972 issue thus represents a pivotal year marked by design refinements and the creation of varieties that would later become highly sought after by collectors.

Also Read: Top 100 Rarest Silver Dollar Coins Worth Money (Most Expensive)

 

Is Your 1972 Dollar Rare?

Download the CoinValueChecker App to instantly identify your 1972 Dollar’s type and grade through photo recognition, then check current market values based on verified auction data.

 

Key Features of The 1972 Dollar

The 1972 Eisenhower Dollar stands out for its large size and dual-composition format, with circulation strikes made from copper-nickel clad and special collector versions struck in 40% silver.

What makes the 1972 issue particularly notable is the existence of three distinct reverse varieties, each reflecting the Mint’s ongoing efforts to refine the design during the coin’s second year of production.

Importantly, the 1971 and 1972 Philadelphia and Denver clad business strikes were never included in annual Mint Sets — the first clad Ike to appear in a Mint Set was the 1973 issue. That absence eliminates the standard preservation channel that keeps other coins in pristine condition, making truly gem-quality 1972 specimens genuinely scarce.

The Obverse Of The 1972 Dollar

The obverse features Frank Gasparro’s portrait of President Dwight D. Eisenhower in left-facing profile, with the inscription “LIBERTY” positioned above the portrait. Left the president’s bust appears the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST,” while the date “1972” is positioned below Eisenhower’s image.

The mintmark, when present, appears on the obverse below Eisenhower’s neck, just above the date. Philadelphia-minted coins bear no mintmark, Denver coins display a “D,” and San Francisco pieces show an “S.” A quick mintmark check is your first step to identifying whether your coin could contain 40% silver — only “S” mint coins are silver.

The Reverse Of The 1972 Dollar

The reverse features an adaptation of the Apollo 11 mission insignia, showing an eagle landing on the moon’s surface while clasping an olive branch. This design was based on the mission patch conceived by astronaut Michael Collins and others, representing both the historic lunar landing and the peaceful intentions of the mission.

Above the eagle’s wing appears a depiction of Earth, showing the continents and the Caribbean region. The shape of this Earth image — specifically how Florida, Cuba, and the Caribbean islands appear — is the single most important detail for identifying which of the three 1972 varieties you own. The UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and the denomination surround the composition, along with the 13 stars, and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” appears above the eagle’s head.

Other Features Of The 1972 Dollar

The copper-nickel clad circulation strikes measure 38.50 millimeters in diameter and weigh 22.70 grams. These coins feature a composition of 75% copper and 25% nickel outer layers bonded to a pure copper center, with a reeded edge of 198 individual reeds.

The large size made the 1972 Eisenhower Dollar the same diameter as earlier silver dollar coins like the Morgan and Peace dollars, though slightly lighter in weight.

The silver-clad versions produced at San Francisco weigh 24.60 grams and share the same 38.50-millimeter diameter with a reeded edge. These special collector coins feature outer layers of 80% silver and 20% copper bonded to a center core of 79% copper and 21% silver, resulting in an overall 40% silver content.

The silver-clad coins contain 0.3161 troy ounces of pure silver, giving them a melt value of approximately $14.89 based on a silver spot price of $47.10 per ounce (November 2025). This melt value acts as the absolute floor for any 1972-S coin regardless of condition.

Also Read: Top 100 Most Valuable Morgan Silver Dollar Coins Worth Money List

 

1972 Dollar Mintage & Survival Data

The 1972 Eisenhower Dollar mintage totaled approximately 170 million coins across three facilities. Philadelphia struck 75,890,000 pieces split among three reverse types, while Denver minted 92,548,511 coins. San Francisco focused exclusively on collector issues, striking 2,193,056 uncirculated silver pieces — available by mail order from August 1 through October 16, 1972 — and 1,811,631 proof versions in 40% silver composition, with the ordering window running from May 1 through July 15.

The survival data reveals striking contrasts among the Philadelphia varieties. Type 1 and Type 3 coins maintained similar survival rates at 46.12% and 47.17% respectively. Type 2 stands apart dramatically, with only 500,000 coins surviving from the same original mintage — a mere 0.66% survival rate.

This scarcity stems from the accidental use of a proof die for circulation strikes, making most Type 2 coins indistinguishable once they entered circulation and suffered wear.

Denver-minted coins achieved a remarkable 99.41% survival rate. The silver issues from San Francisco have unknown survival figures for most versions, though the DCAM proofs show a 76.5% survival rate with 1,385,897 examples remaining from the original struck.

In May 1972, Treasury Secretary John Connally testified before a Senate committee that the average profit on each silver Eisenhower dollar was $3.89 — a margin he called “just unconscionable” — yet Mint officials refused to lower prices, fearing backlash from buyers who had already purchased coins at the higher price.

Also Read: Top 40+ Most Valuable Presidential Dollar Coins Worth Money

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1972 Dollar Value

Check your 1972 dollar’s value by examining the mintmark below Eisenhower’s neck and observing the Earth’s shape with Caribbean islands on the reverse.

For instant, accurate results, use the CoinValueChecker App—simply snap a photo to identify your coin’s type, mintmark, composition, and current worth automatically.

 

1972 Dollar Value Guides

The 1972 Eisenhower Dollar offers collectors eight distinct categories, each with unique characteristics and value considerations. These varieties range from common circulation strikes to rare proof specimens, appealing to both beginning and advanced numismatists (coin collectors and scholars).

The Philadelphia Mint varieties showcase design evolution:

• 1972 Type 1 Dollar – Low relief with flattened Earth appearance; Cuba appears as a blob, Florida as a stump
• 1972 Type 2 Dollar – Series key date, struck with accidental proof die; nicknamed the “King of the Ikes”
• 1972 Type 3 Dollar – Most geographically accurate reverse design, introduced September 1972

The other mint facilities contributed additional varieties:

• 1972-D Dollar – Denver issue, highest survival rate among varieties at 99.41%
• 1972-S Silver Dollar – Uncirculated 40% silver “Blue Pack” collector edition, sold at $3 each by mail
• 1972-S Silver Proof Dollar – Mirror-finish 40% silver “Brown Pack” specimen packaged in wooden boxes
• 1972-S Silver CAM Dollar – Cameo (CAM) contrast proof with frosted devices against mirrored fields
• 1972-S Silver DCAM Dollar – Deep Cameo (DCAM) proof, the strongest contrast finish and most desirable designation

Each category presents different opportunities for collectors. Type 2 commands significant premiums due to its scarcity, while Type 1 and Type 3 remain more accessible. The silver issues from San Francisco were sold exclusively to collectors and typically exhibit superior strike quality compared to circulation pieces.

 

1972 Type 1 Dollar Value

Philadelphia Mint produced three 1972 reverse varieties as Frank Gasparro adjusted designs for improved die steel introduced mid-year. The harder steel enabled better detail and longer die life. Type 1 used initial low-relief dies designed for tough copper-nickel planchets.

This type shows Cuba as a distorted blob and Florida as a truncated stump, with islands falling right of Florida’s edge. Jamaica appears only southeast rather than its proper position. The soft strike produces indistinct features throughout.

According to PCGS population data as of April 2025, the service has recorded 3,538 grading events for Type 1, with 653 pieces at MS65 (Gem Uncirculated), 20 at MS66, and only two at MS66+. The entire population ceiling sits at MS66+, with nothing finer certified anywhere. MS66+ specimens have reached $11,500, while MS66 examples command $3,250–$3,500. These absolute population limits make registry competition exceptionally intense for anyone chasing the finest-known examples.

The coin’s 38.1mm size and soft relief left surfaces prone to bag marks during distribution, which explains why so few rise above MS65. The MS66+ ceiling creates absolute limits for registry collectors, as no finer examples exist despite the variety’s large mintage.

Comprehensive auction data tracks this variety’s performance across major sale venues since 2005.

Market activity over the past twelve months shows an increasing demand for certified examples in all grades.

 

1972 Type 2 Dollar Value

The 1972 Type 2 Eisenhower Dollar emerged when Philadelphia accidentally deployed a proof die for circulation strikes. The variety shows higher relief with indistinct Caribbean islands that merge beneath Florida, contrasting sharply with the defined landmasses on Types 1 and 3.

Numismatists nickname it the “King of the Ikes” — it is the undisputed key date of the entire Eisenhower dollar series. A NGC MS66 specimen realized $14,400 at Heritage Auctions in August 2022. That record was then shattered when a PCGS MS66+ CAC example sold for $15,870.38 at GreatCollections in August 2024, setting the all-time high for any 1972 Eisenhower dollar.

Production came from a single reverse die, yielding an estimated 100,000 strikes with fewer than 50,000 surviving in attributable condition. The coin’s exclusion from 1972 Mint Sets removed the standard preservation channel, making gem survivors genuinely scarce. PCGS population data from April 2025 shows only 3,070 total grading events, with 160 coins at MS65, 13 at MS66, and just two at MS66+. The top population across all three grading services — PCGS, NGC, and CAC — has been frozen at these levels since at least October 2024.

A critical warning for buyers: because of the coin’s high value, altered coins are common in the marketplace. Counterfeiters often remove Caribbean islands from Type 1 or Type 3 examples to mimic the Type 2. Always authenticate using a positive diagnostic — the long, funnel-like Florida peninsula — rather than simply the absence of visible islands. Buy only PCGS or NGC certified examples for any Type 2 valued over $100.

This combination of single die, accidental creation, and restricted preservation creates three-dimensional rarity that Types 1 and 3 cannot match, supporting favorable long-term value dynamics.

A review of past auction results reveals pricing patterns across different grade levels.

Tracking recent activity offers insight into collector demand fluctuations for this key date issue.

 

1972 Type 3 Dollar Value

The 1972 Type 3 Eisenhower Dollar represents the Mint’s refined geographical rendering, featuring Florida’s accurate coastline contours and Cuba positioned correctly southwest and southeast of the peninsula. This design is the most geographically accurate of the three varieties — the changes were almost certainly made to correct the unrealistic landmass depictions that had drawn criticism.

Introduced in September 1972, this refined reverse became the default design for all subsequent Philadelphia issues through 1978. It does not appear in 1972 Mint Sets due to its late introduction in the calendar year.

PCGS population data as of April 2025 shows 3,492 grading events for Type 3, with 716 coins at MS65, 52 at MS66, and five at MS66+. NGC has certified one example at MS67, making it the only 1972 Philadelphia clad issue with a known MS67 specimen. Market results show steady demand at the top end: a PCGS MS66+ CAC example realized $8,718.75 at GreatCollections in February 2024, while an MS66 brought $2,040 at Heritage Auctions in May 2024.

Population figures reinforce this structure, with 726 pieces graded MS65 and only 53 in MS66, offering accessible mid-grade entry points while keeping high-end competition intact. As the long-term standard reverse for the series, it remains a core variety for full Eisenhower sets.

Archived auction data captures this variety’s performance across multiple grade tiers.

The tracking mechanisms monitor twelve-month collector engagement patterns.

 

1972-D Dollar Value

The 1972-D’s size and weight work against its preservation. During bag shipment, these copper-nickel clad pieces sustained surface marks and contact damage more readily than smaller denominations. Most survivors grade MS60–65, while MS66 pieces grow scarce and MS67 specimens qualify as rare.

PCGS CoinFacts notes that the 1972-D is “probably the second toughest Denver circulation strike Eisenhower dollar from the Type 1 issues,” with only the 1978-D proving scarcer in very high grades. In MS66 grade it is comparable to the 1973-D in rarity.

Market pricing reflects this scarcity ladder. MS67 examples trade around $3,150, though auction results fluctuate considerably. A top-graded PCGS MS67+ piece reached $13,200 at Heritage Auctions in July 2023, while a Stack’s Bowers MS66 example sold for $1,920 in November 2024. More recent MS66 results at Heritage and GreatCollections ranged from $1,020 to $3,360, demonstrating meaningful price volatility at that grade level.

Among Type 1 Denver issues, only the 1978-D proves scarcer in top condition, making the 1972-D a meaningful target for serious Eisenhower set builders.

Collectors can examine detailed auction histories documenting individual specimen performance.

Market activity chart tracks collector demand throughout the past twelve months.

 

1972-S Silver Dollar Value

San Francisco Mint handled a unique role during the Eisenhower series, producing 40% silver pieces exclusively for collectors in both uncirculated and proof formats.

These uncirculated silver dollars, though struck using business strike methods, were never released for circulation. Instead, they were sold by mail order at $3 each, packaged in blue envelopes that gave rise to the “Blue Ike” nickname. The ordering window ran from August 1 through October 16, 1972.

The 1972-S uncirculated addressed quality issues that plagued the 1971-S release. The 1971-S suffered from milky surfaces and careless handling during shipment from San Francisco to Denver for packaging. By 1972, these production problems had been corrected, resulting in significantly superior quality. The typical certified 1972-S grades MS66 or MS67 — a marked improvement over the typical 1971-S, which usually grades MS63–MS65.

As of May 2025, PCGS has graded 42 examples at MS69, with NGC reporting 20 at that level. PCGS MS69 examples have sold for $2,200 to $4,312.50 at Heritage Auctions across multiple sales dating back to 2007. MS68 examples trade around $125, while base uncirculated examples start around $13 — reflecting both silver content and numismatic interest.

The table below chronicles significant auction milestones for this scarce San Francisco issue.

Meanwhile, the accompanying chart reveals recent market dynamics spanning twelve months.

 

1972-S Silver Proof Dollar Value

The 1972-S Silver Proof Dollar maintains modest pricing in the collector market, with most survivors grading between PR66 and PR69 (PR = Proof grade) due to careful handling in original brown wooden boxes. These mid-grade examples typically trade for $13 to $26, reflecting adequate supply from the 1,811,631-piece mintage.

The coin’s 40% silver composition establishes a value floor near melt value, though this provides limited upside since the metal content contributes roughly $14.89 at current silver prices. The proof version was available by mail order from May 1 through July 15, 1972.

The PR69 level shows the most common high-grade tier at around $26, though prices vary based on eye appeal and surface quality. Top-grade PR70 specimens rarely appear and command significantly higher premiums when available — in April 2002, a PR70 DCAM sold for $4,715 at Heritage Auctions, though current PR70 DCAM pricing has moderated to $400–$425, a roughly 91% decline as population figures expanded through resubmissions.

What’s more, striking anomalies occasionally surface in the marketplace. One notable example is a PR63 specimen featuring a detached silver reverse layer that realized $3,450 at Heritage Auctions in 2010 — a dramatic demonstration of the technical challenges inherent in the coin’s multilayer construction.

The complete record of public auction sales traces this issue’s pricing evolution across all grade levels.

Market activity over the past year reflects ongoing collector interest in this coin.

 

1972-S Silver CAM Dollar Value

The 1972-S Silver Proof Dollar CAM (short for Cameo) represents a visual middle tier within the proof designation hierarchy. A Cameo coin shows frosted, white-looking design elements contrasting against highly polished mirror fields — an effect produced by fresh proof dies. The stronger the contrast, the higher the CAM or DCAM designation.

Most 1972-S proofs stored in original brown box packaging develop toning over decades due to interaction between the silver composition and the plastic holder. Blue-toned haze appears commonly on 1972-S issues, sometimes mixing with green, while attractive bullseye patterns remain scarce.

This chemical reaction affects value significantly. A PR68 CAM example featuring desirable toning realized $800 on eBay in June 2019 — nearly triple typical PR68 pricing — as collectors prize aesthetically superior surfaces over coins with unattractive haze or discoloration. Standard PR67 CAM and PR68 CAM specimens without notable toning brought $456 and $360 respectively in 2019, establishing baseline pricing for the designation.

The cameo effect diminishes as dies wear down during production, so coins struck from fresh dies show the most dramatic frost. Population data suggests CAM coins appear with moderate frequency, serving specialists but generating limited crossover appeal beyond dedicated collectors.

The coin’s historical auction results illustrate its performance and value trends in the collector market.

Recent market patterns reveal how collector demand shifts across different quality tiers throughout the year.

 

1972-S Silver DCAM Dollar Value

The 1972-S Silver Proof Dollar DCAM (Deep Cameo, sometimes written UCAM by NGC) demonstrates how modern proof valuations collapsed as certification practices evolved. The DCAM designation requires maximum device frost — bright white, heavily frosted design elements against deeply mirrored fields. It represents the highest visual quality tier for proof coins.

A PR70 DCAM specimen brought $4,715 at Heritage Auctions in April 2002, when such grades remained exceptional. Current PR70 DCAM pricing has moderated to $400–$425, reflecting a roughly 91% decline as population figures expanded through decades of resubmissions and refined grading standards.

Survival estimates place approximately 1,178,012 examples at PR65 or better, though the deep cameo designation requires maximum device frost against mirrored fields — an effect produced by fresh proof dies that diminishes with wear. The DCAM designation functions as the market’s de facto standard for this issue, concentrating collector demand while leaving non-DCAM examples with limited appeal beyond budget buyers.

Below is a summary of this coin’s historical auction results for reference.

Observing current market trends helps gauge collector attention and liquidity for the 1972‑S Silver Deep Cameo.

Also Read: 17 Rare Dollar Coin Errors List with Pictures (By Year)

 

Rare 1972 Dollar Error List

The 1972 Eisenhower dollar series witnessed several minting anomalies that elevated ordinary coins into collectible rarities. Production facilities across Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco created errors ranging from planchet mistakes to die doubling.

These manufacturing defects occurred during the second year of Eisenhower dollar production, when minting challenges with large-format coins remained prevalent. The large diameter of these coins made them particularly susceptible to a range of errors during the striking process.

1. 1972-S Silver DDO FS-101

Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) errors occur when the die receives multiple impressions from the hub during production, creating overlapping images on struck coins. A planchet moves slightly between strikes, resulting in doubled design elements visible under magnification. On 1972 Eisenhower dollars, doubling appears most prominently on LIBERTY, the date, and IN GOD WE TRUST.

The magnitude and location of doubling determines value. Prominent doubling on major design elements commands higher premiums than minor varieties. Collectors use magnification to identify genuine doubled dies versus machine doubling or strike doubling (a type of mechanical damage), which hold no premium whatsoever.

Values range based on doubling strength and coin grade. Specimens with clear, well-defined doubling in uncirculated condition typically bring $100 or more. Higher-grade examples with exceptional doubling can reach several hundred dollars.

2. 1972 Wrong Planchet Errors

A wrong planchet error occurred when proof Eisenhower dollar dies struck clad Kennedy half dollar blanks at San Francisco. The diameter mismatch resulted in incomplete design transfer, with LIBERTY curving beyond the planchet edge. Both denomination and composition differ from intended specifications — proof Eisenhower dollars were struck on silver-clad planchets, while clad Kennedy half dollars were struck at the same facility, creating the opportunity for a mix-up.

The 30.6mm half dollar planchet could not accommodate the full 38.1mm dollar design. Eisenhower’s profile appears on-center, but peripheral lettering falls outside the struck area — the “I” in IN and the “G” in GOD fall outside the design on the undersized planchet. Multiple examples exist with varying degrees of off-center strikes.

In October 2021, GreatCollections offered a PF67 DCAM example of this error that attracted 89 bids and sold for over $2,800. A second example — struck 98% off-center on the same clad Kennedy half planchet — was certified PF62 and brought $322 in the same auction session. These represent unintended planchet mixing during proof production.

3. 1972 Broadstrike Errors

Broadstrike errors result when the retaining collar fails to contain the planchet during striking. Without lateral restraint, metal flows outward under tonnage pressure, creating coins with expanded diameter and plain edges. The standard reeded edge disappears completely.

Normal 1972 Eisenhower dollars measure 38.1mm with 198 reed marks. Broadstrikes measure larger with smooth, unfinished edges. Design elements appear spread across increased surface area. Values start around $125 for typical examples, while a documented example has been offered for $1,299 on the collector market.

Attribution requires measuring diameter and confirming absent reeding. Collectors seek these for error type collections, as broadstrikes demonstrate mechanical failure during the minting process.

4. 1972 Clipped Planchet Errors

A clipped planchet error occurs when the blank is punched incorrectly from the metal strip, leaving a curved or straight missing portion on the finished coin. On a 1972-D clipped planchet, certified MS62 by PCGS, the error is visible as a bite taken out of the coin’s edge. Examples have sold at Heritage Auctions, with typical prices starting around $31 for minor clips and rising significantly for larger, more dramatic examples.

Clipped planchets are identified by a smooth curved absence on the rim and corresponding weakness in the design detail directly opposite the clip — a diagnostic called the “Blakesley effect.”

5. 1972 Unique Overstruck Cent Dies Error

Among the most spectacular known errors in the entire Eisenhower dollar series is a unique 1972 Eisenhower dollar overstruck twice by 1972 Lincoln cent dies, certified PCGS MS63. Reported by veteran error coin specialist Mike Byers — a rare coin dealer of 45+ years specializing in major mint errors — this “saddle strike” was created when a struck Eisenhower dollar was intentionally placed underneath two adjacent Lincoln cent die pairs and struck simultaneously.

Only one example of this type is known, making it unique in the numismatic universe. It has been authenticated and certified by PCGS. Byers, author of reference materials on major U.S. mint errors, described this piece as ranking “at the very top of the list” of world-class mint errors he has personally handled.

 

Where To Sell Your 1972 Dollar?

Now that you understand your 1972 Dollar’s potential value, selecting the best selling platform is crucial. Each marketplace offers unique advantages tailored to different seller needs and coin conditions.

Check out now: Best Places To Sell Coins Online (Pros & Cons)

 

1972 Dollar Market Trend

*Market Trend Chart showing the number of people paying attention to this coin.

 

FAQ About the 1972 Dollar

1. What makes the 1972 Type 2 dollar so rare and valuable?

The 1972 Type 2 is rare because it was accidentally struck with a proof die instead of a standard circulation die — a single-die error that was corrected as soon as it was discovered. Estimated production was around 100,000 coins, but fewer than 50,000 survive in attributable condition. PCGS has graded only 3,070 examples total, with just 13 at MS66 and two at MS66+. The all-time auction record is $15,870.38 at GreatCollections in August 2024.

2. How do I tell which of the three 1972 Philadelphia types I have?

Look at the Earth image above the eagle’s right wing on the reverse under a magnifying glass. On Type 1, Florida looks like a short stump and Cuba appears as a round blob. On Type 2, Florida shows as a long triangular peninsula but the Caribbean islands appear faint and merged. On Type 3, the most geographically accurate version, Florida and Cuba appear close to their real shapes with clearly defined Caribbean islands visible nearby.

3. Is my 1972 dollar silver? How do I check without testing it?

Check the mintmark below Eisenhower’s neck on the obverse. If it shows an “S,” your coin is 40% silver and was minted exclusively at San Francisco for collectors. No “S” mintmark means your coin is copper-nickel clad with no silver content at all — a simple rule that eliminates all guesswork. A 1972-S silver coin weighs 24.60 grams, while a clad coin weighs 22.70 grams, so a kitchen scale can also confirm composition.

4. What is the melt value of a 1972-S silver dollar?

Each 1972-S Eisenhower dollar contains 0.3161 troy ounces of pure silver. Based on a silver spot price of approximately $47.10 per troy ounce (November 2025 reference), the melt value is roughly $14.89. This represents the absolute floor value for any 1972-S coin regardless of condition — even cleaned, damaged, or heavily worn examples are worth at least this much in silver content.

5. What are the 1972-S dollar prices by grade?

The 1972-S silver dollars have a base silver melt value of approximately $14.89, regardless of condition. Well-preserved pieces typically range from $13 to $50 depending on grade.

For certified high-grade coins:

• MS67: $25–$55
• MS68: $100–$125
• MS68+: $875
• MS69: $2,200–$4,312 (42 certified by PCGS as of May 2025)

Proof versions in PR69 DCAM achieve near $36, with PR70 DCAM examples reaching $425.

6. Were 1972 Eisenhower dollars ever used in regular commerce?

Almost never. Despite a mintage of over 170 million coins in 1972, the Eisenhower dollar failed to circulate broadly. Numismatist Clement F. Bailey wrote in a 1974 COINage magazine article that “the circulation value of the coin has been nil.” Nevada casinos were the primary outlet for these coins, preferring them over privately issued casino tokens. Their large size and weight made them unpopular for everyday use.

7. Why are gem-quality 1972 clad dollars so hard to find?

Two factors combine to make gem clad 1972 Eisenhower dollars genuinely scarce. First, the coin’s large size (38.1mm) and heavy weight (22.70 grams) made surfaces prone to bag marks and contact damage during bulk distribution. Second, 1971 and 1972 dated clad Eisenhower dollars were never included in annual U.S. Mint Sets — the standard way coins get preserved in pristine condition. The first clad Ike to appear in a Mint Set was the 1973 issue, meaning 1971 and 1972 coins had no institutional preservation channel.

8. What is the “Peg Leg” variety on 1972-S dollars?

The “Peg Leg” variety refers to the missing serif at the foot of the “R” in LIBERTY on the obverse. This feature is absent on all 1972-S Eisenhower dollars — both uncirculated and proof versions — because the Mint had not yet switched to the harder die steel that restored the serif later in the series. The missing serif makes the “R” look like it has a plain, blunt leg rather than the traditional angled base. Researcher Rob Ezerman devoted four chapters to Peg Leg documentation in his book Collectible Ike Varieties: Facts, Photos, and Theories.

9. What are the most pricey Eisenhower dollars ever sold?

• The 1976-S PR66 Eisenhower clad dollar (Type 2) — $41,400
• The 1973-S PR67 Eisenhower silver dollar (Indented Planchet Error) — $40,250
• The 1971-S PR68 DCAM Eisenhower silver dollar (Type 1 Reverse) — $30,550
• The 1972 Type 2 MS66+ CAC — $15,870.38 (GreatCollections, August 2024)
• The 1973-S MS69 Eisenhower silver dollar — $17,500

10. How should I store or handle my 1972 Eisenhower dollar to preserve its value?

Handle the coin only by its edges, never touching the faces — finger oils cause permanent toning and can reduce a grade. Store uncertified coins in inert, non-PVC holders such as Mylar flips or hard plastic capsules; PVC flips leave a green residue that damages coin surfaces over time. Keep coins away from sulfur-containing materials like rubber bands, which accelerate silver toning. For coins potentially worth $100 or more, professional certification through PCGS or NGC protects authenticity, locks in the grade permanently, and dramatically improves resale liquidity in the marketplace.