1972 Silver Dollar Coin Value (Errors List & “S” Mint Mark Worth)

The 1972 silver dollar value depends on the coin type you want to buy. Even though both contain 40% silver, there are two versions with different purposes. One is Blue Ikes, coins from regular strikes in a blue envelope. Another option is the so-called Brown Ikes, a proof set provided in brown boxes.

Ike dollars never circulated widely throughout the US, and their primary use was in casinos along the west coast. Even though these heavy sizable coins are not particularly valuable and popular nowadays, some collectors prize them.

1972 Silver dollar value Chart
Coin type	MS 63	PR 65
1972 S Silver-clad dollar	$17	/
1972 S Silver-clad proof dollar	$10	$12
1972 Copper/nickel clad dollar Type 1	$22	/
1972 Copper/nickel clad dollar Type 2	$200	/
1972 Copper/nickel clad dollar Type 3	$40	/
1972 D Copper/nickel clad dollar	$22	/

History of the 1972 Eisenhower (Ike) Silver Dollar

New Eisenhower (Ike) dollars appeared in circulation in 1971, and the US Mint produced them until 1978. You can recognize two types of these coins, those made of silver-clad and copper/nickel clad.

Pieces made of precious metal are only one of two coin types containing 40% silver in the entire American coinage history. They were more sizable and heavier specimens than most coins produced in the US Mint. These coins appeared because Eisenhower supporters and the gambling industry joined together with a common goal.

Essentially, these dollars minting was possible thanks to a series of fortunate circumstances. Firstly, the law forbidding the use of this precious metal for coin production was canceled in 1970.

Secondly, Eisenhower died in 1969, and his admirers demanded a commemorative coin with his portrait on the obverse.

However, silver was still expensive, and silver dollar production was too costly, so a compromise was struck with silver-clad dollar minting. These coins were made predominantly of copper with a lower precious metal percentage.

You can recognize two silver Eisenhower dollar types based on the reverse appearance. The first issues from 1971 to 1974 depicted a bald eagle, while pieces struck from 1975 to 1976 were Bicentennial coins. They had the Liberty Bell on the reverse. The US Mint didn’t produce proof silver Ike dollars in 1977 and 1978.

1972 one dollar coin Types
Year	Location	Minted
1972 S silver dollar	San Francisco	2,193,056
1972 S silver dollar proof	San Francisco	1,811,631
1972 No Mint mark clad dollar Type 1 with the reverse showing the low relief	Philadelphia	75,890,000
1972 No Mint mark clad dollar Type 2 struck with a proof die, with the reverse showing a high relief	Philadelphia
1972 No Mint Mark clad dollar Type 3 with the reverse showing the high relief	Philadelphia
1972 D clad dollar	Denver	92,548,511
Total 1972 silver dollar mintage		4,004,687
Total 1972 dollar mintage		172,443,198

While all proof coins were minted in San Francisco, all three mints produced pieces from regular strikes. However, only those with the S mint mark were made of silver.

Unfortunately, these dollar coins were too heavy for everyday use. On the other hand, American casinos took the opportunity to include real coinage instead of less attractive tokens, gaining new visitors.

They grabbed regular Eisenhower dollars packed in blue envelopes, while proofs in the brown wooden boxes were intended for collectors.

Only about four million of the over 170 million Ike dollars produced in 1971 were made of silver. Their prices depend on their condition, rarity, and demand in the current coin market. For now, you can still find numerous silver Ikes in original government packaging, making them an excellent investment. 

Also read: 12 Most Valuable One-Dollar Coin Worth Money

Features of the 1972 Silver Dollar

The US Mint minted six Ike dollar types in 1972, including four copper-nickel clad varieties and two made of 40% silver. This year was the last one without copper-nickel-clad proofs, so you can find only silver-clad ones with this minting date on the obverse.

The obverse of the 1972 Eisenhower (Ike) silver dollar

The Eisenhower silver dollar obverse created by engraver Frank Gasparro depicts this President Ike’s image. It is framed with the minting year and the word LIBERTY placed along the coin rim. The only addition to this simple design is an inscription – IN GOD WE TRUST.

The reverse of the 1972 Eisenhower (Ike) silver dollar

This coin reverse is also Gasparro’s work. He shows an eagle clutching an olive branch in its talons while landing on the moon. It is a way to honor the Apollo 11 mission from 1969.

The UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and the denomination surround the composition, along with the 13 stars. Finally, the required Latin motto is above the eagle’s head.

This coin side also includes a tiny planet Earth in the background. This part of the reverse is responsible for dividing coins struck in Philadelphia into three groups, Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3.

1972 silver One dollar Details
Face value	One dollar ($1)
Compound	Silver clad (60% copper with 40% silver in total, with the outer layers containing 80% silver and the core made of 21% precious metal)
Coin thickness	0.102 inches (2.58 mm)
Coin diameter	1.5 inches (38.1mm)
Coin weight	0.792 troy ounces (24.624 g)
Silver weight	0.3161 troy ounces (9.83 g)
Edge	198 reeds (reeded)
Shape	Round

Other features of the 1972 Eisenhower (Ike) silver dollar

The 1972 Ike silver dollar is a silver-clad one-dollar coin with a reeded edge containing precisely 198 reeds. It is made of 60% copper with 40% silver in total. The outer coin layer is 80% silver, while the core contains 21% precious metal.

These sizable pieces weighing 0.792 troy ounces (24.624 g) have a share of silver of 0.3161 troy ounces (9.83 g). Their diameter is 1.5 inches (38.1mm), while each coin is thick by 0.102 inches (2.58 mm).

Also read: 14 Most Valuable Coins In Circulation

1972 Silver Dollar Value Guides

Total Eisenhower dollar mintage was 172,443,198 in 1972, but only 4,004,687 silver-clad pieces were minted in San Francisco. Of those, 2,193,056 Ike dollars were from regular strikes, while 1,811,631 coins were proofs.

1972 S silver dollar Value (regular strike)

Thanks to the silver content, the 1972 S Ike dollars are worth something, regardless of their condition. However, you can count on high prices for well-preserved pieces, although these barely 50 years old coins are considered modern.

Blue Ikes in the mint state are typically worth $9 to $50, but those at the highest rates are even more expensive. For instance, you should set aside $105 to $125 for the MS 68 silver dollar, while the MS 69 graded ones can quickly reach $2,000 to $2,500 at auctions.

Interestingly, the auction record is twice the estimated value. One collector paid $5,750 for the 1972 S MS 67 Ike silver dollar at Heritage Auctions in 2005.

1972 S silver dollar Value (proof)

If you plan to add one of Brown Ikes with DCAM quality to your collection, be prepared to pay approximately $9.50 to $16.50 per piece. The most expensive 1972 PR 70 silver dollars have estimated prices of about $300.

However, auctions can be a real surprise in this case. For instance, the most precious proof in the set is the rare 1972 S PR 70 DCAM Eisenhower silver dollar sold at $4,715 in 2002.

Also read: Top 10 Most Valuable Morgan Silver Dollar Worth Money

1972 Silver Dollar Grading

The Eisenhower dollar grading is crucial for collectors because this coin type is minted in numerous variants. You should know the minting year, the mint mark, each possible variation, and each piece condition to estimate its relevant value. Don’t be surprised when you discover that silver-clad Ike dollars are not the most pricey in the series.

Rare 1972 Silver Dollar Error List

Both blue and brown Ikes minted in 1972 came with a few specific errors that make them even more valuable. Let’s see.

No S mint mark

In 1972, the San Francisco mint released a limited amount of Ike dollars without the standard S mint mark. No one can say the exact reason, but it probably happened because of the following:

• A manufacturing error
• A temporary deficiency of the mint marks

Collectors often consider these pieces errors and are prepared to spend more money to get them than standard specimens.

Double die

This relatively common 1972 silver dollar error occurs when the die strikes a slightly moving planchet twice. The result is a more or less doubled image seen on one or both coin sides. Such pieces cost $55 to $100, but those with deep cameo contrast can reach up to $500.

Clipped planchet

Unexpecting clipping a planchet during minting gives the coin an atypical, sometimes weird shape. Some of these pieces can be highly appreciated and cost $30 to $100.

Silver dollar struck with the proof reverse

In rare cases, the reverse dies accidentally struck the regular 1972 silver dollar intended for proof pieces only, making these error coins collectible. It is estimated that about 40,000 still exist today, and collectors are prepared to pay $100 to $200 for one.

Filled G reverse

Some 1972 Eisenhower dollars have the word GOD with the atypically filled letter G. This error occurs occasionally and results from the die flaw. Some collectors like coins with this imperfection type.

Off-center

This error appears when the coin is improperly aligned during the minting process. In such a case, the design is moved at some percentage, increasing this piece’s value. For instance, the 1972 Eisenhower silver dollar with a 10% off-center error can cost approximately $200.

Die cracks

Die cracks error results from microscopic cracks or breaks on the dies. Once such dies struck planchets, they leave imperfections on the coins’ surfaces. In such a case, you can notice tiny lines in the metal along the design contours. The value of these silver dollars depends on the imperfection size.

Struck-through error

This unusual coin appeared after trapping a foreign item in the die before striking. It left an impression on these specimens’ surfaces, making them more expensive than regular pieces.

Where to Sell Your 1972 Silver dollar ?

Now that you know the value of your coins, do you know where to sell those coins online easily? Don’t worry, I’ve compiled a list of these sites, including their introduction, pros, and cons. 

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

FAQ about the 1972 Silver Dollar

What makes 1972 silver dollars rare?

The 1972 Eisenhower dollars are sizable American coins produced for regular use. Even though their mintage was significantly lower than clad pieces, they are relatively abundant nowadays. Therefore, their prices are affordable, except for some error coins and those with deep cameo contrast.

Which 1972 silver dollars are the most expensive?

• The 1972 S MS 67 Eisenhower (Ike) silver dollar sold in 2005 for $5,750
• The 1972 S PR 70 DCAM Eisenhower (Ike) silver dollar sold in 2002 for $4,715
• The 1972 S PR 63 Eisenhower (Ike) silver dollar sold in 2010 for $3,450
• The 1972 S PR 70 DCAM David Hall Signature Eisenhower (Ike) silver dollar sold in 2016 for $940
• The 1972 S PR 68 CAM Eisenhower (Ike) silver dollar sold in 2019 for $800
• The 1972 S PR 69 DCAM DDO Eisenhower (Ike) silver dollar sold in 2018 for $528
• The 1972 S PR 70 DCAM Fred Haise Eisenhower (Ike) silver dollar sold in 2022 for $520
• The 1972 S PR 69 CAM DDO Eisenhower (Ike) silver dollar sold in 2019 for $450
• The 1972 S PR 67 DDO Eisenhower (Ike) silver dollar sold in 2014 for $228
• The 1972 S PR 68 Brown Ike Eisenhower (Ike) silver dollar sold in 2020 for $100
• The 1972 S PR 69 DCAM Miles Signature Eisenhower (Ike) silver dollar sold in 2022 for $90
• The 1972 S PR 68 CAM Brown Ike Eisenhower (Ike) silver dollar sold in 2020 for $13

What are the 1972 S silver dollars prices?

The 1972 S silver dollars have at least a silver melting value, no matter how worn they are. Even well-preserved pieces are not particularly expensive, but you can count on about $9 to $50 per one and up to $125 for the MS 68 silver dollar. On the other hand, assessed prices for Ikes with the MS 69 grade are $2,000 to $2,500.

What are the most pricey Eisenhower (Ike) silver dollars?

• The 1973 S PR 67 Eisenhower (Ike) silver dollar ($40,250)
• The 1971 S PR 68 Eisenhower (Ike) silver dollar (Reverse PR, DCAM) Type 1 ($30,550)
• The 1971 S PR 68 Eisenhower (Ike) silver dollar DCAM ($18,000)
• The 1973 S MS 69 Eisenhower (Ike) silver dollar ($17,500)
• The 1974 S MS 68+ Eisenhower (Ike) silver dollar ($13,512.50)