1973 Dollar Coin Value (Errors List, “D”, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth)

The 1973 Eisenhower dollar wasn’t made for your wallet. Unlike earlier years, the U.S. Mint skipped circulation entirely and sold these coins only through special sets—a decision that created some surprising price gaps today.

Consider the 1973-D dollar: face value in worn condition, but $62.50 in mint state. The 1973-S Silver DCAM ranges from $11.00 in good grade to $25.78 in proof condition. These swings trace back to limited production and how they reached collectors.

Here’s what drives these numbers and which versions are worth keeping.

 

1973 Dollar Value By Variety

The table below shows how different 1973 dollar varieties perform across various grades, from basic circulated coins to top-tier specimens. 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 1973 Dollar Worth Money

Top-tier 1973 dollars reach price levels that reflect their scarcity in pristine condition. The 1973-S Silver PR67 holds the auction record at $40,250, set in 2008. This proof coin’s extreme rarity in top grades makes it the series standout.

An MS69 example of the 1973-S Silver sold for $17,500, with only a handful certified at this level by major grading services. The Denver mint’s regular strike follows at $12,925 in MS67 grade, benefiting from the year’s limited production run.

The gap between these premium pieces and typical specimens is substantial. A standard 1973 in MS67 brings $6,600, while the 1973-S Clad PR70 reaches $5,405. Both represent strong values but remain more accessible than their silver counterparts.

Condition sensitivity drives these numbers—most 1973 dollars were carelessly handled at the mint, making high-grade survivors genuinely scarce rather than artificially rare.

 

History of The 1973 Dollar

The Eisenhower Dollar launched in 1971 to honor the late president and commemorate the Apollo 11 moon landing. Production totals for the first two years were enormous: 116.38 million coins in 1971 and 168.44 million in 1972. The large copper-nickel dollars, however, struggled to gain traction in everyday commerce.

By 1973, America faced mounting economic troubles. Inflation surged to 8.8 percent that year. Nixon had ended gold convertibility in 1971, and his wage and price controls were beginning to fail. The October 1973 Arab oil embargo would soon quadruple oil prices, deepening the crisis.

Against this backdrop, the Mint made a decisive shift. Rather than strike dollars for circulation, officials produced only two million pieces from each mint for inclusion in collector sets. This marked the first time Eisenhower dollars were sold exclusively to collectors rather than released through banks.

The decision reflected economic reality. Large dollar coins had proven impractical, and the Federal Reserve showed no interest in ordering more. President Nixon signed bicentennial coinage legislation in October 1973, already looking ahead to the next chapter.

The 1973 dollar thus became a transitional piece—caught between the series’ ambitious start and an uncertain economic future.

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

 

Is You 1973 Dollar Rare?

CoinValueChecker App reveals instant rarity rankings, showing you exactly where your 1973 dollar stands compared to others in the collector market today.

 

Key Features of The 1973 Dollar

Recognizing the specific design elements of the 1973 dollar helps collectors authenticate their coins and spot potential varieties. Each component carries historical significance, from the presidential portrait to the space-age imagery that defined this era of American coinage.

The Obverse Of The 1973 Dollar

Frank Gasparro designed the obverse based on a sketch he made in 1945 after glimpsing General Eisenhower during a victory parade in New York. The design presents Eisenhower’s left-facing profile with strong, dignified features.

The word LIBERTY wraps around the top of the coin between the rim and Eisenhower’s head, while the date 1973 appears at the bottom. The motto IN GOD WE TRUST sits in front of the president’s neck.

Philadelphia-struck pieces bear no mintmark. Denver coins display a small “D” below the bust. San Francisco pieces show an “S” in the same location.

The design intentionally mirrors the layout of the Washington quarter, giving the dollar a familiar American aesthetic while honoring the 34th president’s military and political legacy.

The Reverse Of The 1973 Dollar

The reverse depicts an eagle representing the Lunar Module Eagle swooping low over the Moon’s surface, holding an olive branch in its claws. This design came from astronaut Michael Collins’ Apollo 11 Mission Patch.

Key elements include:

• Eagle in descent: Central figure with left wing raised, clutching an olive branch symbolizing peace
• Lunar surface: Textured moon landscape beneath the eagle
• Earth: Depicted above the eagle’s head with North America prominently visible
• UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: Wraps around the top adjacent to the rim
• E PLURIBUS UNUM: Positioned above the eagle below the ring of stars
• Thirteen stars: Small five-pointed stars circle around the eagle, representing the original colonies
• ONE DOLLAR: Wraps around the bottom of the design

Other Features Of The 1973 Dollar

The standard 1973 and 1973-D dollars feature copper-nickel clad composition. These coins contain 75% copper and 25% nickel over a pure copper center, weighing 22.70 grams.

The 1973-S silver versions have outer layers of 80% silver and 20% copper with a center of 79% copper and 21% silver, weighing 24.60 grams. This 40% silver content makes them heavier and more valuable than their clad counterparts.

All 1973 dollars measure 38.50 millimeters in diameter with a reeded edge. The reeding serves both decorative and security purposes, making the coins harder to counterfeit.

This large size matches the classic Morgan and Peace dollars, making the Eisenhower series America’s last big dollar denomination before the switch to smaller coins in 1979.

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

 

1973 Dollar Mintage & Survival Data

The Philadelphia and Denver issues share nearly identical figures. Both mints struck approximately 2 million coins, with current survival estimates at 1.9 million pieces each. This yields survival rates above 94%, reflecting their mint set distribution and careful handling by collectors.

The S Clad version stands out with the highest mintage at 2,760,339 coins. However, its survival rate drops to 81%. This suggests more casual handling or storage over the decades compared to the carefully preserved Philadelphia and Denver examples.

Silver versions show varying degrees of documentation. The S Silver DCAM variant recorded 1,013,646 at mintage, with 775,439 pieces tracked today—a 76.5% survival rate. Meanwhile, the S Silver uncirculated (869,400 mintage), S Silver Proof, and S Silver CAM variants lack comprehensive survival data, though their collector-focused nature likely preserved most examples.

The survival patterns reflect how collectors treated different versions. Mint set coins from Philadelphia and Denver received consistent protection, while proof coins from San Francisco experienced more variable long-term care despite their premium positioning.

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

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1973 Dollar Value

The easy way to understand your 1973 dollar’s worth starts with examining its mint mark location. Next, check the coin’s condition by looking at wear patterns, luster quality, and contact marks under proper lighting using the 1-70 grading scale. Note that 1973 Eisenhowers often show bag marks from mint handling.

For accurate authentication and professional assessment, try the CoinValueChecker App—it streamlines identification to verify your coin’s true characteristics and current value.

 

1973 Dollar Value Guides

The 1973 Eisenhower dollar series splits into seven distinct types based on mint location, composition, and finish.

• 1973 No Mint Mark Dollar – Philadelphia clad issue sold only in mint sets
• 1973-D Dollar – Denver clad version distributed through collector mint sets
• 1973-S Silver Dollar – Uncirculated 40% silver “Blue Ike” for collectors
• 1973-S Clad DCAM Dollar – Copper-nickel proof included in standard proof sets
• 1973-S Silver Proof Dollar – Mirror-finish 40% silver in brown presentation boxes
• 1973-S Silver CAM Dollar – Cameo proof with moderate frosted design contrast
• 1973-S Silver DCAM Dollar – Deep cameo proof featuring dramatic contrast and frost

Each variety serves a different collector segment. Philadelphia and Denver coins appeared exclusively in mint sets with copper-nickel composition.

San Francisco specialized in premium collector pieces. The silver uncirculated dollars came in blue envelopes (“Blue Ikes”), while silver proofs arrived in brown boxes with gold eagle seals (“Brown Ikes”). The clad proof represented a new addition to standard proof sets.

Cameo designations apply only to proof coins. Most 1973-S Silver proofs range from PR67-69 Deep Cameo condition, with CAM showing moderate contrast and DCAM displaying the strongest frosted effects against mirror fields.

 

1973 No Mint Mark Dollar Value

The 1973 No Mint Mark Dollar never entered everyday commerce. Unlike earlier issues that reached collectors through banks, this coin was produced solely for the Mint’s annual Uncirculated Coin Set. Unsold sets were melted, so every piece today traces to a collector.

This limited release came with refined craftsmanship. The Mint switched to hardened 52100 die steel, producing crisper strikes on Eisenhower’s hair and the eagle’s feathers. Researcher Rob Ezerman notes that original planchet marks are often mistaken for wear—useful when evaluating condition.

These qualities are reflected in market value. Well-preserved MS66 examples typically sell for $400 to $600, with attractively toned pieces exceeding $1,000.

In January 2016, a specimen from former Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley Jr.’s collection sold for $7,638 at Heritage Auctions—showing what this coin can achieve at its finest.

For a complete look at past sales, see the historical auction records below.

The following chart shows how collector interest has trended over the past year.

 

1973-D Dollar Value

Throughout the series, coins from the Denver Mint typically display a sharper, cleaner look, often with full luster and an almost polished appearance. The 1973-D is no exception to this pattern. By contrast, Philadelphia issues tend toward duller surfaces and weaker detail.

Like its Philadelphia counterpart, the 1973-D was distributed only through Mint Sets. Typical uncirculated examples bring just $5 to $20, with MS65 specimens selling for around $32 and MS67 achieving for 2,650.

The real challenge lies higher: MS68 examples are virtually elusive because Eisenhower dollars are large, heavy, and prone to surface imperfections during handling.

In June 2013, an MS67 specimen sold for $12,925 at Heritage Auctions’ Long Beach event. The timing was pivotal—collectors were just beginning to recognize condition rarity in modern issues, and this sale validated the 1973-D as a serious collectible.

That coin was tied with ten other specimens for the finest known of this date and mint mark, a reminder that at the top tier, even common-seeming coins become genuinely rare.

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.

 

1973-S Silver Dollar Value

The 1973-S silver dollar presents a compelling rarity profile, with most examples grading MS64 to MS67 while MS68 specimens become substantially scarcer and MS69 pieces remain genuinely rare with only a handful confirmed.

This scarcity drives clear value stratification: MS66 examples trade around $32-35, offering accessible quality for set builders. Premium MS68 coins command $130-165, delivering exceptional eye appeal at reasonable premiums. The pinnacle MS69 grade, representing fewer than a dozen survivors with pristine surfaces, reaches approximately $11,000.

Investment potential remains strong as collector demand for this key date continues growing while the finite survivor pool constrains supply. The improved striking quality from hardened die steel ensures well-preserved examples showcase superior detail.

For serious collectors, MS68 specimens offer optimal positioning—delivering near-perfect quality while avoiding the exponential premiums of MS69 pieces whose populations remain essentially static.

Here displays historical auction records for certified specimens.

The chart illustrates its recent market activity over the past twelve months.

 

1973-S Clad DCAM Dollar Value

The 1973-S Clad DCAM marks the first year San Francisco included copper-nickel proofs in regular proof sets, responding to collector demand for all circulating denominations. Previously, San Francisco only offered silver Eisenhower proofs sold separately at premiums.

Despite over 2.7 million minted, the 38.5mm surface develops flecks, hairlines, and spotting over time. PR69 DCAM examples trade around $30, readily available despite minor imperfections. PR70s are genuinely rare: only 67 certified examples exist, commanding about $3,700, with the 2015 Heritage record at $5,405.

Additionally, there are two signature variants—David Hall Signature (PR69: $90) and Miles Signature (PR69: $60). Hall founded modern third-party grading; Standish became the first full-time professional grader and pioneered signature programs.

These variants honor industry pioneers and offer documented provenance for registry builders. The modest premiums make them worthwhile for serious collectors seeking pedigreed material, though they appeal primarily within established numismatic circles.

The following table summarizes notable auction results for the 1973‑S Clad Deep Cameo, illustrating the premium commanded by top-tier examples over time.

The recent one-year market activity chart highlights current collector interest and value trends for this issue.

 

1973-S Silver Proof Dollar Value

The 1973-S Silver Proof typically settles between $10-21 for PR65 and higher grades in today’s market, yet one example defied this norm entirely.

In January 2008, Heritage sold a PR67 specimen indented by a 1.73-gram foreign planchet for $40,250—ranking among the top three auction records for the entire Eisenhower series.

Several factors created the premium. The mated-pair format—an indented dollar sold alongside its struck planchet—greatly increased scarcity. And major proof errors are exceptionally rare, as San Francisco’s quality control caught most anomalies early.

The 1973-S’s already low mintage of 1,013,646 pieces added further rarity, while the new 52100 die steel introduced that year delivered sharper strikes that made the indent’s crisp impression stand out even more.

For collectors pursuing normal, error-free examples, grade and surface quality dictate prices within tight ranges. Clean PR67–PR68 coins without spots sit near the upper end, while toned or lightly marked pieces settle near the minimum values regardless of the label.

Complete auction records document the full pricing spectrum from routine trades to exceptional errors.

Market activity over the past twelve months shows steady interest of this proof dollars.

 

1973-S Silver CAM Dollar Value

Die-preparation inconsistencies at San Francisco through 1977 produced erratic frost application, and the 1973-S Silver Proof CAM designation reflects that reality—coins with partial frost that fell short of DCAM yet surpassed standard proof contrast.

Even some PR70 DCAM pieces show weak hair detail or muted lunar frost, indicating that CAM coins were often accurately labeled while higher-tier designations sometimes benefited from grading leniency.

Market behavior reinforces this ambiguity: PR68 CAM examples have sold for $23, yet the designation’s auction record hit $264 for the same grade—a big spread driven entirely by visual quality within identical holders.

Specialists also note that many PR69 coins lack true visual “pop,” making high-grade CAM pieces especially inconsistent. In practice, the designation became a catchall for proofs showing incomplete die-state characteristics during years when San Francisco struggled with stable frost transfer.

Sales records illuminate how CAM specimens serve distinct collecting strategies—budget-conscious completionists versus premium-focused enthusiasts.

Market performance over the past year reflects collectors’ measured approach to this middle-tier designation.

 

1973-S Silver DCAM Dollar Value

San Francisco struggled with frost application consistency through 1977, producing visible quality variations within the DCAM designation. Brown packaging proved susceptible to atmospheric interaction, generating spotting that disqualified technically sound coins from top grades over decades of storage.

A typical PR67DCAM trades around $34, while PR69 DCAM examples reach $30-55—modest premiums reflecting ample certified populations at both levels. PR70DCAM prices hover around $1,350. The tens of times multiplier from PR69 to PR70 demonstrates genuine scarcity at technical perfection versus deep availability one point lower, where thousands exist to satisfy collector demand.

With approximately 775,439 survivors from 1,013,646 mintage, natural attrition eliminated roughly 24% through melting, loss, and damage. Certification data reveals concentration at mid-grade levels where surface quality supported professional assessment without commanding PR70 premiums.

Recent auction performance demonstrates its appeal across multiple grade levels and certification services.

For collectors and investors alike, the chart below highlights how demand for the issue has played out in the market over the past year.

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

 

Rare 1973 Dollar Error List

While the majority of 1973 Dollars were distributed exclusively through mint sets rather than general circulation, manufacturing irregularities occasionally escaped quality control protocols.

These deviations from standard production parameters have transformed ordinary dollar coins into prized specimens that auction houses and specialized dealers actively seek.

1. 1973-S Silver DDO FS-101

The 1973-S Silver Doubled Die Obverse designated as FS-101 represents a hub manufacturing anomaly that occurred during die production at the San Francisco facility. This variety exhibits doubled design elements across the obverse, particularly visible in the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” and select letters within “LIBERTY.”

Collectors should observe doubling in the lower right portions of the motto letters, with particular attention to the upper areas of “G” in “GOD” and “S” in “TRUST.” The diagnostic marker involves a curved die-polishing line crossing Eisenhower’s neck region—this feature helps distinguish genuine FS-101 specimens from similar master die doubling that appears on numerous 1973-S silver proofs.

Market performance demonstrates consistent collector demand. Auction records spanning recent years show certified examples in Proof-69 Deep Cameo grades realizing between $400 and $731, with lower-grade specimens occasionally appearing at more modest price points near $12.

2. 1973 Wrong Planchet Errors

A remarkable phenomenon occurs when production machinery inadvertently feeds incorrect metal blanks into striking chambers designed for different specifications.

The 1973-S silver proof dollars occasionally emerged on copper-nickel clad planchets—blanks intended exclusively for circulation-strike Eisenhowers rather than collector-grade silver compositions.

These specimens betray their improper origin through multiple physical characteristics. Precise weight measurements reveal approximately 22.68 grams instead of the mandated 24.59 grams for 40% silver planchets. Edge examination exposes the distinctive copper core sandwiched between cupro-nickel layers.

Discovery circumstances add intrigue to these errors. One documented example surfaced at face value from a California bank transaction, while another resided undetected within original “Blue Ike” mint packaging purchased at auction. The latter specimen, authenticated as Mint State 67, subsequently earned five-figure valuations despite its modest $6 acquisition cost.

3. 1973 Off-Center Strikes Errors

Off-center strikes materialize when planchets fail to position correctly between hammer and anvil dies, resulting in partial design transfer with significant blank areas remaining visible.

Valuation methodology for these errors follows established parameters within the collecting community. The percentage of misalignment directly influences desirability—specimens displaying 5% to 15% displacement typically represent entry-level examples, while those approaching 50% off-center achieve substantially higher premiums.

Date visibility constitutes another critical factor; collectors assign greater value to pieces retaining complete numerals compared to examples where partial digits appear or dates remain entirely absent.

For 1973 Eisenhower dollars specifically, off-center strikes command $300 to $800 depending on displacement severity and overall preservation.

 

Where To Sell Your 1973 Dollar?

Now that you understand your 1973 Eisenhower Dollar’s potential worth, selecting the right selling platform becomes crucial for maximizing your return. Here are reputable online coin marketplaces with their advantages and limitations.

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

 

FAQ About 1973 Dollar

1. Why is the 1973 Dollar considered special among collectors?

The 1973 Eisenhower Dollar holds a unique position in the series because it was never produced for general circulation. The Federal Reserve had no need to order any Eisenhower dollars in 1973, and none were struck for circulation.

The 1973 No Mint Markand 1973-D were the first Eisenhower dollars struck for inclusion in mint sets, and were, in theory, only available that way.

This limited distribution method resulted in significantly lower mintages compared to other years in the series, making well-preserved examples more desirable to collectors.

2. What is a 1973 Dollar worth today?

Values vary significantly based on condition and mint mark. Individually, ungraded 1973 Eisenhower Dollars sell for about $8 a piece. In Mint State 65, the 1973 Eisenhower Dollar carries a retail price of about $45.

In MS66, the 1973 Eisenhower Dollar sells for a range of $400-$450 at auction for non-CAC certified examples. Higher grades command substantially more, with top-population specimens reaching thousands of dollars.

3. Does the 1973 Dollar contain silver?

Only examples minted at San Francisco (marked with an “S”) contain silver. The 1973-S Silver Clad variety has a metal composition of 40% Silver and 60% Copper, with a weight of 24.59 grams.

The Philadelphia (no mint mark) and Denver (D) versions have a metal composition of 91.67% Copper and 8.33% Nickel, with a diameter of 38.1 mm and a weight of 22.68 grams.