1972 Silver Dollar Value

The value of a 1972 silver dollar depends on several factors, such as the condition, rarity, and demand. A typical 1972 Eisenhower silver dollar in uncirculated condition is worth around $20, while a proof coin can be worth several times that amount. A 1972 D Silver Dollars in pristine condition sell for as much as $2000.

It’s essential to note that the 1972 Eisenhower dollar was made in silver and non-silver, so check your coin’s composition before determining its value. Learn more about this classic coin by reading this article.

1972 Silver Dollar Overview

The 1972 silver dollar value depends on several factors, including condition and rarity.

The 1972 Silver Dollar was minted to commemorate the bicentennial of the United States. The coin has a diameter of 38.1 mm and a weight of 24.59 grams. 

The coin’s obverse features Liberty’s bust, while the reverse portrays an eagle in flight. John Mercanti designed both sides of the coin.

However, coin collectors had many pieces at the time of issue, which are still in excellent condition today. As a result, these coins can be worth significantly more than the circulated examples.

There are two different types of 1972 silver dollars:

1. The ones minted with a regular business strike obverse (commonly called a “Type I” coin) 
2. The ones minted with a special proof like obverse (known as a “Type II” coin). The Type II coins are much scarcer and, therefore, more valuable

The condition of your coin also has a major impact on its value. A well-preserved coin with minimal wear and tear can be worth several times as much as a heavily circulated example in poor condition.

Circulated Eisenhower Dollars from 1972 are worth between $1.05 and $1.50. On the open market, 1972 D Silver Dollars in pristine condition sell for as much as $2000.

Related: The 1972 Kennedy Half Dollar Value, History, Errors & Mintage

Historical Background of the 1972 Silver Dollar

The 1972 silver dollar was a commemorative coin issued by the United States Mint to mark the bicentennial of the American Revolution. The design on the obverse (front) of the coin features a portrait of the Founding Father and third President of the United States, Thomas Jefferson.

The reverse (back) of the coin depicts an eagle in flight, an inspiration from the Great Seal of the United States.

Typically, Congress authorizes the issuance of commemorative coins like the 1972 silver dollar to support important causes and events. In this case, proceeds from the sale of the coin help fund projects related to the bicentennial celebration. 

Coin collectors bought over 6 million 1972 silver dollars, making it one of the most successful commemorative coins ever issued by the United States Mint.

Related: 1923 Silver Dollar Value in 2023

The Eisenhower Dollar mintage was done from 1971 to 1978. It was the first dollar coin minted since the Peace Dollar to replace the Susan B. Anthony dollar, which had proven unpopular with the public. Congress authorized the Eisenhower dollar on December 31, 1970.

President Richard Nixon signed the insurance of commemorative coins into law on July 9, 1971. The 1972 Silver dollar coin bears the name of the General of the Army and the 34th President of the United States, Dwight D. Eisenhower, who appears on the obverse side.

The Eisenhower dollar contains 40% silver. The clad version, which began production in 1973, includes an inner layer of 79% copper and 21% silver bonded to an outer layer of 80% copper and 20% silver.

Unfortunately, this sandwich construction caused many coins to stick together during production, so the minting company developed a new process to separate the coins.

Eisenhower dollars were minted in Denver (D), Philadelphia (P), and San Francisco (S) Mints in both uncirculated and proof finishes until 1978, when lack of interest led to a suspension of production.

In August 1996, Congress passed legislation authorizing the mintage of up to 45 million Eisenhower dollars for circulation.

What Makes a 1972 Silver Dollar Valuable?

There are a few things that make a 1972 silver dollar valuable. Firstly, it contains Silver, which is a precious metal. Secondly, it is a collector’s item due to its availability in limited edition. Lastly, it got historical value mint during the bicentennial year of the United States.

Related: 1896 Silver Dollar Value

How Can I Tell if My 1972 Eisenhower Dollar Is Silver?

There are several ways to tell if your 1972 Eisenhower dollar is silver. First, you need to weigh your 1972 Eisenhower dollar to determine if it contains Silver and check its color. 40% Silver issue weighs 24.59g, and Clad issue coins weigh 22.68g.

To be sure, consult a professional numismatist or take your coin to a reputable dealer for authentication.

You can also check your coin date and mint mark. The 1971-S, 1972-S, 1973-S, 1974-S, and 1776–1976-S issues are silver, while others are clad (although a few dozen Denver examples from 1974–1977 were struck incorrectly on silver planchets).

Another way to check is by checking the coin’s rim. A silvery rim with a light blue streak indicates a 79/21 copper core with an 80/20 silver finish.

If you think you have a 1972 Silver Eisenhower dollar, take it for appraisal by a professional to be sure.

Are All 1972 Eisenhower Dollars 40% Silver?

Not all 1972 Eisenhower Dollars are 40% silver. Between 1971 and 1976, only the BU and Proof versions had 40% silver content. There are three types of 1972 Eisenhower Dollars: those with a clad composition, those with a 90% silver composition, and those with a 40% silver composition. The type of coin you have depends on the mint mark.

Coins without a mint mark were struck at the Philadelphia Mint and are composed of 50% copper and 50% nickel bonded to an inner core of pure copper. These coins are worth face value only.

Coins bearing a “D” mint mark were struck at the Denver Mint and are composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. These coins are worth their weight in Silver.

Coins bearing an “S” mint mark were struck at the San Francisco Mint and are composed of 90% silver and 10% copper; however, these coins were specially minted for collectors and therefore carried a higher premium than other Eisenhower Dollars.

Related: 1889 Morgan Silver Dollar Value – Mint Mark, No Mint, City

Which Eisenhower Dollars Have 40%, Silver?

The Eisenhower Dollars with 40% Silver are the pennies issued in B.U. and Proof version between 1971 and 1976. The coin highlight includes the following:

• The coin arrives packed in an individual plastic flip
• Contain 40% Silver
• Contain .3161 Troy oz of actual silver content in the coin
• Bear a face value of $1
• The obverse side contains a picture of President Eisenhower on the left
• Circulated condition

Related: What Makes a 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar Rare?

Which Eisenhower Dollars Are 90% Silver?

The Eisenhower dollars with 90% Silver by West Point Mint is a limited edition coin. They are the only coins in the U.S. to feature two portraits of an individual on the same side, tributing President Eisenhower’s 100th birthday in 1990.

Features

• Box color: Green
• Edge: Reeded
• Diameter: 38.1 millimeters
• Composition: 90% Silver, 10% Copper
• Silver Content: 0.77344 ounces
• Weight: 26.73 Grams

1972 Silver Dollar Value No Mint Mark

A 1972 Silver Dollar without a mint mark is worth around $17 if in excellent condition. In uncirculated conditions, the price jumps to about $70. The value of a coin depends on its condition, scarcity, and desirability.

With so many factors at play, it’s essential to consult a reliable source when trying to determine the value of your coins.

1972 Silver Dollar Value Kennedy

The 1972 Silver Dollar Value Kennedy has a face value of one dollar and contains 0.7734 troy ounces of Silver. According to NGC Price Guide in January 2023, a coin in circulated condition can trade between $0.60 and $0.75.

The coin designer is Frank Gasparro, and it bears the likeness of President John F. Kennedy on the obverse and the Presidential Seal on the reverse. The coin has a mintage of just over 3 million pieces from the Philadelphia Mint. Most coin pieces were sold through the U.S.

Mint’s Proof Set program and many examples exist in high grades. The coin is also popular with numismatists who appreciate its historical significance and place in American coinage history.

Related: 1882 Silver Dollar Value

1972 Silver Dollar Error

There were about 2.2 million coins produced in an uncirculated condition known as the “blue lkes” and over $1.8 million “brown lkes” version. However, some of the 1972 Silver Dollar coins are rare because they contain some errors. These errors include the following:

• Double Die Error

A double die error is the most common error you will find on a 1972 Silver Dollar coin. However, the error does occur during production when a planchet moves slightly between the die and the strikes—resulting in a double image. 

The value of a coin with a double die error will depend on the quality of the coin and where the error mark is available. Usually, you can find the error on both sides of the coin or one side.

• Clipped Planchet Error

A planchet error does occur during the minting process, and any attempt to correct the affected part usually leaves the coin with an unusual shape. For example, a 1972 dollar was produced with a clipped planchet and was missing 3% of its surface area. In 2003, during an auction, one lucky coin collector bought the coin for $31.

What Year Silver Dollars Are Most Valuable?

A 1794 “Flowing Hair” specimen holds the most valuable silver dollar coin. This penny is the first dollar minted by the U.S. Mint firm in Philadelphia. The coin featured Lady Liberty’s image on one side and was auctioned for over $10 million in 2013.

Is It a Good Time to Sell My 1972 Silver Dollars?

It’s no secret that the value of precious metals like Silver has been rising recently. So, if you’re thinking about cashing in on your 1972 silver coins, now might be a good time to do it.

According to NGC Price Guide 2023, a 1972 coin in the circulated condition is worth between $1.05 and $1.50. Coins graded MS66 can fetch between $50 and $550, depending on your coin condition.

There are a few things to keep in mind before selling your coins. For starters, getting an accurate appraisal of your coins is essential. This way, you’ll know how much they’re worth and avoid being taken advantage of by a buyer.

There are a few different ways to get an appraisal, but the most reliable method is to take them to a professional coin dealer or numismatist.

Once you’ve got a fair price in mind, it’s time to start shopping around for buyers. If you’re looking for the highest possible price, you’ll want to sell your coins directly to a dealer or collector.

However, if convenience is more important than getting top dollar, selling online or at a local coin shop may be the better option. 

There are always risks involved in any sale, so be sure to do your research and proceed with caution. But if you’re smart about it, selling your 1972 silver coins can be a great way to cash in on their current value.

Related: Bicentennial 1776 to 1976 Half Dollar Value – A Complete Guide

Are 1972 Silver Dollars Growing in Value?

Yes. The 1972 Silver Dollars coins are growing in value. In the past decade, the value of Silver has increased significantly. This has led many people to wonder if their old Silver coins from 1972 are worth anything.

However, the value of your coin will depend on a few factors, including the coin’s condition, rarity, and current market conditions. So if you have any old Silver coins from 1972, it might be time to get them appraised.

What Makes a 1972 Silver Dollar Rare?

Coins mints with errors are rare and usually highly sought after  by collectors. They can fetch more than the standard coins. The 1972 Type 2 Silver Dollar was accidentally struck with a reverse die that was intended for proof coins only. Only 40,000 of these coins are believed to exist today.

Almost all of these coins circulated, have considerable wear, and are difficult to identify. Most 1972 Silver dollars are worth no more than $1.25 and $1.50 today, depending on the condition of your coin. However, the rare Type 2 coin can fetch between $100-200.

How to Care For and Preserve a 1972 Silver Dollar

If you’re lucky enough to have a piece of a 1972 Silver Dollar coin, you’ll want to take steps to care for it.  Here are the measures to take:

Cleaning and Preservation Techniques

You can safely clean silver-plated coins by adding a few drops of mild soap (not detergent) to a glass of warm distilled water. Soak the coins gently, turning them over after a few hours.

Proper Storage and Handling

Proper storage is essential for any coin, especially one as valuable as a 1972 silver dollar. Keep it in a cool, dry place, furthest from direct sunlight or artificial light.

An airtight container will help protect it from moisture and environmental damage. You may also want to consider storing it in a bank vault or other secure location.

When handling your coin, be sure to use clean, dry hands. Avoid touching the surface of the coin as much as possible.

If you must handle it, do so gently and carefully. Never clean or polish your coin, as this can damage the surface and devalue the coin.

Tips for Preventing Damage to a 1972 Silver Dollar

There are a few things you can do to help ensure your 1972 silver dollar remains in pristine condition for years to come.

First, be sure to keep it in a cool, dry place. Second, avoid exposure to sunlight or other bright light sources. Third, don’t handle it too much – fingerprints can cause long-term damage. Finally, consider storing it in a protective case or sleeve. 

Conclusion

Collecting coins can be a rewarding and enjoyable hobby. However, as with any collectible item, the value of 1972 silver dollars depends on its condition, rarity, and demand from collectors.

While some are worth more than others due to their grade or mintage year, they all hold an exciting history that makes these coins unique for any collector. So, take the time to research your collection; you may possess a precious piece.

References

• USmint.gov
• Jmbullion
• Providentmetals
• Ngcoins