If you are into coin collecting—or even just stumbled upon some old coins in a drawer—you might want to check for the 1972-S Eisenhower dollar. Believe it or not, this coin, if it is in the right condition, could be worth up to $3,700 today. So, what is so special about it?
The 1972-S Eisenhower dollar was not released for regular circulation. It was minted by the San Francisco Mint, specifically for collectors, using a 40% silver alloy—a major difference from the standard copper-nickel coins most of us are used to seeing. Because of this limited release, and its precious metal content, it already stands out. But what really sends its value soaring is the grade it receives from professional coin grading services.
If your 1972-S Eisenhower coin gets certified at MS69 (Mint State 69)—which means it is nearly perfect—it could be worth thousands. In fact, according to auction records, these top-grade coins have sold for as much as $3,700.
How can you tell if you have a 1972-S Eisenhower silver dollar?
You might be wondering, “How do I know if I have the valuable one?.” Start by looking for the mintmark. The 1972-S Eisenhower dollar will have an “S” mark just below Eisenhower’s neck on the obverse side of the coin. That “S” stands for the San Francisco Mint.
Next, check the edge and the weight. The 40% silver version will have a slightly different edge than standard coins—it will appear more silvery and smooth, unlike copper-nickel coins, which have a two-tone look with a visible copper stripe. The silver Eisenhower dollar also weighs more, coming in at around 24.59 grams.
Also, make sure the coin was not circulated. The high-dollar examples are typically from proof sets or special collector issues, meaning they were never used in everyday transactions and are free of scratches or wear.
Where can you get your Eisenhower dollar coin appraised or graded?
Now, if you think you found a 1972-S Eisenhower dollar in great condition, do not just stick it back in the drawer. You will want to have it graded by a reputable service like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation).
These grading services will examine the coin under magnification and assign it a grade from 1 to 70. An MS69 grade is extremely rare—and that is where the money is. Even if it does not hit MS69, you could still be looking at a value of $10 to several hundred dollars, depending on its grade.
Many local coin dealers can help you get the grading process started, or you can submit the coin directly if you are comfortable navigating the process online.
How many 1972-S Eisenhower dollars were minted?
If you are curious about how rare this coin actually is, here is what you need to know. The San Francisco Mint produced about 2.2 million uncirculated silver Eisenhower dollars in 1972. While that may sound like a lot, it is relatively low in the world of coin production, especially for coins made specifically for collectors.
And keep in mind: Not all of those survived in pristine condition. Over time, many were handled, scratched, or stored improperly. That is why finding one in MS69 condition is so rare—and so valuable.
So, yes, these coins are out there, but finding one in near-perfect shape is the real prize.
Can you still find the 1972-S Eisenhower coin in circulation?
Let’s be real—you are not likely to find this coin in your change at the grocery store. Because it was never released into general circulation, it will not be mixed in with everyday money.
However, if you inherited a coin collection from a family member, or if you have old mint sets gathering dust in the attic or closet, it is worth checking. People often do not realize what they are holding onto. Your coin box or keepsake drawer might just contain a small fortune in the form of this often-overlooked Eisenhower dollar.
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