Is a 1972 One Dollar Coin Worth Anything?
Is your 1972 dollar coin worth more than a dollar? Discover key factors and assessment tips to determine its true value.
The 1972 one-dollar coin, commonly known as the Eisenhower dollar, often prompts questions about its value beyond face value. This coin honors former President Dwight D. Eisenhower and commemorates the Apollo 11 moon landing. Many people wonder if these large dollar coins hold significant worth for collectors.
Identifying Your 1972 Dollar Coin
The 1972 dollar coin is part of the Eisenhower dollar series. These coins feature a portrait of President Eisenhower on the obverse, while the reverse displays an eagle landing on the moon, inspired by the Apollo 11 mission insignia. Frank Gasparro created the design on both sides.
The composition of a 1972 Eisenhower dollar varies, which impacts its potential value. Most circulating coins are copper-nickel clad. However, some collector versions, minted in San Francisco, contain 40% silver clad. To identify the mint, look for a small letter, or mint mark, on the obverse side, below Eisenhower’s neck and above the date. Philadelphia Mint coins typically have no mint mark, while Denver coins bear a “D” and San Francisco coins show an “S.”
Factors That Increase Value
The condition of a 1972 Eisenhower dollar plays a significant role in determining its value. Coins that show little to no wear from circulation, often described as “uncirculated,” generally command higher prices than those that have been used extensively. Even minor imperfections can decrease a coin’s numismatic value.
The presence and type of a mint mark also influence a coin’s worth. Coins with an “S” mint mark, struck at the San Francisco Mint, are particularly noteworthy. These “S” issues were primarily produced for collectors and include both proof and uncirculated silver-clad versions. Unlike copper-nickel coins, these 40% silver coins possess an intrinsic metal value often exceeding their face value.
Beyond condition and mint marks, specific errors and varieties can increase a 1972 Eisenhower dollar’s value. A notable example is the 1972 Type 2 reverse variety from the Philadelphia Mint. This rare variety features an altered depiction of the Earth on the reverse, where islands below Florida are absent or appear as a single lump, a result of a proof die being mistakenly used for circulating coinage. Other minting errors, such as double dies or off-center strikes, also make a coin more desirable.
Assessing Your Coin’s Worth
To assess your 1972 Eisenhower dollar’s worth, consult reputable coin price guides. Organizations like the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) and the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) offer online price guides and databases. These resources list values for coins based on their condition and characteristics, allowing you to compare your coin’s features against established market prices.
When using these guides, carefully match your coin’s condition to the grading standards provided. Identifying whether your coin is circulated, uncirculated, or a special proof strike is important for finding a comparable value. If you possess a coin that appears to be a rare variety or is in exceptionally high-grade condition, seeking a professional appraisal from a certified numismatist or submitting it to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC can provide a definitive valuation.
Common Values for 1972 Dollar Coins
Most 1972 Eisenhower dollars found in circulation are worth only their face value, or slightly more, ranging from about $1.05 to $1.50. These are the standard copper-nickel clad coins widely produced for everyday commerce. Even uncirculated examples of these common issues may only fetch a few dollars above their face value, unless they possess exceptional characteristics.
The coins with an “S” mint mark, produced in San Francisco and containing 40% silver, generally have a higher baseline value. Circulated silver-clad 1972-S Eisenhower dollars can be worth around $12.75 to $14. Uncirculated or proof versions of these “S” mint mark silver coins, especially those in pristine condition, can command significantly higher prices, potentially reaching into the thousands of dollars. The 1972 Type 2 reverse variety, a specific error from the Philadelphia Mint, represents a notable exception, with high-grade examples also selling for substantial amounts due to their rarity.