If you’ve ever found yourself staring at an old coin, wondering about its worth, you’re not alone. For collectors and casual finders alike, the 1972 Bicentennial Silver Dollar, also known as the “Ike Dollar,” can be a real gem—though its value may surprise you. While many 1972 Ike dollars aren’t worth much more than their face value, some hidden treasures could fetch thousands of dollars at auction.
1972 Bicentennial Silver Dollar
The Eisenhower Dollar, often referred to as the “Ike Dollar,” was introduced in 1971 as a tribute to the 34th President of the United States, Dwight D. Eisenhower, who passed away in 1969. The coin itself was much larger and heavier than other U.S. coins, which led to its unpopularity for general circulation. In fact, Ike dollars were rarely used for day-to-day transactions but were common in West Coast casinos and as commemorative items.
The 1972 edition of the Ike dollar was especially significant because it featured a design that honored the Apollo 11 mission to the Moon—a mission that captured the world’s attention in 1969. The reverse side of the coin depicted an eagle landing on the Moon with Earth in the background. This made the coin not only a commemorative item but also a symbol of America’s achievements in space.
Bicentennial Silver Dollar Value 1972
The 1972 Ike Dollar came in two primary versions: a copper-nickel clad coin and a silver-clad coin, which contained 40% silver. Coins minted in San Francisco were silver-clad, while those produced in Philadelphia and Denver were made of copper and nickel.
The value of a 1972 Bicentennial Silver Dollar largely depends on the following factors:
- Mint Type and Location: As mentioned earlier, only coins minted in San Francisco were made of 40% silver, which automatically increases their value. These are commonly referred to as “silver-clad” Ike dollars.
- Condition: Like with most collectible items, the condition of the coin plays a major role in its value. Coins in perfect condition (graded MS69) can fetch thousands, while coins in lower grades (like MS60) might only be worth their face value or slightly more.
- Rarity: Some coins are simply rarer than others, due to errors during the minting process or limited production numbers. For example, the 1972 S Proof Silver Dollar is one of the most valuable varieties, especially those graded in PR70.
What Makes Your 1972 Silver Dollar Special?
If you’re lucky enough to have a 1972 Bicentennial Silver Dollar, it could potentially be worth far more than its original price of one dollar. Here’s why:
1972 S Silver Clad Dollar (40% Silver): The San Francisco mint produced a limited number of silver Ike dollars in 1972. These coins were often sold in special packaging, which means they are still in decent condition today. However, most of the 1972 silver Ike dollars were not particularly rare. A coin in good condition (MS65 or MS66) might be worth between $25 and $125. But for coins graded higher, such as MS69 or MS70, you could be looking at values ranging from $1,500 to over $2,000. In some rare cases, even higher prices have been recorded for top-grade coins.
Proof Coins (PR70): The proof versions of the 1972 silver Ike dollar are considered even more valuable. While most proof coins are affordable, those in perfect condition (graded PR70) can command prices up to $4,000 or more. One such coin even sold for $4,715 at auction in 2002, setting a record for this series.
Rare 1972 Errors That Could Skyrocket the Value
While most 1972 Bicentennial Silver Dollars are valuable in themselves, the real treasure might be hiding in your collection if you have one of these rare minting errors:
No Mint Mark (1972-S): A very small number of 1972 Ike dollars were struck without the “S” mint mark, making them highly collectible. These error coins can sell for $20 to $25, or more, depending on their condition.
Filled “G” in GOD: Due to a die flaw, some 1972 Ike dollars have a filled “G” in the word “GOD” on the reverse side. This error can increase the coin’s value to a few dozen dollars, and even more if it’s in great condition.
Doubled Die Obverse (DDO): Some 1972 Ike Dollars from the Denver Mint feature a doubled image of Eisenhower’s portrait. These doubled die errors are rare, with coins fetching anywhere from $30 to $500 depending on their grade.
Clipped Planchet and Off-Center Errors: Errors such as clipped planchets or off-center strikes are also collectible and can increase a coin’s value to between $100 and $150, depending on how significant the error is.
How to Determine Bicentennial Silver Dollar Value 1972
To get an accurate sense of the value of your 1972 Bicentennial Silver Dollar, it’s important to have it professionally graded. The most popular grading scales are from the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) and the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS). Coins are graded on a scale from MS60 to MS70 for mint state coins, with MS70 representing a perfect coin with no visible flaws.
A simple online search or a visit to a coin shop can help you find the current market value for coins based on their grade. As of June 2025, uncirculated 1972 Ike dollars can sell for anywhere between $1.05 and $2000, depending on their condition and type.
Also Read: Bicentennial Silver Dollar Value: Could Your 1976 Coin Be Worth Thousands?
Conclusion: Is Your 1972 Bicentennial Silver Dollar Worth $2,000?
So, is your 1972 Ike dollar hiding a treasure worth $2,000? It depends! While the majority of these coins are worth only a few dollars over their face value, the rare, uncirculated versions—especially those with minting errors—can be worth much more. The key is to know what you’re looking for and to have your coin properly evaluated.
If you think you might have a valuable coin, don’t hesitate to seek expert advice. Who knows? Your 1972 Bicentennial Silver Dollar might just be the next big find in the world of coin collecting!