Eisenhower dollars were minted from 1971 to 1978 and were composed of a copper-nickel clad composition. However, some Eisenhower dollars contained 40% silver instead of being fully clad. These 40% silver Eisenhower dollars are commonly referred to as “silver clad” and were only produced in 1971 and 1972.
1971 Eisenhower Silver Clad Dollars
In 1971, the U.S. Mint produced Eisenhower dollars at both the Philadelphia and Denver mints. Coins minted for circulation were composed of a copper-nickel clad material consisting of an outer layer of 75% copper and 25% nickel surrounding an inner core of pure copper. However, the Mint also produced collector versions of the 1971 Eisenhower dollar that contained 40% silver. These silver clad Eisenhower dollars can be identified by looking for an “S” mint mark indicating they were struck at the San Francisco mint.
All 1971-S Eisenhower dollars are 40% silver except for those labeled as “Brown Ike” or “Blue Ike”. These nickel-clad versions were sold directly to collectors in plastic holders and lack any mint mark. Here are the key dates and mintages for 1971 silver clad Eisenhower dollars:
| Date & Mint Mark | Mintage |
|---|---|
| 1971-S | 6,868,530 |
| 1971-S Proof | 4,265,234 |
The proof versions with mirrored surfaces obviously contain silver as well. Any 1971 Eisenhower dollar with an “S” mint mark will contain 40% silver unless it is specifically labeled as a special uncirculated nickel-clad version.
1972 Eisenhower Silver Clad Dollars
In 1972, the U.S. Mint continued to produce silver clad Eisenhower dollars for collectors alongside the normal nickel-clad circulating coinage. As in 1971, the 1972-S Eisenhower dollars contain 40% silver in the outer layers.
There were three varieties struck:
- Regular uncirculated strikes
- Proof versions with mirrored surfaces
- Special uncirculated strikes labeled as “Brown Ike” and “Blue Ike” that lack mint marks and are nickel-clad rather than silver clad
Here are the mintages for the 1972 silver clad Eisenhower dollars:
| Date & Mint Mark | Mintage |
|---|---|
| 1972-S | 2,193,056 |
| 1972-S Proof | 3,902,901 |
As in 1971, any 1972 Eisenhower dollar with an “S” mint mark contains 40% silver unless specifically labeled as a special brown or blue uncirculated Ike variety.
Identifying Silver Clad Eisenhower Dollars
Here are some tips for identifying and authenticating silver clad Eisenhower dollars:
- Check the date and mint mark. Only 1971-S and 1972-S contain silver, with the exception of the special uncirculated collector versions labeled “Brown Ike” and “Blue Ike” that lack mint marks.
- Examine the edge. Silver clad Ikes have a sandwich look with copper in the center surrounded by silver layers on the rim. Regular clad coins do not have this distinct appearance.
- Check the weight. Silver clad Eisenhower dollars weigh 24.59 grams compared to 22.68 grams for regular clad 1971-1978 coins.
- Use a magnet. Silver clad coins are slightly attracted to a magnet due to their inner copper core. Normal clad coins have a stronger magnetic attraction.
- Perform a sound test. Silver clad Ikes produce a higher pitched “ring” compared to the more muted sound of regular clad coins.
- Obtain verification through a reputable coin dealer or third-party grading service like PCGS or NGC.
Value of Silver Clad Eisenhower Dollars
Here are approximate values for silver clad Eisenhower dollars certified in MS65 grade by PCGS/NGC as of 2023:
| Date & Mint Mark | Value |
|---|---|
| 1971-S | $25 |
| 1971-S Proof | $50 |
| 1972-S | $40 |
| 1972-S Proof | $80 |
Higher graded coins in MS66, MS67, or MS68 can be worth significantly more. Coins exhibiting carbon spots, hazy surfaces, or other impairments are worth less than these prices.
Uncertified silver clad Eisenhower dollars tend to trade for a small premium over face value. However, obtaining certification from PCGS or NGC verifies authenticity and typically increases value for collectors.
Conclusion
Only the 1971-S and 1972-S Eisenhower dollars contain 40% silver in their outer layers. Checking the mint mark is the quickest way to identify silver clad Ikes. Special collector versions lacking mint marks labeled “Brown Ike” and “Blue Ike” contain nickel rather than silver. With silver prices high, Eisenhower dollars dated 1971-S or 1972-S are worth holding onto!