1972-S Eisenhower Dollar: Full History, Design & Collector Value
The U.S. Mint brought a few minor, however significant, modifications to the Eisenhower Dollar’s design in 1972. The coin turned into to start with was launched the preceding year in 1971 but didn’t meet the popularity the government anticipated. Nevertheless, the Mint nevertheless managed to provide near a hundred and seventy million coins in each of the Philadelphia and Denver Mints.
The coin was struck in honor of past President Dwight D. Eisenhower. As design and steel had been more desirable, the 1972-S Uncirculated itself is deemed especially unique to creditors.
Design and Characteristics of the Eisenhower Dollar
Obverse
It has a portrait of President Dwight Eisenhower looking left. Below his name are “FG,” i.e., clothier Frank Gasparro’s initials. “IN GOD WE TRUST” is inscribed underneath his face to the left, and “LIBERTY” is assigned above. Below is inscribed “Year (1972).”
If the coin is produced in the Philadelphia Mint, it will now not have any mintmark, but cash produced in Denver (D) and San Francisco (S) will have a mintmark on Eisenhower’s neck.
Reverse
This layout changed to be modeled after the Apollo 11 venture patch. It has a bald eagle alighting at the moon’s floor, greedily holding an olive branch in its talons. In the heritage above, it’s miles from Earth, with North America featured prominently. Surrounded by thirteen stars, “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and “ONE DOLLAR.”
Edge
The edge of the 1972-S Eisenhower dollar is reeded.
Silver-clad edition of the 1972-S dollar: A political compromise
A unique version of the 1972-S Eisenhower dollar was additionally struck in 40% silver-clad steel. It was produced not for the general public, but alternatively for creditors.
With the Coinage Act of 1965, america commenced phasing out the silver from the dime, zone and half dollar. Copper-nickel clad started changing the silver. But when President Eisenhower passed away in 1969, there was a hue and cry for a new dollar coin.
Most legislators favored the coin being completely clad in metal; however, others thought it becoming a “scrap metal dollar” to be offensive. Thus the compromise—the law was changed into an enactment and signed into regulation by way of President Nixon on December 31, 1970. 150 million silver-clad greenback cash have been synthetic, and these came in only evidence and uncirculated versions.
Quality and Improvements to the 1972-S Uncirculated Eisenhower Dollar
When the first Uncirculated Eisenhower dollar came out in 1971, it was of inferior quality. The coins were milky and were damaged while being packaged. The public as well as the collectors were angry as they had paid numerous times the face value of the coin.
But by 1972, the Mint had gotten it proper. The 1972-S Uncirculated Eisenhower Dollar turned out to be very satisfactory. It is every so often known as the “1881-S Morgan Dollar” of the Eisenhower series—the nicest, best version.
How Much Is a 1972-S Eisenhower Dollar?
Typical Price Range:
This coin usually sells for $14 to $20 on places like eBay.
But high-grade coins can sell for $3,000 or higher if graded by well-known companies such as PCGS, NGC or CAC.
Role of Grading Companies:
These coins become meaningful to collectors only if they are graded by a third-party grading company. The large grading companies are
- PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service)
- NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company)
- CAC (Certified Acceptance Corporation)
PCGS Grading Statistics:
Of the around 25,000 coins that were graded by PCGS, the majority were given an MS66 or MS67 rating.
There are 3,215 coins that were given an MS68 grade.
Only 34 coins were given an MS69 grade, the highest pop grade.
NGC Statistics:
5,418 coins were graded, the majority of which were in *MS66 or MS67 grades.
Only 645 have been given MS68, and only 15 have been given MS69.
Grading by CAC:
Just 120 coins have been graded, but 222 coins have the MS68 grade and approval sticker.
1972-S Eisenhower Dollar Auction Records
Some of the notable records:
A coin sold for $3,680 at the Heritage Auction 2011.
As of 2016 some coins have sold for over $4,000 in private transactions.
Currently, coins with an MS68+ grade sell for around $500 to $1,500.
- MS68 CAC Sticker coins cost $100+ and will continue to appreciate in the future.
Which Grade to Buy and Why?
If you are on a tight budget, coins graded MS67 or lower are an option. However, if you want long-term appreciation, it is worth investing in coins graded MS68 or MS68+.
- MS68+ coins, as close as MS69 but at a lower price.
- They make an intelligent addition to collectors’ collections.
Conclusion: Is the 1972-S Eisenhower Dollar Worth Your Collection?
Indeed, if you are a collector of coins associated with US dollar history, the 1972-S Eisenhower Dollar is an excellent and significant choice.
- The design is historically relevant (Apollo 11 and Eisenhower). The Uncirculated condition is rated the best.
- With appropriate certification and grading, the market value can be extremely high.
If you are an investor or collector, this coin can bring a new aspect to your collection.
If you’d prefer, I can also ready a guide for how to recognize it, differentiate it from a counterfeit, or a purchase and sale guide.
FAQs
How was the 1972-S Eisenhower Dollar different from the 1971-S version?
The 1972-S had far better quality control and finish, resolving many issues seen in the flawed 1971-S coin.
What is the average market price for a 1972-S Eisenhower Dollar in uncirculated condition?
Typical uncirculated 1972-S Eisenhower Dollars sell between $14 and $20 depending on packaging and condition.
Why do some 1972-S Eisenhower Dollars sell for thousands of dollars?
High prices are paid for coins certified in MS69 condition by PCGS or NGC due to rarity and perfection.
