Quick Answer: Circulated 1972 clad Eisenhower dollars are worth $1.25-$2. Uncirculated clad: $3-$8. 1972-S silver Ikes: $8-$20. The key variety is the 1972 Type 2 reverse—worth $50-$200+ in uncirculated condition. Only the 1972 Type 2 exists for the dollar; other 1972 Ikes use Type 1.
The 1972 Eisenhower dollar, struck by the U.S. Mint, is best known for the Type 2 reverse variety—a mid-year design change that created a scarce and valuable collectible. Most 1972 Ikes use the original Type 1 reverse; the Type 2 features a more detailed Earth on the moon mission insignia. Identifying which type you have is essential for accurate valuation.
1972 Eisenhower Dollar Overview
Type 1 vs. Type 2 Reverse
| Feature | Type 1 | Type 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Earth on reverse | Rounded, less detail | More detailed, distinct continents |
| Rarity | Common | Scarce |
| Value (MS-65) | $5-$10 | $75-$150 |
| Production | Early 1972 | Mid-1972 onward |
The Type 2 was created when the Mint modified the reverse die to improve the Earth's appearance. Only a portion of 1972 production used Type 2 dies.
1972 Eisenhower Dollar Value by Type
1972 (Philadelphia) Clad - Type 1 Value
Philadelphia struck 75,890,000 clad Ike dollars. Most are Type 1.
| Grade | Value Range |
|---|---|
| Circulated | $1.25-$2 |
| Uncirculated (MS-60) | $2.50-$4 |
| Choice Uncirculated (MS-63) | $3-$5 |
| Gem Uncirculated (MS-65) | $5-$10 |
| Superb Gem (MS-67) | $20-$50 |
1972 (Philadelphia) Clad - Type 2 Value
The 1972 Type 2 is the key Eisenhower dollar variety. Only Philadelphia produced it; no 1972-D Type 2 exists.
| Grade | Value Range |
|---|---|
| Uncirculated (MS-60) | $35-$50 |
| Choice Uncirculated (MS-63) | $50-$75 |
| Gem Uncirculated (MS-65) | $75-$150 |
| Superb Gem (MS-67) | $200-$400 |
| MS-68 | $500-$1,000+ |
1972-D (Denver) Clad Value
Denver produced 75,890,000 clad Ikes. All 1972-D are Type 1—the Type 2 reverse was never used at Denver for the dollar.
| Grade | Value Range |
|---|---|
| Circulated | $1.25-$2 |
| Uncirculated (MS-60) | $2.50-$4 |
| Choice Uncirculated (MS-63) | $3-$5 |
| Gem Uncirculated (MS-65) | $5-$10 |
| Superb Gem (MS-67) | $20-$45 |
1972-S (San Francisco) 40% Silver Value
The 1972-S silver Ike was sold in blue Ike packaging and proof sets. Contains 0.3161 troy oz silver. All 1972-S are Type 2—the San Francisco mint only used the new dies.
| Grade | Value Range |
|---|---|
| Uncirculated (MS-65) | $12-$18 |
| Proof (PR-65) | $10-$15 |
| Cameo (PR-65 CAM) | $12-$20 |
| Deep Cameo (PR-65 DCAM) | $18-$30 |
How to Identify the 1972 Type 2 Reverse
The Earth Detail
On the reverse, the Apollo 11 insignia shows an eagle landing on the moon with Earth in the background.
Type 1: The Earth appears as a simple, rounded blob with minimal detail. The continents are indistinct.
Type 2: The Earth shows clear continental definition. North and South America are visible. The overall Earth appears more three-dimensional and detailed.
Quick Reference
- 1972 (no mint mark): Could be Type 1 or Type 2—check the Earth
- 1972-D: Always Type 1
- 1972-S: Always Type 2 (both uncirculated and proof)
The CoinID app can help identify your 1972 Ike dollar and distinguish Type 1 from Type 2 for accurate valuation.
Silver Content (1972-S Only)
1972-S silver Ikes contain 0.3161 troy ounces of pure silver.
| Silver Price (per oz) | Melt Value |
|---|---|
| $25 | ~$7.90 |
| $30 | ~$9.48 |
| $35 | ~$11.06 |
1972 Ike Dollar Mintage Summary
| Mint | Type | Mintage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | Clad Type 1 | ~65M | Common |
| Philadelphia | Clad Type 2 | ~10M | Key variety |
| Denver | Clad Type 1 | 75.9M | Common |
| San Francisco | Silver Type 2 | 2.2M unc, 1.8M proof | Type 2 only |
Collecting 1972 Eisenhower Dollars
Essential Set
- 1972 Type 1 (clad)
- 1972 Type 2 (clad) — the key coin
- 1972-D (clad)
- 1972-S silver (uncirculated or proof)
Budget
- Type 1 set (P, D, S): $25-$40
- Add Type 2: +$50-$150 for nice uncirculated
Why the Type 2 Matters
The 1972 Type 2 is the only Eisenhower dollar variety that commands significant premiums. Completing an Ike dollar set requires both Type 1 and Type 2 for 1972.
Grading 1972 Ike Dollars
Circulation Strikes
- Strike: Often weak on hair and eagle
- Marks: Bag marks reduce grade
- Luster: Full cartwheel on choice pieces
- Type 2: Often better struck than Type 1
Proof
- Cameo contrast: Frosted devices, mirror fields
- Hairlines: Common on proofs; minimize for higher grade
- Marks: Any contact reduces value
Where to Find 1972 Ike Dollars
- Coin dealers - Type 2 often labeled; ask if unsure
- eBay - Search "1972 Eisenhower Type 2"
- Coin shows - Examine in person
- Estate sales - Check old collections
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the 1972 Type 2 Eisenhower dollar valuable?
Scarcity. Only a fraction of 1972 Philadelphia production used the Type 2 reverse. Combined with collector demand for the variety, uncirculated Type 2 coins command $50-$200+.
How do I tell Type 1 from Type 2?
Look at the Earth on the reverse. Type 2 shows clear continental detail; Type 1 has a blurry, rounded Earth. Use a magnifier or compare to reference images.
Is there a 1972-D Type 2?
No. Only Philadelphia struck the Type 2 for circulation. All 1972-D are Type 1.
Are 1972-S silver Ikes Type 2?
Yes. All 1972-S (both uncirculated and proof) use the Type 2 reverse.
Conclusion
The 1972 Eisenhower dollar offers both common collectibles and a key variety—the Type 2 reverse. If you have a 1972 Ike, take a close look at the Earth on the reverse. A detailed, well-defined Earth means you may have the valuable Type 2, worth $50-$200+ in uncirculated condition. Use CoinID to verify your coin and get accurate valuation guidance.
The Eisenhower Dollar Series Context
The 1972 Ike dollar was the second year of the series. Production levels remained high as the Mint attempted to encourage circulation. The Type 2 reverse modification was made to improve the appearance of the Earth on the Apollo 11 insignia—the original Type 1 Earth was criticized as lacking detail. The change created an instant collectible. Type 2 dies were sent to San Francisco first (hence all 1972-S are Type 2), then to Philadelphia. Denver never received Type 2 dollar dies. The result: 1972 offers collectors a clear variety distinction that adds interest and value to the series.
1972 Ike Dollar in Complete Sets
Eisenhower dollar collectors typically seek one of each date and mint mark, plus the 1972 Type 2. A complete 1972 representation would include: 1972 Type 1, 1972 Type 2, 1972-D, 1972-S uncirculated, 1972-S proof. The Type 2 is the key—without it, the set feels incomplete. Budget-conscious collectors can acquire circulated or lower-grade Type 2 examples; serious set builders seek MS-65 or better.
Toning and Eye Appeal
1972-S silver Ikes often develop attractive natural toning—blues, purples, and golds that enhance eye appeal. Toned coins in original mint packaging can command premiums over "blast white" examples. Avoid artificially toned coins; natural toning develops over decades in proper storage. When buying, examine coins under good light to assess true color and surface quality.