Eisenhower dollar (1971–1976) melt value
Only the special collector Eisenhower dollars struck at San Francisco are 40% silver. Ordinary circulating "Ike" dollars contain no silver. Here's what the silver inside is worth at today's live price.
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Eisenhower dollars by year
| Years | Composition | Melt value |
|---|---|---|
| 1971–1974 (S mint mark, collector issues) | 40% silver | — |
| 1776–1976 Bicentennial (S, silver sets) | 40% silver | — |
| 1971–1978 circulation coins | Copper-nickel clad (no silver) | Face value only |
Related coins
All coins →Common questions
How do I know if my eisenhower dollar is silver?
Silver Ikes have an S mint mark below Eisenhower's bust and weigh about 24.6 grams. Copper-nickel Ikes weigh about 22.7 grams and show a copper stripe on the edge. The S alone is not proof of silver, because San Francisco also struck copper-nickel proofs (for example in 1973), so weigh the coin. Silver Ikes were sold to collectors, not released for spending: uncirculated coins in blue envelopes and proofs in brown boxes for 1971–1974, plus 1776–1976 Bicentennial silver coins. Coins still in original packaging or proof condition may sell for a little more than melt.
Why does a dealer pay less than melt value?
Dealers need room to cover refining, shipping and resale costs, so most pay a percentage of melt value for common-date coins.
What is "junk silver"?
Common-date 90% silver coins that are bought and sold for their silver content rather than their collector value.
Is it legal to melt coins?
US rules prohibit melting one-cent and five-cent coins. That rule does not cover dimes, quarters, half dollars, dollars or bullion coins. Most people sell coins whole to a dealer rather than melting them.