Although millions of these coins were minted, certain high-grade examples, rare mint errors, and valuable die varieties have sold for hundreds or even thousands of dollars at auction. If you own one of these historic dollar coins, it may be worth taking a closer look.
Never clean an old coin. Cleaning can permanently reduce its collector value.
Table of Contents
- 1971 Eisenhower Dollar (No Mint Mark)
- 1776–1976 Bicentennial Dollar
- How to Identify Valuable Errors
- Final Thoughts
1971 Eisenhower Dollar (No Mint Mark)
The 1971 Eisenhower Dollar without a mint mark was struck at the Philadelphia Mint and represents the very first year of the Eisenhower Dollar series. Because Philadelphia coins from 1971 did not carry a mint mark, the absence of a mint mark is completely normal.
This coin honors President Dwight D. Eisenhower while also celebrating America’s achievements in space exploration following the Apollo 11 Moon landing.
Coin Specifications
| Country | United States |
|---|---|
| Year | 1971 |
| Mint | Philadelphia (No Mint Mark) |
| Designer | Frank Gasparro |
| Diameter | 38.1 mm |
| Weight | 22.68 g |
| Composition | Copper-Nickel Clad |
| Edge | Reeded |
Design
Obverse
The obverse features a left-facing portrait of President Dwight D. Eisenhower with the inscriptions LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, and the date 1971.
Reverse
The reverse displays a majestic bald eagle descending toward the Moon while carrying an olive branch. The design was inspired by the Apollo 11 mission insignia, making this one of the most historically significant modern American coin designs.
Current Collector Value
| Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated | $1 – $5 |
| Uncirculated | $10 – $40 |
| MS65+ | Hundreds of Dollars |
| Rare Error Coins | Thousands of Dollars |
Rare Mint Errors to Look For
- Double Die
- Off-Center Strike
- Broadstrike
- Clip Planchet
- Die Crack
- Wrong Planchet
- Struck Through Error
Use a magnifying glass and examine the date, lettering, rim, and eagle design for any unusual doubling or striking errors.
