The 1978 Eisenhower Dollar is worth anywhere from $1 to $2 in circulated condition to over $30 or more in high mint state grades, with some certified examples fetching even higher prices at auction. If you’ve got one of these big, heavy dollar coins sitting in a drawer, you might be pleasantly surprised by what it’s worth.
If you’re just starting to dig into old coins you’ve found at home, a great first step is downloading a free coin identification app to quickly learn what you’re holding before diving deeper into research.
What Is the 1978 Eisenhower Dollar?
The Eisenhower Dollar was minted from 1971 to 1978, honoring the 34th President of the United States, Dwight D. Eisenhower. The 1978 issue was actually the final year of production for this series, making it a historically significant coin for collectors. The obverse features a portrait of Eisenhower designed by Frank Gasparro, while the reverse displays an eagle landing on the moon — a nod to the Apollo 11 mission.
Coins minted in 1978 came from three facilities: Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S). The San Francisco issues were produced as proof coins, struck with extra care and highly polished dies specifically for collectors. Most Eisenhower dollars you’ll find in circulation were made of a copper-nickel clad composition — not silver — so they’re common, but that doesn’t mean they’re worthless.
Understanding the basics of your coin’s origin is the first step to knowing its value.
1978 Eisenhower Dollar Value by Mint Mark and Condition
Condition — or “grade” in coin collecting lingo — matters enormously when it comes to determining a coin’s value. A worn 1978 Eisenhower Dollar pulled from circulation is generally worth face value or just slightly above, while an uncirculated example in top condition can be worth considerably more.
Here’s a quick breakdown of approximate values:
| Coin | Circulated | MS-63 | MS-65 | Proof (PR-65) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1978-P (Philadelphia) | $1–$2 | $5–$8 | $20–$35 | — |
| 1978-D (Denver) | $1–$2 | $5–$8 | $20–$35 | — |
| 1978-S (San Francisco) Proof | — | — | — | $8–$15 |
For a more detailed look at 1978 Eisenhower Dollar prices across all mint state grades, you can explore certified sale records and population data to understand where your coin stands in the market.
Is the 1978 Eisenhower Dollar Silver?
This is one of the most common questions people ask — and the answer for most 1978 Eisenhower Dollars is no. The regular circulation strikes from Philadelphia and Denver are composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel on the outer layers, with a pure copper core. They contain no silver at all.
However, it’s worth noting that earlier in the Eisenhower Dollar series (specifically 1971–1974 and 1976), the San Francisco Mint did produce 40% silver versions sold in special collector sets. These are sometimes called “Blue Ike” or “Brown Ike” depending on packaging. By 1978, the silver versions were no longer being made. So if someone told you your 1978 Ike might be silver, double-check — it almost certainly isn’t unless it was a specific earlier-year issue mistakenly identified.
You can verify your coin’s full specifications and learn more about the 1978 silver dollar value and composition details to make sure you know exactly what you’ve got before making any buying or selling decisions.
What Makes a 1978 Eisenhower Dollar More Valuable?
Most 1978 Eisenhower Dollars are common coins, but certain factors push their value higher. First is grade — an MS-65 or higher example is noticeably scarcer than a typical uncirculated coin, and those are the ones serious collectors want. Look for coins with sharp details, no contact marks, and full luster.
Second is errors and varieties. Like any mass-produced coin, the occasional mistake slipped through at the mint. Doubled die errors, off-center strikes, and die clashes can significantly boost a coin’s desirability. If something looks “off” about the lettering or imagery on your coin, it may be worth having it examined professionally.
Third is certification. Coins graded and slabbed by professional services like PCGS or NGC carry a premium because buyers trust the grade. A raw MS-65 coin sells for less than a certified one.
CoinHix is a handy tool for quickly checking recent sale prices and understanding market trends without spending hours on auction sites. If you’re trying to figure out whether your 1978 Ike is worth getting graded, CoinHix makes it easy to compare prices at different grade levels in seconds.
How to Sell Your 1978 Eisenhower Dollar
If your coin is in average circulated condition, the honest truth is that it’s worth face value to most dealers. However, if it’s sharply uncirculated or has a visible error, you have options. Online marketplaces like eBay, coin shows, and local dealers are all viable routes.
Before selling, use CoinHix to research what similar coins have recently sold for. Knowledge is your best negotiating tool. For coins potentially worth $25 or more, consider having them graded professionally first — the certification cost can pay off if the grade comes back strong.
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FAQ
Q: Is my 1978 Eisenhower Dollar worth anything?
A: If it’s worn from circulation, it’s worth $1 to $2 — essentially face value. If it’s uncirculated or shows no signs of wear, it could be worth $5 to $35 depending on the grade. Proof versions from San Francisco are worth $8 to $15 in typical condition.
Q: Does the 1978 Eisenhower Dollar contain silver?
A: No. The 1978 Philadelphia and Denver issues are copper-nickel clad with no silver content. Earlier years in the series had 40% silver collector editions, but 1978 was not one of them.
Q: Where can I get my 1978 Eisenhower Dollar graded?
A: PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) and NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company) are the two most trusted grading services in the hobby. Submitting through an authorized dealer or directly through their websites are both options. Grading is generally worth the cost for coins in excellent condition.
