Coin collectors often focus on rare and historic pieces, but modern coins can also command significant value. The 1974-D Eisenhower Dollar is a prime example of a common coin with extraordinary value in high grades. Here’s an in-depth look at this fascinating coin, its features, and why it has become a collector’s favorite.
A Large Mintage with Rare High-Grade Examples
This Article Includes
The 1974-D Eisenhower Dollar, minted at the Denver Mint, had a staggering mintage of 45,517,000. Despite this high production number, coins in exceptional condition are surprisingly scarce. Most circulated Eisenhower Dollars exhibit wear and tear, making pristine examples graded MS67 or higher rare and highly sought after.
PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) has confirmed that only a handful of 1974-D Eisenhower Dollars exist at the MS67 grade. Even fewer have achieved the elusive MS67+ grade, with just a couple of dozen known to collectors.
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Specifications and Design Details
The 1974-D Eisenhower Dollar weighs 22.70 grams, has a diameter of 38.50 millimeters, and features a reeded edge. Its composition is primarily copper (75%), with the remaining 25% being nickel.
Designed by Frank Gasparro, James Cooper, and Michael Collins, the coin honors President Dwight D. Eisenhower and commemorates the Apollo 11 Moon Landing. The obverse features a portrait of Eisenhower, while the reverse showcases an eagle landing on the moon, symbolizing America’s achievements in space exploration.
Auction Highlights: The Value of MS67+ Specimens
The value of high-grade 1974-D Eisenhower Dollars has skyrocketed in recent years. In an auction held by Heritage Auctions, a coin graded MS65 fetched $14,100 over a decade ago. More recently, GreatCollections reported the sale of a 1974-D Eisenhower Dollar graded PCGS MS67+ for an impressive $13,162.50. Notably, this price was nearly double the PCGS price guide value of $6,500 at the time, reflecting the intense demand for high-quality specimens.
Why Are High Grades So Rare?
While the Denver Mint produced millions of these coins, achieving a high-grade specimen requires exceptional circumstances. Minting imperfections, handling during production, and circulation wear typically prevent coins from maintaining pristine condition. As a result, coins graded MS67+ represent a tiny fraction of the original mintage, making them incredibly valuable to collectors.
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A Collector’s Opportunity
For collectors lucky enough to own a 1974-D Eisenhower Dollar in MS67 or MS67+, the coin represents a true treasure. Its combination of historical significance, artistic design, and rarity in top grades makes it a standout in any collection. With auction values consistently climbing, this modern dollar continues to prove its worth.
Whether you’re an experienced numismatist or just beginning your coin-collecting journey, the 1974-D Eisenhower Dollar is a reminder that even relatively recent coins can hold immense value. Keep an eye out—you never know what hidden gem you might find!