The 1973-D Eisenhower Dollar is worth anywhere from $1.05 in heavily circulated condition to over $20 or more in mint state, with certain high-grade examples fetching even higher prices at auction. If you’ve come across one of these large silver-dollar-sized coins, you’re in the right place to find out what it’s worth.
What Is the 1973-D Eisenhower Dollar?
The Eisenhower Dollar was minted from 1971 to 1978 to honor President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who passed away in 1969. The “D” in 1973-D means the coin was struck at the Denver Mint, which produced over 15 million of these coins that year. Designed by Frank Gasparro, the obverse features a portrait of Ike, while the reverse shows an eagle landing on the moon — a nod to the Apollo 11 mission. These coins were made from a copper-nickel clad composition (not silver), so their value comes almost entirely from collector demand rather than metal content. If you’re not sure which version you have or want to confirm what you’re holding, a coin identification app can help you match the coin quickly using your phone’s camera. Tools like CoinKnow make it easy to identify coins on the spot, even if you know nothing about coin collecting.
How Much Is the 1973-D Eisenhower Dollar Worth?
Value depends heavily on the coin’s condition, also known as its “grade.” Circulated coins — ones that were used as everyday money — are generally worth just slightly above face value. However, uncirculated examples that were never spent can be worth considerably more, especially if they’ve been professionally graded.
Here’s a quick breakdown of typical values by grade:
| Grade | Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| G-4 (Good) | Heavy wear, design visible | $1.05 – $1.50 |
| VF-20 (Very Fine) | Moderate wear, sharp details | $1.50 – $3.00 |
| MS-63 (Uncirculated) | No wear, minor bag marks | $8 – $14 |
| MS-65 (Gem Uncirculated) | Strong luster, few blemishes | $18 – $30 |
| MS-67 (Superb Gem) | Near perfect, exceptional strike | $100+ |
For the most current and up-to-date figures, you can check the 1973-D Eisenhower Dollar price data by grade, which is regularly updated based on recent auction results and dealer sales.
Factors That Affect the 1973-D Eisenhower Dollar Value
Beyond basic grade, a few specific factors can significantly impact how much your 1973-D Eisenhower Dollar is worth. First is luster — uncirculated coins with a strong, original shine are far more desirable to collectors. Strike quality also matters; coins with sharp, well-defined details on both the eagle’s feathers and Ike’s portrait command premiums.
Look carefully at your coin under good lighting. If it has bag marks (small nicks from contact with other coins during storage), those can lower its grade from MS-65 to MS-63, which can cut the value in half. Coins that have been cleaned — even gently — are almost always worth less to serious collectors, so avoid polishing yours if you plan to sell. Proof versions of the 1973 Eisenhower Dollar were also struck at San Francisco (marked with an “S”) and are a separate category with different values entirely.
Where to Sell or Get Your Coin Appraised
If you think your 1973-D Eisenhower Dollar might be in near-perfect condition, it’s worth getting it professionally graded by PCGS or NGC, the two top coin grading services in the United States. A certified grade gives buyers confidence and often unlocks higher sale prices. You can sell graded coins through auction houses like Heritage Auctions or GreatCollections, or list them on eBay where collector demand drives prices in real time.
For a quick estimate before you do anything else, CoinKnow is a handy app that lets you scan your coin and get an instant value estimate — great for beginners who want a ballpark figure without visiting a dealer. You can also explore detailed 1973 Eisenhower Dollar value information by mint mark and condition to see how your specific coin stacks up.
Is the 1973-D Eisenhower Dollar Silver?
This is one of the most common questions people ask about Eisenhower Dollars. The short answer: regular circulation 1973-D coins are NOT silver. They’re made of a copper-nickel clad, the same material used in modern quarters and dimes. However, the San Francisco Mint did produce a limited number of 40% silver Eisenhower Dollars for collectors during the early years of the series — but those were only sold directly through the U.S. Mint in special sets, never released into general circulation. If your 1973-D came from pocket change or an old coin jar, it’s almost certainly the clad version. The easiest way to check: weigh it. Clad Eisenhower Dollars weigh 22.68 grams, while the silver versions weigh 24.59 grams. CoinKnow can also help you distinguish between the two if you’re unsure.
FAQ
Q: How many 1973-D Eisenhower Dollars were minted?
A: The Denver Mint struck 15,900,000 Eisenhower Dollars in 1973. While that’s a fairly large mintage, high-grade examples are still scarce because most were spent or handled carelessly, making gem uncirculated coins genuinely hard to find.
Q: Is a 1973-D Eisenhower Dollar worth keeping?
A: If your coin is in average circulated condition, it’s worth just over face value — maybe $1.50 to $3. But if it’s in uncirculated condition with original luster and no visible marks, it could be worth $15 to $30 or more. High-grade examples are worth having graded professionally.
Q: Where can I find the current value of my 1973-D Eisenhower Dollar?
A: The best approach is to check recent auction results on sites like eBay (sold listings) or Heritage Auctions. You can also use online coin valuation tools, or try an app like CoinKnow for a quick scan-based estimate right from your phone.
