An Eisenhower Dollar (40% Silver) contains 0.3163 troy oz of pure silver, worth $17.09 at today's spot price.
The Eisenhower dollar was made in copper-nickel for circulation and in 40% silver for collectors. Only the collector versions, struck at San Francisco and sold in special packaging, contain silver.
Melt values use these spot prices (US dollars):
- Silver $54.05 per troy oz Current quote · Quote time Oct 23, 7:10 PM EDT
Some prices could not be refreshed recently and may be out of date.
Melt value is the metal content at spot price, not a buy or sell price. Collectible coins can be worth much more. For reference only.
Specifications
| Years | 1971–1976 (S mint, collector issues) |
|---|---|
| Face value | $1 |
| Composition | 40% silver overall: 80% silver outer layers bonded to a 21% silver core |
| Gross weight | 24.592 g |
| Fineness | .400 (40%) |
| Pure metal | 0.3163 troy oz (9.837 g) |
| Diameter | 38.1 mm |
| Standard roll | 20 coins |
How the melt value is worked out
Melt value is the pure silver in the coin multiplied by the spot price. We use the coin's standard minted weight; worn coins weigh slightly less.
-
24.592 g × .400 fine ÷ 31.1035 g per troy oz = 0.3163 troy oz
0.3163 troy oz × $54.05 spot = $17.09
How to identify it
- Silver Ikes carry an S mint mark above the date, but some S-mint proof Ikes are copper-nickel, so the mint mark alone is not proof.
- Weigh it: a 40% silver Ike weighs 24.59 g; a copper-nickel Ike weighs 22.68 g.
- The edge of a silver Ike shows no bright copper stripe.
- Silver versions were sold in blue envelopes (uncirculated) and brown boxes (proof) for 1971–1974, and in 1976 Bicentennial sets.
Melt value vs. collector value
Silver Ikes in original Mint packaging and in high grades can sell above melt.
Related tools
Sources
- US Mint: First Eisenhower Silver Dollars Produced — checked 2026-10-22
- Public Law 91-607 (84 Stat. 1760), 1970 — checked 2026-10-22