Top 5 Eisenhower and Peace Dollar: Have you ever looked at a big, old silver dollar and wondered if it might be worth more than just one dollar? Some of them are worth way more—like, life-changing money. We’re talking about two famous coins: the Peace dollar and the Eisenhower dollar. These aren’t just pocket change. They’re like little pieces of American history you can hold in your hand. Let’s break down what makes them special and which ones could make you a millionaire.
What’s the Big Deal About These Old Coins?
First up is the Peace dollar. This coin was first made in 1921. The country had just gone through World War I, and people really wanted some peace. So, the government made a silver dollar to celebrate that hope. On the front is the face of Liberty, and on the back is an eagle sitting on a mountain, looking all peaceful. hen we have the Eisenhower dollar, which people often call the “Ike” dollar. These started in 1971. They honor President Dwight D. Eisenhower and also celebrate the amazing moment when humans first landed on the moon (Apollo 11). The back of the coin even shows an eagle landing on the moon. How cool is that?
The Big Money Coins You Need to Know About
Most of these coins are only worth their weight in silver, which is cool, but some are the holy grail for collectors. Here are the ones that can be worth a small fortune:
- The 1921 High Relief Peace Dollar This was the very first Peace dollar ever made. The design on it is super 3D and stands out a lot. The Mint quickly realized this was too hard to make many of, so they changed it. Because of that, these original “high relief” coins are rare, super detailed, and can be worth tens of thousands of dollars.
- The 1928 Peace Dollar This is the king of the Peace dollars. Why? Because there aren’t many of them. Only about 360,000 were made, which is nothing for a national coin. Finding one in good condition is like finding a unicorn. In perfect condition, it’s one of the most valuable in the whole series.
- The 1972 Type 2 Eisenhower Dollar Here’s a trick for you. On the back of some 1972 Eisenhower dollars, the picture of the Earth looks different. One version (called Type 2) has way clearer details, especially on Florida. This was a mistake, so it’s harder to find and way more valuable than the normal ones.
- The 1976 Bicentennial Silver Proof To celebrate America’s 200th birthday, they made a special quarter, half-dollar, and dollar coin. The dollar has the date “1776-1976” on it. You can find normal ones anywhere, but the special ones made for collectors are made of 40% silver and have a super shiny, mirror-like finish. They look amazing.
- The 1934-S Peace Dollar More than a million of these were made in San Francisco, but here’s the thing: people used them a lot. They were spent during the Great Depression and later many were melted down for their silver. So, finding one that still looks brand new and shiny is incredibly tough.
Collector Tips for Beginners:
- Handle with care: Always hold a coin by its edge. The oil from your fingers can damage the surface over time.
- Look for errors: Sometimes the mint makes a small mistake. A weird letter, a double stamp—these “error coins” can be super valuable.
- Check the date and mint mark: A tiny “D” (Denver) or “S” (San Francisco) on the coin can make a huge difference in value.
- Get it graded: If you think you have a winner, send it to a company like PCGS or NGC. They’ll give it a professional grade and seal it in a protective case. This is how you know it’s real and how much it’s worth.
Eisenhower & Peace Dollar Cheat Sheet
| Coin Series | Years Minted | What’s It Made Of? | Who Designed It? | What’s It About? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peace Dollar | 1921-1928, 1934-1935 | 90% Silver | Anthony de Francisci | Hope for peace after World War I |
| Eisenhower Dollar | 1971-1978 | Copper & Nickel (for most) or 40% Silver (for special sets) | Frank Gasparro | Honoring a president and the moon landing |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Which one of these coins is worth the most money?
A: It changes, but the 1928 Peace dollar and the 1921 High Relief Peace dollar are almost always at the top of the list. If they’re in perfect, uncirculated condition, they can be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Q: Could I find one of these in my parents’ or grandparents’ old coin jar?
A: It’s possible! People don’t use silver dollars anymore, so they’re not in your pocket change. But lots of families have old coins stashed away in drawers or attics. It’s always worth a look!
Q: What’s a “proof” coin?
A: A proof coin isn’t made for spending. It’s made especially for collectors. The mint uses special polished dies and planchets (the blank metal disk) to make the coin’s surface super shiny and mirror-like, with a frosted image. They look way cooler than regular coins.
Q: How should I keep my coins safe?
A: Get some cheap coin flips (little plastic holders) or hard plastic cases. Make sure they don’t have PVC in them, which is a chemical that can ruin your coin over time. Keep them in a cool, dry place—not in a hot, humid attic or a damp basement.
Q: Where can I buy coins like this?
A: You can find them at local coin shops, big coin shows, or online from trusted auction sites. For really expensive coins, only buy ones that are already in a sealed holder from a major grading company like PCGS or NGC. That way, you know you’re getting what you pay for.
Q: Is collecting coins a good way to get rich?
A: It can be, but it’s better to think of it as a fun hobby first. You collect coins because you like the history and the art. If you learn a lot and find some rare ones, the value might go up over time. Do your research and collect what you love
