The value of a 1978 Eisenhower dollar coin can vary greatly depending on its condition, mint mark, and whether it’s a special or error striking.
- Most 1978 Eisenhower dollars are composed of a copper-nickel clad structure, not actual silver.
- Most circulated 1978 dollars are worth their face value , according to the NGC Price Guide as of August 2025, between $1.05 and $1.50.
- 40% silver clad Eisenhower Dollars were only produced for collectors between 1971 and 1976 , not in 1978.
- 1978 No Mint Mark (Philadelphia Mint): Over 25 million were produced. While most circulated coins are worth face value, uncirculated coins can be more valuable. Values range from around $5 for an MS60 to $7,500 for an MS67.
- 1978 D (Denver Mint): Over 33 million were minted. Similar to the Philadelphia coins, circulated Denver dollars are worth face value, but higher grades command higher prices. An MS65 can be around $32, an MS66 about $215, and rare MS67 coins can be worth potentially $7,750.
- 1978 S Proof Silver Dollar (San Francisco Mint): These were collector coins. Over 3 million were produced, so they are not rare. While regular proofs are worth little more than face value, mint state proof versions, particularly those with Deep Cameo (DCAM) designation, can be valuable. A PR65 DCAM is around $14, and a PR70 DCAM could be worth up to $3,700.
- Errors can significantly increase a coin’s value. Examples of known errors on 1978 Philadelphia dollars include those struck on a defective planchet (one sold for $700) and a 10% brockage error (one sold for $745).
While most 1978 Eisenhower dollars are only worth face value, high-grade uncirculated coins and those with rare errors can be worth considerably more. For an accurate valuation, professional appraisal by a coin dealer or a reputable grading service like PCGS or NGC is recommended.
What makes a 1978 silver dollar rare?
The 1978 Eisenhower dollar is composed of a copper-nickel-clad structure, not real silver. The Eisenhower Silver Dollars were struck in Philadelphia, Denver (D), and San Francisco (S). Most circulated 1978 dollars are worth face value, but high-grade mint state or error coins can fetch hundreds to thousands of dollars.
How much is a 1978 dollar worth today?
I can help with that. $1 in 1978 is equivalent in purchasing power to about $4.93 today, an increase of $3.93 over 47 years. The dollar had an average inflation rate of 3.45% per year between 1978 and today, producing a cumulative price increase of 393.04%.
Which Eisenhower dollar is 90% silver?
Thanks for asking. 1990 W Eisenhower Centennial Dollar -90% Silver.