Most circulated 1978 Eisenhower dollar coins are only worth their face value, $1 . However, the value can increase significantly depending on the coin’s condition and whether it has a mint mark or any rare errors.
Here’s a breakdown of the value based on these factors:
- Circulated: As of August 2025, a circulated 1978 Eisenhower Dollar is worth between $1.05 and $1.50 according to the NGC Price Guide.
- Uncirculated (Mint State – MS): The value of uncirculated coins increases with their grade on the Sheldon scale (1-70).
– An MS60 coin might be worth around $5.
– An MS65 (gem) coin can be worth around $26.
– An MS66+ coin can be worth $800 or more.
– An MS67 (finest graded) can be worth as much as $7,500.
- 1978 (No Mint Mark – Philadelphia): Most of these are only worth their face value unless they are in excellent condition. Over 25 million were produced at the Philadelphia Mint.
- 1978-D (Denver): These coins, with the small “D” above the date, are similar to the Philadelphia variants in value in circulated condition. Over 33 million were minted. An MS65-rated coin is worth approximately $32, while an MS66 is worth about $215. An MS67 can fetch $7,750.
- 1978-S (San Francisco) Proof Silver Dollar: Proof coins were made for collectors and generally weren’t meant for circulation. The San Francisco Mint produced more than 3 million of these. Proof versions can fetch a higher price, with a PR65 DCAM (Deep Cameo Contrast) coin worth around $14 and a PR70 DCAM up to $3,700.
Some 1978 Eisenhower dollars have rare errors that significantly increase their value. These include:
- Struck on a Defective Planchet: A Philadelphia Mint coin with a faulty planchet resulted in an obverse that was copper-colored and had less detailed features of Eisenhower’s face. An MS63 coin with this error was auctioned for $700.
- 10% Brockage Error: A coin where a struck coin stuck to the die and left a reverse image on the next coin is a brockage. A 1978 Philadelphia dollar with a 10% brockage (meaning a piece of a second coin impressed into it) sold for $745 at auction.
In conclusion, while most 1978 Eisenhower dollars are worth face value or slightly more, uncirculated coins in high grades and coins with rare errors can be worth hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Is the 1978 dollar coin worth anything?
Good point! Most circulated 1978 dollars are worth face value, but high-grade mint state or error coins can fetch hundreds to thousands of dollars. Proof versions from San Francisco with deep cameo contrast are more valuable to collectors.
Is a 1978 coin rare?
Like any other coins from the late 1970s (and even 1980s like the 1981 penny), the 1978 penny was composed of a 95% copper and 5% zinc mix. Compared to rarer coins from previous decades, these pennies were rather common since they were made in massive quantities — more than 4.6 billion were minted that year.
How do I know if my $1 coin is valuable?
The best way to find the value of your dollar coins is with an appraisal online or in-person. Whether in-person or online, an appraisal can have an expert look at your dollar coins and tell you exactly how much they are worth and where their value is. The choice of appraisal is totally up to you and your convenience.
How do I tell if my Eisenhower dollar is worth anything?
Great question! Look for mistakes in the strike, colors that seem off, and anything else out of the ordinary. Condition – In rough circulated condition, Eisenhower dollars aren’t worth as much. However, if the dollar doesn’t look like it’s seen real use, it could be worth a lot more.