The 1978-D Eisenhower Dollar marks the end of an era in U.S. coinage. This was one of the last large dollar coins ever made by the U.S. Mint before transitioning to smaller dollar coins like the Susan B. Anthony Dollar.
In 1978, both the Denver and Philadelphia Mints struck around 59 million Eisenhower Dollars, with the Denver Mint producing slightly more. These coins were made to honor Dwight D. Eisenhower, a beloved U.S. president and World War II hero.
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Why Was the Eisenhower Dollar Created?
The Eisenhower Dollar was first minted in 1971 as a tribute to Eisenhower, who had passed away in 1969. During the 1970s, America was facing difficult times, with the Vietnam War heavily reported on TV. The idea of honoring a war hero gave people a sense of pride, which led to the birth of the large dollar coin.
The 1978-D Eisenhower Dollar is notable because it was part of a series that lasted only eight years. Over that time, coin production varied greatly. For example, in 1976, the U.S. Mint made 113 million Eisenhower Dollars for the Bicentennial, while in 1973, fewer than two million coins were produced.
How Much Is a 1978-D Eisenhower Dollar Worth?
The value of a 1978-D Eisenhower Dollar can differ depending on its condition. Collectors usually prefer coins that are “uncirculated,” meaning they were never used as regular money.
These coins can be worth between four to ten times their face value. For a coin in “Mint State 65” condition, the price is typically around $18. However, finding coins that are in perfect condition can be tricky, and collectors might pay more for those.
For coins in the highest quality, like “Mint State 66” or better, the value can rise significantly. For example, a 1978-D Eisenhower Dollar in Mint State 66 may sell for about $100. In some rare cases, coins in even better condition have been sold for thousands of dollars.
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Key Points for Collectors
- The small “D” on the front of the coin indicates it was minted in Denver.
- In 1978, production of Eisenhower Dollars stopped at the end of the year to make way for the smaller Susan B. Anthony Dollar.
- Coins in uncirculated condition or those certified by major grading companies like PCGS and NGC are worth more.
- In 2022, a rare Mint State 67 coin sold for as much as $8,750.
Design and Features of the 1978-D Eisenhower Dollar
The 1978-D Eisenhower Dollar has a unique design:
- Obverse (Front): Features a portrait of President Eisenhower, with the words “IN GOD WE TRUST” and “LIBERTY” surrounding it. The “D” mintmark is just above the date.
- Reverse (Back): Displays an eagle landing on the moon, holding an olive branch, with the Earth in the background. This design is inspired by the Apollo 11 mission.
Ethan is a passionate rare coin collector with years of experience uncovering the stories and history behind unique coins. His insightful articles are a go-to for anyone curious about coin values or their fascinating backstories.