The 1973-D Eisenhower Dollar is worth anywhere from its $1 face value in circulated condition to over $12,000 in rare, high-grade mint states. For most Americans who find one in a drawer today, it remains a nostalgic heavy-metal treasure that represents the final era of large-sized US dollar coins.

Condition / Grade	Estimated Market Value
Circulated (Average Wear)	$1.05 – $1.50
About Uncirculated (AU58)	$2.00 – $5.00
Mint State (MS63)	$10.00 – $15.00
Gem Mint State (MS65+)	$40.00 – $250.00
Rare High Grade (MS67)	$5,000+

Identifying Your 1973-D Eisenhower Dollar

If you have stumbled upon a large, silver-colored coin featuring the profile of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, you are holding an “Ike” dollar. The 1973-D version was struck at the Denver Mint, signified by the small “D” mint mark located just above the date on the obverse side.

To accurately determine the value of your specific coin, you can use a top coin identifier app to instantly recognize the strike and variety. Most 1973-D dollars were minted for general circulation, but unlike earlier years, the 1973 issues are actually somewhat harder to find in change.

The reverse of the coin features an eagle landing on the moon, a tribute to the Apollo 11 mission. This iconic imagery makes the Eisenhower dollar a favorite for beginner collectors. If you’re wondering if yours is rare, the first step is checking the physical condition.

Most people use CoinKnow to get an instant estimate of whether their coin is worth sending to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC.

The Rarity of the 1973-D Mintage

While many Eisenhower dollars were minted in the hundreds of millions, the 1973-D had a relatively low mintage for its time. Only about 2.1 million were produced in Denver, which is significantly fewer than the 1971 or 1972 issues.

This lower mintage occurred because, in 1973, the Treasury decided not to release Ike dollars for general circulation. Instead, they were only sold in official Uncirculated Mint Sets. This means that almost every 1973-D Ike dollar started its life in a protective plastic plastic sleeve, not in a cash register.

If you find a 1973-D Eisenhower Dollar in “dirty” or worn condition today, it likely means someone broke open a mint set years ago and spent it. Because they weren’t intended for circulation, “pocket change” versions are actually quite unusual to encounter.

Year & Mint	Mintage Quantity	Primary Source
1973-D Eisenhower	2,134,842	Annual Mint Sets
1971-D (Comparison)	68,587,424	General Circulation

Determining Value Based on Mint State Grades

For the serious collector, the 1973-D Eisenhower Dollar price depends entirely on the numerical grade assigned by experts. Since these coins were mostly packaged in sets, many exist in “Mint State” (MS) conditions.

However, “Mint State” is a broad spectrum. An MS63 coin might have some scuffs from being handled at the mint, while an MS67 coin looks virtually flawless under a microscope. The jump in price between these grades is massive.

An average 1973-D in MS63 might sell for $15, but a rare specimen graded at MS67 can fetch thousands because so few large copper-nickel coins survived without getting scratched or “bag marked.”

If you aren’t sure how to tell the difference between a scuffed coin and a gem, using a tool like CoinKnow can help you compare your coin’s surface to high-resolution photos of graded examples.

The Composition: Is it Silver?

A common question among everyday Americans is whether the 1973-D Eisenhower Dollar contains silver. The short answer is: No. The Denver Mint only produced “clad” Eisenhower dollars in 1973.

These coins are made of a copper-nickel sandwich (cladding) over a pure copper core. If you look at the edge of the coin, you will see a distinct copper-colored stripe. This is a tell-tale sign that the coin contains no precious metal.

However, the San Francisco Mint produced “Blue Ikes” and “Brown Ikes” in 1973 that consist of 40% silver. These will have an “S” mint mark. If your coin has a “D,” it is strictly a base-metal coin, but its value comes from its low mintage and history rather than its metal content.

You can find more detailed 1973 Eisenhower dollar values by checking the specific mint mark and the strike type, as the silver versions are traded differently in the precious metals market.

Metal Type	Silver Content	Weight
1973-D Cupro-Nickel Clad	0%	22.68 grams
1973-S Silver Clad (Proof/UNC)	40% (0.3161 oz)	24.59 grams

Why Condition Is Everything for 1973 Dollars

Because the 1973-D was only available in Uncirculated Mint Sets, the “average” coin is already in pretty good shape. In the world of coin collecting, when everyone has a “good” version, only the “near-perfect” versions become expensive.

The 1973-D is notoriously difficult to find in grades higher than MS66. This is because the massive size of the coin makes it prone to “contact marks”—where coins hit each other during the binning and packaging process. A single tiny scratch on Eisenhower’s cheek can drop the value from $1,000 down to $20.

Before you consider spending money on professional grading fees, it is wise to consult CoinKnow or a local coin dealer. They can help you determine if your 1973-D is a common “set-derived” coin or a rare high-grade specimen.

Collectors often look for “luster,” which is the way light spins around the coin’s surface. A 1973-D with original, undisturbed luster and very few marks is a prime candidate for a high valuation.

Where to Sell Your 1973-D Eisenhower Dollar

If you’ve confirmed your coin is in exceptional condition, you have several options for selling. For common, circulated, or average Mint State coins, local coin shops or online marketplaces like eBay are usually the best bet. You can expect to get a bit over face value for them.

For extremely high-grade coins (MS66 or higher), auction houses like Heritage Auctions or GreatCollections are the preferred venues. These platforms attract serious collectors who are willing to pay thousands for a “registry set” quality 1973-D.

Always remember that “asking prices” on sites like eBay can be misleading. Always look at “Sold Listings” to see what people are actually paying. This gives you a realistic expectation of what your dollar is worth in today’s market.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Q: Is the 1973-D Eisenhower dollar rare?

A: It is rare relative to other Eisenhower dollars because it was never released for general circulation. However, because over 2 million were sold in mint sets, it is not “rare” in the sense that thousands of collectors own them. It is only truly rare in extremely high grades (MS67 and above).

Q: Does the 1973-D dollar have a silver edge?

A: No. The 1973-D Eisenhower dollar is a clad coin made of copper and nickel. If you look at the edge, you will likely see a reddish copper stripe. Only 1973-S dollars (from the San Francisco mint) were made with 40% silver.

Q: How can I tell if my 1973-D is worth more than a dollar?

A: Most 1973-D dollars are worth at least $2 to $10 because of their lower mintage. If the coin is in perfect condition with no scratches and heavy shine, it could be worth significantly more. Use a coin value app to check the details.

Q: What is the highest price ever paid for a 1973-D Ike?

A: The record price for a 1973-D Eisenhower Dollar was over $12,000 for a specimen graded MS67. For most people, however, a realistic selling price is between $5 and $20 for a nice-looking uncirculated coin.