The 1976-S Clad Type 2 Eisenhower Dollar is worth anywhere from $2 in circulated condition to over $5,000 for high-grade specimens. While most Ike dollars found in change are common, specific versions of this Bicentennial coin carry significant value for collectors and casual finders alike.

Grade/Condition	Estimated Value (USD)
Circulated (Average)	$1.25 – $2.00
Uncirculated (MS63)	$5.00 – $10.00
High Grade (MS66)	$35.00 – $60.00
Top Pop (MS67+)	$1,000+
Proof (PR69)	$12.00 – $20.00

Identifying the 1976-S Copper-Nickel Clad Type 2 Dollar

If you have discovered a large silver-colored coin featuring Dwight D. Eisenhower on the front and a Liberty Bell superimposed over the moon on the back, you have a Bicentennial Dollar. However, not all Bicentennial dollars are created equal. To determine the value, you first need to confirm the “S” mint mark located just above the date (1776-1976). This mark indicates the coin was minted in San Francisco. Using a top coin identifier app can help you zoom in on these tiny details to ensure you aren’t looking at a Denver or Philadelphia strike.

The “Type 2” designation refers to the lettering style on the reverse of the coin. In mid-1975, the U.S. Mint realized the bold, blocky letters used on the original 1976 dollars (Type 1) were difficult to strike clearly. They revised the design to feature “Type 2” lettering, which is much thinner and more elegant. For the copper-nickel clad “S” versions, these were exclusively produced for collectors in Proof sets and Uncirculated sets. If your coin has a mirror-like finish and thin lettering, you likely have a Proof Type 2.

Because these were not intended for general circulation, finding one in your pocket change is rare. Most of these coins have been preserved in plastic mint packaging. If you find one loose, it may have been removed from a set. To get an instant estimation of its current state, you can use the CoinKnow app, which analyzes the surface quality to see if it qualifies for a premium valuation.

Clad vs. Silver: Why the “S” Mint Mark Matters

One of the biggest points of confusion for everyday Americans is whether their 1976-S Ike dollar is made of silver. The San Francisco Mint produced both “clad” (copper-nickel) and “40% silver” versions of the Bicentennial dollar. The 1976-S clad Type 2 is a “sandwich” coin, meaning it has an inner copper core visible on the edge. If you look at the rim of the coin and see a distinct brown or orange line, it is the clad version.

Despite being made of common base metals, the 1976-S clad Type 2 is highly sought after in “Mint State” or “Proof” condition. The 1976 Eisenhower dollar price data shows a clear divide: while silver versions have intrinsic metal value, the clad versions rely entirely on their rarity in high grades. Collectors often struggle to find “perfect” clad specimens because the copper-nickel material is harder to strike cleanly than silver.

If you suspect your coin might be part of the silver variety, check the weight. A clad Ike dollar weighs approximately 22.68 grams, while the silver version weighs 24.59 grams. For those without a scale, the CoinKnow app provides visual guides to help you distinguish between these two metallic compositions based on luster and edge appearance.

Composition	Edge View	Weight
Copper-Nickel Clad	Visible Copper Streak	22.68g
40% Silver	Solid Silver/White	24.59g

Determining the Grade of Your Bicentennial Dollar

The value of an Eisenhower dollar is almost entirely dependent on its grade. Grading is the process of evaluating how much wear and tear the coin has sustained. For the 1976-S Clad Type 2, most examples are “Proof,” meaning they were struck twice with polished dies to create a mirror-like background and frosted portraits. If your coin looks like a mirror, it is a Proof.

If the coin is from an Uncirculated set, it will have a “business strike” appearance but with more luster than a coin found in a vending machine. According to the latest 1776 to 1976 dollar value information, a coin graded MS67 (nearly perfect) can fetch hundreds of dollars. However, the vast majority of these coins are graded MS63 to MS65, which keeps them in the $5 to $20 range.

To accurately grade your coin at home, look for contact marks (scratches) on Eisenhower’s cheek and the field in front of his face. These are the most sensitive areas. If the cheek is smooth and the “Liberty Bell” on the back shows full detail in the center, you might have a high-value specimen. CoinKnow users often upload photos of these specific areas to get a “community grade” before sending their coins to professional services like PCGS or NGC.

Type 1 vs. Type 2 Lettering: The Critical Difference

The transition from Type 1 to Type 2 is the most important historical aspect of the 1976 dollar. Type 1 coins feature bold, thick letters on the reverse (Bottom: “United States of America”). These were struck in late 1975. Type 2 coins, featuring the narrowed lettering, were struck throughout 1976. For the “S” Mint clad version, the Type 2 is actually the more common variety found in Proof sets.

While the Type 1 “S” Clad is generally rarer and more expensive in high grades, the Type 2 remains a staple of every Eisenhower collection. Collectors often try to obtain both to show the evolution of the design. If you are unsure which one you have, look closely at the “S” in “STATES.” On a Type 1, the serifs (the little feet on the letters) are very square and blocky. On a Type 2, the letters are refined and delicate.

Interestingly, some 1976-S Clad Type 2 dollars can feature “Cameo” or “Deep Cameo” designations. This refers to the contrast between the shiny background and the white, milky appearance of the Liberty Bell and Eisenhower. “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) coins are the “holy grail” for this specific year and mint, often selling for a massive premium at auction.

Feature	Type 1 (Variety 1)	Type 2 (Variety 2)
Lettering Style	Bold, Blocky, Flat	Thin, Elegant, Sharp
Commonality (S-Clad)	Scarce	Abundant in Proof

Where to Sell Your 1976-S Ike Dollar

Once you’ve used the CoinKnow app to identify and roughly grade your 1976-S Clad Type 2 Dollar, you might wonder where to turn it into cash. If your coin is a common proof worth $10, listing it on eBay is your best bet. However, be mindful of shipping costs, as Ike dollars are heavy and can eat into your profit. Selling in “lots” (groups of coins) is often more efficient for common Bicentennial issues.

If you have a high-grade specimen (MS67 or PR70), you shouldn’t go to a pawn shop. Pawn shops typically offer “bulk” prices, which might only be face value or a small premium. Instead, contact a reputable coin dealer or consider an auction house like Heritage Auctions. A 1976-S Clad Type 2 in a perfect PR70 Deep Cameo holder can sell for over $500, but it must be professionally certified to reach that price point.

For the “everyday” American who just wants to know if they found a “hidden treasure,” the reality is that most 1976-S dollars are worth roughly their weight in collectible interest rather than raw gold or silver. They are fantastic pieces of history that encapsulate the American spirit of the mid-70s. Keeping them as family heirlooms is often more valuable than the $5 to $10 you might get from a quick sale.

FAQ: Common Questions About the 1976-S Clad Type 2 Dollar

Q: Is there a 1976-S Eisenhower dollar error I should look for?

A: Yes! Look for “doubled die” errors, where the lettering or the date appears to be doubled. While rare on the 1976-S Clad Type 2, these can increase the value from $10 to over $100 depending on the severity of the doubling.

Q: Why does my 1976 dollar have two dates?

A: All Bicentennial coins (quarters, halves, and dollars) minted in 1975 and 1976 bear the dual date “1776-1976” to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the United States. No Eisenhower dollars were minted with a “1975” date.

Q: Can I spend a 1976-S Clad Ike dollar at the store?

A: Yes, it is legal tender worth exactly one dollar. However, because most people haven’t seen a large dollar coin in years, cashiers might be confused by it. It is always better to sell it to a collector or keep it, as it is almost always worth at least a small premium over face value.

Q: How many 1976-S Clad Type 2 dollars were made?

A: The U.S. Mint produced approximately 4.1 million Proof sets in 1976 which contained the Type 2 Clad dollar. While this sounds like a large number, the number of coins that have remained in “perfect” condition is much smaller.