1978 Eisenhower Dollar Value Guide

The 1978 Eisenhower Dollar marks the final year of production for this large-format series, which was the first U.S. dollar coin issued since 1935. It is highly collectible as a tribute to both President Dwight D. Eisenhower and the historic Apollo 11 moon landing depicted on the reverse.

What affects the value of 1978 Eisenhower Dollar?

• The presence of a 'S' mint mark indicating a Proof strike intended for collectors.
• Overall strike quality and the absence of contact marks or 'bag marks' on the large surface area.
• The degree of original mint luster remaining on the copper-nickel surfaces.
• Professional grading by services like PCGS or NGC, especially for high-state uncirculated examples.

How to Identify 1978 Eisenhower Dollar?

• Verify the 1978 date on the obverse below the bust of Dwight D. Eisenhower.
• Check for the 'D' or 'S' mint mark above the date, or no mint mark for Philadelphia issues.
• Examine the reverse for the Apollo 11 insignia featuring an eagle landing on the moon.
• Confirm the composition is copper-nickel clad, as no silver business strikes were produced in 1978.

History of 1978 Eisenhower Dollar

The Eisenhower Dollar was minted from 1971 to 1978, the first dollar coin issued by the United States Mint since the Peace Dollar ceased production in 1935. It was authorized by Congress to honor President Dwight D. Eisenhower and commemorate the Apollo 11 moon landing. While popular with collectors, it did not circulate widely due to its large size and the public's preference for dollar bills.