What makes a 1972-S silver dollar rare? The 1972-S silver dollar holds intrigue for coin collectors and investors due to key factors that make certain issues rare and valuable. If you’re wondering what contributes to a 1972-S silver dollar’s scarcity and worth, read on as we explore the details surrounding these historic coins.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: The low mintage as well as the composition of 40% silver, and 60% copper makes the 1972-S Eisenhower dollar valuable to collectors.
Eisenhower Dollar Key Dates
One of the main reasons why certain Eisenhower dollars are rare is that these coins were primarily minted from nickel-copper-clad composition, while some varieties such as 1972-S were minted on silver-clad planchets made of 40% silver.
Also, the United States Mint did not release any proof sets that year. Proof coins go through a special minting process to make them more brilliant and with sharper details to appeal to collectors.
With no new proof versions of coins added to the market, there was reduced availability of high-quality 1972 coins.
The halt in proof set production was related to minting difficulties and confusion around silver coin content. However, the timeline for the transition was not clearly defined.
Low Mintage for San Francisco Mint
Another factor making some 1972 dollars rare is that the output of the coins at the San Francisco Mint facility was unusually low that year. The San Francisco Mint struck a scant 2.19 million silver dollars for circulation in 1972.
The main reason for reduced dollar coin production was that the public was starting to hoard silver coins in early 1972. This occurred as silver bullion prices started rising and word spread that silver would soon no longer be used in new coinage.
The public correctly anticipated that existing silver coins would become more valuable as a commodity, so saved them rather than spending them.
With fewer 1972-dated silver dollars released compared to other years, finding nice condition examples can be a challenge for collectors today. Key date price guides suggest that even worn 1972-S silver dollars trade for $30 or more now when found in collectible condition.
The Importance of Mint Marks
Finding a D Mint Mark
While most 1972 Eisenhower dollar coins have no mint mark because they were struck at the main Philadelphia Mint, finding one with a “D” Denver mint mark can give it extra numismatic charm. Around 92 million 1972-D Eisenhower dollars on copper-nickel clad planchets.
An attractive, uncirculated 1972-D in MS-65 condition could potentially sell for around $50-75. Higher MS-67 grades trade for over $125. So a 1972-D silver dollar with nice luster and minimal marks is preferred by many collectors over common, well-worn examples.
Grading and Condition
The condition and grade of a 1972-S silver dollar play a major role in determining its rarity and value. Professional coin grading services like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) and NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation) assign grades ranging from poor to mint state based on the coin’s level of wear and preservation.
A high-grade 1972-S dollar certified as Mint State (MS-60 through MS-70) or top-end About Uncirculated (AU-58 or AU-55) can be quite valuable and desirable to collectors, while lower grades in good, very good, or fine condition tend to be worth silver value only.
Some key grading details that impact a 1972-S silver dollar’s rarity include the quality of the strike, luster, and presence of marks, hairlines, or other damage. Many coins in circulation develop bag marks and contact marks from rubbing against other coins which lower the grade.
However, a small number of 1972 dollars were set aside in rolls or mint bags at the time of issue without entering circulation. These “mint state” coins exhibit full brilliant luster and a sharp strike with no signs of wear.
This pristine preservation makes high-grade examples exceedingly rare and valuable in today’s coin market, with MS-67 or MS-68 coins sometimes selling for thousands of dollars if certified by PCGS or NGC.
Special Proof Releases
Special Mint Sets
The 1972-S silver dollar was issued in Special Mint Sets (SMS) that contained a proof version of the Eisenhower dollar along with proof versions of the cent through half dollar for that year. These SMS sets were made as an alternative to buying proof sets from the U.S. Mint since circulating coinage production had been halted.
The SMS versions of the 1972 Ike dollar feature a mirror-like proof finish and sharper details than business strikes. About 2.8 million SMS sets were sold, making these proof Eisenhower dollars fairly available compared to earlier proof issues.
However, high demand from collectors has steadily absorbed many of these SMS Eisenhower dollars over the years. Today, finding a pristine SMS example can be challenging. Those graded PR69 or higher by PCGS or NGC can sell for a strong premium.
Prestige Proof Sets
In addition to the standard SMS sets in 1972, the U.S. Mint offered special hard-plastic cases and official certificates of authenticity to buyers who purchased the Eisenhower proof dollar directly from the Mint. These sets are known as “Prestige Proof Sets.”
Only about 27,000 Prestige sets were sold originally. Making these proof Ike dollars much rarer than their SMS counterparts. Yet, they have the same proof surfaces as regular SMS coins.
Prestige Proof Eisenhower dollars are very popular with series collectors today. High demand has steadily absorbed the tiny original mintage into collections. This has caused values to rise substantially, especially for example grading PR69 or higher.
What Makes A 1972-S Silver Dollar Rare –
Conclusion
In summary, several variables contribute to the 1972-S silver dollar value and rarity. Key dates, mint marks, conditions, and special proof releases indicate scarce production that appeals to collectors and investors.
Understanding these important factors can help you assess any 1972 Eisenhower dollar that comes your way.
