Diagnostic Controls & Presets Ike Dollar Key Variety
Diagnostic Forensic Readings
Forensic Attribution Diagnostic
Real-time metallurgical and die variety cross-examination verified against certified populations.
Technical Breakdown: Physics, Metallurgy & Die Diagnostics
Struck on massive 38.1mm planchets, causing severe die stress and necessitating multiple hub modifications.
Struck from an accidental San Francisco proof reverse die pressed into service during an August die shortage.
Documented Benchmark Auction Records
Tied for finest certified at PCGS. Impeccable surfaces with brilliant silver luster and the classic smooth-ocean Earth.
A dazzling Gem MS-65 showing rich cartwheel satin luster and flawless incuse North and South America continent boundaries.
Authentic proof that rare Type 2 dollars can still be cherrypicked from unsearched government uncirculated packaging.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the 1972 Type 2 Eisenhower Dollar so valuable?
Only a single reverse die was used to strike the 1972 Type 2 at the Philadelphia Mint. That die was originally intended for San Francisco Proof strikes. It produced only an estimated 100,000 to 200,000 coins out of nearly 76 million, making it 500 times rarer than standard 1972 dollars.
How can I tell a 1972 Type 2 from a Type 1 or Type 3?
Look at planet Earth on the reverse. Type 1 has three distinct islands southeast of Florida. Type 3 has two distinct islands. The rare Type 2 has NO islands at all—the ocean southeast of Florida is completely flat and smooth.
Do 1972-D (Denver) or 1972-S (San Francisco) dollars have the Type 2 variety?
No. The Type 2 variety is exclusive to coins struck at the Philadelphia Mint with no mintmark. Denver dollars were struck with different hubs, and San Francisco proof dollars were intentionally struck with proof tooling.
Can I find a 1972 Type 2 Ike Dollar in original Mint Sets?
Yes! Early shipments of the 1972 Uncirculated Mint Sets (in the blue/red cellophane envelopes) contained Type 2 dollars before the mint switched over to the Type 3 hub in late 1972. Cherrypicking unsearched mint sets remains a popular treasure hunt.
What is the PCGS variety number for the 1972 Type 2 dollar?
PCGS catalogs the 1972 Type 2 Eisenhower Dollar under variety number FS-401 (formerly FS-013.3).
Is the 1972 Type 2 dollar made of silver?
No. The regular 1972 Type 2 business strike is cupro-nickel clad (75% copper, 25% nickel outer layers bonded to a pure copper core). San Francisco struck 40% silver collector dollars in 1972, but the valuable Type 2 variety is a clad circulation issue.
How much is a circulated 1972 Type 2 Eisenhower Dollar worth?
Even in circulated condition (grades EF-40 to AU-55), a genuine 1972 Type 2 Eisenhower Dollar sells for $50 to $150. In Gem MS-65 condition, it sells for over $3,500.