1977 Dollar Value:Eisenhower Clad Coins, D and S Proofs

Quick answer

Coin photos

Basics & coin story

The Eisenhower dollar began in 1971, honoring the president on the obverse and the Apollo 11 Moon landing on the reverse. Frank Gasparro’s eagle carries an olive branch toward the lunar surface, with Earth above. The design makes this large dollar distinctive even when worn.

The original eagle returned in 1977 after the Bicentennial Liberty Bell-and-Moon reverse. A single 1977 date is normal. This was the next-to-last Eisenhower year: the series continued in 1978 before the smaller Susan B. Anthony dollar followed in 1979.

Earlier Eisenhower collector products included 40% silver coins, which helps explain the common search phrase “1977 silver dollar.” The Mint’s historical account explicitly separates the final two years as clad-only issues. For the final date, see the 1978 Eisenhower guide.

Identification

Read the mint letter below the neck

The mark is on Eisenhower’s portrait side, above the date. No letter is normal for Philadelphia; D is Denver and S the separate Proof. A missing Philadelphia letter does not establish a production error.

Do not infer silver from appearance

The standard coin is clad, including the S Proof. Silver color, a reflective finish or an envelope marked SILVER cannot establish an off-metal example. A serious unusual-metal claim needs weight, edge examination and authentication, rather than a comparison with an earlier silver collector dollar.

Identify the normal eagle reverse

The Moon-landing scene is expected for 1977. The Bicentennial bell design belongs to the dual-dated 1776–1976 issue. A familiar eagle motif also appears on the later smaller Anthony dollar, but the portrait, date and dimensions identify a different series.

Condition & value

Amounts are in U.S. dollars. PCGS retail-guide examples were checked October 23, 2026 and apply only to the stated issue, grade and designation. They are not guaranteed purchase offers; current market conditions and selling costs can change the amount received.

PCGS lists $100 at MS66 for the ordinary Philadelphia entry in this check, compared with $28 at MS65. A one-grade difference therefore matters, but it must be established by preservation rather than a sharp-looking portrait alone. Large fields readily show contact marks and friction.

For a modest-value example, retail references can exceed actual buying offers after costs. Match completed single-coin sales, the same mint and actual surface status. Proof grades and Cameo or Deep Cameo designations need separate comparisons.

The nominal dimensions above use the contemporary congressional description of the large dollar rather than rounded catalog fields. Keep measurements separate from a grade judgment. The grading guide explains wear and Mint State contact marks.

Summary

FAQ

References