Got a 1978-dollar coin that seems to be silver? Curious if it is rare or worth cash? You are in the right place!
Most 1978 dollar coins were made with copper-nickel, but a few special ones were made of silver. These 1978 dollar coins were minted at three US Mint facilities viz, Philadlphia, Denver, and San Francisco. Its composition, condition, mintmark, and the errors are primary determinants of the silver dollar value.
Rarity, condition, and demand are what collectors use to value these coins. Some are only worth a buck, but others are worth a lot more! In this blog, we will take a look at the background, most notable characteristics, and the 1978 silver dollar value.
Let's dive in and figure out what your coin is worth!
The 1978 Silver Dollar contains a left-profile portrait of Dwight D. Eisenhower, sculpted by Frank Gasparro. “LIBERTY” is written above his head, and “IN GOD WE TRUST” is written near his chin. The year 1978 is written at the bottom.
Denver (D) and San Francisco (S) coins have a mintmark over the terminal two digits of the date, and Philadelphia coins have no mintmark. Positions of mintmark can vary slightly since they were punched by hand.
The reverse honors the historic moon landing of Apollo 11. A bald eagle swoops down on the moon, holding an olive branch. The Earth rises above, with thirteen stars for the original colonies.
The words "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "E PLURIBUS UNUM" are at the top, and "ONE DOLLAR" is at the bottom.
Have a 1978 dollar with no mintmark? That means it was struck in Philadelphia. More than 25 million were produced, so most of them are only worth face value unless they are in excellent condition.
The Grading of the coin makes the difference! A worn XF45 1978 Silver dollar is worth around $1. When considering the mint state (MS) condition versions, the higher gradually increases from $1 to $7,500.
The MS60 coin is worth around $5, while an MS65 (gem) coin is worth around $26. The value increases drastically for MS66+ coins, which are worth $800, and an MS67 (finest graded) coin is worth an astronomical $7,500.
Denver minted more than 33 million of 1978 D Silver Dollars, with the small "D" above the date. Similar to the Philadelphia variants, these dollars were worth around the face value and higher graded coins fetched a relatively higher price.
An MS65-rated coin costs approximately $32; an MS66-rated coin costs about $215. There are nine MS67 coins, making them extremely rare and costing a whopping $7,750.
Proof coins were a specialty since they are minted to favor the collectors and weren’t meant for circulation. San Francisco Mint made more than 3 million, so locating them is not challenging.
The Regular proof versions' value is hardly higher than the face value. However, the mint state proof versions fetch a high price. A PR65 DCAM coin would cost around $14, whereas a PR70 DCAM coin would be up to $3,700
Think you got a precious rarity gem? See its grade—it may be worth a fortune!
A one-of-a-kind error was observed in the Philadelphia Mint in 1978—a coin struck on a faulty planchet. Since the bonding was incorrect, most dollars’ obverse was copper-colored, and Eisenhower's face was not detailed.
On average, an MS63 coin would be worth around $24, but this error was auctioned for $700!
A brockage occurs when a struck coin sticks to the die and leaves a reverse image on the next coin. There was a single 1978 Philadelphia dollar that contained 10% brockage, or a piece of a second coin impressed into it.
This unusual MS64 error brought $745 at auction.
The 1978 Silver Dollar appears unremarkable, with gems existing in the error coins. A few, such as flawed planchet strikes or brockage errors, have commanded astonishing prices at auction.
If you have one, look again—you may well have a treasure among your coins. The world of numismatics is full of surprises, and each find is a thrilling adventure.
Who knows? Your treasure could be priceless!
Discover one-of-a-kind treasures such as the Morgan Dollar and Peace Dollar and high-grade coins at BOLD Precious Metals and elevate your collection with enduring value.
Invest in history today!
No, the 1978 Eisenhower dollar is not silver. It is copper-nickel clad. Special 40% silver Eisenhower dollars were only produced from 1971 through 1976 for collectors.
Most 1978 Eisenhower dollars are normal and face value in circulated condition. But uncirculated and high-grade mint state coins are numismatic and worth hundreds or thousands of dollars at auction, such as coins with rare errors or MS67+ grade.
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