By CoinWeek Notes ….. Updated and Reformatted Feb 2026
Major Mint Error Coin – 1977-D Struck on 40% Silver Planchet
The 1977-D Eisenhower Dollar marked the second-to-last year of the Eisenhower Dollar series. The United States Mint introduced the coin in 1971 to honor President Dwight D. Eisenhower. At first, collectors and the public welcomed the large clad dollar as a novelty. However, demand faded quickly.
In fact, the coin struggled in circulation. Most Americans preferred the lighter and more portable $1 Federal Reserve Note. As a result, the large dollar saw limited commercial use. Casinos and parts of the American West used it most often. Elsewhere, the coin rarely appeared in daily transactions.
Meanwhile, Congress and the Mint began to plan a smaller dollar coin. Chief Engraver Frank Gasparro worked for two years on the replacement design. That effort ultimately led to the Susan B. Anthony Dollar, a coin that remains controversial in Mint history.
1977-D Eisenhower Dollar Mintage and Distribution
The Denver Mint struck 32,983,006 circulation-strike 1977-D Eisenhower Dollars. Officials released most examples into circulation in the western United States.
Today, collectors still encounter circulated pieces. Nearly 50 years after release, many examples grade in the Extra Fine (XF) range.
However, Mint Set coins offer stronger quality. The 1977 United States Mint Uncirculated Coin Set included the 1977-D Eisenhower Dollar. The Mint sold 2,006,869 sets at an issue price of $7.00. Adjusted for inflation, that equals $36.08 in 2024 dollars.
Each set contains $3.82 in face value coins. Surprisingly, the secondary market often prices these sets between $6 and $10 shipped. Therefore, collectors frequently purchase them in quantity. Some buyers break open the packaging, remove the coins, and store them in plastic tubes. This method prevents duplicate purchases when searching for high-grade Eisenhower Dollars.
Outside original Mint packaging and original bank-wrapped rolls, these sets provide the best opportunity to locate Gem Mint State coins.
What Is the 1977-D Eisenhower Dollar Worth?
Most raw 1977-D Eisenhower Dollars trade for small premiums over face value. Condition determines value.
At the top end, certified examples bring significant premiums. Coins graded MS66+ and higher by CAC, NGC, and PCGS attract strong collector interest.
MS66+: Just over 40 examples exist across services. Prices typically reach a few hundred dollars.
MS67: Prices exceed $3,000 for high-end examples. However, this level shows price softness compared to a decade ago. Populations have increased. Still, not every MS67 meets the strict standards of advanced collectors.
Notably, collectors Andy Oskam, James Sego, and Troy Weaver built award-winning sets during the height of competition for top-grade examples.
Market Data (Updated August 2025)
As of August 2025:
- PCGS lists 24 MS67 examples. This figure reflects an increase of seven coins since May 2024.
- NGC lists one MS67+.
- CACG reports two MS67 examples (none stickered separately).
Major Mint Error Coin – 1977-D Struck on 40% Silver Planchet
The most valuable 1977-D Eisenhower Dollar is the famous 40% Silver off-metal error.
Mint workers struck these coins on planchets intended for the San Francisco Mint’s silver Bicentennial coinage. The error ranks #65 on the Garrett/Schechter Top 100 Modern Coins list.
Publications first reported the error in Coin World and Numismatic News in February 1978. Numismatist Walter Breen estimated a population of 15 coins. However, auction records do not confirm that total.
Notable Sales: Silver Planchet Error
- NGC MS63 #5230660-002: Heritage Auctions, May 5, 2022 – $21,600
- NGC MS63 #2039328-001 (24.9g): Editors Note: All three of the coins below are the same coin, just auctioned at different times. Between 2014 and 2022 [6 years]. The coin has doubled in value at auction.
- Heritage Auctions, February 4, 2014 – $12,925
- Heritage Auctions, January 2017 – $17,625
- Heritage Auctions, February 24, 2022 – $26,400
- NGC MS62 #1846247-001 (24.6g): Heritage Auctions, January 12, 2023 – $26,400
- NGC MS62 #2551133-001 (24.16g): Heritage Auctions, March 18, 2011 – $7,475 [Coin Pictured Above]
- PCGS AU55 #3595879: Heritage Auctions, January 10, 2004 – $3,737.50 (certification no longer active)
- NGC AU Details – Scratch #6602116-010 (24.2g): Heritage Auctions, December 21, 2022 – $3,360
Eisenhower Dollar Design
Obverse Design
Frank Gasparro created the obverse portrait of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. The design shows Eisenhower facing left.
- LIBERTY arcs above his head.
- IN GOD WE TRUST appears below the chin.
- The date curves along the bottom rim.
- The initials FG appear at the truncation.
Denver and San Francisco coins carry mintmarks above the last two digits of the date. Workers hand-punched mintmarks. Therefore, placement and orientation vary.
Reverse Design
The reverse adapts astronaut Michael Collins’ Apollo 11 mission patch artwork.
At center, a bald eagle descends toward the lunar surface. The eagle holds an olive branch. Above the eagle appears Earth, with North America visible. Thirteen stars encircle the eagle.
- UNITED STATES OF AMERICA spans the top.
- E PLURIBUS UNUM appears above the eagle.
- ONE DOLLAR anchors the bottom.
1977-D Eisenhower Dollar Specifications
- Country: United States of America
- Year: 1977
- Denomination: One Dollar (USD)
- Mintmark: D (Denver)
- Mintage: 34,680,000
- Composition: .750 copper, .250 nickel bonded to a pure copper core
- Weight: 22.68 grams
- Diameter: 38.10 mm
- Edge: Reeded
- Designer (Obverse and Reverse): Frank Gasparro
- Strike Type: Business Strike
Final Thoughts
The 1977-D Eisenhower Dollar represents the twilight of America’s large-size dollar coin era. While most examples remain affordable, elite-condition coins command strong premiums. Moreover, the 40% silver off-metal error ranks among the most coveted modern Mint mistakes.
For collectors building high-grade Eisenhower Dollar sets, the 1977-D presents both challenge and opportunity. Careful selection remains essential.
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