💰 1976 Eisenhower Dollar (No S Proof): The $143,750 Modern Rarity

How a Bicentennial Error Became a Numismatic Legend


🏛️ Historical Context

The 1976 Eisenhower Dollar No S Proof is one of the rarest modern U.S. coins, born from a series of oversights during the Bicentennial coin production. While most 1976 Eisenhower proofs were struck in San Francisco (with an “S” mint mark), a handful of trial proofs were minted in Philadelphia (no mint mark) and accidentally released, defying the U.S. Mint’s claims that all were destroyed. Only 10–15 examples are confirmed today, making this coin a blue-chip rarity for 20th-century collectors.


🔍 Key Identifiers

  • Design: Bicentennial reverse featuring the Liberty Bell and Moon.
  • Obverse: Dwight D. Eisenhower’s portrait with “IN GOD WE TRUST” (the user’s “UNGOD WE TRUST” is a typo).
  • Reverse: “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” (user’s “STATES OF AN” is a typo).
  • Mint Mark: None (Philadelphia trial strikes).
  • Composition: 40% silver-clad (proof sets only).
  • Weight: 24.59 grams (0.316 oz of silver).

Restrike Features:

  • Proof Surfaces: Mirror-like fields, frosted devices.
  • Edge: Reeded (no inscriptions).

💎 Market Value by Grade (2024 Estimates)

GradeDescriptionValue Range
PR-65Light hairlines, minor marks50,000–50,000–100,000
PR-66/67Near-flawless, deep mirrors100,000–100,000–300,000+

Recent Sales:

  • $143,750: 1976 No S Proof graded PCGS PR-67 DCAM (2021).
  • $264,500: A specimen with original Mint packaging (Heritage Auctions, 2023).

📜 The Secret of the No S Proofs

In 1976, the U.S. Mint produced trial proofs in Philadelphia to test Bicentennial designs. These coins were supposed to be destroyed, but a few escaped into private hands. Collectors speculate that Mint employees saved them as souvenirs, creating one of the most controversial modern rarities.


⚠️ Authentication Tips

  1. Mint Mark Check: No “S” below Eisenhower’s neck.
  2. Surface Quality: Proof-like surfaces with cameo contrast.
  3. Weight & Magnet Test: Must weigh ~24.59g and be non-magnetic.
  4. Edge Inspection: Reeded edges (no lettering).

Red Flags:

  • Altered Coins: Filed-off “S” mint marks show tooling marks.
  • Fake Holders: Counterfeits often use fake PCGS/NGC slabs.

📈 Why It’s Valuable

  • Scarcity: Fewer than 15 confirmed examples.
  • Historical Drama: Tied to the Mint’s Bicentennial errors and cover-up.
  • Collector Demand: Needed for complete Eisenhower dollar sets.

🛠️ How to Sell Your 1976 No S Dollar

  1. Grading is Essential: Submit to PCGS or NGC (100–100–300 fee).
  2. Auction Houses:
    • Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers for global exposure.
  3. Avoid Scams:
    • Use escrow services for private sales over $50,000.
    • Verify buyer reputations via the ANA Dealer Directory.

📚 Learn More on PennyVerse.info


#CoinCollecting #EisenhowerDollar #BicentennialCoins
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PS: That “850,000”claim?∗∗Overhyped.∗∗Thehighestverifiedsaleis∗∗850,000”claim?∗∗Overhyped.∗∗Thehighestverifiedsaleis∗∗264,500** (as of 2023). Stick to PCGS/NGC data â€“ not clickbait!


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