1974-S Eisenhower Silver Dollar (Blue IKE)
Coin/Bullion · United States Mint, specifically the San Francisco Mint facility. The US Mint is the Department of the Treasury branch responsible for producing coinage for the United States.
Pattern: Eisenhower Dollar series, portrait of Dwight D. Eisenhower (obverse) and Apollo 11 moon landing mission insignia (reverse - assumed based on 1974 date); designed by Frank Gasparro.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
United States Mint, specifically the San Francisco Mint facility. The US Mint is the Department of the Treasury branch responsible for producing coinage for the United States.
Material
40% Silver Clad (composed of an outer layer of 80% silver and 20% copper, bonded to an inner core of 21.5% silver and 78.5% copper). Overall silver content is 0.3162 troy ounces of pure silver.
Dimensions
Diameter: 38.1 mm (1.5 inches); Weight: 24.59 grams total (0.79 troy oz). It is a large-format dollar coin.
Description
The 1974-S Eisenhower Dollar is a significant piece of American numismatic history. While the general public used copper-nickel versions, the 'S' mint mark indicates this is the 40% silver variety produced specifically for collectors. Known as 'Blue Ikes' because of the original blue envelopes they were sold in, these coins represent the last of the large-sized silver-colored dollars before the transition to the smaller Susan B. Anthony dollar in 1979.
Key Features
The 'S' mint mark located above the '1974' date and the distinctive silver-clad edge (which lacks the solid copper stripe seen on standard circulation coins) are the primary identifiers of its silver content.
Material & Composition
40% Silver Clad (composed of an outer layer of 80% silver and 20% copper, bonded to an inner core of 21.5% silver and 78.5% copper). Overall silver content is 0.3162 troy ounces of pure silver.
Finish & Decoration
Uncirculated Business Strike. Features a profile of Dwight D. Eisenhower facing left. The surface shows a satin-like luster typical of the 40% silver 'Blue Ikes' issued in flat blue cellophane packs.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Obverse features the 'S' mint mark above the date, indicating San Francisco. Inscriptions include 'LIBERTY', 'IN GOD WE TRUST', and the date '1974'. Reverse (standard) includes 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' and 'ONE DOLLAR'.
Construction Details
Machine-struck on a clad planchet using high-pressure coinage presses. The edge is reedable (not shown but standard for the type).
Functional Features
Legal tender currency for the United States with a face value of one dollar, though primarily distributed as a collector's numismatic item.
Handle & Grip Details
None; standardized coin edge with 198 reeds to prevent clipping or counterfeiting.
Craftsmanship Details
Die-struck quality showing sharp transitions in 'LIBERTY' lettering and crisp details in Eisenhower's hair, typical of the San Francisco Mint's superior production standards compared to circulation strikes.
Authentication Indicators
The 'S' mint mark is the primary indicator. Verification can be performed by weighing the coin (24.59g for silver vs 22.68g for cupro-nickel) or checking for the copper stripe on the edge.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America, San Francisco Mint, California. Produced as a special collector's version separate from the copper-nickel circulation strikes of Philadelphia and Denver.
Era & Period
Modern Era (Cold War / Space Age context); honors both the 34th President and the 1969 Moon Landing.
Age Estimate
Dated 1974. Confirmed production mid-1970s.
Cultural Significance
Represents the intersection of presidential commemoration and the technological triumph of the Space Race. It was a favorite gift item in the 1970s and remains a staple for entry-level silver collectors.
Condition Notes
Very Good to Excellent. Shows some light surface contact marks ('bag marks') and minor spotting on the cheek and field, which is common for coins that have been removed from original Mint packaging.
Value Estimate
$10 - $20 USD depending on current silver spot prices and grade. Higher grades (MS67+) can command significant premiums at auction.
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean or polish with abrasive silver creams as it destroys numismatic value. Store in an airtight non-PVC plastic flip or capsule to prevent further oxidation/toning.
Similar Pieces
1974 Philadelphia or Denver Dollars (Cupro-nickel, no 'S' mark); 1974-S Proof Eisenhower Dollar (highly mirrored finish/cameo profile).
Interesting Facts
The Ike dollar was the first dollar coin to be minted since the Peace Dollar ended in 1935. The reverse design was adapted from the official Apollo 11 mission patch to commemorate the moon landing.