1974-S Eisenhower 'Blue IKE' 40% Silver Dollar
Coin/Bullion · United States Mint, specifically the San Francisco Mint facility which handles proof and special uncirculated silver strikes.
Pattern: Eisenhower Dollar (IKE), 1971-1978 design series.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
United States Mint, specifically the San Francisco Mint facility which handles proof and special uncirculated silver strikes.
Material
40% Silver Clad (outer layers 80% silver/20% copper bonded to a core of approximately 21% silver/79% copper). Total silver weight is 0.3161 troy oz.
Dimensions
Diameter: 38.1mm (1.5 inches); Weight: 24.59 grams (Standard for 40% silver planchets).
Description
The 1974-S Eisenhower Dollar is a hefty, large-format silver coin struck to honor the 34th President. Unlike the common copper-nickel versions found in circulation, the 'S' mint mark uncirculated editions were sold in blue envelopes (hence the nickname 'Blue IKE') and contain actual silver. It represents the last of the large-sized U.S. dollars and serves as a bridge between classic silver coinage and modern base-metal currency.
Key Features
40% silver composition (denoted by the 'S' mint mark and a solid silver edge rather than a copper sandwich line); Apollo 11 reverse imagery; Eisenhower bust.
Material & Composition
40% Silver Clad (outer layers 80% silver/20% copper bonded to a core of approximately 21% silver/79% copper). Total silver weight is 0.3161 troy oz.
Finish & Decoration
Uncirculated satin finish. Features the profile of President Dwight D. Eisenhower on the obverse and the Apollo 11 moon landing insignia (eagle landing on moon) on the reverse, designed by Frank Gasparro.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Obverse: 'LIBERTY', 'IN GOD WE TRUST', date '1974'. Mint mark 'S' located just above the date indicates San Francisco Mint production.
Construction Details
Die-struck on a multi-layered clad planchet using high-pressure coinage presses at the San Francisco Mint.
Functional Features
Reeded edge for security; legal tender value of One Dollar ($1.00 USD) in the United States.
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable; circular coin form with reeded (milled) edge to prevent clipping or tempering.
Craftsmanship Details
Precision die-striking with clear relief. The 40% clad process was a unique metallurgical bridge of the early 1970s used to keep the appearance of silver while reducing cost.
Authentication Indicators
S mint mark placement; lack of copper core visible on the edge; crisp strike details in Eisenhower's hair and the lettering; weight consistency of 24.59g.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America, San Francisco Mint, California.
Era & Period
Modern Era (Cold War years); specifically issued to commemorate Eisenhower and the Moon Landing.
Age Estimate
Issued in 1974 (50 years old from current date).
Cultural Significance
Symbolizes American pride in the 1969 Moon Landing and the post-WWII leadership of Dwight D. Eisenhower. It was the last large 'cartwheel' dollar meant for general use, though silver versions were collectors-only.
Condition Notes
Sample appears in 'Uncirculated' condition with typical contact marks (bag marks) from the minting process. Surface shows light patina/toning. Grade looks to be in the MS63-MS65 range.
Value Estimate
$10 to $15 USD for raw uncirculated specimens, primarily driven by melt value of silver plus a small collector premium.
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean or polish, as this destroys numismatic value. Store in a PVC-free plastic flip or airtight capsule to prevent tarnish and scratches.
Similar Pieces
1974-D or P copper-nickel dollars (no silver value); 1974-S Proof Eisenhower Dollar (mirrored finish, 'Brown IKE'); 1976 Bicentennial Dollars.
Interesting Facts
The Eisenhower Dollar was the first US dollar coin issued since the Peace Dollar ended in 1935. The reverse design is based directly on the Apollo 11 mission patch.