1976-S Clad Type 2 Eisenhower Dollar Value and Collectibility Guide

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The 1976-S Clad Type 2 Eisenhower Dollar is worth anywhere from $2 in circulated condition to over $3,000 for high-grade specimens. Finding one of these heavy “Ike” dollars in your change is an exciting moment, as they carry the double-dated 1776-1976 mark celebrating the American Bicentennial.

Identifying the 1976-S Bicentennial Type 2 Eisenhower Dollar

If you’ve recently found a large silver-colored coin with President Dwight D. Eisenhower on the front and the Liberty Bell superimposed on the moon on the back, you have a Bicentennial Dollar. However, not all these coins are created equal. The 1976-S Clad Type 2 Eisenhower Dollar is unique because it was struck at the San Francisco Mint specifically for collectors, but it contains a base-metal composition rather than silver.

The “Type 2” designation refers to the lettering style on the reverse of the coin. In mid-1975, the U.S. Mint refined the design to make the letters thinner and sharper. If you have the top coin identifier app installed on your phone, you can quickly snap a photo to confirm your coin’s type. To distinguish it yourself, look at the words “STATES OF AMERICA” on the back. If the letters are thin and elegant, you have a Type 2. If they are thick and blocky, it is a Type 1.

While millions of Ike dollars were released into circulation, the “S” mint mark below Eisenhower’s neck indicates it originated from San Francisco. Many everyday Americans use the CoinKnow app to verify these mint marks, as a tiny letter “S” can significantly change the valuation compared to coins with no mint mark or a “D” for Denver.

Market Value and Price Guide for the 1976-S Proof Clad Dollar

Because the 1976-S Clad Eisenhower Dollars were primarily issued in Proof sets, it is rare to find them with heavy wear. Most examples you find in old jars or collections will still have a shiny, mirror-like finish. These are officially known as “Proof” coins. Even though they look expensive, their value is closely tied to their “Grade” or state of preservation.

For most people, a standard 1976-S Type 2 Clad Proof dollar will sell for about $8 to $15. However, if the coin is in perfect condition with a deep cameo effect—where the portrait looks frosty white against a black mirror background—the price can climb. Professional collectors often consult the current 1976 Eisenhower dollar auction records to see what the highest-quality pieces are fetching on the open market.

Condition Grade	Estimated Market Value
Circulated / Impaired Proof	$2.00 – $5.00
PR 65 (Typical Proof)	$10.00 – $15.00
PR 69 Deep Cameo	$35.00 – $60.00
PR 70 Deep Cameo (Perfect)	$800.00 – $3,500.00+

How to Tell if Your 1976-S Dollar is Silver or Clad

One common source of confusion for Americans is whether their Bicentennial dollar contains silver. The San Francisco Mint produced both silver-clad (40% silver) and copper-nickel clad versions of the 1976-S Ike dollar. Knowing the difference is vital, as the 1776 to 1976 dollar value information changes based on the metal content and the specific type.

The easiest way to check is the “edge test.” Look at the rim of the coin. If you see a distinct copper/orange stripe running through the middle, your coin is a copper-nickel clad version. If the edge is solid silver-white with no copper core visible, it is likely the 40% silver version.

To be 100% sure, you can weigh the coin. A copper-nickel clad Ike dollar weighs 22.68 grams, while a 40% silver Ike dollar weighs 24.59 grams. If you don’t have a jeweler’s scale, the CoinKnow app can provide detailed specifications for both varieties to help you match your coin to the correct category.

Collecting the 1776-1976 Bicentennial Series Today

The Bicentennial coins remain some of the most beloved pieces of American currency. Because the 1976-S Type 2 Clad Dollar was intended for collectors, many have been kept in their original plastic mint packaging. If you find one still in its 6-coin “Blue” or “Brown” set, it is often better to keep it in the original holder to preserve its value.

For those looking to sell, the market is currently stable. There is a huge demand from nostalgic collectors who grew up during the 1970s. While a single circulated coin won’t make you rich, a high-grade PR70 specimen is a “holy grail” for Ike dollar enthusiasts. Before you head to a coin shop, use CoinKnow to browse recent sales so you can negotiate with confidence.

FAQ

Q: Is the 1976 Eisenhower dollar made of real silver?

A: Only some are. The ones with no mint mark or a “D” mint mark are always copper-nickel. Those with an “S” mint mark can be either copper-nickel clad or 40% silver. Check the edge of the coin for a copper stripe to be sure.

Q: What is the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 1976 dollars?

A: It all comes down to the font. Type 1 has thick, wide, blocky letters on the reverse. Type 2 has much thinner, more elegant lettering. The Type 2 was created to improve the striking quality of the coins.

Q: Can I spend a 1976-S Eisenhower Dollar at the store?

A: Yes, it is still legal tender worth one dollar. However, since most are worth at least $2 to $10 to a collector, spending it at face value is not recommended.

Q: Why is my 1976-S Dollar so much shinier than other coins?

A: It is likely a “Proof” strike. These were made using specially polished dies and blanks to create a mirror-like finish for collectors, rather than for general circulation.