1971-S $1 Silver MS66 Certification #32795997, PCGS #7408

PCGS Set Registry

The 1971-S Blue Pack Ike: Poor Quality and Collector Disappointment

The packaging used for the silver-clad business strike Eisenhower Dollars became synonymous with their name: "Blue Pack Ikes." This packaging was used from 1971 through 1974. The silver-clad Bicentennial issues were struck under a separate authorization and came in different packaging. After the Bicentennial, the silver-clad program was not renewed for the Eisenhower Dollar’s final two production years (1977 and 1978).

Quality Control Failure

In terms of strike and quality, the 1971-S is the poorest of the Blue Pack Ike Dollars. No effort was made to impart a special finish on these coins, and no care was made to stop the coins from being marred by incidental contact with other coins. The substandard quality of the typical specimen must have been noted by the United States Mint before the coins were offered for sale because each silver-clad business strike coin was packaged with a special insert.

The card explained:

"These coins are produced in the same manner as coins made for general circulation, the only difference being that they contain 40% silver whereas those made for regular use will be cupro-nickel. The uncirculated coins, unlike the individually produced proof coins, are minted on high speed presses, moved along conveyers, and run through counting machines. No attempt is made to impart a special finish such as appears on the hand processed proof coins. The Treasury cannot guarantee that the uncirculated coins will be free from blemishes.”

Collector Reaction and Consequences

It is doubtful that any collector receiving their premium 1971-S uncirculated silver-clad Ike received an example that was truly "free from blemishes." In fact, one would have been lucky to receive a coin that might today grade MS65. Most examples arrived spotted, scratched, and generally unappealing.

Collectors were clearly not thrilled. Consequently, the Mint was compelled to improve its manufacturing process for the following years. As a result, the 1972-S Eisenhower Dollar (#7411) is easily the most attractive of the four silver-clad dates, followed by the 1974-S (#7417) and the 1973-S (#7414).

Even the sole PCGS MS69 example—a true unicorn within the 1971-S population—would likely be classified as a strong MS68+ coin if it had been struck in any other year of the program. These quality characteristics are precisely what distinguishes this date from all other silver-clad Ikes when collecting at a high level.

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