David C. writes: I have a 1974D Eisenhower dollar that appears to be silver rather than the copper clad mix. Upon further research I found out that in 1974 and 1977 there were Eisenhower dollars of Denver mintage that were made in silver clad by error. I have taken this coin to numerous dealers and they all agree that it is indeed silver clad and not copper clad, but none of these dealers having ever seen one of these mistakes they can’t be certain that this is one of the error coins even though it is silver. Who or where can I find out if this paticular coin is one of the errors?
The 1974D Silver clad Eisenhower dollars were discovered by a blackjack dealer in Las Vegas. So far, only about 30 pieces are known to exist. The normal clad pieces have a red or, when oxidized, dark gray edge. Silver clad pieces have a white edge. Silver clad piece weigh 24.59 grams, copper-nickel clad examples, 22.68 grams. A ring test (see a numismatist for this) yields a different pitch for each type.
If you believe you have a silver clad 1974D dollar, you will want to have it certified or authenticated. You can contact ANA, PCGS or NGC for reliable authentication. See their links on the CoinSite Links page.
