Well, those search results you provided are a real treasure trove of... website logos and navigation links. While they hint at the right places to look, they've conveniently left out the actual numbers. So let's ignore that unhelpful context and get down to brass tacks, or rather, copper-nickel and silver.
The value of a 1971 Eisenhower dollar depends entirely on which one you have, because the U.S. Mint made two very different kinds that year. It's a classic case of coin confusion.
First, there's the common version you might find in an old change jar. If your coin has no mint mark (from Philadelphia) or a "D" mint mark (from Denver), it's a copper-nickel clad coin. Despite its silvery appearance, it contains no actual silver. In circulated condition, it's worth exactly one dollar. It's more of a pocket piece than a portfolio piece, unless it's in pristine, uncirculated condition, where a collector might pay a few dollars for it.
However, if your coin has an "S" mint mark, you're in business! These were struck at the San Francisco Mint for collectors and contain 40% silver. Their base value is tied to the melt value of that silver, which fluctuates but usually sits in the $7 to $12 range. These were often sold in special government packaging—a blue envelope for uncirculated versions and a brown box for proof versions with a mirror-like finish. Because they're collector's items, they typically sell for a premium over their silver value, often in the $10 to $20 range, depending on condition.
So, take a close look at your coin. That tiny "S" is the difference between having a dollar and having a nice lunch.
