Eisenhower Dollars

Eisenhower Dollars

Eisenhower Dollars, commonly known as Ike Dollars, were issued by the United States Mint from 1971 through 1978 to honor President Dwight D. Eisenhower and commemorate America's historic Apollo 11 Moon landing. Designed by Frank Gasparro, the series features Eisenhower's portrait on the obverse and an eagle landing on the Moon on the original reverse.

Collectors pursue certified Eisenhower Dollars for their historical significance, 40% silver collector issues, Proof finishes, Bicentennial designs, recognized varieties, and exceptional Mint State grades. The series represents an important transition in American coinage, combining the traditional large-dollar format with modern minting technology and compositions.

History of the Eisenhower Dollar (1971–1978)

Following the final production of classic Peace Silver Dollars in 1935, the United States Mint did not issue another dollar coin for general circulation until the Eisenhower Dollar debuted in 1971.

The new denomination honored Dwight D. Eisenhower, the five-star general who served as Supreme Allied Commander during World War II and later as the 34th President of the United States.

Congress debated whether the new dollar should contain silver. The resulting compromise authorized copper-nickel clad Eisenhower Dollars for circulation and special 40% silver Eisenhower Dollars for collectors.

Chief Engraver Frank Gasparro designed the coin, incorporating Eisenhower's portrait and a reverse inspired by the Apollo 11 mission insignia.

Although Eisenhower Dollars were produced through 1978, the large coins never achieved widespread circulation. In 1979, the smaller Susan B. Anthony Dollar replaced the series.

Eisenhower Dollar Design

The obverse features a left-facing portrait of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, with LIBERTY above, IN GOD WE TRUST to the left, and the date below.

The original reverse depicts an American eagle descending toward the lunar surface while holding an olive branch, symbolizing peace. Earth appears in the background, surrounded by thirteen stars representing the original states.

The design was inspired by the Apollo 11 mission insignia, created by astronaut Michael Collins, commemorating the first crewed Moon landing in 1969.

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, and ONE DOLLAR complete the reverse inscriptions.

40% Silver Eisenhower Dollars

While regular circulation Eisenhower Dollars were struck in copper-nickel clad composition, the United States Mint also produced special 40% silver Eisenhower Dollars for collectors.

These silver collector issues were struck at the San Francisco Mint and include both Uncirculated and Proof examples.

The 40% silver Eisenhower Dollars issued from 1971 through 1974 are especially popular among collectors seeking examples of the series with precious metal content.

Special 40% silver Bicentennial Eisenhower Dollars were also produced, featuring the dual date 1776–1976 and a commemorative reverse design.

Unlike classic Morgan and Peace Silver Dollars, which contain 90% silver, the silver Eisenhower Dollars have a layered 40% silver composition.

Bicentennial Eisenhower Dollars (1776–1976)

To commemorate the 200th anniversary of American independence, the United States Mint introduced special Bicentennial designs for the Quarter, Half Dollar, and Eisenhower Dollar.

The Bicentennial Eisenhower Dollar features the dual date 1776–1976 on the obverse and a redesigned reverse created by Dennis R. Williams.

The reverse depicts the Liberty Bell superimposed against the Moon, combining symbols of American independence and the nation's achievements in space exploration.

Bicentennial Eisenhower Dollars were produced in copper-nickel clad composition for circulation, along with special 40% silver collector editions.

Although coins bearing the Bicentennial date were produced during both 1975 and 1976, no Eisenhower Dollars were issued with a 1975 date.

Eisenhower Dollar Mintmarks

Eisenhower Dollars were produced at three United States Mint facilities:

• Philadelphia (No Mintmark): Produced copper-nickel clad circulation issues, including several collectible varieties.

• Denver (D): Produced circulation-strike Eisenhower Dollars, with certain dates challenging in exceptional Mint State grades.

• San Francisco (S): Produced Proof Eisenhower Dollars and special 40% silver collector issues.

Collectors pursue Eisenhower Dollars by date, mintmark, composition, finish, and recognized varieties.

Key Dates and Eisenhower Dollar Varieties

Although Eisenhower Dollars were produced in substantial quantities, certain issues and varieties are especially important to collectors.

1972 Eisenhower Dollar Type 1, Type 2 and Type 3

The 1972 Philadelphia Eisenhower Dollar is known for three distinct reverse varieties, identified by differences in the depiction of Earth.

The 1972 Type 2 Eisenhower Dollar is particularly notable because of its relative scarcity and distinctive reverse design.

1971-S and 1972-S Silver Eisenhower Dollars

Early San Francisco 40% silver issues remain popular among collectors of certified silver dollars, especially in higher Mint State and Proof grades.

1976 Bicentennial Eisenhower Dollars

Bicentennial Eisenhower Dollars feature the distinctive Liberty Bell and Moon reverse, with Type 1 and Type 2 lettering varieties providing additional collecting opportunities.

High-Grade Mint State Eisenhower Dollars

Despite relatively large original mintages, Eisenhower Dollars can be challenging to locate in exceptional Mint State condition. Their large size and susceptibility to contact marks make well-preserved examples especially desirable.

Collecting Certified Eisenhower Dollars

Certified Eisenhower Dollars offer collectors opportunities to pursue complete date and mintmark sets, 40% silver issues, Bicentennial designs, Proof coins, recognized varieties, and exceptional Mint State examples.

Important collecting considerations include:

• Composition: Copper-nickel clad circulation issues and 40% silver collector editions offer different collecting opportunities.

• Date and Mintmark: Certain issues and mint locations are more challenging in higher grades.

• Recognized Varieties: The 1972 reverse types and Bicentennial lettering varieties are important distinctions within the series.

• Certified Grade: Surface preservation, contact marks, strike quality, and remaining luster influence the appeal of individual coins.

• Proof and Mint State Finishes: Collectors may pursue deeply mirrored Proof examples or exceptional circulation-strike coins.

Professional grading by PCGS, NGC, and CACG, along with CAC-approved examples, provides collectors with independent assessments of condition and preservation when evaluating Eisenhower Dollars.