Eisenhower Dollars

Coin Series

The Eisenhower Dollar coin series was introduced in 1971. This marked the return of the large sized dollar coin after a pause of nearly 30 years. The series was only issued until 1978 when it was replaced by the smaller sized Susan B. Anthony Dollar. Even though the series only encompassed eight years, due to the number of coins issued for collectors and major varieties, a complete set comprises 32 coins.

The Eisenhower Dollar was designed by Frank Gasparro, at the time he was the Chief Engraver of the United States Mint. The obverse features a portrait of Eisenhower in profile. Inscriptions include "Liberty," "In God We Trust," and the date. The mint mark is visible just above the date.

Frank Gasparro also designed the original reverse of the coin which was based on the Apollo 11 mission insignia. It features a Bald Eagle landing on the Moon. The Eagle's talons are clutching an olive branch. The earth is visible in the background and the entire design is encircled by thirteen stars. The inscriptions include "United States," "E Pluribus Unum," and the denomination "One Dollar."

A new reverse design was issued in 1976 to celebrate America's Bicentennial. The designed was David R. Williams, who conceived a rendition of the Liberty Bell superimposed against the Moon. The reverse designed is used on all coins dated 1976, although some of the coins were produced in 1975. The original reverse design was resumed in 1977.

During the history of the Eisenhower Dollar series, several collectible versions of the coin were sold to collectors. This included so-called "Blue Ikes" and "Brown Ikes." The Blue Ikes were 40% silver uncirculated versions of the coin struck by the San Francisco Mint. Each coin came in a blue envelope. The Brown Ikes were 40% silver proof versions of the coin also produced at the San Francisco Mint. These coins came in brown boxes. In 1976, three coin uncirculated and silver proof sets were produced in 40% silver. Each set contained Bicentennial versions of the quarter, half dollar, and dollar. The key date is usually considered to be the 1973 Eisenhower Dollar, which was only included in government issued mint sets.

Coin Specifications

Dates: 1971 - 1978
Mint: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco
Weight: 22.68 g (clad issues), 24.59 g (40% silver issues)
Composition: 90% copper and 10% nickel (clad issues), 40% silver and 60% copper (40% silver issues)
Diameter: 38.1 mm
Edge: Reeded

More Information: Eisenhower Dollar Mintage