In 1965, because of rises in bullion prices, the Mint began to strike copper-nickel clad coins instead of silver. dollar coin whose circulation strikes contained no silver. Both sides were designed by Frank Gasparro, with the reverse based on the mission patch designed by astronaut Michael Collins. Eisenhower on the obverse, and a stylized image honoring the 1969 Apollo 11 Moon mission on the reverse. The Eisenhower dollar was a one-dollar coin issued by the United States Mint from 1971 to 1978 it was the first coin of that denomination issued by the Mint since the Peace dollar series ended in 1935. Mint mark omitted on Philadelphia Mint issues.Įagle clutching olive branch landing on the Moon, based on the Apollo 11 mission insignia designed by astronaut Michael Collins

Located on the obverse beneath Eisenhower's bust. Coins struck in 19 bear double date '1776–1976'ĭ, S. It should be noted that 40% silver Eisenhower dollars are much more common in the higher Mint State grades because they were minted with the much greater level of care generally afforded numismatic strikes.Circulation strikes: outer layers of 75.0% copper 25.0% nickel clad with a core of 100% copper (in all 91.67% copper, 8.33% nickel).įor silver clad: Outer layers of 80% silver with a center of 20.9% silver. Thus, copper-nickel clad business strikes grading MS60-64 are typical in MS65 they are scarce, are rare in MS66, and prove virtually elusive in MS67. This is because the coins are relatively large and heavy and thus more prone to surface gouges and other imperfections during shipment in bags. While hundreds of millions of Eisenhower dollars were made, copper-nickel clad business-strike specimens grading MS65 or better are remarkably scarce. Williams, was replaced in 1977 with the coin?s regular reverse visage ? the Apollo 11 insignia. In 19, all Eisenhower dollars honored the nation?s bicentennial with a 1776-1976 dual date on the obverse and a special reverse design with the Liberty Bell superimposed on the surface of the moon. While most Eisenhower dollars are made from copper-nickel clad, many uncirculated pieces were minted in a 40% silver format at the San Francisco Mint and bear an ?S? mintmark.

The Eisenhower dollar symbolizes at least two numismatically significant elements, being the first dollar coin minted during the copper-nickel clad era (which began in 1965) and the last regularly issued dollar coin with physical dimensions approximating the traditional silver dollars of earlier times. Eisenhower dollars were minted from 1971 through 1978 and designed by Frank Gasparro.

1972 dwight eisenhower dollar coin