Eisenhower Dollars
(1971-1978)
The Eisenhower Dollar, often referred to as the Ike Dollar, is a coin that represents an interesting period in U.S. history. Minted between 1971 and 1978, the Ike Dollar features a portrait of President Dwight D. Eisenhower on the obverse. Despite its strong ties to the United States’ past and its association with the Apollo 11 moon landing, it did not enjoy widespread popularity. In fact, its bulky size made it less practical for everyday use, which led to its decline in circulation.
Eisenhower Dollar Overview
Obverse: The obverse of the Eisenhower Dollar features a portrait of Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th President of the United States and a key figure in both the military and political spheres. The design was created by Frank Gasparro, the Chief Engraver at the U.S. Mint.
Reverse: The reverse of the coin originally depicted an eagle landing on the moon, designed by Frank Gasparro, with the Apollo 11 emblem to commemorate the first moon landing. In 1976, a special Bicentennial reverse was issued, which featured the Liberty Bell superimposed over the moon, marking the 200th anniversary of the United States.
Eisenhower Dollar Varieties
After the Peace Dollar was discontinued in 1965, there was a push for the creation of a new dollar coin, which culminated in the Eisenhower Dollar. Here’s a quick overview of the key varieties and important details regarding the coin:
1 971-1974: Standard copper-nickel-clad composition with a traditional size. These coins were struck for general circulation and had no major variations.
1973: Produced solely for collectors, no standard circulating 1973 Ike Dollars were minted.
1975: No coins were minted this year. Instead, the mint produced back-dated 1974 coins and coins with dual bicentennial dates (1776-1976), featuring the unique Liberty Bell reverse.
1976 Bicentennial: The reverse was redesigned for the bicentennial of the United States, depicting the Liberty Bell and the moon, to celebrate the nation’s 200th birthday and the successful Apollo 11 mission.
Silver-Clad Collector Editions: The 1971-1974 and 1976 Ike Dollars were also issued in a silver-clad version for collectors, which makes them highly sought after.
Eisenhower Dollar Mint Marks
The Eisenhower Dollar was produced in several mints during its run. Coins from different mints typically have slight variations in value, with S (San Francisco) and D (Denver) mint marks often being more valuable than P (Philadelphia) coins, especially for certain years.
Eisenhower Dollar Value
The value of Eisenhower Dollars can vary widely, largely based on condition, year, and mint mark. Some of the key factors to consider when determining value include:
Condition: Coins in high grades are far more valuable than those with wear and tear. Coins with significant imperfections, especially those with heavy marks, may be worth considerably less.
Key Dates: Certain years, such as the 1972 doubled die and the 1976 silver-clad collector edition, can command a higher value in good condition. These coins are more sought after due to their rarity and error characteristics.
Silver-Clad Coins: The silver-clad versions minted between 1971 and 1974 are much more valuable than the standard copper-nickel-clad coins, often fetching higher prices in collector markets.
Valuation Chart
Year | Mint Mark | Approximate Value Range (Good Condition) | Key Features and Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
1971 | P, D, S | $10 – $25 | Common in circulation. Silver-clad proofs available. |
1972 | P, D, S | $10 – $40 | Known for a rare doubled die variety. |
1973 | P, D, S | $15 – $50 | Produced only for collectors. |
1974 | P, D, S | $10 – $40 | Some varieties, including silver-clad. |
1975 | None | N/A | No coins minted. Replaced by 1974 back-dated coins. |
1976 | P, D, S | $20 – $75 | Bicentennial design with Liberty Bell reverse. Silver-clad proofs are higher value. |
1977 | P, D, S | $10 – $25 | Common, though still valuable. |
1978 | P, D, S | $10 – $25 | Final year of production. |
Historical Context Year-By-Year
1971 – The Eisenhower Dollar debuts, honoring President Dwight D. Eisenhower and commemorating the Apollo 11 moon landing. Circulating coins are copper-nickel clad; collector versions are 40% silver.
1972 – Production continues with three distinct reverse types introduced. Type 2, with a low-relief Earth, becomes a key variety due to its scarcity.
1973 – No Eisenhower Dollars are released for general circulation. All coins are produced exclusively for mint and proof sets, making them harder to find in the wild.
1974 – Circulating issues resume alongside collector versions. Public use remains limited, as the large size keeps the coin from gaining traction in commerce.
1975 – No coins are dated 1975. Production shifts to the dual-dated “1776–1976” Bicentennial designs in preparation for the nation’s upcoming 200th anniversary.
1976 – Bicentennial Eisenhower Dollars are released with a special reverse featuring the Liberty Bell over the moon. Struck in both clad and 40% silver versions for circulation and collectors.
1977 – The original reverse design returns. Interest in the series wanes further, and the coin continues to see minimal use in everyday transactions.
1978 – Final year of production for the Eisenhower Dollar. The coin is retired to make way for the smaller Susan B. Anthony Dollar in 1979.
Final Thoughts
T he Eisenhower Dollar might not have made huge waves during its run in everyday circulation, but it’s definitely carved out a solid spot in the hobby today. Introduced in 1971, it was the first U.S. dollar coin issued after a pause in production following the Peace Dollar in 1935—and the first to honor a modern figure: President Dwight D. Eisenhower, along with the Apollo 11 moon landing on the reverse. That combo of military history and space exploration alone gives it a unique appeal.
What was once seen as a big, clunky coin that nobody really wanted in their pocket has slowly become a fan favorite—especially among collectors who appreciate not just its backstory, but the challenge of finding clean, well-struck examples. Most Ike dollars took a real beating in circulation. Between vending machines, casino use, and general indifference from the public, many ended up scratched, dinged, or weakly struck. So if you can find one with strong luster, full details, and minimal marks—especially graded MS66 or higher—you’ve got something special.
These coins were the last large-size dollar coins made for general circulation in the U.S., which adds to their nostalgia and historical value. After the Ike, the U.S. transitioned to smaller dollar coins like the Susan B. Anthony and Sacagawea dollars, which never quite captured the same heft or collector interest.
And then there’s the real fun: the hunt for varieties and better dates. The 1972 Eisenhower dollar, for example, has three different reverse types, with the Type 2 being the toughest to find—especially in high grade. There are also doubled dies, peg-leg varieties, and a handful of dramatic RPMs (repunched mintmarks) that make the series even more interesting for variety collectors.
Don’t overlook the silver-clad issues either. From 1971 to 1974 (and again in a 1976 bicentennial design), the U.S. Mint struck special 40% silver versions for collectors—sold in “Blue Ikes” (uncirculated) and “Brown Ikes” (proofs), as well as in 3-coin Bicentennial sets. With silver demand climbing and the bullion market pulling in more collectors, these silver Ikes have gained popularity as an affordable way to stack vintage U.S. silver with a historical twist
