The Eisenhower United States Proof Dollar, also known as the Eisenhower Dollar, is a coin that was minted from 1971 to 1978. The coin was designed to honor the 34th President of the United States, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and was the first coin to feature a president who was still alive at the time of its release. The Eisenhower Dollar was produced in both circulation and proof versions, with the proof version being highly sought after by collectors due to its high level of detail and mirror-like finish.
Design and Specifications
The Eisenhower Dollar was designed by Frank Gasparro, the Chief Engraver of the United States Mint at the time. The obverse (front side) of the coin features a portrait of President Eisenhower, while the reverse (back side) features an image of an eagle landing on the moon, symbolizing the Apollo 11 moon landing. The coin is made of a copper-nickel clad coin with a diameter of 38.1 mm and a weight of 22.68 grams. The edge of the coin is reeded, with 11 ridges per inch.
Mint Marks and Varieties
The Eisenhower Dollar was minted at three different locations: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. Coins minted in Philadelphia did not have a mint mark, while coins minted in Denver had a “D” mint mark and coins minted in San Francisco had an “S” mint mark. There are also several varieties of the Eisenhower Dollar, including the 1971-S Silver Proof, which is highly sought after by collectors due to its limited mintage and high silver content.
| Year | Mint Mark | Mintage |
|---|---|---|
| 1971 | S | 4,265,004 |
| 1972 | S | 2,193,056 |
| 1973 | S | 2,769,624 |
| 1974 | S | 2,612,568 |
| 1975 | S | 2,845,450 |
| 1976 | S | 3,150,324 |
| 1977 | S | 3,251,152 |
| 1978 | S | 3,127,788 |
Key Points
- The Eisenhower Dollar was minted from 1971 to 1978 and features a portrait of President Dwight D. Eisenhower on the obverse.
- The coin was produced in both circulation and proof versions, with the proof version being highly sought after by collectors.
- The 1971-S Silver Proof is a highly valuable variety due to its high silver content and limited mintage.
- The Eisenhower Dollar was minted at three different locations: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco.
- The coin is made of a copper-nickel clad coin with a diameter of 38.1 mm and a weight of 22.68 grams.
Collectibility and Value
The Eisenhower Dollar is a highly collectible coin, with many varieties and mint marks to collect. The value of the coin depends on several factors, including its condition, rarity, and demand. The 1971-S Silver Proof is particularly valuable due to its high silver content and limited mintage. Other valuable varieties include the 1972-S Silver Proof and the 1976-S Silver Proof.
Grading and Certification
To determine the value of an Eisenhower Dollar, it is essential to have it graded and certified by a reputable third-party service, such as the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC). These services will evaluate the coin’s condition, authenticity, and rarity, and provide a grade and certification that can help determine its value.
What is the most valuable variety of the Eisenhower Dollar?
+The 1971-S Silver Proof is the most valuable variety of the Eisenhower Dollar, due to its high silver content and limited mintage.
How can I determine the value of my Eisenhower Dollar?
+To determine the value of your Eisenhower Dollar, you should have it graded and certified by a reputable third-party service, such as PCGS or NGC. You can also research the coin's market value and compare it to similar coins that have been sold at auction.
What is the difference between a circulation strike and a proof strike?
+A circulation strike is a coin that is minted for general circulation, while a proof strike is a coin that is minted specifically for collectors and is characterized by its high level of detail and mirror-like finish.
In conclusion, the Eisenhower United States Proof Dollar is a highly collectible coin that offers a unique combination of history, beauty, and value. Whether you are a seasoned collector or just starting out, the Eisenhower Dollar is a great addition to any collection. With its rich history, beautiful design, and high collectibility, the Eisenhower Dollar is a coin that is sure to be treasured for generations to come.
