Obverse. Image Courtesy of Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS.com)
  • 1 Dollar 1971-1978, KM# 203a, United States of America (USA)
  • 1 Dollar 1971-1978, KM# 203a, United States of America (USA)
  • 1 Dollar 1971-1978, KM# 203a, United States of America (USA), Normal (top), Peg-Leg variety (bottom)
Description

The Eisenhower dollar is 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. The coin depicts both the death of General Dwight David Eisenhower and man's first landing on the moon (on July 20, 1969). Both its obverse and reverse were designed by the Chief Engraver for the United States Mint Frank Gasparro (FG).

There was a dispute over whether the new coin should be in base metal or 40% silver. In 1970, a compromise was reached to strike the Eisenhower dollar in base metal for circulation, and in 40% silver as a collectible. The Mint offered an option to collectors to purchase Uncirculated and Proof versions made of the same 40% silver composition that had been used on the Kennedy Half Dollars from 1965-1970. The Uncirculated coins were sold individually in pliofilm packs inside blue envelopes, while the Proof versions were sold in GSA-style "slabs" inside a brown cardboard slipcase. All of the silver issues were struck at the San Francsico mint.

Some 1971-S proof pieces (and a few uncirculated 1971-S) have the serifs at the foot of the "R" in "LIBERTY" missing; this is dubbed the Peg Leg variety. The serifs are missing on all 1972-S, both uncirculated and proof.

Obverse

A bust of Eisenhower facing left.

Dwight David "Ike" Eisenhower (October 14, 1890 – March 28, 1969) was the 34th President of the United States from 1953 until 1961. He was a five-star general in the United States Army during World War II and served as Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces in Europe. After the Soviet Union launched the world's first artificial satellite in 1957, Eisenhower authorized the establishment of NASA, which led to the space race.

LIBERTY
IN GOD WE
TRUST
FG
S
1971

Reverse

An eagle swooping low over the Moon's surface, holding an olive branch, token of peace, in its claws, with the Earth in the distance. Design based on the Apollo 11 mission insignia.

Apollo 11 was the first spaceflight that landed humans on the Moon. Americans Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed on July 20, 1969. The Apollo 11 mission insignia was designed by Collins, who wanted a symbol for "peaceful lunar landing by the United States". He chose an eagle as the symbol but NASA officials said the talons of the eagle looked too "warlike" and after some discussion, the olive branch was moved to the claws.

The design was also used for the smaller Susan B. Anthony dollar unveiled in 1979, ten years after the Apollo 11 mission.

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
E • PLURIBUS
• UNUM •
FG
ONE DOLLAR

Edge

1 Dollar

Eisenhower (Ike) Dollar
KM# 203a
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.400
Weight 24.62 g
Diameter 38.1 mm
Thickness 2.58 mm
Shape round
Alignment Coin
Mints
Denver Mint (D)
San Francisco Mint (S)

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