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.