Obverse. Image Courtesy of Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS.com)
  • 1 Dollar 1976, KM# 206, United States of America (USA), 200th Anniversary of the United States
  • 1 Dollar 1976, KM# 206, United States of America (USA), 200th Anniversary of the United States
  • 1 Dollar 1976, KM# 206, United States of America (USA), 200th Anniversary of the United States, Type I (thick letters, left), Type II (thin letters, right)
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.

1976 was the 200th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Though actual independence was not won until the end of the Revolutionary War in 1783, the year 1776 has always held a special place in the hearts of Americans. Thus, it was felt fitting to create a numismatic tribute to this special anniversary and new reverse designs were created for the Washington Quarter Dollar, Kennedy Half Dollar, and Eisenhower Dollar.

The obverse of Eisenhower (Ike) Dollar was designed by the Mint Chief Engraver Frank Gasparro (FG). The reverse designs for the three Bicentennial coins were determined by a design competition open to the public. This competition closed in January 1974, and in March, a design submitted by 22-year-old art student Dennis R. Williams (DRW) was selected for the dollar. Williams, the youngest person to that point to design a U.S. coin. Gasparro slightly modified the design, simplifying the features visible on the lunar surface, and altering the lettering and the bell.

There were two major varieties - Type I and Type II. Type I features bolder and thicker lettering on the reverse of the coin - also struck in a lower relief. Type II features sharper and narrower lettering on the reverse of the coin - struck in a higher relief.

Obverse

The head of Eisenhower facing left, with LIBERTY above and to the sides, and the date below. IN GOD WE TRUST is on the left above the dual date (1776-1976). Mint mark located, if presented, above the date under the bust. Mint mark omitted on Philadelphia Mint issues.

Dwight David "Ike" Eisenhower (1890–1969) 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
D
1776 • 1976

Reverse

The Liberty Bell superimposed against the Moon (symbolizing Apollo 11) with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA above and ONE DOLLAR below. The motto E PLURIBUS UNUM is to the left.

The Liberty Bell is an iconic symbol of American independence, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The bell became famous after an 1847 short story claimed that an aged bell-ringer rang it on July 4, 1776, upon hearing of the Second Continental Congress's vote for independence. Despite the fact that the bell did not ring for independence on that July 4, the tale was widely accepted as fact, even by some historians.

Apollo 11 was the first spaceflight that landed humans on the Moon. Americans Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed on July 20, 1969.

★ UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ★
E
PLURIBUS
UNUM
DRW
ONE DOLLAR

Edge
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Circulating)
Material Copper Nickel Clad Copper
Weight 22.68 g
Diameter 38.1 mm
Thickness 2.58 mm
Shape round
Alignment Coin
Mints
Denver Mint (D)
Philadelphia Mint (P)
San Francisco Mint (S)

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