Eisenhower Dollar Coin Information and Valuation

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Front of Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington D.C
Credit: pexels.com, Front of Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington D.C

The Eisenhower dollar coin is a significant piece of American currency history. It was authorized by Congress in 1965 to commemorate President Dwight D. Eisenhower's 34 years of military and public service.

The coin was designed by Frank Gasparro and features a portrait of Eisenhower on the obverse (front) side. The reverse (back) side depicts Mount Rushmore.

One of the most interesting facts about the Eisenhower dollar is that it was the first dollar coin to be minted in over 40 years.

Design and Production

The Eisenhower dollar design was created by Chief Engraver Frank Gasparro, who incorporated his initials FG into the bust truncation of President Dwight D. Eisenhower's portrait.

The reverse of the coin is based on astronaut Michael Collins' Apollo 11 Mission Patch design, featuring a bald eagle in descent with an olive branch in its talons.

The eagle's left wing is raised, and the lunar surface lies below, with a depiction of the Earth above its head, prominently showcasing North America.

Credit: youtube.com, CoinWeek: The Three Types of 1972 Eisenhower Dollar - Video: 6:06.

The edge of the Eisenhower dollar is reeded, and the coin features a distinctive mintmark on the reverse, with Philadelphia-struck pieces bearing no mintmark and those struck at Denver and San Francisco bearing the respective mintmarks of D and S.

In 1972, the Mint made design changes to the coin, leading to the release of three different reverse varieties, indicating the ongoing refinement of the design even after its initial release.

Take a look at this: Series B Banknotes

Production

The Denver Mint was the first facility to strike Eisenhower Dollars in 1971, beating the Philadelphia Mint by a few weeks.

In total, Denver produced 68,587,424 1971-D Eisenhower Dollars, while Philadelphia struck 47,799,000. These numbers are significant when compared to the later Morgan and Peace Dollar mintages.

Creating a Cu-Ni Eisenhower Dollar proved to be quite a technical challenge. Even though the Denver Mint's presses were older than those at the newly finished Philadelphia facility, Denver typically produced better dollar coins.

Coins struck at Denver typically have a sharper, cleaner look, with many being fully lustrous and some struck on highly polished planchets.

Design

3D rendering of dollar coins and scroll on a purple background, symbolizing financial documents.
Credit: pexels.com, 3D rendering of dollar coins and scroll on a purple background, symbolizing financial documents.

The Eisenhower Dollar's design is a fascinating topic.

Chief Engraver Frank Gasparro's portrait of Dwight D. Eisenhower, as president, faces left on the coin. Gasparro's initials FG appear raised in the bust truncation.

The motto IN GOD WE TRUST is located beneath Eisenhower's chin to the left. The word LIBERTY wraps around the top of the coin in the space between the rim and the top of Eisenhower's head.

The date 1971 wraps around the bottom of the design, between the rim and the bottom of Eisenhower's bust. Coins struck at Denver and San Francisco bear the respective mintmarks of D and S above the space between the last two digits of the date.

The reverse design is based on astronaut Michael Collins' Apollo 11 Mission Patch design. In the center, a bald eagle in descent holds an olive branch in its talons.

The eagle's left wing is raised, and the lunar surface lies below. Above the eagle's head is a depiction of the Earth, with North America prominently visible.

High angle composition of Ox year symbol figurine and wrapped presents placed on mirrored table with coins and rolled and tied dollar banknotes
Credit: pexels.com, High angle composition of Ox year symbol figurine and wrapped presents placed on mirrored table with coins and rolled and tied dollar banknotes

Wrapping around the top of the coin adjacent to the rim is the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Thirteen small five-pointed stars circle around the eagle.

Below the ring of stars but above the eagle is the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM. Wrapping around the bottom of the design is the denomination ONE DOLLAR.

The edge of the 1971-D Eisenhower Dollar is reeded.

Release

The release phase is a crucial step in the design and production process. It's where your product is finally made available to the public.

A well-planned release can make all the difference in the success of your product. In the "Design" section, we discussed the importance of considering the user's needs and preferences in the design process.

To ensure a smooth release, it's essential to test your product thoroughly before making it public. As mentioned in the "Testing" section, this can involve beta testing with a small group of users to identify any bugs or issues.

Close-Up shot of Dollar Coins
Credit: pexels.com, Close-Up shot of Dollar Coins

The release date is a critical decision that can impact your product's visibility and sales. In the "Marketing" section, we saw how a well-timed release can coincide with a marketing campaign to maximize exposure.

Once your product is released, it's essential to gather feedback from users to make any necessary improvements. As discussed in the "Feedback" section, this can be done through surveys, reviews, or social media.

The release phase is also a good opportunity to promote your product through various channels. In the "Promotion" section, we explored different strategies for getting the word out about your product.

Collecting and Valuation

If you're looking to collect Eisenhower dollars, the 1971-D variety is a great place to start. It's worth between $3 and $10 in About Uncirculated (AU) or Uncirculated/Mint State (MS) condition.

The value of a 1971-D Eisenhower Dollar increases dramatically in high uncirculated grades of MS65 and above. In Mint State 65, the 1971-D carries a price of about $15.

Professional grading and encapsulation in a CAC, NGC, or PCGS holder is key to unlocking the true value of an Eisenhower dollar.

Dollar Value

Detailed close-up of a ten dollar coin with a blurred golden background, highlighting currency and finance.
Credit: pexels.com, Detailed close-up of a ten dollar coin with a blurred golden background, highlighting currency and finance.

The 1971-D Eisenhower Dollar is a valuable coin, especially in high grades. It's estimated that only a few thousand uncirculated 1971 and 1971-D Eisenhower Dollars exist in the market.

The minimum value of a 1971-D Eisenhower Dollar is its face value of $1. However, collectors are willing to pay between $3 and $10 for coins in About Uncirculated (AU) or Uncirculated/Mint State (MS) condition.

In Mint State 65, the 1971-D Eisenhower Dollar carries a price of about $15. The value increases dramatically in high uncirculated grades of MS65 and above.

Auction records show that the value of a 1971-D Eisenhower Dollar in Mint State 67 has fallen dramatically from $1,500 to $600 in 2020, but has since risen to about $900 today.

The value of a 1971-D Eisenhower Dollar can reach eye-popping levels, such as the $8,225 paid for a modestly-toned NGC MS68 at a Legend Rare Coin Auction in March 2020.

For more insights, see: Coin Uncirculated

Identifying Three Dollar Varieties

Gold and Silver Round Coins
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The 1972 Eisenhower Dollar has three varieties, known as Types 1-3. Collectors often focus on the Type 2 due to its scarcity and premium value.

Only the Type 2 is scarce, struck with a reverse die intended for use on the Proof version of the coin. This die was used for a limited time, resulting in a small number of coins being released in March and August 1972.

The Type 2 coin can be identified by its incuse islands. Research has shown that the Mint deployed harder die steel to strike Eisenhower Dollars later in the year, which can be used to differentiate between the two releases.

All three types of the 1972 Eisenhower Dollar are scarce to rare in grades above MS65. This is because the Eisenhower Dollar was not included in the 1971 and 1972 Mint Sets, resulting in a lack of high-quality coins being preserved.

Savvy collectors should take note that the millions of coins that would have been preserved in Mint State for the issue are simply not available.

Here's an interesting read: Are Franklin Mint Coins Worth Anything

Graded Dollars Are More Valuable

One Dollar Bill
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Graded dollars are a game-changer for collectors. The value of a 1972 Eisenhower Dollar increases dramatically when it's professionally graded and authenticated by a reputable service like PCGS or CAC.

In 2023, CAC launched a new grading service in Virginia Beach, which will likely impact the market in the future. The premium for PCGS + CAC coins is currently unclear, but it's expected to be significant.

Typically, the highest prices realized for 1972 Eisenhower Dollars are for coins graded by PCGS and approved by CAC. This is evident from the data, which shows that PCGS has graded more 1972 Eisenhower Dollars than NGC or CAC.

For Type 1, PCGS reports 3,538 grading events, with 653 at MS65, 20 at MS66, and two at MS66+. For Type 2, PCGS reports 3,070 grading events, with 160 at MS65, 13 at MS66, and two at MS66+. The rarity of these high-grade coins makes them highly valuable.

On a similar theme: Morgan Dollar Grading

Credit: youtube.com, COIN GRADING BASICS – HOW TO GET COINS GRADED (COIN GRADING 101 PCGS v. NGC)

One of the authors has personally handled an MS66+ piece graded by PCGS, and it's truly remarkable. The rarity and quality of these coins make them highly sought after by collectors.

The grading data for 1972 Eisenhower Dollars shows that Type 3 has a similar dispersal as Type 1, with 862 at MS65, 54 at MS66, and one at MS67. This suggests that Type 3 coins are also highly valuable in high grades.

Market Data and Specimens

The Eisenhower dollar is a highly collectible coin, and market data and specimens are essential to understand its value and rarity. PCGS MS66+ #46640409 sold for $12,656.25 on GreatCollections in October 2023.

PCGS MS66+ coins are highly sought after, and their prices reflect their rarity. The top population for PCGS MS66+ coins is 2, as of October 2024.

Noteworthy specimens include PCGS MS66+ CAC #46640409, which features greatCollections, and PCGS MS66+ #46639724, which was sold for $9,562.50 on GreatCollections in September 2023.

Credit: youtube.com, Are Eisenhower "Silver Dollar" Coins Worth Anything?

NGC MS66 coins are also highly collectible, and their prices vary depending on their condition and provenance. The top population for NGC MS66 coins is 26, as of October 2024.

CAC MS66 coins are highly sought after, and their prices reflect their rarity. The top population for CAC MS66 coins is 5:0 stickered:graded, as of October 2024.

Here are some notable sales of PCGS MS66+ coins:

These sales demonstrate the high demand and value of PCGS MS66+ coins, and collectors should consider their condition, provenance, and rarity when evaluating their value.

Collecting and Sales

Collecting and sales of Eisenhower dollars can be a fascinating and potentially lucrative hobby. The 1972 Type 1 Eisenhower Dollar, for instance, has seen significant sales in recent years, with one PCGS MS66+ coin selling for $12,656.25 in October 2023.

The sales data suggests that the market for high-grade Eisenhower dollars is active, with multiple sales reported in the past few years. For example, a PCGS MS66 coin sold for $3,360 in February 2022, while a PCGS MS66+ coin sold for $9,562.50 in September 2023.

Credit: youtube.com, Top 10 Eisenhower Dollars The Most Valuable Ike Dollar Coins Known

If you're interested in collecting or buying Eisenhower dollars, it's essential to research the market and understand the values of different coins. The sales data provided in this article can serve as a valuable resource for collectors and buyers alike.

Here are some notable sales of Eisenhower dollars:

Market Data and Specimens

Collecting and sales of 1972 Eisenhower Dollars can be a fun and rewarding experience. In this section, we'll take a closer look at the market data and noteworthy specimens of this coin.

The top population of 1972 Eisenhower Dollars varies depending on the type, but PCGS MS66+ and NGC MS66 are consistently among the highest graded coins. For example, in the Type 1 market data, PCGS MS66+ coins are relatively rare, with only 2 known in the PCGS population, while NGC MS66 coins are more common, with 26 known in the NGC population.

One notable PCGS MS66+ coin is #46640409, graded by PCGS and certified by CAC, which sold for $12,656.25 on GreatCollections in October 2023. Another notable coin is #46639724, graded by PCGS and sold for $9,562.50 on GreatCollections in September 2023.

Decorative cardboard appliques of arrow and dollar coins representing income concept on violet background
Credit: pexels.com, Decorative cardboard appliques of arrow and dollar coins representing income concept on violet background

Here are some notable sales of 1972 Eisenhower Dollars:

It's worth noting that the prices of these coins can vary greatly depending on the condition, rarity, and provenance of the coin. As a collector, it's essential to research and understand the market data and the characteristics of the coins you're interested in buying or selling.

Collecting

Collecting is a crucial part of the collecting and sales process. It's essential to have a clear idea of what you're looking for to make informed purchasing decisions.

The rarity of an item can significantly impact its value. For instance, a limited edition print may be worth more than a regular print due to its scarcity.

Having a specific niche or area of focus can help you stay organized and avoid feeling overwhelmed by the vast number of items available. This can also make it easier to find what you're looking for.

A well-curated collection is not just about the items themselves, but also about the context and story behind them. This can add value and emotional significance to your collection.

Gold Round Coin on Top of Paper Money
Credit: pexels.com, Gold Round Coin on Top of Paper Money

It's also important to consider the condition and authenticity of the items you're collecting. A well-maintained item in good condition can increase its value, while a replica or fake can decrease it.

Collecting can be a fun and rewarding hobby, but it's essential to set a budget and stick to it to avoid overspending. This will help you maintain a healthy and sustainable collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a 1976 Eisenhower Dollar rare?

The 1976 Eisenhower Dollar without an "S" mint mark is rare because it was produced at a different mint than the rest of the Bicentennial coins. This unique characteristic makes it a highly sought-after collector's item.

Rodolfo West

Senior Writer

Rodolfo West is a seasoned writer with a passion for crafting informative and engaging content. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the financial world, Rodolfo has established himself as a trusted voice in the realm of personal finance. His writing portfolio spans a range of topics, including gold investment and investment options, where he provides readers with valuable insights and expert advice.

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