Home Hobbies – Collecting Eisenhower Dollars
The Eisenhower Dollar was introduced in 1971 and the series lasted for only a brief time until 1978. The release of the new coin represented the first issuance of a dollar coin for circulation in more than three decades. The series is of great interest to many collectors. Coins were struck at Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco, where collectible versions were struck in 40% silver.
The idea to create a new dollar coin first began to circulate in 1969. The last time a dollar coin had been issued was back in 1935 with the Peace Dollar. The new dollar coins would honor Dwight D. Eisenhower who had died in 1969 and the Apollo 11 space flight, which had sent man to the moon in 1969. The authorizing legislation for the new coin was finally passed late in 1970. It called for the production of large sized dollar coins, as well as coins struck for collectors with 40% silver content.
The front of the Eisenhower Dollar coin features a portrait of the former President prepared by the Chief Engraver of the United States Mint Frank Gasparro. The Eisenhower Dollar’s reverse is based on the insignia used for the Apollo 11 space flight. It pictures a Bald Eagle landing on the moon. An olive branch is clutched with the Eagle’s talons. The earth appears in the background and thirteen stars encircle the design.
The original reverse design was replaced for one year in 1976. The purpose of the new design was to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the American Revolution. The new design by Dennis R. Williams featured the Liberty Bell partially overlapping a moon. This paid homage to Revolutionary times as well as the contemporary event of the moon landing. The design was issued only during 1976 before the original was resumed.
The Eisenhower Dollars marked the literal return of the silver dollar, when the San Francisco Mint struck coins in a specially authorized composition of 40% silver. Coins struck for circulation contained no silver content, but only copper and nickel. These silver dollars were produced in uncirculated and proof versions and sold to collectors individually form 1971 to 1974. In 1976, coins bearing the Bicentennial design were also struck in silver, but sold as part of a three coin set.
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