The Eisenhower dollar was the last large-size dollar coin made for circulation in the United States. It honors President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who died in 1969. Its reverse is adapted from the Apollo 11 mission insignia, celebrating the first Moon landing.
Years
1971–1978
Issues listed
32
Lowest mintage
2M
Diameter
38.1 mm
Original illustration. Tap to flip.
Circulation coins are copper-nickel clad and saw little use outside casinos and the West. San Francisco struck 40% silver versions for collectors, sold in blue and brown packaging that gave them the nicknames "blue Ike" and "brown Ike".
1971–1978: On the obverse, below Eisenhower's portrait and above the date. Philadelphia coins have no mint mark.
Grading tips
Look at Eisenhower's cheek and the hair above his ear and at the eagle's head and breast. These heavy coins picked up bag marks easily, so clean, mark-free surfaces matter as much as wear.
Frequently asked questions
What is the rarest Eisenhower Dollar?
By mintage, the scarcest regular circulation issue is the 1973-D Eisenhower Dollar with 2,000,000 struck, followed by the 1973 Eisenhower Dollar (2,000,056). Survival rates and condition also matter: some higher-mintage dates are scarce in top grades.
Are Eisenhower Dollars silver?
1971–1978: Copper core clad in 75% copper / 25% nickel. Some special collector versions were also struck in silver. They are listed separately below.
Where is the mint mark on a Eisenhower Dollar?
1971–1978: On the obverse, below Eisenhower's portrait and above the date. Philadelphia coins have no mint mark.
How many Eisenhower Dollars were made?
About 686,657,161 for circulation across 16 date and mint combinations, from 113,318,000 for the 1976 Eisenhower Dollar (Bicentennial, Type II) down to 2,000,000 for the 1973-D Eisenhower Dollar.
