Eisenhower Dollar
Country of Origin: United States
Year of Issue: 1971
Denomination: One Dollar ($1)
Composition: Copper-Nickel Clad (75% copper and 25% nickel outer layer over a pure copper core)
Brief Description
A large, silver-colored coin featuring the profile of Dwight D. Eisenhower on the obverse and an eagle landing on the moon on the reverse.
Historical Significance
The Eisenhower dollar was the first large-size dollar coin issued by the US Mint since the Peace Dollar ended in 1935. It commemorates both Dwight D. Eisenhower and the Apollo 11 moon landing.
Estimated Value
$1.05 - $3.00 in circulated condition; $10 - $25 in high Mint State grades.
Care Instructions
Do not clean. Professional numismatists recommend keeping it in a PVC-free plastic holder or flip to prevent scratches and grease buildup.
Mint Mark
None (Philadelphia Mint)
Mintage & Rarity
Common; approximately 47,799,000 minted in Philadelphia for 1971.
Weight & Diameter
22.68 grams; 38.1 mm
Edge
Reeded
Apparent Grade
Extremely Fine to About Uncirculated (shows minor surface wear and some contact marks, but retains much of its original detail).
Obverse (Front)
Profile of Dwight D. Eisenhower facing left. Legends: 'LIBERTY', 'IN GOD WE TRUST', and date '1971'. Designer: Frank Gasparro.
Reverse (Back)
An adaptation of the Apollo 11 mission patch, showing an eagle landing on the moon holding an olive branch, with Earth in the background. Legends: 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA', 'E PLURIBUS UNUM', and 'ONE DOLLAR'.
What Drives This Coin's Value
Value is primarily driven by condition (grade). Low-mintage 'S' mint marks or silver versions from San Francisco are more valuable than this circulation clad version.
Similar Coins
Silver Eisenhower Dollars (look for an 'S' mint mark or the absence of a copper stripe on the edge) and the 1776-1976 Bicentennial dollar.
Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags
Counterfeits are rare for base-metal dates like 1971. Ensure the coin is magnetic-neutral (it should not stick to a magnet) and check the edge for the visible copper core layer characteristic of clad coinage.
Notable Varieties & Errors
The 1971-D 'Friendly Eagle' variety and various 'Friendly Eagle' or 'Bold' earth dies exist, primarily for the Denver and San Francisco strikes.
Created At: 2026-06-13T16:28:53.181085