Eisenhower Dollar (Ike Dollar)

United States of America · 1972

A large-sized US dollar coin featuring the portrait of President Dwight D. Eisenhower and a reverse design commemorating the Apollo 11 moon landing.

Country: United States of America
Year: 1972
Denomination: One Dollar ($1.00)

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Overview

A large-sized US dollar coin featuring the portrait of President Dwight D. Eisenhower and a reverse design commemorating the Apollo 11 moon landing.

Historical significance

The Eisenhower dollar was the first large-size dollar coin issued after a long hiatus following the Peace Dollar series. It commemorates both the 34th President (who died in 1969) and the 1969 Moon Landing. It was the last large-size dollar coin used in general circulation.

Obverse (front)

Left-facing profile of Dwight D. Eisenhower. Legends: LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, and the date 1972. Designer: Frank Gasparro.

Reverse (back)

An eagle landing on the moon clutching an olive branch, with the Earth in the background (based on the Apollo 11 mission patch). Legends: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, ONE DOLLAR. Designer: Frank Gasparro.

Estimated value

$1.00-$1.50 in circulated condition; $5.00-$30.00 in high-grade Mint State; Special varieties like the 1972 Type 2 reverse can be worth significantly more ($50-$500+ depending on grade).

What drives this coin's value

Condition (grade), luster, and the presence of specific 'Type' varieties for the 1972 Philadelphia strike (Type 1, 2, or 3 reverse). Type 2 is the rarest and most valuable.

Grade assessment

About Uncirculated (AU) to Low Mint State (MS). There is visible surface bag marking and light wear on the higher points of the hair and eagle's wings.

Mintage & rarity

75,890,000 (Philadelphia). This is a common date for the series, though specific die varieties are highly sought after.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Check the weight and diameter; authentic clad coins have a visible copper streak on the reeded edge. Counterfeits of common clad dates are rare, but high-value varieties should be verified by professional grading services.

Notable varieties & errors

1972 Type 1, 2, and 3 reverses. The 'Type 2' reverse (derived from a proof die) features a rounder Earth with no islands clearly defined above the eagle's head and is the key variety for this year. This specific coin appears to be a Type 1 but requires higher resolution of the Earth area to confirm officially. High-grade 'Friendly Eagle' varieties are also sought after in the series (though usually 1971-D).

Similar coins

Peace Dollar (90% silver, different design), Silver Eisenhower Dollars (San Francisco 'S' mint marks, contains 40% silver and usually have a brighter white luster).

Care & preservation

Do not clean or polish the coin as this destroys numismatic value. Handle by the edges only. Store in an acid-free PVC-free holder or flip to prevent further scratching and wear.