Eisenhower Dollar

United States · 1971

A large copper-nickel dollar coin featuring a left-facing portrait of President Dwight D. Eisenhower on the obverse and an adaptation of the Apollo 11 moon landing insignia on the reverse, housed in a special mint holder.

Country: United States
Year: 1971
Denomination: One Dollar ($1)

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Identified September 13, 2026More united states coins →

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Overview

Historical significance

Introduced to honor both the late President Dwight D. Eisenhower and the historic Apollo 11 moon landing of 1969. It was the first United States dollar coin minted in the small-size format of the modern era (though still large compared to later issues), and the first dollar coin to contain no silver for general circulation.

Obverse (front)

Features a left-facing bust of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. The legend 'LIBERTY' arches across the top, the motto 'IN GOD WE TRUST' is to the left, and the year of issue '1971' appears at the bottom. Designed by Frank Gasparro.

Reverse (back)

Features an adaptation of the Apollo 11 mission insignia showing an eagle landing on the moon with planet Earth in the background. The motto 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' is above the eagle, 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' arches across the top, and 'ONE DOLLAR' is at the bottom. Designed by Frank Gasparro.

Estimated value

$2 to $15 for standard circulated and uncirculated business strikes; $10 to $30+ for pristine Mint State specimens or 40% silver collector issues.

What drives this coin's value

Overall condition (numerical grade from MS60 to MS69), presence of a mint mark (specifically 'S' for silver issues), lack of distracting bag marks, and striking varieties (such as the Variety 2 earth design).

Grade assessment

Mint State / Proof-like appearance depending on finish, showing sharp details and reflective fields within the mint packaging.

Mintage & rarity

Common; tens of millions were minted across Philadelphia and Denver mints for circulation.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Eisenhower dollars in standard composition are made of base metals and have a distinct weight and sound when pinged. Counterfeits are extremely rare due to the low face value relative to production costs.

Notable varieties & errors

Variety 1 (High Relief, Earth has islands indistinct), Variety 2 (Low Relief, Earth has distinct North American continent outline), and Variety 3 (revised lettering).

Similar coins

Susan B. Anthony Dollar (much smaller, different design), Anthony Dollar, or later Presidential Dollars.

Care & preservation

Store in a cool, dry place within inert holders (such as the original mint packaging or PVC-free flips). Avoid touching the surfaces with bare hands to prevent oils from damaging the finish, and never clean the coin, as cleaning drastically reduces numismatic value.