Eisenhower Dollar

United States · 1972

A large US 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.

Country: United States
Year: 1972
Denomination: One Dollar ($1)

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Identified August 25, 2026More united states coins →

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Overview

A large US 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.

Historical significance

Issued to honor both the late President Dwight D. Eisenhower and the historic Apollo 11 moon landing of 1969. It was the first large-size dollar coin produced by the US Mint since the Peace Dollar ended production in 1935.

Obverse (front)

Left-facing profile of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. The word 'LIBERTY' arches across the top, the motto 'IN GOD WE TRUST' is to the left, and the year '1972' with the 'D' mint mark is at the bottom. Designed by Frank Gasparro.

Reverse (back)

An adaptation of the Apollo 11 mission patch showing an eagle landing on the moon with planet Earth in the background. Inscribed with 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA', 'E PLURIBUS UNUM', and the denomination 'ONE DOLLAR'. Designed by Frank Gasparro.

Estimated value

$1.00 to $3.00 for circulated examples; higher for pristine Mint State grades ($10-$50+ for high grade MS65+)

What drives this coin's value

Condition/grade, presence of high-grade surfaces (lack of abrasions), and specific die varieties (such as the 1972 Type 2 reverse).

Grade assessment

About Uncirculated to Mint State (AU/MS) with minor bag marks typical of large copper-nickel clad dollars.

Mintage & rarity

Common; Denver minted approximately 92.5 million coins in 1972.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Eisenhower dollars in circulated condition are rarely counterfeited due to low face-to-production value. Check weight (22.68g) and diameter (38.1 mm) if suspicious.

Notable varieties & errors

1972 has three distinct reverse die varieties (Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3). The Type 2 reverse is scarce and highly sought after by collectors, identifiable by the flattened, distinct islands on the moon.

Similar coins

Susan B. Anthony Dollar, Anthony Dollar, Morgan Dollar, Peace Dollar

Care & preservation

Handle by the edges using clean cotton gloves or bare, washed hands. Store in a cool, dry environment in inert plastic flips, 2x2 cardboard holders, or mylar holders. Do not clean, as cleaning damages the surface and ruins collector value.