Eisenhower Dollar (Ike Dollar)
Country of Origin: United States of America
Year of Issue: 1972
Denomination: One Dollar ($1.00)
Composition: Outer layers of 75% Copper / 25% Nickel; Inner core of pure Copper (Cupronickel-Clad Copper)
Brief Description
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.
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).
Care Instructions
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.
Mint Mark
None (Philadelphia Mint)
Mintage & Rarity
75,890,000 (Philadelphia). This is a common date for the series, though specific die varieties are highly sought after.
Weight & Diameter
22.68 grams; 38.1 mm
Edge
Reeded
Apparent Grade
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.
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.
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.
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).
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).
Created At: 2026-04-27T00:14:41.713126