From 1971 to 1974 and from 1977 to 1978, the Apollo 11 design was used for the coin's reverse. There are two different reverse designs within the Eisenhower series. All Eisenhower Dollars produced for general circulation would be struck in copper-nickel, while the Mint would also sell dollar coins with a special 40% silver alloy to collectors for a small premium.Īs a result, most Ikes aren't true 'silver dollars.' But the upside of that is that Eisenhower dollars are much more affordable than their 90% silver predecessors. This proved a point of contention for Congress-several congressmen argued that producing the new dollar coin in copper-nickel instead of silver would be a dishonor to Eisenhower's memory.īut eventually a compromise was reached. Prior to 1965, all dimes, quarters, half dollars and dollars coins were produced in a 90% silver 10% copper alloy. Unlike Peace Dollars and Morgan Dollars, Eisenhower dollars were minted in a copper-nickel alloy rather than a 90% silver 10% copper alloy.īy the 1970's, silver prices had risen to the point where striking general circulation coins from silver was no longer cost-effective. The coin's designer, Frank Gasparro, was ordered to change his original design of the eagle because it was 'too fierce and too warlike', and reluctantly updated it to make the eagle look friendlier. The coin's reverse features the Apollo 11 insignia, an eagle landing on the moon while grasping an olive branch, in commemoration of the first Apollo mission moon landing in 1969. Republicans in Congress agreed that the Mint needed a coin commemorating a Republican president, as the Democrats had recently secured a spot for President Kennedy on the half dollar (replacing Benjamin Franklin). Mint since the end of the Peace Dollar series in 1935.Īs you might guess from the name, Eisenhower Dollars were created to commemorate President Dwight Eisenhower, whose portrait is featured on the obverse (front) side of the coin.Įisenhower was selected in part because of his political party affiliation.

Originally struck from 1971 to 1978, Eisenhower Dollars (or 'Ikes') were the first large-size dollar coins to be produced by the U.S. In today's article, we're going to discuss a more modern dollar coin - the Eisenhower Dollar, minted from 1971-1978.

In previous articles, we've explained how to value earlier series of U.S silver dollars, like Morgan and Peace Dollars (minted 1878-1935) as well as Trade Dollars(1873-1885). If you're looking for an Eisenhower dollar price guide and don't want to read the full article, click the link or scroll down.

Value of 1972 silver dollar