Eisenhower Dollars

The Eisenhower Dollar series was issued from 1971 to 1978. The obverse of the coin features President Dwight D. Eisenhower and the reverse features the Apollo 11 Mission insignia. The series marks the reappearance of the dollar coin and the first dollar coins struck with the copper-nickel clad composition. The Eisenhower Dollar was only eight years in duration, but featured a variety of coins struck for collectors making the total series comprise 32 coins. As the last large size dollar coin of the United States, it is a favorite of many modern coin collectors.

History

Prior to the appearance of the Eisenhower Dollar in 1971, the last dollar coin struck for circulation was the 1935 Peace Dollar. The Coinage Act of 1965 which eliminated silver from circulating US coins also included a provision which forbade the minting of silver dollar coins for five years.

Soon after the end of the five year period, the first legislation to create a new dollar coin arose in October 1969. The legislation sought to create a circulating dollar coin which would commemorate Dwight D. Eisenhower who died in 1969 and the Apollo 11 space flight, which marked man's first steps on the moon in 1969. A modified bill authorizing the production of the Eisenhower Dollar was finally passed in December 31, 1970. It called for the production of the new coins with a copper-nickel clad composition, but also provided for collector coins to be struck in 40% silver.

The Chief Engraver for the United States Mint Frank Gasparro designed both the obverse and the reverse of the coin. The obverse bore a profile bust of Eisenhower. Inscriptions were included reading "Liberty" and "In God We Trust."

The reverse of the coin is based on the mission insignia from the Apollo 11 space flight. It features a Bald Eagle landing on the moon carrying an olive branch. In the background, the Earth is portrayed as seen from space. The inscriptions read, "United States of America," "E Pluribus Unum," and "One Dollar."

Composition

Eisenhower Dollars were struck for circulation using the copper-nickel clad composition, which was also used for circulating dimes, quarters, and half dollars. The composition consists of an outer layer of 75% copper and 25% nickel, bonded to a core of pure copper. The resulting net composition is 91.67% copper and 8.33% nickel.

Special silver clad coins were struck for coin collectors during the years 1971 to 1976. These coins are composed of an outer layer of 80% silver and 20% copper and an inner layer of 40% silver and 60% copper. The resulting net composition is 40% silver and 60% copper. The silver content measures 0.3161 ounces.