1971-D Eisenhower Dollar
The 1971 Eisenhower Dollar was the first year of issue for the series. Even though the first coins were released into circulation late in the year, that did not stop collectors from scooping them up and driving relatively high mintage figures. The Philadelphia and Denver Mints struck coins for circulation. These early date circulation strike Eisenhower Dollars can be difficult to find in higher grades. This was due to a combination of die quality and striking characteristics.
The San Francisco Mint struck special 40% silver versions of the coin for collectors. This included an Uncircultaed or BU version and a Proof version. These collector coins are sometimes referred to as Blue Ikes (Uncirculated) and Brown Ikes (Proof) after the color of the coin's packaging. These 40% silver dollar coins would continue to be issued each year until 1976.
1971 Ike Dollar Mintage and Specifications
Mintage: 47,799,000 (Philadelphia), 68,587,424 (Denver), 6,868,530 (San Francisco - Uncirculated), 4,265,234 (San Francisco - Proof)
Designers: Frank Gasparro (obverse & reverse)
Composition: 91.67% Copper, 8.33% Nickel (Philadelphia & Denver), 40% Silver, 60% Copper (San Francisco)
Weight: 22.68 grams (Philadelphia & Denver), 24.59 grams (San Francisco)
Diameter: 38.1 mm
Edge: Reeded
1972 Eisenhower Dollar >
