A Dave's Collectible Coins Article

Eisenhower Dollars

A numismatist interested in Eisenhower Dollars should know the following key points about this coin series:

  1. Issuance: Eisenhower Dollars were minted from 1971 to 1978. They were named after President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who served as the 34th President of the United States from 1953 to 1961
  2. Bicentennial issue: In 1975 and 1976, special Bicentennial Eisenhower Dollars were minted to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the United States and bear the dual date 1776-1976. No Eisenhower dollars were minted with the date 1975. The reverse design was modified to feature an image of the Liberty Bell superimposed on the moon.
  3. Large size: Eisenhower Dollars are the last large-sized U.S. dollar coins, with a diameter of 38.1 mm (1.5 inches). They were struck in a copper-nickel clad composition, which consists of outer layers of copper-nickel bonded to an inner core of pure copper.
  4. Reverse design: The original reverse design of the Eisenhower Dollar features an eagle landing on the moon with an olive branch in its talons, symbolizing the peaceful exploration of space.
  5. Mintmarks: Eisenhower Dollars were minted at three different U.S. Mint locations: Philadelphia (no mintmark), Denver (mintmark “D”), and San Francisco (mintmark “S”). The mintmark is located on the obverse side, just above the date.
  6. S-mint proof issues: San Francisco minted special proof versions of the Eisenhower Dollars for collectors. These coins are distinguished by their mirror-like surfaces and are sold in sets or individually in protective cases.
  7. Copper-nickel vs. silver-clad issues: In 1971, some Eisenhower Dollars were also struck in 40% silver composition for collectors. These silver-clad versions minted from 1971 to 1974 and again for 1976.
  8. Ike Dollars and the Bicentennial Coinage Act: The Eisenhower Dollar series was authorized by the Bicentennial Coinage Act of 1970, which also led to the issuance of other Bicentennial coins, including the Bicentennial Quarter, Half Dollar, and the Bicentennial Kennedy Half Dollar.
  9. Limited circulation: Eisenhower Dollars saw limited use in circulation due to their large size and the preference for smaller denominations. Consequently, many coins were stored by banks and the U.S. Mint and not widely circulated.
  10. Collectability and value: Some Eisenhower Dollars, particularly the silver-clad issues and certain mintmark varieties, can hold significant numismatic value and are sought after by collectors. The Bicentennial issues are also popular among collectors due to their historical significance.

Overall, Eisenhower Dollars are a fascinating part of American numismatic history, commemorating a significant president and the nation’s bicentennial celebration. Numismatists interested in this series should explore the different mintmarks, compositions, and Bicentennial varieties to build a comprehensive collection.</p?

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