Some 1972 Eisenhower dollar coins really are silver dollars, in that they were struck in a 40% silver composition. In fact, the Eisenhower dollar (minted from 1971 through 1978) became the largest copper-nickel clad coin the U.S. However, most Eisenhower dollars minted (and virtually all that will ever been encountered in pocket change) are made from copper-nickel clad. Many folks who refer to Eisenhower dollar coins tend to call them “silver dollars” - which is the popular nickname used for describing large U.S. Astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins journeyed to the lunar satellite by way of Apollo 11, whose mission insignia, designed by Collins and James Cooper, appears on the reverse (tail’s side) of the Ike dollar in a slightly modified form. Those who remember 1969 will also recall another major news headline from the year - the landing of the first men on the moon. Mint Chief Engraver Frank Gasparro captures a portrait of Eisenhower, who passed away at the age of 78 in 1969. High-grade Eisenhower dollars are extraordinarily difficult to find, and if you can locate any, expect to pay heavy premiums, as most of these large coins unfortunately have contact marks and other imperfections.The Eisenhower dollar honors one of America’s greatest World War II generals and presidents, Dwight D. Though, expect to pay about $17įor the uncirculated variety and around $18įor the proof version. The values of these coins are somewhat dependent on prevailing silver values. These 40 percent silver dollars are available in two varieties – the 1971-S uncirculated and 1971-S proof varieties (also referred to as “blue pack” and “brown pack,” respectively, to identify the color and type of mint packaging they originally came in).Ħ,868,530 uncirculated 1971-S Eisenhower dollars were struck while 4,265,234 proof specimens were made.

While Eisenhower dollars (made from 1971 through 1978) would be struck in copper-nickel clad for circulation, the United States Mint in San Francisco also offered the coin in 40 percent silver for collectors. dollar coin series to feature a copper-nickel clad metallic base. This would be the first official dollar coin struck by the United States Mint since the end of the Peace dollar series in 1935, and would also be the first U.S. Eisenhower’s death in 1969, legislation to strike a new dollar coin honoring the former president and general was signed by President Richard Nixon in 1970.

1972 eisenhower gold dollar