Eisenhower Dollars 1971-1978

About This Series

Serving as the last large-format dollar coin in American coinage, the Eisenhower Dollar honored President Eisenhower while commemorating Apollo 11 through Frank Gasparro's reverse depicting an eagle landing on the lunar surface with Earth in the background. Circulation strikes were copper-nickel clad from Philadelphia and Denver, while 40% silver collector versions came from San Francisco. The Bicentennial reverse by Dennis R. Williams (1975-1976) features the Liberty Bell superimposed on the moon, bearing the dual date 1776-1976 — a clever fusion of revolutionary past and space-age achievement. The large 38.1 mm diameter made the coin unpopular for everyday commerce, leading to its replacement by the Susan B. Anthony dollar in 1979. Collectors distinguish varieties including the 1972 Type 1, 2, and 3 reverses (differentiated by Earth's position on the moon landing reverse), silver versus clad compositions, and proof versus uncirculated finishes from San Francisco. These bicentennial issues remain among the most recognizable American coins of the 20th century.