Eisenhower ‘Ike’ Dollars

The Eisenhower Dollar was introduced in 1971 to honor Dwight D. Eisenhower and to commemorate the Apollo 11 moon landing. Designed by Frank Gasparro, the obverse features a portrait of Eisenhower, while the reverse depicts an eagle landing on the moon holding an olive branch—adapted from the Apollo 11 mission insignia.

Copper-Nickel Clad (1971–1978):
Most circulating examples were struck in a copper-nickel clad composition (75% copper, 25% nickel bonded to a pure copper core).

40% Silver Issues (1971–1976):
Collector versions were also produced in a 40% silver clad composition, consisting of outer layers of 80% silver and 20% copper bonded to a silver-copper core. These were sold primarily in special Mint packaging.

In 1975–1976, a special Bicentennial reverse (dated 1776–1976) replaced the standard design, featuring the Liberty Bell superimposed over the moon. The Eisenhower Dollar was the last large-size dollar coin produced for circulation before the transition to the smaller Susan B. Anthony Dollar in 1979.