1971–1978 Eisenhower Dollar – A Tribute to Space Exploration and a Historic Presidency

The Eisenhower Dollar was born from one of America's greatest achievements — the Apollo 11 moon landing in 1969. Seeking to commemorate this historic event, Congress authorized a new dollar coin in 1970, marking the first circulating ... Read More

1971–1978 Eisenhower Dollar – A Tribute to Space Exploration and a Historic Presidency

The Eisenhower Dollar was born from one of America's greatest achievements — the Apollo 11 moon landing in 1969. Seeking to commemorate this historic event, Congress authorized a new dollar coin in 1970, marking the first circulating U.S. dollar coin since the Peace Dollar series ended decades earlier.

The obverse features a bold portrait of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, honoring his legacy as both a military leader and U.S. President, with a design layout reminiscent of the contemporary Washington Quarter. The reverse proudly displays a stylized rendition of the official Apollo 11 mission insignia — an eagle landing on the moon with Earth in the background — though the mission name itself is not explicitly referenced.

Issued beginning in 1971, Eisenhower Dollars were struck in two compositions:

• Copper-Nickel Clad for general circulation

• 40% Silver Clad for collectors, available through special Mint offerings

Although the Eisenhower Dollar was well-received, it struggled to find a lasting place in everyday commerce, with many coins ultimately diverted to casino slot machines and gaming halls, especially in Las Vegas.

For the nation’s bicentennial celebration in 1976, the Eisenhower Dollar received a special redesign:

• A dual-dated obverse (1776–1976)

• A reverse design featuring the Liberty Bell superimposed over the moon, symbolizing freedom and exploration These bicentennial coins were also issued in both copper-nickel clad for circulation and 40% silver clad formats for collectors.

Why Collect Eisenhower Dollars?

• Historical Significance: Celebrates Apollo 11 and honors President Eisenhower

• Popular Among Type and Modern Coin Collectors

• Affordable Entry Point: Circulation strikes are accessible, while silver issues offer investment-grade appeal

• Key Varieties: Includes popular issues like the 1972 reverse varieties and the dual-dated 1776–1976 Bicentennial issues

The Eisenhower Dollar series remains a vital chapter in U.S. numismatic history, bridging America’s golden age of space exploration with classic coin design tradition.