Eisenhower Dollars are the last of the big and bold coins produced by the United States Mint for circulation. However, these coins never circulated widely in the United States but were used quite frequently in the casinos on the west coast of the United States. They were also called "Ike Dollars" after the late president's popular nickname.

1:16 Watch Now: 6 Interesting Facts About the Ike Dollar

History of the Eisenhower Dollar

The United States Mint minted them from 1971 through 1978. There were many special strikings in different finishes and compositions that were marketed especially to coin collectors. Frank Gasparro designed this coin to honor both President Dwight D. Eisenhower and the first landing of a man on the moon in 1969. The obverse features a portrait bust of the late president facing right. The reverse is an adaptation of the official Apollo 11's mission insignia.

During its eight-year production run, the United States Mint modified the dies several times by changing the relief and strengthening some of the design elements. These changes in 1972 resulted in three different die varieties. One of them is rare and actively sought after by collectors.

A special reverse design was implemented to celebrate the nation's Bicentennial. The Treasury Secretary selected Dennis R. Williams design featuring a rendition of the Liberty Bell superimposed on the moon. The mint began production of these dual dated bicentennial coins of 1776-1976 in 1975 to meet the anticipated demand of collectors across the country. Therefore there are no Eisenhower dollars dated 1975.

Although they do not circulate anymore, occasionally people will bring rolls of them into their local bank to exchange for paper money. Therefore, uncirculated coins sell for a premium over the circulated coins. Identifying key dates, rarities, and varieties for Ike dollars is an important skill for serious coin collectors.

Key Dates, Rarities, and Varieties

The following Eisenhower dollars command a small premium above the more common Eisenhower dollars.

1972 Type 2 Reverse Uncirculated

The Philadelphia mint created three different Eisenhower dollar reverses. They are known as type one, two, and three. The second type is the hardest to acquire.

1976 Bicentennial Type 1 and 2 Reverse

This coin is not rare nor is it a key date, but there are two different varieties. Notice the difference in the thickness of the lettering in the United States of America.

Condition or Grade

If your coin is worn and exhibits evidence of circulation in commerce, it is considered a circulated coin. However, if your coin has no evidence of wear and its surfaces are pristine, it is considered an uncirculated coin.

Mint Marks

The United States Mint produced Eisenhower (Ike) Dollars at three different mints: Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D) and San Francisco (S). The mint mark is located on the obverse of the coin, just below the truncation of President Eisenhower's portrait and just above the date.

Eisenhower Dollars Average Prices and Values

The following table lists the buy price (what you can expect to pay to a dealer to purchase the coin) and the sell value (what you can expect a dealer to pay you if you sell the coin). These are approximate retail prices and wholesale values. The actual offer you receive from a particular coin dealer will vary depending on the actual grade of the coin and some other factors that determine its worth.