One particular coin that caught my attention is the 1971-S Eisenhower Dollar. This unique history, rare features, and high value make it a must-have for any serious coin collector.
Key Takeaways:
1. It was minted to honor President Dwight D. Eisenhower and features a portrait of him on the obverse side.
2. This coin’s large diameter, reeded edge, and unique lettered edge distinguish it from other coins in the series.
3. This rare and valuable coin is highly sought-after by collectors.
Key Features of the 1971-S Eisenhower Dollar
As a numismatist, I find this coin to be a fascinating coin. It has a unique design is the first dollar coin minted since the Peace Dollar in 1935. Here are the key features of this historic coin:
Design
The obverse of the 1971-S Eisenhower Dollar features a left-facing portrait of President Eisenhower, a five-star general during World War II and later served as the 34th President of the United States.
The reverse features an eagle landing on the moon, with the Earth in the background. Frank Gasparro, who also designed the reverse of the Kennedy Half-Dollar, designed it.
Material
The 1971-S Eisenhower Dollar is made of silver and copper.
Size and Weight
The 1971-S Eisenhower Dollar is a large coin with a diameter of 38.1mm and a weight of 22.68 grams. It is slightly larger and heavier than a modern quarter, which has a diameter of 24.26mm and a weight of 5.67 grams.
In conclusion, the 1971-S Eisenhower Dollar is an important coin in American numismatics. Its unique design and composition make it a valuable addition to any coin collection, and its historical significance as the first dollar coin in nearly four decades only adds to its appeal.
Value of the 1971-S Eisenhower Dollar
| Grades | Price as of October 2023 |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $7.50 |
| Very Good (VG-8) | $7.50 |
| Fine (F-12) | $7.50 |
| Very Fine (VF-20) | $7.50 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | $7.50 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-50) | $8-$8.50 |
| Mint State (MS-60) | $15-$17.50 |
| Brilliant Uncirculated (MS-63) | $20-$6,250 |
As with any coin, the value of the 1971-S Eisenhower Dollar depends on its condition and rarity. The 1971-S Eisenhower Dollar is a proof coin, meaning it was specially made for collectors and has a mirror-like finish.
According to NGC Coin, the value of an uncirculated 1971-S Eisenhower Dollar is about $7 up to $15 for circulated versions. However, uncirculated versions can cost $20 or up to $6,000 for an MS-68 state!
It’s worth noting that the 1971-S Eisenhower Dollar is not particularly rare, with over 4 million proof specimens produced. However, as with any collectible, rarity is not the only factor determining value.
Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) graded a 1971-S Eisenhower Dollar as MS68, which sold for over $6,900 in 2012. This is an exceptional case; most 1971-S Eisenhower Dollars will not fetch such a high price.
Overall, the 1971-S Eisenhower Dollar is a valuable addition to any collection, but its value is not astronomical. To maximize its value, collectors should obtain high-quality specimens in excellent condition.
The rarity of the 1971-S Eisenhower Dollar
As one of the most popular coins among collectors, the 1971-S Eisenhower Dollar is known for its rarity and value. The coin was produced at the San Francisco Mint and was part of the Silver Proof Set released that year.
The 1971-S Eisenhower Dollar is considered rare due to several factors. First, the coin was only produced in limited quantities, with a mintage of 6,868,530 uncirculated specimens and 3,220,733 proof specimens. Additionally, the coin was only produced for one year, making it a highly sought-after piece for collectors.
Another factor contributing to the rarity of the 1971-S Eisenhower Dollar is the existence of a few varieties. One of the most notable varieties is the “No Serifs” variety, which does not have the serifs at the bottom of the vertical leg on the “R” in LIBERTY. This variety is believed to have been caused by over-polishing the proof dies, and collectors highly seek after it.
The table below shows the mintage numbers for the 1971-S Eisenhower Dollar:
| Mint Mark | Mintage |
| S | 6,868,530 |
| S Proof | 3,220,733 |
Overall, the 1971-S Eisenhower Dollar’s rarity makes it a valuable addition to any coin collection. Its limited production, short run, and various varieties make it intriguing and highly sought-after by collectors.
Impact on the Numismatic World
The 1971-S Eisenhower Dollar had a significant impact on the numismatic world. It was the first dollar coin the US Mint struck since the Peace Dollar series ended in 1935. It was also the first dollar coin issued in the copper-nickel clad composition, used for all US coins from 1965 onwards.
Introducing the Eisenhower Dollar was a major event for collectors and dealers. The coin was produced in large numbers, with over 100 million struck in the first year alone, making it easy for collectors to obtain examples for their collections.
However, the large mintage also meant that the coin was not initially considered rare or valuable. Collectors and dealers often overlooked it in its early years of production.
Over time, however, collectors and dealers have become more appreciative of the 1971-S Eisenhower Dollar. This is partly due to its limited production and historical significance as the decades-old first dollar coin.
Today, the 1971-S Eisenhower Dollar is considered a key date in the series, and examples in high grades can be quite valuable. The record price paid at auction for a non-variety 1971-S Eisenhower dollar was $6,900, hammered in March 2012 at a Heritage auction.
Overall, the 1971-S Eisenhower Dollar had a lasting impact on the numismatic world. It helped revive interest in dollar coins, which remain popular and collectible.
Before you go…
Overall, the 1971-S Eisenhower Dollar is a must-have for any serious coin collector or history enthusiast. Its unique design, rarity, and historical significance make it a valuable addition to any collection.
Check out my next article: “1797 Draped Bust Half Dollar: Things to Know!“
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