The Eisenhower Dollar is one of only two coins in American history ever struck with 40% silver content. The Eisenhower Dollar was conceived by the US Mint in 1969 and finally put into production in 1971. While the Eisenhower Dollar was issued from 1971 to 1978, only coins issued in BU and Proof versions from 1971 to 1976 had 40% silver.
Each of these 40% Silver Eisenhower Dollars is available to you in circulated condition. Coins with this condition show typical signs of handling that can include blemishes, scuffs, and scratches, or showcase other types of minor flaws or detracting elements. All coins are available in individual plastic flips. Please note that 40% Silver Eisenhower Dollars were only issued between 1971 and 1974 with the bald eagle design and again in 1975-1976 during the Bicentennial issue with the Liberty Bell design. The 1977 and 1978 Eisenhower Dollars were not available with silver content. You will not find those date marks in this listing.
From the early 19th century until 1964, all of the silver coins issued by the United States Mint for circulation use actually included silver content in the metallic composition of the coin. Throughout most of this period of time, those coins had 90% silver with 10% copper. With rising bullion prices in the 1960s, it became unsustainable from a financial standpoint for the US Mint to continue using such a high silver content. While 1965 saw most coins switched to a new cupro-nickel alloy, two coins would continue with some amount of silver. The Kennedy Half Dollar issued from 1965 to 1970 had 40% silver, while the introduction of the Eisenhower Dollar in 1971 brought about only the second 40% silver coin in US history.
On the obverse side of the 40% Silver Eisenhower Dollar is a bust of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. President Eisenhower served two terms through the 1950s and guided the nation through one of its most prosperous decades on record. The iconic World War II general guided the nation out of the Korean War that had started during the Truman Administration and oversaw one of the greatest economic booms in American history.
The reverse side of 40% Silver Eisenhower Dollars includes one of two designs. Most coins feature a depiction of the American bald eagle landing on the moon as a nod to the success of Apollo 11 in 1969. The 1975 and 1976 coins have a symbol of the moon behind the Liberty Bell, with the latter image representing the bicentennial of the nation.
