1971-D $1

Description

1971-D Eisenhower Dollar, PCGS MS-67. A superior example of the inaugural Denver Mint striking of the Eisenhower Dollar series, certified by PCGS as MS-67 (Certificate #25696091). This coin represents the first dollars struck at the Denver facility in 1971, preceding Philadelphia's production by several weeks. The 1971-D issue benefited from Denver's older presses, which paradoxically produced coins of notably sharper quality and superior luster compared to their Philadelphia counterparts. With a mintage of 68,587,424 pieces, this denomination marked the triumphant return of the large dollar coin to American circulation following a six-year hiatus. The Eisenhower Dollar was authorized through the Bank Holding Company Act Amendments of 1970 as a memorial to President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who passed away in 1969. Composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel over a pure copper center, the coin weighs 22.7 grams and measures 38.5mm in diameter with a reeded edge. The obverse features Frank Gasparro's portrait of Eisenhower, while the reverse showcases an eagle landing on the moon, designed by Gasparro in collaboration with astronauts Michael Collins and James Cooper—a fitting tribute to the space program that defined Eisenhower's presidency. This MS-67 example exhibits the hallmark characteristics that distinguish superior Denver strikings: sharp definition, full luster, and clean surfaces. Population data indicates only 14 examples have graded higher, with just 89 total certified by PCGS across all grades, underscoring the relative scarcity of premium examples. The coin's technical quality and historical significance as the first year of issue make it an essential addition to any Eisenhower Dollar collection.