1971-D $1

Description

# 1971-D Eisenhower Dollar, PCGS MS67. Overview. This exceptional 1971-D Eisenhower Dollar represents a significant piece of American coinage history, graded PCGS MS67 (PCGS #25696091). The 1971-D holds particular importance as the first Eisenhower Dollar struck at the Denver Mint, preceding Philadelphia's production by several weeks. With a substantial mintage of 68,587,424 pieces, circulation examples are common, but high-grade specimens command collector attention and premium valuations. Technical Specifications & Composition. Struck in the copper-nickel clad composition mandated by Congress, this dollar features a 75% copper, 25% nickel outer layer over a pure copper center, weighing 22.7 grams with a diameter of 38.5mm and reeded edge. The reverse displays Frank Gasparro's iconic eagle landing on the moon, while the obverse features Michael Collins and James Cooper's portrait of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. The design commemorates Eisenhower's legacy and the Apollo 11 mission, authorized by the Bank Holding Company Act Amendments signed by President Richard M. Nixon on December 31, 1970. Quality & Rarity. The Denver Mint's 1971 production is notably superior to its Philadelphia counterpart. Operating older presses, Denver nonetheless achieved sharper strikes with better luster and fewer annealing chatter marks—a common defect on Philadelphia issues. This MS67 example exemplifies Denver's production quality. The coin's population data reflects its desirability: only 14 coins grade higher at PCGS, with just 89 total graded, making this grade tier genuinely scarce. The $1,150 price guide value underscores the market recognition of high-grade Denver dollars. Collector Significance. Early 1971-D strikings may display the notable "Friendly Eagle" variety (FS-901), characterized by a flattened earth on the reverse and an eagle without an eyebrow ridge. While die sink along the bottom periphery is common even on superior Denver strikes, this MS67 represents exceptional preservation that collectors