The Eisenhower Dollar was released in 1971 to honor President Dwight D. Eisenhower after his death in 1969. This large coin was issued in two forms, one for circulation and one for collectors. The circulated version was mainly made of copper-nickel, while special silver-clad ones were offered to the collectors.
This particular coin was provisioned by the Bank Holding Company Act Amendments of 1970, which were enacted by President Richard Nixon, who had been the Vice President during Eisenhower’s tenure. This coin also represented a turning point in the history of U.S. currency, more so because of its historical narrative and also because big-sized coins of this nature are difficult to forge.
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In 1972, slight design revisions were made to the reverse of the coin; hence, three varieties were created: Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3. The distinctions exist mainly in the aspects of the islands and the moon that are found in the Caribbean. However, it has been observed by collectors that the second issue, which was made using a proof die, is not as common as the rest and therefore more appreciated, which naturally brings about a higher value. It also retains great value in the market owing to the limited quantities of Type 2 coins available.
To identify a Type 2 coin, focus on the shape of the Caribbean islands and the Earth’s depiction. These subtle differences make it stand out from the other types. The discovery of the Type 2 coin was not fully understood at first, with reports indicating that only a few were released in 1972. As research revealed, the U.S. Mint used harder die steel later in the year, which is why the Type 2 coins were harder to come by.
For collectors, finding a Type 2 Eisenhower Dollar in high grades can be particularly rewarding. Many of these coins have been heavily circulated or are found with weak strikes, meaning high-quality examples in grades above MS65 are rare. As the years have passed, the lack of Eisenhower Dollars in the 1971 and 1972 Mint Sets has made those that were well-preserved even more valuable.
In terms of value, the 1972 Eisenhower Dollar varies widely depending on the variety and condition. While most of the 1972 coins are not particularly rare, those that are in exceptional condition or are of the Type 2 variety can command prices upwards of $100 or more. These coins, especially when graded above MS65, are a valuable addition to any collection.
Also, the release method of such coins needs to be taken into account by the collectors. Because no Eisenhower Dollars were included in the official Mint Sets before 1973, there is a greater demand for the X970 or X972 dates coin in extremely fine condition, because such coins are very difficult to find. As a result, their demand from collectors has never decreased. The absence of these coins from sets has also ensured a lower quantum of their Mint State samples.
In case you would want to obtain one of these great items, be sure to examine every aspect of your coin. True, millions of 1972 Eisenhower Dollars exist for circulation; however, the Type 2 isn’t that common, and returns could be high. When judging these pieces, examine such elements as the Earth’s shape and its Caribbean islands, and decide if there is also advanced work in these places in your pocket. The case of the 1972 Eisenhower Dollar is a case worth pointing out, as a small detail can completely change the worth of the coin.
As for the information on the 1972 Eisenhower Dollar and its types, be sure to look up more specific sources in the area of the study of coins.
