Modern Dollars

Eisenhower Dollars (1971–1978)

The Eisenhower Dollar, designed by Frank Gasparro, was the first U.S. dollar coin struck since the Peace Dollar ended in 1935. Issued from 1971 through 1978, it honored both President Dwight D. Eisenhower and the Apollo 11 moon landing. The obverse bears Eisenhower’s portrait, while the reverse features the Apollo 11 mission insignia: an eagle landing on the moon with an olive branch.

Business strikes were issued in copper-nickel clad, while collector versions (proof and uncirculated) were also struck in 40% silver at the San Francisco Mint. Special Bicentennial issues (1975–1976) carried dual dating (1776–1976) and depicted the Liberty Bell superimposed on the moon.

Key collector issues include: the 1972 Type 2 reverse (showing Florida and the Caribbean more clearly defined), which is scarce, as well as high-grade 40% silver-clad proofs. Despite their large size and weight making them unpopular in circulation, Eisenhower Dollars are prized by collectors for their bold size, historical themes, and short series length.

Susan B. Anthony Dollars (1979–1981, 1999)

The Susan B. Anthony Dollar followed in 1979, created as the first small-sized U.S. dollar coin. Its obverse honors Susan B. Anthony, a pioneering leader in women’s suffrage, making it the first U.S. coin to depict an actual American woman. The reverse reuses the Apollo 11 eagle landing on the moon design from the Eisenhower Dollar.

Struck in copper-nickel clad, the Susan B. Anthony Dollar was meant to replace the paper $1 bill. However, its size and color were too similar to the quarter, leading to public confusion and rejection. The coin was struck only from 1979–1981 and again briefly in 1999 to fill a shortage of dollar coins before the Sacagawea Dollar debuted in 2000.

Key collector issues include: the 1979-P Wide Rim (or “Near Date”) variety, scarcer than the normal issue, and the 1981 dollars, which were struck only for collectors and not released into general circulation.

Collector Appeal

Eisenhower and Susan B. Anthony Dollars, though often overlooked compared to classic silver dollars, are increasingly appreciated by modern collectors. Both series are short, making complete sets achievable. The Eisenhower Dollar stands out for its size, silver-clad issues, and Bicentennial design, while the Susan B. Anthony Dollar is significant for its historical subject and its place as the first true attempt at a circulating small dollar coin.