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The Certified Eisenhower Dollar 1971 MS65 PCGS marks the beginning of a significant chapter in modern U.S. coinage. As the first year of issue for the Eisenhower dollar series, the 1971 coin holds a special place in American numismatics. It was the first dollar coin struck since the Peace Dollar series ended in 1935, and it was the first to feature a former U.S. president on the denomination. Issued to honor Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th President of the United States and a five-star general in the U.S. Army during World War II, the coin carries both historical significance and collector appeal. Certified in Mint State 65 (MS65) by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), this example is considered a gem-quality specimen, showcasing sharp detail, full mint luster, and only minimal marks from handling.
The Eisenhower dollar was authorized by Congress following President Eisenhower’s death in 1969. It was intended to serve both as a circulating coin and as a tribute to a national hero. The obverse of the coin was designed by Frank Gasparro, then Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint, and features a left-facing portrait of Eisenhower with the inscriptions “LIBERTY” above, “IN GOD WE TRUST” to the left, and the date “1971” below. The portrait is cleanly modeled, conveying a strong, stoic expression that befits Eisenhower’s legacy as both a military commander and statesman. Gasparro’s initials “FG” appear beneath the neckline of the bust, subtly integrated into the design.
The reverse design is equally symbolic, depicting an eagle landing on the moon while clutching an olive branch. This dramatic image was inspired by the Apollo 11 mission insignia and pays tribute to both Eisenhower’s support for NASA during his presidency and the technological achievements of the United States in the Space Race. Thirteen stars arc above the eagle, and the inscriptions include “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and the denomination “ONE DOLLAR.” This imagery connects the coin not only to Eisenhower’s legacy but also to the spirit of progress and peace that defined the era.
The 1971 Eisenhower dollar was struck in two main versions: a copper-nickel clad coin for general circulation and a 40% silver version for collectors. The MS65 PCGS example in question is a copper-nickel clad business strike intended for circulation and struck at the Philadelphia Mint, which did not use a mintmark. These coins are composed of an outer layer of 75% copper and 25% nickel bonded to a pure copper core, with an overall weight of 22.68 grams and a diameter of 38.1 mm. Despite their intended use in commerce, few Eisenhower dollars ever saw widespread circulation, particularly due to their large size and weight compared to paper currency or smaller coins.
The Philadelphia Mint produced approximately 47 million Eisenhower dollars in 1971, making this issue relatively common in terms of overall mintage. However, examples in MS65 condition are considerably scarcer. Many of the coins were struck with weak details or suffered heavy bag marks due to the large planchet size and bulk handling methods used by the Mint. As a result, finding coins with minimal contact marks and strong strikes can be challenging, and grading services are selective about assigning gem uncirculated grades to early Eisenhower dollars. The PCGS certification of MS65 guarantees that this coin is well-struck, with original mint luster and only minor abrasions that are not distracting.
The Mint State 65 grade is considered a high-end uncirculated condition, with coins exhibiting vibrant luster, good eye appeal, and strong overall quality. While not as rare or valuable as coins graded MS66 or higher, MS65 Eisenhower dollars still represent the top few percent of survivors from the original mintage. Coins at this level are prized for their balance of beauty and affordability, offering collectors a chance to own an early, high-grade Ike dollar without entering the premium pricing tier of superb gems. The coin’s encapsulation in a PCGS holder also ensures long-term protection and authentication, a crucial factor for maintaining collector value.
PCGS, one of the top third-party grading services, uses a rigorous 70-point grading scale developed by Dr. William Sheldon. A coin graded MS65 must have above-average strike, full original luster, and very few contact marks that are minor and confined to non-focal areas. The designation confirms that the coin is uncirculated and in gem condition, making it an ideal example for inclusion in high-quality type sets or specialized Eisenhower dollar collections. The PCGS holder includes a clear label with the coin’s identity, grade, and certification number, all of which can be verified through PCGS’s online database for added assurance.
The 1971 Eisenhower dollar marked a significant return of the dollar denomination in U.S. coinage after a 36-year hiatus. It also served as a testbed for new minting technologies and design standards, bridging the gap between earlier silver coinage and the fully clad modern coinage era. While the coin was not popular for daily commerce due to its size, it has since gained a strong following among numismatists, particularly those who appreciate modern U.S. history and presidential tributes. As the first issue in the series, the 1971 Eisenhower dollar carries added historical weight and serves as a foundation for any Ike dollar collection.
Visually, a PCGS MS65 example offers excellent eye appeal. Collectors can expect sharply defined details in Eisenhower’s hair and the eagle’s wings and body on the reverse. Luster is typically satiny or brilliant, depending on the strike and die state, and any marks present will be minimal and placed away from the central design. These qualities make the coin attractive not only to Eisenhower specialists but also to type collectors and patriotic-themed collection builders. The blend of military tribute, space exploration imagery, and American symbolism in one design gives the coin broad cultural resonance.
The Certified Eisenhower Dollar 1971 MS65 PCGS is a prime specimen of a historically important coin. As a first-year issue with connections to a revered president and a pivotal moment in American space history, it commands attention among modern U.S. coin collectors. Its perfect blend of artistic merit, historical symbolism, and high-grade preservation make it a standout choice for anyone looking to commemorate the legacy of Dwight D. Eisenhower and the renewal of the U.S. dollar coin tradition in the 20th century.