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The Certified Eisenhower Dollar 1974-S Clad PR69DCAM PCGS is a superbly preserved example of one of America’s most historically significant and collectible modern proof coins. Minted at the San Francisco Mint and composed of a copper-nickel clad alloy, this 1974-S proof issue represents the fourth year of the Eisenhower dollar series. With a PCGS grade of PR69DCAM (Proof 69 Deep Cameo), the coin is nearly flawless and showcases exceptional contrast between deeply frosted raised devices and mirrored fields. As part of the larger Eisenhower dollar program, which ran from 1971 to 1978, this coin commemorates President Dwight D. Eisenhower and the U.S. space program while offering collectors an appealing combination of design, condition, and historical context.
The Eisenhower dollar series was introduced in 1971 to honor the late President Dwight D. Eisenhower, the five-star general who led the Allied forces in Europe during World War II and later served two terms as the 34th President of the United States. The reverse of the coin also celebrates the Apollo 11 moon landing, completed in 1969 during Eisenhower’s legacy era. The 1974-S issue was struck in two formats: a 40% silver version for collectors and a copper-nickel clad proof, such as this example, also targeted at collectors through the annual U.S. proof set program. While the silver proofs were sold individually in brown boxes, the clad proofs were part of the standard five-coin proof sets issued in hard plastic cases.
Designed by Chief Engraver Frank Gasparro, the obverse of the 1974-S Eisenhower dollar features a left-facing portrait of President Eisenhower. The inscriptions “LIBERTY” arcs along the upper rim, while “IN GOD WE TRUST” appears to the left of Eisenhower’s neck. The date “1974” is prominently displayed beneath the bust, and the “S” mintmark of the San Francisco Mint is placed just below the neckline. In PR69DCAM condition, these inscriptions and the portrait are rendered with crisp precision. The frosted finish of the bust against a deeply mirrored field delivers the high-contrast aesthetic expected of a Deep Cameo coin, making this a visually stunning piece for modern collectors.
The reverse features a stylized version of the Apollo 11 mission insignia, showcasing a bald eagle descending toward the surface of the moon, an olive branch clutched in its talons to symbolize peace. Behind the eagle is the Earth, rising above the lunar horizon. The inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” encircle the top, while “ONE DOLLAR” anchors the bottom. The 1974-S proof design maintains strong strike fidelity, and in PR69DCAM quality, the fine feather detailing on the eagle, the surface craters of the moon, and the subtle curve of Earth are all intricately frosted, standing in dramatic relief against a black-mirror field.
Unlike the silver-clad variants, the 1974-S Clad Eisenhower dollar is composed of a copper-nickel outer layer bonded to a pure copper core. This standard clad composition is identical to circulating coins of the time and was used for all non-silver proof and business strikes. The coin weighs 22.68 grams, has a diameter of 38.1 mm, and a reeded edge. The minting process for proof coins involves specially polished dies and planchets, as well as multiple strikes, to ensure a sharply detailed and reflective finish. The Deep Cameo designation indicates exceptional execution, with heavily frosted devices and a glassy field, which is not always found even on proof coins of this era.
The San Francisco Mint struck 2,612,568 clad proof Eisenhower dollars in 1974 as part of the annual proof set offerings. While the mintage is moderate for modern issues, only a small portion of those coins survive in PR69DCAM condition. Many proof coins from this period exhibit hazing, spotting, or weak cameo contrast, making pristine examples particularly desirable. A PR69DCAM from PCGS is among the highest-graded coins for this issue, with only a very small number graded higher at PR70. This makes the PR69DCAM certification an optimal blend of elite quality and relative affordability.
The Eisenhower dollar series has gained increasing appreciation among collectors in recent years, especially in certified high-grade examples. The 1974-S Clad PR69DCAM coin plays an essential role in any complete Ike dollar registry set, and its affordable price point relative to other U.S. proof series makes it attractive for both seasoned collectors and newcomers. PCGS certification ensures that the coin is genuine, unaltered, and meets strict technical standards for grade and cameo contrast. The encapsulated holder also provides lasting protection and enhances resale potential in the collector marketplace.
In terms of value, the 1974-S Clad Eisenhower dollar in PCGS PR69DCAM typically trades between $25 and $45 depending on market demand and visual appeal. Coins with exceptional contrast and blemish-free surfaces may fetch slight premiums. Given that PR70 examples are much scarcer and significantly more expensive, PR69DCAM offers an excellent balance of beauty and value. The Deep Cameo finish gives the coin a dramatic, frosted-white-on-black appearance that greatly enhances the classic design and makes the coin a standout in any proof collection.
Original 1974 proof sets containing the clad Eisenhower dollar were packaged in hard plastic lenses and included other denominations ranging from the Lincoln cent to the Washington quarter and Kennedy half. While these sets are widely available, coins extracted and certified as PR69DCAM by PCGS enjoy an elevated status due to third-party authentication, grade assurance, and visual quality. Collectors may seek these certified coins either to complete type sets or as part of a focused Eisenhower dollar collection emphasizing Deep Cameo proofs.
In conclusion, the Certified Eisenhower Dollar 1974-S Clad PR69DCAM PCGS is a near-flawless example of mid-1970s U.S. proof coinage. With its historical ties to President Eisenhower and the Apollo moon landing, striking design by Frank Gasparro, and impressive Deep Cameo finish, this coin stands as a premier representative of the clad proof issues in the Eisenhower series. Backed by PCGS certification and issued during a pivotal era in modern U.S. coinage, it continues to hold strong appeal for collectors seeking both visual excellence and historical significance in a certified proof coin.