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The Certified Eisenhower Dollar 1977-S PR69DCAM PCGS is a superbly preserved example of a late-series Eisenhower proof dollar, struck at the San Francisco Mint with remarkable attention to detail. Carrying a nearly flawless Proof 69 grade and Deep Cameo (DCAM) designation from the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), this coin exhibits razor-sharp strike quality, mirrorlike fields, and heavily frosted devices. As part of the final years of the Eisenhower dollar series, the 1977-S proof dollar stands as a testament to the U.S. Mint’s continuing effort to refine modern coinage design and production quality through its proof program.
The Eisenhower dollar was first introduced in 1971, following the death of General and President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1969. The coin honored both his legacy and the accomplishments of the Apollo 11 mission, a feat emblematic of the technological and exploratory spirit of Eisenhower’s era. The series ran from 1971 through 1978 and was the last large-size U.S. dollar coin produced for circulation. Proof issues like the 1977-S were never meant for general commerce but were struck specifically for collectors and distributed as part of the annual proof set offerings from the San Francisco Mint.
The obverse of the 1977-S Eisenhower dollar retains Frank Gasparro’s dignified profile portrait of Dwight D. Eisenhower. The image faces left, flanked by the inscription “LIBERTY” above and “IN GOD WE TRUST” positioned leftward near the neck. The date “1977” appears centered at the base, with the “S” mintmark, identifying the San Francisco Mint, located directly below Eisenhower’s bust. On a PR69DCAM example, these design elements are flawlessly rendered, with the raised devices appearing snow-white due to their deeply frosted surfaces, contrasted sharply against the highly polished, mirrorlike background fields.
The reverse continues Gasparro’s adaptation of the Apollo 11 mission insignia, showing a bald eagle landing on the surface of the moon with an olive branch in its talons. The Earth looms in the background, and surrounding inscriptions include “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and the denomination “ONE DOLLAR.” In Deep Cameo condition, this reverse design is especially striking—the eagle’s wings, feathers, and talons appear in high relief with intense frosting, while the darkly mirrored fields emulate the depth and contrast of a photograph. This finish provides dramatic visual clarity and highlights the artistry of the design.
The 1977-S Eisenhower dollar is composed of a copper-nickel clad alloy, featuring outer layers of 75% copper and 25% nickel bonded to a core of pure copper. It weighs 22.68 grams, has a diameter of 38.1 mm, and a reeded edge. Unlike the silver collector editions of 1971–1976, the 1977 proof issue does not contain any precious metal and was issued only in the standard proof sets offered by the U.S. Mint. Despite its base metal composition, the 1977-S clad proof remains highly collectible due to its limited mintage, historical design, and exceptional execution in Deep Cameo proof format.
The San Francisco Mint produced 3,251,152 proof Eisenhower dollars in 1977 as part of the year’s proof set offerings. Though that mintage is higher than some earlier silver proofs, a relatively small number of these coins survive in PR69DCAM condition. Proof coins from the 1970s often show haze, small scratches, or spotting due to packaging or storage issues over time. Thus, coins certified PR69DCAM are particularly desirable because they display the coin as it was originally intended—boldly struck, deeply contrasted, and visually pristine. With only minor imperfections visible under magnification, PR69DCAM examples are second only to the rare PR70s.
While some collectors seek the entire Eisenhower series in business strike format, many advanced numismatists pursue high-grade certified proofs to form registry sets. PCGS encapsulated coins carry strong market trust and recognition, enhancing both collectability and long-term value. A PR69DCAM 1977-S Eisenhower dollar is especially sought after for such purposes, as it delivers near-perfect quality without the lofty price tag of a PR70 example. The PCGS holder also offers security and verification that the coin has been professionally authenticated, graded, and preserved for future generations.
In the marketplace, the 1977-S Eisenhower dollar in PCGS PR69DCAM condition typically commands a value ranging from $30 to $60, depending on the coin’s eye appeal, demand, and label type. While PR70 examples exist, they are rare and often significantly more expensive. For most collectors, PR69DCAM provides an ideal blend of beauty, technical excellence, and affordability. The Deep Cameo designation dramatically enhances the coin’s appearance, giving it the visual impact of a high-relief medal or fine cameo.
Original 1977 U.S. proof sets containing this Eisenhower dollar were issued in hard plastic cases with blue outer sleeves and a certificate of authenticity from the Mint. While many of these sets remain intact, coins certified by PCGS in PR69DCAM grade are often separated from their sets to ensure preservation and marketability. These certified coins are ideal for display, resale, or inclusion in top-tier collections. The PR69DCAM label denotes a coin that reflects the highest standards of modern proof coin production and is often accompanied by strong demand from collectors seeking registry-quality pieces.
In summary, the Certified Eisenhower Dollar 1977-S PR69DCAM PCGS offers collectors a near-perfect example of one of America’s final large-size dollar coins. Its stunning Deep Cameo contrast, sharply executed design, and historical significance as a tribute to President Eisenhower and the Apollo 11 mission make it a key entry in any modern U.S. coin collection. Backed by PCGS certification, this coin stands as a shining representation of late-1970s numismatic artistry, valued not only for its technical excellence but also for its enduring connection to one of the most transformative eras in American history.