Numismatic

1972 Clad Eisenhower Dollar BU (Type 2)

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The 1972 Eisenhower dollar represents a fascinating moment in modern United States coinage, particularly the elusive Type 2 variety struck in Philadelphia. Composed entirely of base metals rather than silver, this large clad coin carries a powerful obverse portrait of President Dwight D. Eisenhower facing left. Surrounding his profile are the traditional inscriptions of LIBERTY and IN GOD WE TRUST, along with the 1972 date at the bottom. Because this coin was produced at the Philadelphia Mint, it bears no mint mark. What makes the Type 2 variety highly compelling to coin enthusiasts is its reverse design, which honors the historic Apollo XI space mission. The reverse features an eagle landing on the surface of the moon, clutching an olive branch. In the blackness of space above the eagle, a distant Earth is visible, surrounded by thirteen small stars. On this specific Type 2 variety, the Earth is notably round and the islands on the globe appear weak or indistinct, a subtle detail that sets it apart from other strikes of the same year. The reverse is completed by the national motto E PLURIBUS UNUM, the name of the country, and the ONE DOLLAR denomination.