This coin, minted in 1971 at the Denver Mint, represents the inaugural year of the Eisenhower dollar series. It is a large-size dollar coin intended to honor President Dwight D. Eisenhower, and its production coincided with the Apollo program, with the reverse featuring an eagle landing on the moon. The “D” mint mark indicates its Denver origin, setting it apart from examples produced in Philadelphia (no mint mark) or San Francisco (for proof versions). These pieces were struck in both circulating and collectible formats, the latter often containing a silver composition.
The significance of this particular dollar lies in its historical context and collectible value. It marked a departure from smaller dollar coins and was intended to restore the use of the dollar coin in circulation. Its design reflected both national leadership and a pivotal moment in space exploration. The silver-clad examples, intended for collectors, provide an intrinsic value beyond the face value of the coin, and are often sought after by numismatists. The standard base metal versions, while less valuable, are still of interest to those collecting Eisenhower dollars.