Modern U.S. Dollars

Eisenhower Dollars, 1971-1978

[photo: The Eisenhower dollar honored Dwight D. Eisenhower – World War II hero and 34th U.S. president]

The Eisenhower dollar honored Dwight D. Eisenhower – World War II hero and 34th U.S. president

As the first U.S. dollar coin in more than 35 years, the Eisenhower dollar was an exciting event in U.S. coinage history! This new dollar honored an extraordinary American, as well as an extraordinary American achievement. Dwight D. Eisenhower – World War II hero and 34th U.S. president – was pictured on the obverse. The reverse design was equally significant. Based on the official emblem of the Apollo 11 space mission, it honored the 1969 moon landing of the manned Eagle spacecraft.

Eisenhower dollars were issued from 1971 until 1978 and were the first U.S. dollar coins minted in a clad composition. In 1975, a second variety was created when the coin lettering was changed to be more "attractive". This new Type II design was used until 1977. During 1975 and 1976, special Bicentennial dollars were produced, featuring the dual date 1776-1976 on the obverse and the Liberty Bell superimposed over the moon on the reverse.

See our Eisenhower dollar inventory

Susan B. Anthony Dollars, 1979-1999

[photo: The Susan B. Anthony dollar]

The Susan B. Anthony dollar

The Susan B. Anthony dollar is one of the shortest series in U.S. dollar history! Produced in 1979 and 1980 for circulation, these coins failed to gain popularity, and by 1981 were only issued in Mint Sets. Nearly 20 years later, in 1999, increased demand for dollar coins led to the issue of additional Anthony dollars for that year only, until the new "golden" dollars could be struck.

Anthony dollars honor Susan Brownell Anthony (1820-1906), the 19th-century feminist. Her relentless fight for suffrage led to the adoption of the 19th Amendment, guaranteeing women the right to vote. Although the amendment wasn't adopted until 14 years after her death, it came to pass as a direct result of Ms. Anthony's dedication to equal rights. The reverse displays the same design as the Eisenhower dollar, honoring the Apollo 11 mission.

See our Susan B. Anthony dollar inventory

Sacagawea & Native American Dollars, 2000-Date

[photo: America's golden dollar series, the Native American and Presidential dollars]

America's golden dollar series, the Native American and Presidential dollars

In 2000, the first of America's new Sacagawea dollars debuted. Their all-new composition (copper with an outer layer of manganese brass) gave them a distinctive "golden" color. Sacagawea, the Native American guide from Lewis & Clark's westward expedition, appears on the obverse along with her infant son, who was born during the trek. The reverse depicts an eagle in flight. In 2009, the Native American dollar series replaced the Sacagawea series. Featuring the same obverse design as the earlier Sacagawea dollar series, the date, mint mark, and motto E PLURIBUS UNUM were incused on the coins' edge. Plus, to honor Native American contributions to the history and development of the U.S., the series features an annually changing reverse design.

See our Sacagawea & Native American dollar inventory

Presidential Dollars, 2007-Date

Another dollar series also began in 2007. Four different designs per year honor America's presidents in order of service. A bold image of the Statue of Liberty graces the reverse, along with the denomination stated as $1 – a first for America's dollar coin. At the series' start, each coin featured an edge inscription with the date, mint mark, and mottoes in god we trust and e pluribus unum. However, after some coins were discovered missing their edge lettering, and the resulting controversy over so-called "godless" dollars, in 2009 in god we trust was moved to the obverse.

See our Presidential dollar inventory

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