1972 Type 1 Eisenhower Dollar NGC MS63

The 1972 Type 1 Eisenhower Dollar, struck at the Philadelphia Mint, is part of the first generation of large-format modern U.S. dollar coins. Made from copper-nickel clad composition, it features a bold design honoring President Dwight D. Eisenhower. This coin has been certified MS63 by the Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC), indicating a well-struck, uncirculated coin with moderate contact marks and strong luster.

Type 1 Variety – Key Identifiers:

The Type 1 Eisenhower Dollar, issued early in 1972, is distinguished by its low-relief reverse with a weaker strike. The Earth above the eagle’s head appears smooth, and the Caribbean islands are indistinct, making it the easiest of the three 1972 varieties to recognize. This design was later modified in mid-1972 to improve detail.

Obverse Design:

The obverse, designed by Frank Gasparro, features a left-facing portrait of Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th President of the United States and a World War II Supreme Allied Commander. The inscriptions include:

• "LIBERTY" along the upper rim
• "IN GOD WE TRUST" to the left of Eisenhower’s portrait
• The date "1972" positioned at the bottom

Reverse Design:

The reverse, also designed by Frank Gasparro, is based on the Apollo 11 mission insignia, commemorating America’s first moon landing in 1969. It features an American bald eagle landing on the lunar surface, clutching an olive branch, with the Earth visible in the background. The inscriptions include:

• "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" arching along the top
• "E PLURIBUS UNUM" just above the eagle
• "ONE DOLLAR" along the bottom rim

Key Features:

• NGC MS63 Grade – A well-struck, uncirculated coin with moderate contact marks and strong luster.
• Type 1 Reverse Variety – Features a low-relief Earth with weaker detail in the Caribbean islands.
• Philadelphia Mint Issue – This coin lacks a mintmark, indicating it was struck in Philadelphia.
• Copper-Nickel Clad Composition – Contains no silver, making it part of the general circulation series.
• Historic Apollo 11 Tribute – The reverse design commemorates the first moon landing, linking President Eisenhower’s legacy to America’s space achievements.

Collectibility & Investment Appeal:

The 1972 Type 1 Eisenhower Dollar in NGC MS63 is a desirable collector’s piece, especially for those interested in Eisenhower Dollars, space history, and modern U.S. coinage. Since the Type 1 variety was replaced mid-year, it is scarcer than the later Type 2 and Type 3 issues. This coin is an excellent option for those seeking an affordable yet historically significant uncirculated Eisenhower Dollar.