A bona fide American hero of World War II, General Dwight D. Eisenhower gained a widespread popularity that helped usher him into the White House. He became the 34th President of the United States, serving from 1953 until 1961. Many consider him the most popular president of the twentieth century, often referring to him as the “father figure” of America. As a five-star general in World War II and later the first supreme commander of NATO forces, Eisenhower was perhaps the most experienced American to ever assume the presidency. He served his terms with dignity and determination, and for eight years, he maintained a stable sense of peace. Today, he is remembered as much for his personal magnetism as for his military and political accomplishments.

The Eisenhower or “Ike” Dollar was created to commemorate the president and the Apollo 11 moon landing. The coin is composed 40% silver for collectors. The design is the work of Chief Engraver Frank Gasparro, who conceived of the coin's images in 1971. On the coin's obverse, there is a left-facing portrait of the late President, that appears extremely life-like. This portrait connotes a sense of strength and determination, conveying an almost palpable sense of prowess. The date is written at the bottom of the coin and mint marks are above the date.

The dollar's reverse commemorates the Apollo 11 moon landing in 1969. As the spacecraft was nicknamed “Eagle”, Gasparro adapted the mission's insignia for the coin - an eagle, wings flapping, about to land on the moon's cratered surface. The eagle's talons grasp an olive branch, demonstrating the nation's commitment to peace. In the upper left there is a small picture of Earth, giving perspective of the distance between the moon and our planet. Gasparro planted his initials “FG” in minuscule writing, immediately below the eagle's tail feathers.

Since 1971, the Eisenhower dollar has been modified several times - variations of dies, lettering style, and strengthening of the design to make the images more clearly defined. To commemorate the bicentennial of the American Revolution, a different design was created for the reverse side for the coins minted in 1975 and 1976. Dennis R. Williams designed this special coin, featuring the Liberty Bell superimposed over the moon. The Liberty Bell symbolizes the freedom that so many Americans sacrificed their lives for while the moon pays tribute to Gasparro's original design. The obverse remains unchanged, except for the date “1776 - 1976” is written along the lower rim. Despite the variations - design, image, composition - the Eisenhower dollars all have the raw ability to encapsulate important pieces of American history. With such a combination of power and beauty, these coins will forever honor President Eisenhower and celebrate one of the major milestones for all human kind.