Ike Dollar Design

The design of the Ike Dollar was created by Frank Gasparro. At the time, he was the chief sculptor and engraver of the United States Mint. His designs have also been used for the Kennedy Half Dollar, first issued in 1964, and the reverse design of the Lincoln Memorial Cent, introduced in 1959.


The obverse design of the Ike Dollar features a portrait of former President and Five Star General Dwight D. Eisenhower. It was based on a sketch of Eisenhower that Gasparro had made in 1945 upon catching a glimpse of him at a victory parade in New York City. Further reference was provided by about 30 other pictures. Inscriptions "Liberty" and "In God We Trust" appear.


The reverse design is based on the Apollo 11 mission insignia and commemorates man's landing on the moon. The ship "The Eagle" had landed on Tranquility Base on 21 July 1969. The image of the bald eagle carrying an olive branch to the cratered surface of the moon represents this occasion. Gasparro described it as "a pleasant looking eagle."


The reverse design of the Ike Dollar was changed for 1976 to mark America's Bicentennial. The new design by Dennis R. Williams features a view of the Liberty Bell superimposed on the moon. This pays homage to both the moon landing and America's independence. The original reverse design by Gasparro was restored in 1977.