Not every coin gets noticed right away. Some coins seem common at first—but small design differences can turn them into collector’s treasures. This is exactly what happened with the 1972 Eisenhower Dollar Type 2. While millions of Eisenhower dollars were minted in 1972, only a small number had a different reverse design that made them special. This rare version became one of the most important varieties in modern U.S. coin collecting. It’s now a key coin for collectors of the Eisenhower dollar series and one of the rarest circulation strike Ike dollars ever made.
Coin Name: 1972 Eisenhower Dollar Type 2 – The Rare Earth Reverse
The Eisenhower dollar, also called the “Ike Dollar,” was introduced in 1971 to honor President Dwight D. Eisenhower and the Apollo 11 moon landing. On the back of the coin is an image of an eagle landing on the moon, holding an olive branch, just like the Apollo 11 mission patch.
In 1972, the U.S. Mint used three different reverse designs to strike Eisenhower dollars at the Philadelphia Mint. These are now called Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3:
- Type 1 – The most common, used early in the year, with low relief Earth details.
- Type 2 – Very rare. It features a sharply detailed Earth but with incorrect coastlines (missing or inaccurate lines for Florida and the Caribbean).
- Type 3 – Used later in the year, with corrected and sharper Earth details.
The Type 2 reverse was a mistake—it was originally meant only for proof coins made at the San Francisco Mint. Somehow, a few of these dies were used in Philadelphia for regular business strike coins. Only about 100,000 Type 2 coins were produced, and far fewer exist today in good condition.
That mistake created one of the most famous Eisenhower dollar varieties ever. Today, the 1972 Type 2 Ike dollar is seen as the key variety for anyone collecting the series.
Why the 1972 Type 2 Ike Dollar Is So Important
This coin became important for a few key reasons:
- Low Mintage: Only a small number of Type 2 coins were struck in 1972.
- Die Mix-up: The use of a proof die for regular coins was a rare Mint error.
- Difficult to Find: Most examples entered circulation and were heavily used, so high-grade ones are very rare.
- Collector Demand: Every serious Ike dollar collector needs this variety to complete their set.
In top condition, this coin can sell for over $1,000, and even circulated examples can bring $100 to $300, depending on their grade.
How to Identify a 1972 Type 2 Ike Dollar
Here’s how to check if your 1972 Eisenhower dollar is the rare Type 2:
- Check the Mint Mark: It must be from the Philadelphia Mint—no mint mark.
- Look at the Earth on the Reverse:
- Type 2 has a fuzzy and incorrect outline of Florida, Cuba, and the Caribbean islands.
- Type 1 and Type 3 show clearer or more accurate geography.
- Compare with Known Images: Use side-by-side photos of all three types to compare.
It takes a trained eye (or a magnifying glass) to spot the Type 2, but many collectors still search through rolls of Ike dollars in hopes of finding one.
Table: Quick Facts – 1972 Eisenhower Dollar Type 2
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Year | 1972 |
| Mint Location | Philadelphia (no mint mark) |
| Reverse Design | Type 2 – Misaligned Earth design |
| Estimated Mintage | Around 100,000 |
| Composition | Copper-Nickel Clad |
| Value (Circulated) | $100–$300 |
| Value (High Grade) | $1,000+ |
| Key Feature | Earth with weak or missing details |
The 1972 Eisenhower Dollar Type 2 started as an unnoticed minting error but quickly became one of the most valuable and desired coins in the Ike series. With its incorrect Earth design, low mintage, and unique history, this coin is now a must-have for any serious collector. Whether you’re a new collector or a longtime hobbyist, spotting a Type 2 Ike in your collection could mean you’re holding something truly rare. It’s another reminder that in coin collecting, small details can make a huge difference—and even modern coins can hold unexpected surprises.
FAQ’s:
Q1. What is the difference between Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3 Eisenhower dollars in 1972?
A1. The difference lies in the reverse Earth design. Type 1 has a low-relief Earth, Type 2 has an incorrect and fuzzy Earth, and Type 3 has a corrected, sharp version.
Q2. How can I tell if my 1972 Ike Dollar is a Type 2?
A2. Look at the reverse of the coin. If the Earth above the eagle has weak or missing outlines (especially around Florida and the Caribbean), you may have a Type 2.
Q3. Where was the 1972 Type 2 Eisenhower Dollar minted?
A3. It was mistakenly struck at the Philadelphia Mint and has no mint mark.
Q4. How much is the 1972 Type 2 Eisenhower Dollar worth?
A4. A circulated example can be worth $100–$300, while high-grade coins can sell for over $1,000 at auctions.
Q5. Why is the Type 2 variety so rare?
A5. Because only a small number were accidentally struck using the wrong die, and most went into circulation unnoticed, making well-preserved examples very hard to find.