1971-1974 Brown Ikes

1974-1974 "Brown Ikes" were a collector grade release of Eisenhower Dollars issued by the United States Mint. These "Brown Ikes" were each struck from 40% silver to proof quality further differentiating them from their circulating counterparts which were composed of base metals.

Shown on the obverse of each coin is a portrait of Dwight D. Eisenhower. Eisenhower was a five-star General of the United States Army and became Supreme Commander of the Allied forces in Europe during World War II.

Extremely popular with the public following his military service, Eisenhower was elected as the 34th President of the United States serving two terms from 1953-1961. He passed away on March 28, 1969, with supporters immediately calling for his likeness to appear on a circulating coin of the United States.

Consequently, the Eisenhower Dollars appeared two years later in 1971 and were struck for circulation through 1978.

"Brown Ikes" or "Brown Eisenhower Dollars" take their name from the fact that these coins were issued by the US Mint in brown colored boxes. The coins were struck to proof quality from 40% silver at the US Mint’s facility in San Francisco.

They appeared at the same time as a release which came to be known as "Blue Ikes." This different version was the uncirculated quality release of the Eisenhower Dollars and appeared in a blue envelope along with a blue token leading to their nickname.

All Eisenhower Dollars carried the same obverse portrait of the former President as designed by Frank Gasparro. The reverse shows an image emblematic of the Apollo 11 Mission Insignia also by Gasparro.

Despite only being issued for four years, the Brown and Blue Ikes have become a favorite for many collectors and are relatively easy to obtain.

1971-1974 Brown Ike Specifications