Dwight D. Eisenhower 'First Strike' and Proof Dollars

Two coins from the collection of Ike's longtime military aide Robert L. Schulz: a 'first strike' Eisenhower proof silver dollar from 1971 presented in a special hinged presentation case, with transmittal letter from Director of the Mint Mary Brooks, July 29, 1971, in part: "It gives me the greatest pleasure to present you with one of the first strikes of the proof specimens of the new Eisenhower silver dollar…It is a tremendous tribute to our beloved 'Ike' as it is the first time a President's portrait has appeared on a dollar coin made for regular issue"; and an Eisenhower proof silver dollar from 1971 in its typical plastic holder, as issued by the United States Mint. Also includes a bold ink signature, "Dwight D. Eisenhower," on an off-white 4 x 2.75 slip. In overall very good to fine condition, with tarnishing to the 'first strike' dollar. The very first Eisenhower dollar to be struck was presented to his widow, Mamie Doud Eisenhower, by President Nixon on July 27, 1971; this similarly early example was sent to his trusted military aide just two days later. It was not until three months later that the proofs were distributed to collectors, mailed by the Mint on October 14th to commemorate Eisenhower's birthday.

Format: Coins and Signature