By Mike Byers for Mint Error News ……
This 1978-P Mint State Eisenhower Dollar is overstruck on a 1978-S PROOF Eisenhower Dollar and is a unique Piece de Caprice!
This 1978 Eisenhower Dollar is a remarkable coin that was previously unknown to the broader numismatic community, despite being authenticated by J.P. Martin of ANACS four decades ago. Although a piece de caprice, it stands alone as a unique Eisenhower Dollar and has no equals.
More recently, NGC authenticated and certified the coin as a 1978 Eisenhower Dollar Overstruck on a Proof Clad 1978-S Eisenhower Dollar. The coin grades MS67 and features gem-pristine surfaces. The Proof undertype struck from the San Francisco dies are dramatic and clearly visible. Upon close examination, the S Mint Mark can also be seen.
What makes this Eisenhower Dollar so uniquely compelling are its dual origins:
- It was initially struck as a Proof coin by the San Francisco Mint.
- Subsequently, it was overstruck with business strike dies at the Philadelphia Mint.
This incredible sequence of events makes it a singular combination of a Proof and Mint State Eisenhower Dollar, a rarity coin struck at two different U.S. Mints.
Considerable detail, including Eisenhower’s portrait, is visible from the Philadelphia overstrike on the obverse. The reverse also shows considerable detail of the overstrike as well.
A Curiosity and a Rare Opportunity
Two other extremely rare and valuable Eisenhower Dollars are the unique 1776-1976 Proof No-S valued at over $1 million and one of three known 1971-S Specimen Prototypes, which sold for $264,000 in a Heritage auction (view CoinWeek’s video below).
Struck at both the Philadelphia and San Francisco Mints, this unique mint state Eisenhower Dollar, overstruck on a Proof, represents an anomaly rarely seen in numismatics. It is an extraordinary addition that would undoubtedly be the crown jewel in the finest collection of Eisenhower Dollars or dramatic mint errors. Its emergence from obscurity marks a significant opportunity for collectors worldwide.
