Gold-Plated 1972 Eisenhower Dollar Coin
Coin (Gold-Plated Numismatic Item) · Yellow Gold plating over a Copper-Nickel Clad Copper core
Purity: Gold-plated (Likely 24K or 18K plating, less than 0.1% gold content)
Type
Coin (Gold-Plated Numismatic Item)
Purity
Gold-plated (Likely 24K or 18K plating, less than 0.1% gold content)
Gold Type
Yellow Gold plating over a Copper-Nickel Clad Copper core
Weight
22.68 grams (standard weight for a Cu-Ni Eisenhower dollar)
Description
This is a 1972 Eisenhower Dollar that has been subjected to an aftermarket gold-plating process. The obverse features the left-facing profile of President Dwight D. Eisenhower with the inscriptions 'LIBERTY', 'IN GOD WE TRUST', and the date '1972'. While the coin appears to be gold, this is a thin surface layer applied for aesthetic or promotional purposes. Genuine Eisenhower dollars were never minted in gold by the U.S. Mint.
Key Features
Design by Frank Gasparro; Gold-colored surface over a base metal core; Date 1972; Absence of a mint mark (Philadelphia mint).
Color & Finish
Yellow gold tone with a bright, reflective plated finish; displays light surface scratches and handling marks
Hallmarks & Stamps
None (No purity stamps as it is a base-metal coin plated with gold aftermarket)
Dimensions Estimate
38.1 mm in diameter, 2.58 mm in thickness
Gemstones & Inlays
None
Clasp & Closure
Reeded edge (standard coin edge finishing)
Chain & Links
N/A
Craftsmanship Details
Standard U.S. Mint strike quality; aftermarket electroplating shows smooth coverage but highlights existing circulation wear on the underlying coin.
Authentication Indicators
The 1972 date and 'Ike' design are only officially produced in Copper-Nickel clad or 40% Silver; a gold appearance on this specific coin is a definitive indicator of aftermarket plating.
Origin & Maker
United States Mint (Original coin); Outer plating by unknown third-party private company
Era & Period
Original coin from 1972 (Modern Era); Plating is contemporary/aftermarket
Age Estimate
Original coin dated 1972; Plating date unknown
Cultural Significance
Commissioned to honor both the 34th President and the successful Moon landing (featured on the reverse), symbolizing American leadership and technological triumph.
Condition Notes
Very Good to Extremely Fine (Circulated). Features light contact marks on Eisenhower's cheek and field. Plating remains intact but adds no numismatic value.
Value Estimate
$1.00 - $3.00. The melt value of the gold plating is negligible (under $0.05), and the coin carries only its face value plus a small novelty premium.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid chemical cleaners or abrasive cloths which will easily strip the thin gold plating. Store in a PVC-free flip or capsule to prevent further scratches.
Similar Items
1972-S 40% Silver Eisenhower Dollar; 1972 standard Copper-Nickel Eisenhower Dollar; Gold-plated Kennedy Half Dollars.
Interesting Facts
Eisenhower dollars were the first US dollar coins to be minted in base metal rather than silver for circulation. They were nicknamed 'Ikes'. Private companies often gold-plate common coins to sell as 'collectibles' at a high premium to uninformed buyers.