Expert: Dan Moore - 12/17/2009

Question
Dear Sir,

I have a type two (thin, smooth lettering on reverse side) Bicentennial Eisenhower dollar coin without an "s" mark. The internet page I found containing information about the coin I have says there is only one other coin of this type known to exist. The other coin currently belongs to a collector named Mitchell Spivak. I mention him only to perhaps help you understand which rare dollar I write of this evening. I don't know much about coins but have always collected them so I was curious to know your thoughts as you are considered a professional in this subject. Basically I am interested in knowing whether the dollar coin I have is truly the same design as the coin owned by the Mr. Spivak or am I mistaken. A response would be much appreciated, I thank you for taking the time to read this message.

                         Taylor Jones  

Answer
Taylor,

You didn't specify if what you have is a genuine silver-clad proof.  If it is, then you may indeed have an almost-one-of-a-kind rarity, which would be worth thousands of dollars.  The Breen's Encyclopedia confirms that there was only one known at the time it was printed.

If, however, your coin is not silver or not a proof, then you just have a common Philadelphia mint coin, found in every 1976 U.S. Mint Uncirculated or Proof set.

To tell which coin you have, I would need to see it, or at least several clear pictures of both sides and the edge.

You should probably take it to a coin show and have it examined first hand.  Try checking the following websites for listings of shows in your area :

www.coinshows.com

www.coinworld.com

Good luck,

Dan
working.man@usa.net