1972 $1 Type 1 AU58 Certification #57549092, PCGS #87409

As noted by esteemed numismatic expert Jaime Hernandez, the production of the 1972 Eisenhower dollar at the Philadelphia Mint involved the use of three distinct reverse dies for circulation strikes, resulting in what are known as Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3 varieties. While all three types prominently feature a stylized, circular outline of the United States alongside several surrounding Caribbean nations—such as Cuba, Jamaica, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic, depicted just south of Florida—the Type 1 reverse stands out due to a notable geographical inaccuracy and a design characteristic that ultimately led to its modification. Specifically, the Type 1 Eisenhower Dollar's reverse presents an incomplete or geographically imprecise depiction of the island of Jamaica. It is illustrated solely towards the southeast in relation to the continental U.S. outline, lacking the more comprehensive representation that would accurately reflect its true position relative to Florida's southeast coast. This geographical oversight, coupled with the Type 1's notably low-relief design—which perhaps diminished the coin's visual impact and overall detail—were key factors prompting the Mint to swiftly revise and update the reverse dies for subsequent production runs. These subsequent versions, Type 2 and Type 3, aimed to rectify these initial design choices, making the Type 1 a distinctive and historically significant piece for collectors. Best regards,

Jaime Hernandez

In 1972 the Philadelphia Mint used three slightly different reverse dies to strike circulation strike coins. It struck a Type1, Type 2 and a Type 3.

All three Types illustrate a round outline of the U.S. and other surrounding countries on the reverse of the coin. Some of these surrounding countries are the Islands of Cuba, Jamaica, Haiti and the Dominican Republic, which are shown just South of Florida on the reverse of the coin.

On a 1972 Type 1 Eisenhower Dollar reverse, the island of Jamaica is only shown towards the South East but in reality, it should also be illustrated towards the South East side of Florida.  This is probably one of the reasons why the Mint decided to modify the design along with the fact that the Type 1 was struck with a low relief design.