The Complete Guide To The 1965 US Silver Dollar: History, Value, And More

What is a 1965 US Silver Dollar?

The 1965 US Silver Dollar was the last year that the United States Mint produced silver dollars for circulation. These coins contain 90% silver and 10% copper and weigh 26.73 grams. They have a diameter of 38.1 mm and a reeded edge.

The obverse of the coin features a portrait of President Dwight D. Eisenhower facing left. The reverse of the coin features an American eagle landing on the Moon, with the Earth in the background. The coin was designed by Frank Gasparro.

The 1965 US Silver Dollar is a popular coin among collectors. It is also a valuable coin, with a melt value of over $17.00. However, the numismatic value of the coin can be much higher, depending on its condition and rarity.

1965 US Silver Dollar

The 1965 US Silver Dollar is a significant coin in American history. It is the last year that the United States Mint produced silver dollars for circulation. The coin is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper and weighs 26.73 grams. It has a diameter of 38.1 mm and a reeded edge.

• Obverse: Portrait of President Dwight D. Eisenhower
• Reverse: American eagle landing on the Moon
• Designer: Frank Gasparro
• Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
• Weight: 26.73 grams
• Diameter: 38.1 mm
• Edge: Reeded

The 1965 US Silver Dollar is a popular coin among collectors. It is also a valuable coin, with a melt value of over $17.00. However, the numismatic value of the coin can be much higher, depending on its condition and rarity.

The 1965 US Silver Dollar is a reminder of a time when the United States used silver coins in everyday commerce. The coin is also a symbol of American history and culture.

1. Obverse

The obverse of the 1965 US Silver Dollar features a portrait of President Dwight D. Eisenhower facing left. This is significant because it is the first time that a US coin featured a living president. It is also the first time that a US coin featured a president who was not deceased.

• Historical Context: President Eisenhower was a popular figure during the 1950s and 1960s. He was seen as a war hero and a strong leader. His portrait on the 1965 US Silver Dollar is a reflection of his popularity and the respect that he held among the American people.
• Artistic Merit: The portrait of President Eisenhower on the 1965 US Silver Dollar is a well-executed work of art. The engraver, Frank Gasparro, captured Eisenhower's likeness in a realistic and dignified manner. The portrait is also well-integrated with the rest of the coin's design.
• Numismatic Value: The 1965 US Silver Dollar is a popular coin among collectors. The coin's historical significance and artistic merit make it a desirable collectible. The value of the coin can vary depending on its condition and rarity.
• Cultural Significance: The 1965 US Silver Dollar is a reminder of a time when the United States used silver coins in everyday commerce. The coin is also a symbol of American history and culture.

The portrait of President Eisenhower on the 1965 US Silver Dollar is a significant element of the coin's design. It is a reflection of Eisenhower's popularity and the respect that he held among the American people. The portrait is also a well-executed work of art and a reminder of a time when the United States used silver coins in everyday commerce.

2. Reverse

The reverse of the 1965 US Silver Dollar features an American eagle landing on the Moon, with the Earth in the background. This is a significant design element for several reasons:

Commemorates a historic event: The American eagle landing on the Moon is a historic event that occurred on July 20, 1969. The 1965 US Silver Dollar was issued to commemorate this event and celebrate the achievements of the Apollo 11 mission.

Symbolism: The American eagle is a symbol of the United States of America. The eagle landing on the Moon represents the United States' triumph in the space race and its status as a world leader in science and technology.

Artistic merit: The reverse design of the 1965 US Silver Dollar is a well-executed work of art. The engraver, Frank Gasparro, captured the moment of the eagle landing in a realistic and dramatic manner. The design is also well-integrated with the rest of the coin's design.

Numismatic value: The 1965 US Silver Dollar is a popular coin among collectors. The coin's historical significance and artistic merit make it a desirable collectible. The value of the coin can vary depending on its condition and rarity.

Cultural significance: The 1965 US Silver Dollar is a reminder of a time when the United States was at the forefront of space exploration. The coin is also a symbol of American history and culture.

The reverse design of the 1965 US Silver Dollar is a significant element of the coin's design. It commemorates a historic event, symbolizes the United States' triumph in the space race, and is a well-executed work of art. The reverse design also contributes to the coin's numismatic and cultural value.

3. Designer

Frank Gasparro was a talented engraver and sculptor who designed the 1965 US Silver Dollar. He was born in Italy in 1909 and immigrated to the United States in 1921. Gasparro began his career as an engraver at the Philadelphia Mint in 1942. He quickly rose through the ranks and became the Mint's Chief Engraver in 1965.

Gasparro's design for the 1965 US Silver Dollar was selected through a competition held by the Treasury Department. His design was chosen because it was both aesthetically pleasing and technically sound. The obverse of the coin features a portrait of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, while the reverse features an American eagle landing on the Moon. The coin was a popular success and is still considered one of the most beautiful US coins ever produced.

Gasparro's work on the 1965 US Silver Dollar is a testament to his skill and artistry. He was a master engraver who created a coin that is both beautiful and meaningful. The 1965 US Silver Dollar is a lasting legacy to Gasparro's talent and dedication.

4. Composition

The composition of the 1965 US Silver Dollar is significant because it is the last year that the United States Mint produced silver dollars for circulation. The coin is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, which gives it a unique look and feel. The silver content also gives the coin a higher value than other coins of the same size and weight.

The use of silver in the 1965 US Silver Dollar was a continuation of a long tradition. Silver has been used in coinage for centuries because it is a durable and attractive metal. It is also relatively rare, which gives it a higher value than other metals. The use of copper in the coin helps to strengthen it and make it more resistant to wear and tear.

The composition of the 1965 US Silver Dollar is an important factor in its value and desirability. The coin is a popular collectible among numismatists, and its silver content gives it a higher value than other coins of the same size and weight. The coin is also a reminder of a time when the United States used silver in its coinage.

5. Weight

The weight of the 1965 US Silver Dollar is 26.73 grams. This is significant for several reasons:

• Legal Tender: The weight of the coin is important because it determines its legal tender value. The Coinage Act of 1965 specified that the weight of the silver dollar should be 26.73 grams. This means that the coin was worth one dollar in face value.
• Composition: The weight of the coin is also important because it indicates its composition. The 1965 US Silver Dollar is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. The weight of the coin is consistent with this composition.
• Durability: The weight of the coin is also important because it affects its durability. The silver dollar is a relatively heavy coin, which makes it more durable than other coins. This is important because the silver dollar was intended to be used in circulation.
• Value: The weight of the coin is also important because it affects its value. The silver dollar is a valuable coin because it contains a significant amount of silver. The weight of the coin is a reflection of its silver content.

The weight of the 1965 US Silver Dollar is an important factor in its legal tender value, composition, durability, and value. The coin's weight is consistent with its intended use as a circulating coin and its status as a valuable collectible.

6. Diameter

The diameter of the 1965 US Silver Dollar is 38.1 mm. This is significant because it is the standard diameter for US silver dollars. The diameter of a coin is important because it affects the coin's weight, thickness, and overall appearance.

The diameter of the 1965 US Silver Dollar is also important because it allows the coin to be easily stacked and counted. The coin's diameter is consistent with other US silver dollars, which makes it easy to mix and match coins from different years.

The diameter of the 1965 US Silver Dollar is a reflection of the coin's intended use. The coin was designed to be a circulating coin, and its diameter is consistent with other circulating coins of the time. The coin's diameter also makes it easy to use in vending machines and other automated devices.

The diameter of the 1965 US Silver Dollar is an important factor in its overall design and use. The coin's diameter is consistent with other US silver dollars and circulating coins of the time. The coin's diameter also makes it easy to stack and count, which is important for both collectors and users.

7. Edge

The edge of the 1965 US Silver Dollar is reeded, meaning that it has a series of parallel lines or ridges around the circumference of the coin. This is a common feature on coins, and it serves several purposes.

• Improved grip: The reeded edge provides a better grip on the coin, making it easier to handle and use. This is especially important for coins that are used in vending machines or other automated devices.
• Anti-counterfeiting measure: The reeded edge makes it more difficult to counterfeit coins. This is because the reeding is difficult to reproduce accurately, and it can be used to identify counterfeit coins.
• Distinctive appearance: The reeded edge gives the coin a distinctive appearance. This helps to distinguish the coin from other coins, and it can also make the coin more visually appealing.
• Historical significance: The reeded edge is a traditional feature of US coins. It has been used on US coins for over 200 years, and it is a link to the past.

The reeded edge of the 1965 US Silver Dollar is a significant feature of the coin. It serves several important purposes, and it is a link to the past. The reeded edge is one of the things that makes the 1965 US Silver Dollar a unique and valuable coin.

FAQs about the 1965 US Silver Dollar

The 1965 US Silver Dollar is a popular and valuable coin among collectors. Here are some frequently asked questions about this coin:

Question 1: What is the composition of the 1965 US Silver Dollar?

Answer: The 1965 US Silver Dollar is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper.

Question 2: What is the weight of the 1965 US Silver Dollar?

Answer: The 1965 US Silver Dollar weighs 26.73 grams.

Question 3: What is the diameter of the 1965 US Silver Dollar?

Answer: The 1965 US Silver Dollar has a diameter of 38.1 mm.

Question 4: What is the edge of the 1965 US Silver Dollar?

Answer: The 1965 US Silver Dollar has a reeded edge.

Question 5: What is the value of the 1965 US Silver Dollar?

Answer: The value of the 1965 US Silver Dollar varies depending on its condition and rarity. However, the coin is generally worth more than its melt value, which is currently around $17.00.

These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about the 1965 US Silver Dollar. For more information, please consult a reputable coin dealer or numismatic reference book.

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Conclusion

The 1965 US Silver Dollar is a significant coin in American history. It is the last year that the United States Mint produced silver dollars for circulation. The coin is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, and it has a weight of 26.73 grams and a diameter of 38.1 mm. The obverse of the coin features a portrait of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, while the reverse features an American eagle landing on the Moon.

The 1965 US Silver Dollar is a popular coin among collectors. The coin's historical significance, artistic merit, and silver content make it a desirable collectible. The value of the coin can vary depending on its condition and rarity.