The Chief Engraver of the United States Mint Frank Gasparro would design both the obverse and reverse of the new coin. A modified bill was eventually passed on December 31, 1970, which provided for the dollar coins to be struck in copper-nickel clad for circulation and 40% silver for collectors. There was some debate as to whether the coins should be struck in the 40% silver composition which had been used for the half dollar or the copper-nickel clad composition used for quarter and dime. Eisenhower and the Apollo 11 space flight, which marked man’s first steps on the moon. The legislation sought to authorize a circulating dollar coin to commemorate recently deceased former president Dwight D. The first legislation to create a new dollar coin at the conclusion of the five-year period was introduced in October 1969.
