So, the Mint began experimenting with using a different die steel and different die manufacturing processes. Primarily because the copper-nickel planchets were much harder than the older 90% silver planchets AND a full 36 years had elapsed since a silver dollar sized coin had been produced! The end result was having to use a much higher than anticipated number of dies just to meet production deadlines. At the time, during 19, the US Mint was having major problems producing copper-nickel IKE Dollars.
When the Proofs were released, they became the Type 2 reverses.ĭuring the 1972 Production run, a Type 2 die (intended for High Relief Proof coinage) was used, either experimentally or unintentionally in the production of Philadelphia coins. Therefore this style of the 'Eagle Landing' reverse is appropriately named 'Type 1'. Remember, the circulating copper nickel and uncirculated 40% Silver coins were released well before the 40% Silver Proofs. Folks rarely refer to a 1971-D as a 'Type 1' coin even though that is exactly what it is.
