1973-D Silver Dollar - 1973-D Eisenhower Silver $1 PCGS MS66 CAC. Shimmering mint luster and a bold strike characterize this Superb Gem 1973-D Eisenhower Dollar, which comes in an OGH (old green holder). The coin is tied for the finest known at CAC. As expected for a coin of this grade, the surfaces are virtually mark-free with lovely, original toning. The strike is strong with full details on the high parts of the portrait of Eisenhower and the eagle. The presence of the CAC sticker confirms the grade and indicates that the coin is of premium quality.
 
The Eisenhower Dollar issued from 1971 to 1978, also known as the Ike, was designed by Frank Gasparro. It shows a close profile Eisenhower facing left. Below his chin in two lines is the motto IN GOD WE TRUST. Above his head is the word LIBERTY, and the date is below. The mintmark is between the truncation and the last two digits in the date. The reverse shows an eagle landing on the moons cratered surface. The earth is above the eagles right wing. Separating the motifs from the legend is an arc of thirteen five-pointed stars. Above the eagle is the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM in two lines. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA is in an arc above, and the denomination, ONE DOLLAR, is below.

Gasparro was the tenth Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint. He held this position from 1965 to 1981. Before that he was the Assistant Engraver. Born in Philadelphia in 1909, his father, a musician, wanted Frank to continue the family profession. Ultimately the father relented and allowed Gasparro to study under the sculptor Giuseppe Donato. Gasparro then attended the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts and traveled to Europe to complete his education.  In addition to the Eisenhower Dollar excluding the Bicentennial reverse, he designed the Lincoln Memorial reverse of the cent and the reverse of the Kennedy half dollar. Other works included medals for Winston Churchill, Albert Gallatin, Douglas MacArthur, Sam Rayburn, and presidential medals for all presidents from Lyndon Johnson to Ronald Reagan. One of his most popular designs was the obverse of the Congressional gold medal for John Wayne. After his retirement, he continued to design medals for private and public groups. He also taught art at the Philadelphia Samuel S. Fleisher Art Memorial until shortly before his death in 2001.

In its population report, as of October 2013, CAC has confirmed 20 1973-D Eisenhower Dollars at the MS66 grade level with none finer. Less than 1% of all 1973-D Eisenhower Dollars graded by NGC and PCGS have received CAC stickers.