Eisenhower, the allied forces WWII commander in the European theater and later President of the United States, is proudly featured on this last of the large U.S. circulating coins.  The complete Eisenhower set is a great starter set for most collectors because it is attainable with a modest budget and can still be challenging to complete in high grade.  Because of its low relief and large heavy size, it is almost impossible to find perfect examples of business struck coins.  High grade business strikes tend to be expensive. 

In 1971 the U.S. Government issued special Brown Ike which contained a 40 percent Silver Proof example of the coin.  It was termed a Brown Ike because this government-sealed coin was packaged in a brown box.  Also issued were Blue Ikes, which were the 40 percent Silver Unc example.  Each coin was sealed in clear plastic and placed in a blue envelope.  Both Brown and Blue Ikes were produced from 1971 to 1974 in San Francisco.  The 1973-S Brown Ike remains a key coin for the set with a mintage of around 1 million.  Eisenhower Dollars were produced from 1971 to 1978. 

NGC certifies Blue and Brown Ikes while still in their original holder.  This set is still very affordable and highly recommended.