From 1971 to 1974, the US Mint produced proof-quality 40% Silver Ike Dollars. Minted in San Francisco, "Brown Ikes" take their name from the fact that these coins were issued by the US Mint in brown colored faux-wood boxes.

When these Silver Dollars were first released, they were meant to commemorate the recently deceased President Eisenhower and legislation to create them was signed into effect by President Richard Nixon.