1776–1976 Eisenhower Dollar: Design, Rarity, and Value

.Bicentennial dollars are special-issue Eisenhower dollar coins minted in 1975 and 1976 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the United States’ independence.

They feature the same obverse as regular Eisenhower dollars — a portrait of President Dwight D. Eisenhower — but the reverse was redesigned by Dennis R. Williams to show the Liberty Bell superimposed over the Moon, symbolizing America’s history and its space achievements.

Key points about bicentennial dollars:

• They were issued with the dual date 1776–1976 instead of a single year.

• Struck in copper–nickel clad for circulation and in 40% silver for collectors called Bicentennial silver dollar coins.

• Minted in both Philadelphia and Denver for circulation, and in San Francisco for proof and silver-clad collector sets.

• They were the last circulating U.S. dollar coins of large size (38.1 mm) before the smaller Susan B. Anthony dollar debuted in 1979.

Was It a Silver Dollar?

Yes, but not all of them were silver.

The regular coins struck for circulation in Philadelphia (no mint mark) and Denver (D) were copper–nickel clad. The silver versions — 40% silver clad — were made only for collectors at the San Francisco Mint (S) in both uncirculated and proof finishes.

These silver Bicentennial dollars were sold in special mint or proof sets, not released into general circulation. They have a noticeably different edge color and a heavier feel than the copper–nickel pieces.

Bicentennial Eisenhower Dollar Values by Type and Grade

Circulated copper–nickel pieces have only modest premiums over face value unless in exceptionally high grades.

Silver versions carry value based on both collectibility and silver content (about 0.3161 troy oz of silver).

High-grade certified coins, especially MS67+ silver strikes or deep cameo proofs, can command significantly higher prices at auction.

How to Identify Silver Specimens?

1. Look at the Mint Mark

All 40% silver Bicentennial dollars were struck at the San Francisco Mint and have an “S” mint mark.

The mint mark is located on the obverse (front) side, just above the date 1776–1976 and below Eisenhower’s neck.

If there’s no mint mark or it’s a D, the coin is copper–nickel.

2. Check the Edge Color

Silver-clad coins have a uniformly light, silvery edge.

Copper–nickel clad coins show a visible copper stripe along the edge, where the copper core is exposed.

3. Weigh the Coin

• Silver Bicentennial dollar: about 24.59 grams.

• Copper–nickel clad dollar: about 22.68 grams.

A small digital scale is very useful for this test.

4. Listen to the Ring

Silver-clad coins have a higher, more resonant ring when gently tapped compared to the duller sound of copper–nickel clad coins.

5. Proof vs. Business Strike

• Silver proofs have deep mirror-like fields and frosted design elements.

• Silver uncirculated coins have a satin-like luster without the mirror finish.

Is It Collectible?

All Bicentennial dollars are collectible, not just the silver versions. Even the copper–nickel circulation strikes attract interest because of their one-year-only reverse design with the Liberty Bell and Moon, the dual 1776–1976 date, and their place as the last large-size U.S. dollar coin. 

Collectors often seek high-grade uncirculated examples, deep cameo proofs, and coins with unusual die varieties. While the silver issues have the added appeal of intrinsic value, the copper–nickel pieces are still popular for completing date-and-mint sets or as part of a full Bicentennial coin collection alongside the quarter and half dollar. 

How to Store Them?

Bicentennial dollars should be stored in a way that preserves both their surfaces and their value. The safest approach is to keep them in inert, acid-free holders such as Mylar 2×2 flips, rigid acrylic capsules, or archival-quality coin albums designed for large dollars. 

Proof and high-grade uncirculated coins benefit from individual hard plastic capsules to prevent contact marks, while silver issues should be stored in low-humidity conditions to reduce the risk of toning or tarnish. 

All types should be kept away from PVC plastics, which can cause green residue over time, and handled only by the edges—preferably with cotton or nitrile gloves. A stable environment with moderate temperature and humidity, such as a home safe with silica gel packs, will ensure long-term preservation.

FAQs

Why do some Bicentennial dollars have no mint mark?

Those coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint, which, at the time, did not use a “P” mint mark on dollar coins. This was standard practice for most denominations before the 1980s. As a result, Philadelphia issues from 1975–1976 appear with only the dual date “1776–1976” and no identifying letter. They are common in circulation but can be valuable in high Mint State grades, particularly if they are well-struck with strong luster.

Were any Bicentennial dollars released in 1975?

Yes, but none bear the date “1975.” In preparation for the United States Bicentennial celebrations, the Mint began striking coins with the special reverse design and dual date “1776–1976” in 1975. Both the 1975 and 1976 production runs carried this same date, meaning there are no Eisenhower dollars with a 1975 date. This can be surprising to new collectors, as they expect separate years to be marked distinctly.

Are there any rare errors for Bicentennial dollars?

Yes, though they are scarce. Known varieties include doubled die obverse and doubled die reverse examples, where elements like lettering or the date show noticeable duplication under magnification. Off-center strikes, partial collars, and wrong planchet strikes (such as being struck on a quarter or foreign coin blank) are also known. These errors can sell for much higher than regular issues, especially if the error is dramatic and the coin is in high grade.

How can I tell a proof coin from an uncirculated coin?

Proof coins are specially made for collectors using polished dies and planchets. They feature mirror-like fields (background areas) and frosted devices (raised parts of the design), often described as a cameo or deep cameo finish. 

Uncirculated coins, even when never used in commerce, have a satin or cartwheel luster and lack the mirror finish. The easiest way to tell them apart is to tilt the coin under light—proofs will reflect sharply like a mirror, while uncirculated coins will have a softer sheen.

What’s the silver content of the 40% silver Bicentennial dollar?

The 40% silver Bicentennial dollar, produced only at the San Francisco Mint for collector sets, contains a total weight of 24.59 grams with an outer layer of 80% silver and 20% copper bonded to a core of 79% copper and 21% silver. This yields an actual silver weight (ASW) of approximately 0.3161 troy ounces. The bullion value of the coin will fluctuate with the silver market, but collector value often exceeds melt value, especially for high-grade and deep cameo proof examples.