1976 Bicentennial Dollar: A Big Coin for a Big Anniversary

Do you know what coin is Eisenhower on? If we are talking about historical US coins, the Eisenhower dollar holds a special place in the hearts of collectors. These dollars were minted from 1971 to 1978 and were the last big U.S. dollars to be minted.

However, among all of its issues, there is one coin that stands out particularly - the Eisenhower 1976 Bicentennial Dollar that was issued after the 1971 Eisenhower coins. The 1976 $1 coin is more than a means of payment, it is a true reflection of pride, strength and patriotism.

The 1976 One dollar, part of the Bicentennial series, embodied the desire to commemorate major moments in U.S. history. While most coins depicted classic allegories of freedom, the 1976 dollar coin combined two great symbols at once. But let's not get ahead of the curve and take a closer look at all the details, design features and why the 1976 coins became so significant for collectors and numismatists.

All You Need to Know: Dollar Eisenhower Overview

Dollar Coin: Eisenhower Legacy

Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th President of the United States and Supreme Commander of the armed forces in Europe during World War II, was both a political and military leader of America. His leadership in the war and his contributions to the country's post-war development made him an ideal candidate to be depicted on a coin. So, after his death in 1969, the United States Mint decided to memorialize him on silver and copper-nickel dollars.

For this reason, the obverse of all issued coins features a bust of Eisenhower created by Frank Gasparro (Chief Engraver of the United States Mint). This image represents the leadership and determination that Eisenhower stands for.

Big Dollar Coin: What Does It Mean?

Eisenhower portrait coins belong to the so-called “big dollar” coins. These coins, minted between 1971 and 1978, stand out for their considerable size. Due to its large diameter and weight, it was one of the biggest coins in circulation at the time.

However, the coin is considered a “big dollar” not only because of its size, but also because of its grandiose significance. Massive in appearance, the coin leaves an impression of power and strength, i.e. symbolic traits of Dwight Eisenhower himself.

The main characteristics of the coin can be found in the table below:

Despite the idea to emphasize power, the coin turned out to be excessively large and, unfortunately, inconvenient in circulation, so it was not popular among the population.

Please note that this type of reverse was not used on coins in 1975-76. What was going on with the 1976 coin, what makes a 1776 1976 Eisenhower dollar rare, why are two dates mentioned at once and what is the 1976 Eisenhower dollar value?

Bicentennial Series: A Special Chapter in the Dollar Eisenhower Story

One of the most interesting pages in the history of the Eisenhower dollar was its role in the bicentennial series issued from 1975 - 1976. Interestingly there were no coins dated 1975, as they were designated 1976 in honor of the bicentennial of the signing of the U.S. Declaration of Independence.

What Is the Bicentennial Series?

The Bicentennial Series was designed to show the importance of the signing Jubilee of the Independence Declaration and to unite all citizens of the country. The series included:

1. 1976 bicentennial quarter dollar which can also be known as 1976 drummer quarter: a coin depicting a drum that symbolizes the struggle for freedom.

2. Bicentennial Half Dollar: A coin depicting the scene of the signing of the Independence Declaration.

3. Bicentennial Dollar: depicting the Liberty Bell against the moon.

One dollar 1776 to 1976, as well as the other coins of the series were minted with a special double date instead of the standard year of issue, which made them easily recognizable and distinguished them from other American coins. At the same time Eisenhower silver dollar 1776 to 1976 along with double dated silver bicentennial quarter and silver half dollars were issued along with the standard copper-nickel version to become a part of collector sets.

Related article: The 1974 US Penny.

Bicentennial Dollar: Symbol of the Great Jubilee

The Bicentennial Dollar, the largest and most significant coin in the series, was designed by Dennis Williams, whose work won a national design competition organized by the United States Mint.

Coin Design

The reverse of the Eisenhower Bicentennial Dollar features the Liberty Bell against the Moon, symbolizing the unity of the country's historical events and space achievements. The Liberty Bell symbolizes freedom, and the moon means the landing of American astronauts on the moon (demonstrating the country's advanced technological achievements).

At the top of the reverse is engraved the inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”, and below the image of the Bell is the coin's face value “ONE DOLLAR”. The elegant combination of symbols makes this design unique and recognizable.

The obverse of the coin retains the traditional image of Dwight Eisenhower as on standard dollar issues.

Two Types of Bicentennial Dollars

The coins issued in honor of the 200th anniversary of independence was minted in two versions:

1. Type 1 (early issue): Broader and softer relief on the reverse, “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “ONE DOLLAR” in thick letters, minted in 1975.

2. Type 2 (late issue): It has a clearer, finer relief and more elegant letters. This type was issued in 1976 and became the main type for mass circulation.

Collectors value both types, but the II type of bicentennial Eisenhower dollar coin value is higher as it is considered more elegant and sought after among numismatists. These differences are important to collectors as both types of coins were issued in limited editions and have their own collectible value.

Circulation and Issue at Mints

Jubilee dollars were minted at three mints: Eisenhower dollar 1976 P in Philadelphia (but these coins actually have no mint mark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S). Most of the coins were struck in copper-nickel alloy. Here's how the total mintage was divided up:

Copper-nickel Coins:

• Philadelphia: about 113 million pieces

• Denver: about 82 million copies

Silver Coins:

• San Francisco: about 11 million pieces (including Proof and Uncirculated versions). 

Eisenhower 1976 silver dollar examples were produced only at this mint. 1976 uncirculated Eisenhower dollars from silver were issued exclusively in “Silver Proof Sets” and “Silver Uncirculated Sets,” which were sold through official Mint channels.

Bicentennial Dollar Today

Even though the Bicentennial Dollar was issued over 40 years ago, it remains popular among collectors (especially its silver versions) due to its unique design and historical significance. Check out the table to find out the 1976 bicentennial dollar coin value.

We would also like to stipulate that some people are trying to figure out the 1776 to 1976 D Eisenhower silver dollar value. Once again, please note that all silver coins were produced only at the San Francisco Mint, so they cannot have a D mint mark (since they were never produced by Denver).

That is why, when buying and selling coins and to clarify their value and market value, we recommend using the Coin ID Scanner application. It allows users to scan a coin, check basic data and even the market value. Consider using the app for your own peace of mind so that you don't get into difficulties when buying or selling these or other coins.

A Point of History and Numismatics

The Eisenhower dollar and its bicentennial issue are an important part of the history of American coinage. These coins features, e.g., design, double date and symbolism, make them a unique and memorable part of the coin's history and a coveted collectible for many years to come. This dollar connects the past and the present, being a symbol of the great achievements of Americans.

Sources:

1.      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eisenhower_dollar

2.      https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces3366.html