Collection: Type 3, Bicentennial (Ike Dollar)

Designed by: Frank Gasparro and Dennis R. Wiliams
Issue Dates: 1975-1976
Composition: 75% copper, 25% nickel bonded to core of pure copper (copper-nickel coins) 40% silver, 60% copper (silver-clad coins)
Diameter: 38.1 mm
Weight: 22.68 grams (350.00 grains, copper-nickel coins), 24.59 grams (379.48 grains, silver clad coins)
Edge: Reeded
Business Strike Mintage: 220,565,274 (copper-nickel coins), 11,000,000 (silver clad coins)
Proof Mintage: 6,995,180 (copper-nickel coins), 4,000,000 (silver clad coins)

Designed by: Frank Gasparro and Dennis R. Wiliams
Issue Dates: 1975-1976
Composition: 75% copper, 25% nickel bonded to core of pure copper (copper-nickel coins) 40% silver, 60% copper (silver-clad coins)
Diameter: 38.1 mm
Weight: 22.68 grams (350.00 grains, copper-nickel coins), 24.59 grams (379.48 grains, silver clad coins)
Edge: Reeded
Business Strike Mintage: 220,565,274 (copper-nickel coins), 11,000,000 (silver clad coins)
Proof Mintage: 6,995,180 (copper-nickel coins), 4,000,000 (silver clad coins)

1976 Eisenhower Dollar – Bicentennial Type | Liberty Bell & Moon Reverse | Double-Date 1776–1976

To commemorate America’s bicentennial celebration, the U.S. Mint redesigned the Eisenhower dollar in 1976, introducing a new reverse motif and a unique dual-dated obverse—1776–1976, the first and only circulating U.S. coin to bear such a format.

Following a national design competition launched in October 1973, the winning reverse concept by Dennis R. Williams was selected. It features the Liberty Bell prominently superimposed on the moon, paying tribute to both America’s founding ideals and its monumental achievements in space exploration.

The obverse retained Gilroy Roberts’ portrait of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, maintaining the integrity of the original design while incorporating the bicentennial date.

Key Varieties & Collectibility

During early production, the Mint revised the reverse lettering, resulting in two distinct types:

• Type 1: Bold, block-style lettering with flatter design elements. Found primarily on coins struck in Philadelphiaand Denver.

• Type 2: Refined, thinner, and more sharply defined lettering. Used in later 1976 coinage.

The Type 1 Eisenhower dollar from Philadelphia is notably scarce in high Mint State grades, particularly MS66 and above, making it the key variety for registry collectors.

Collector Highlights

• Designer: Dennis R. Williams (reverse), Gilroy Roberts (obverse)

• Composition: Copper-nickel clad (business strikes)

• Special Mint Issues: 40% silver-clad versions were struck for collectors in both Proof and Uncirculated finishes by the San Francisco Mint

• Registry Demand: PCGS and NGC Set Registry competition has driven MS66+ examples of the 1976 Type 1 to premium price levels

• Proof Coins: Remain affordable through PR69; PR70 coins carry a strong premium due to perfect grade rarity

Why This Coin Matters

The 1976 Bicentennial Eisenhower dollar is a patriotic and symbolic issue marking 200 years of American independence. It stands out among modern U.S. coinage for its:

• Unique double-date obverse

• Historic Liberty Bell on the Moon design

• Finite mintage within a two-year window (1975–1976)

• Registry-driven value potential in high grade Mint State

This issue bridges early space-age ambition with the Founding Fathers’ vision—a bold, collectible coin that continues to captivate numismatists.