Bicentennial Eisenhower Dollar (1776-1976) Value
1975–1976 · $1 · copper-nickel clad (or 40% silver)
Value by Grade
| Grade | Est. Value |
|---|---|
| Poor (P-1) | $2.00 |
| Good (G-4) | $3.00 |
| Fine (F-12) | $5.00 |
| Uncirculated (MS-63) | $12.00 |
| Gem (MS-65) | $36.00 |
| Perfect (MS-70) | $180.00 |
Key Dates & Rare Varieties
| Date/Variety | Why It's Special | Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1976-S Silver Proof | 40% silver proof — collector favorite | $15–$30 |
| 1976-S Silver Unc | 40% silver uncirculated version | $12–$25 |
| 1976 Type 1 | Thicker, bolder reverse lettering variety | $5–$15 |
| 1976 Type 2 | Thinner, more refined reverse lettering | $3–$12 |
Coin Specifications
- Designer
- Dennis R. Williams
- Years
- 1975–1976
- Denomination
- $1
- Composition
- copper-nickel clad (or 40% silver)
- Diameter
- 38.1 mm
- Weight
- 22.68 g
Quick Value
Where to Buy/Sell
Bicentennial Eisenhower Dollar (1776-1976): History & Background
The Bicentennial Eisenhower Dollar was issued alongside the bicentennial quarter and half dollar to mark the nation's 200th birthday. All dollars struck in 1975 and 1976 carry the dual date 1776–1976 on the obverse. The special reverse was designed by Dennis R. Williams and features the Liberty Bell superimposed on the Moon, cleverly combining the patriotic and space themes of the Eisenhower dollar series. Both copper-nickel clad and 40% silver versions were produced, with silver examples struck only at the San Francisco Mint. Over 200 million clad versions were struck for circulation.
How to Grade a Bicentennial Eisenhower Dollar (1776-1976)
Accurate grading is the single most important factor in determining a coin's value. A difference of just a few grade points can mean 10× or more in value. Examine the highest points of the design first — these are where wear appears earliest. For the finest grades, luster, strike quality, and surface preservation all matter. Professional grading by PCGS or NGC adds certainty and typically increases resale value. Read our complete grading guide →
What Affects Bicentennial Eisenhower Dollar (1776-1976) Value?
Condition & Grade
The grade spread for Bicentennial Eisenhower Dollar (1776-1976)s is dramatic: a common-date example jumps from $2.00 in Poor to $12.00 in Uncirculated — a 6× increase. Gem-quality MS-65 specimens can reach $36.00 or more. Even a single grade point difference at the upper end can double a coin's price.
Date & Mintmark
The Bicentennial Eisenhower Dollar (1776-1976) series has 4 notable key dates. The 1976-S Silver Proof is valued at $15–$30, far above common dates. Mintmark location and variety (such as overdates or repunched marks) can multiply a coin's value significantly.
Precious Metal Content
With a composition of copper-nickel clad (or 40% silver) and a weight of 22.68g, the Bicentennial Eisenhower Dollar (1776-1976) carries intrinsic metal value that sets a price floor. When silver prices rise, even heavily worn examples appreciate. The melt value provides downside protection that base-metal coins lack.
Strike Quality & Eye Appeal
Designed by Dennis R. Williams, the Bicentennial Eisenhower Dollar (1776-1976) (38.1mm diameter) can exhibit varying strike quality across different mint facilities and years. Coins with full, sharp design details, original luster, and attractive toning trade at premiums of 20–50% above the same technical grade with average eye appeal.
Collector Notes: Bicentennial Eisenhower Dollar (1776-1976)
The Bicentennial Eisenhower Dollar (1776-1976) (1975–1976) holds a distinctive place in US numismatics. Designed by Dennis R. Williams, this $1 coin was struck in copper-nickel clad (or 40% silver) with a diameter of 38.1mm and weight of 22.68 grams. These physical specifications are essential for authentication — any deviation from these measurements is a red flag for counterfeits.
Collectors approaching the Bicentennial Eisenhower Dollar (1776-1976) series should start by assembling a date-and-mintmark set in a consistent grade. Fine (F-12) offers a good balance of affordability and visual appeal for most dates, with clear design elements still visible. Budget roughly $5.00 per common date in Fine condition, then set aside a larger budget for the 4 key dates in the series.
For registry set collectors pursuing top grades, the Bicentennial Eisenhower Dollar (1776-1976) in MS-65 or better represents a more significant investment at $36.00+ per coin. Population reports from PCGS and NGC show that the supply of certified high-grade examples is limited, and competition among registry set collectors has driven premiums for condition-census coins.
Before purchasing any Bicentennial Eisenhower Dollar (1776-1976) valued above $100, we recommend reviewing our 2026 US Coin Values Quick Reference PDF ($2.99) which includes a complete grade-by-grade price breakdown and key date identification guide for this series.
Bicentennial Eisenhower Dollar (1776-1976): Frequently Asked Questions
▶How much is a Bicentennial Eisenhower Dollar (1776-1976) worth today?
A Bicentennial Eisenhower Dollar (1776-1976) (1975–1976) is worth between $2.00 in Poor condition and $12.00 or more in Uncirculated condition. In the most commonly found Fine grade, expect around $5.00. Gem specimens graded MS-65 can reach $36.00 or higher. Values fluctuate with collector demand and the spot price of silver.
▶What is the most valuable Bicentennial Eisenhower Dollar (1776-1976)?
The most valuable Bicentennial Eisenhower Dollar (1776-1976) is the 1976-S Silver Proof — 40% silver proof — collector favorite. This date is valued at $15–$30 depending on grade and condition. Always have potentially valuable dates authenticated by PCGS or NGC before selling.
▶How do I grade a Bicentennial Eisenhower Dollar (1776-1976)?
Grading a Bicentennial Eisenhower Dollar (1776-1976) starts with examining the highest points of the design, where wear appears first. Look for remaining luster, sharpness of details, and surface marks. The Sheldon scale runs from 1 (Poor) to 70 (Perfect). For this series, the jump from Fine (F-12, worth ~$5.00) to Uncirculated (MS-63, worth ~$12.00) is significant. Professional grading by PCGS or NGC costs $20–$50 per coin and is recommended for coins that appear to be worth $100 or more. Our PDF guide ($2.99) includes a visual grading chart for this series.
▶Where is the best place to sell Bicentennial Eisenhower Dollar (1776-1976)s?
For common-date Bicentennial Eisenhower Dollar (1776-1976)s in circulated grades, local coin shops and eBay are practical options — expect 70–85% of retail value. For key dates or high-grade examples, Heritage Auctions or Stack's Bowers will reach the most serious buyers and typically achieve the strongest prices. PCGS or NGC certification is essential before consigning valuable coins to auction. For a detailed selling strategy, see our selling guide.
▶Are there error varieties of the Bicentennial Eisenhower Dollar (1776-1976)?
Yes. Known Bicentennial Eisenhower Dollar (1776-1976) errors include doubled die obverses and reverses, repunched mintmarks, off-center strikes, and die cracks. Some error varieties can be worth multiples of normal strikes. Always examine coins under magnification to check for die doubling, especially on lettering and dates.
▶How can I tell if my Bicentennial Eisenhower Dollar (1776-1976) is real?
Authentic Bicentennial Eisenhower Dollar (1776-1976)s weigh 22.68 grams and measure 38.1 mm in diameter. Check the weight with a precision scale (digital scales accurate to 0.01g are available for under $20). The coin should be composed of copper-nickel clad (or 40% silver). Counterfeit coins often fail the weight test, show seams on the edge, or have mushy design details. For valuable dates, always obtain PCGS or NGC authentication — the cost is minimal compared to the risk of buying or selling a counterfeit.
▶What affects the value of a Bicentennial Eisenhower Dollar (1776-1976) the most?
The four biggest value drivers for Bicentennial Eisenhower Dollar (1776-1976)s are: (1) Grade — the difference between Good and Uncirculated is $9.00 for common dates; (2) Date and mintmark — key dates like 1976-S Silver Proof command large premiums; (3) Silver spot price — sets a floor value for circulated examples; (4) Eye appeal — original surfaces, attractive toning, and strong strikes increase desirability among collectors.
▶How many Bicentennial Eisenhower Dollar (1776-1976)s were made?
The Bicentennial Eisenhower Dollar (1776-1976) was produced from 1975–1976. Mintage varied widely by year and mint — some dates had millions struck while key dates had far fewer. The scarce 1976-S Silver Proof is especially sought after. Check our full value table above for key dates and their relative scarcity.
▶Should I clean my Bicentennial Eisenhower Dollar (1776-1976)?
Never clean a Bicentennial Eisenhower Dollar (1776-1976) or any collectible coin. Cleaning removes the original surface and patina, which collectors prize — a cleaned coin can lose 50% or more of its value compared to an original, naturally toned example. Even coins that look "dirty" often have desirable original toning. If you must remove loose debris, hold the coin by its edges and gently rinse with distilled water. Our coin storage guide has more preservation tips.
▶Is the Bicentennial Eisenhower Dollar (1776-1976) a good investment?
Bicentennial Eisenhower Dollar (1776-1976)s in key dates and high grades have historically appreciated well. Common dates in circulated grades are affordable entry points and carry intrinsic silver value as a floor. For investment purposes, focus on PCGS/NGC-certified examples in grades of Fine or better, and prioritize key dates with low mintages. Our PDF Quick Reference Guide ($2.99) covers all Bicentennial Eisenhower Dollar (1776-1976) dates and values to help identify the best opportunities.