Commemorative 1776 to 1976 one dollar coin value is relatively low, although Eisenhower dollars were produced almost fifty years ago. After Frank Gasparro designed these lovely coins, three mints struck them from 1971 to 1978 to commemorate the nation’s bicentennial.
These pieces are unique as the first copper-nickel-clad dollars since this alloy era began in 1965. They are also the last regularly issued $1 coins minted in dimensions typical of traditional silver dollars. Even though millions of them are out there, the number of those ranking over MS 65 is limited.
1776 – 1976 Eisenhower dollar coin value |
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| Coin type | MS 63 | MS 65 |
| No mint mark dollar type 1 | $10 | / |
| No mint mark dollar type 2 | $6.81 | / |
| 1976 D dollar type 1 | $6.81 | / |
| 1976 D dollar type 2 | $6.81 | / |
| 1976 S dollar type 1 proof | / | $14 |
| 1976 S dollar type 2 proof | / | $9.36 |
*by USA Coin Book
History of the 1776 – 1976 Eisenhower dollar
After over 30 years without dollar coins’ production, the US Mint introduced silver and clad Eisenhower dollars in 1971. It commemorated two significant events from 1969, the Apollo 11 mission and President’s death.
1776 – 1976 Eisenhower dollar |
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| Location | Year | Minted |
| Philadelphia | 1976 No Mint Mark dollar Type 1 | 4,019,000 |
| Philadelphia | 1976 No Mint Mark dollar Type 2 | 117,337,000 |
| San Francisco | 1976 S dollar clad proof Type 1 | 2,845,450 |
| San Francisco | 1976 S dollar clad proof Type 1 | 4,149,730 |
| Denver | 1976 D dollar Type 1 | 21,048,710 |
| Denver | 1976 D dollar Type 2 | 82,179,564 |
| Total | / | 231,579,454 |
Mint Director Mary Brooks proposed minting of Eisenhower dollars in 1969, but congressional legislators were unsure about the thing. Finally, they agreed to strike silver dollar coins dedicated to collectors, while the US Mint introduced clad pieces as a more affordable option for circulation.
Unfortunately, such a situation made copper-nickel Eisenhower dollars unpopular and poorly circulated one-dollar coins. In most cases, they were limited to use in casinos before admirers started collecting them. Therefore, the production finished in 1978.
The rare exceptions are the bicentennial 1776 – 1976 Eisenhower dollar coins commemorating the year when the USA became an independent republic. These coins with the moon behind the Liberty Bell are collectible nowadays.
Be aware that it is impossible to find these coins minted in 1975. The reason is that all pieces struck during two years came with this double date.
For more details, You can check it on Coin Value Checker.
Features of the 1776 – 1976 Eisenhower dollar
The US Mint released commemorative coin series with a custom design to celebrate America’s bicentennial in 1976. They are unique because of the double date on the obverse, without other changes in appearance.
The 1776 – 1976 Eisenhower dollar coin obverse
You can see the Dwight D. Eisenhower portrait facing left in the coin obverse center. It is surrounded by the word LIBERTY and the double date 1776 · 1976, struck along the coin rim. Engraver Frank Gasparro placed the saying, IN GOD WE TRUST, on the left coin side, while the mint mark is on the right when it exists.
The 1776 – 1976 Eisenhower dollar coin reverse
Engraver Dennis R. Williams created a complicated reverse with the Liberty Bell as a central motif. Behind this historical item is the moon, honoring man’s walk on this earth’s satellite.
Along the rim are the country name (UNITED STATES OF AMERICA) and denomination (ONE DOLLAR), separated by two stars. A small E PLURIBUS UNUM is placed right of the bell, while Williams’ initials, DRW, are engraved below the truncation.
1776 – 1976 Eisenhower dollar |
|
| Face value | One dollar ($1) |
| Type | Circulating commemorative coin |
| Shape | Round |
| Compound | Copper-nickel clad copper (91.67% copper and 8.33% nickel) |
| Coin thickness | 0.10 inches (2.58 mm) |
| Coin diameter | 1.50 inches (38.1 mm) |
| Coin weight | 0.80 ounces (22.68 g) |
| Edge | Reeded (198 reeds) |
Other features of the 1776 – 1976 Eisenhower dollar
The round, copper-nickel clad copper 1776 – 1976 Eisenhower dollar is 0.80 ounces (22.68 g) heavy and has 198 reeds along the edge. This 0.10 inches (2.58 mm) thick circulating commemorative coin has a diameter of 1.50 inches (38.1 mm).
The most expensive 1776 – 1976 Eisenhower dollars
- 1976 S PR 70 DCAM clad Eisenhower dollar Type 1 – $25,300 in 2011
- 1976 S PR 70 DCAM clad Eisenhower dollar Type 2 – $22,550 in 2014
- 1976 S PR 66 clad Eisenhower dollar Type 2 – $41,400 in 2002
- 1976 D MS 63 Eisenhower dollar Type 1 – $14,375 in 2001
- 1976 MS 64 Eisenhower dollar Type 2 – $8,050 in 2007
- 1976 MS 66 Eisenhower dollar Type 1 – $7,638 in 2014
- 1976 D MS 62 Eisenhower dollar Type 2 – $5,060 in 2006
- 1976 S PR 67 CAM clad Eisenhower dollar Type 2 – $1,035 in 2006
- 1976 D (1975) MS 64 Eisenhower dollar Type 1 (1975 mint set die variety) – $400 in 2023
- 1976 S PR 69 clad Eisenhower dollar Type 1 – $118 in 2022
- 1976 S PR 68 CAM clad Eisenhower dollar Type 1 – $276 in 2005
- 1976 (1975) MS 65 Eisenhower dollar Type 1 1975 (mint set) – $175 in 2022
- 1976 (1975) MS 66 Eisenhower dollar Type 2 1975 (mint set die variety) – $19 in 2022
1776 – 1976 Eisenhower Dollar Value Guides
The total 1776 – 1976 Eisenhower dollar mintage in three mints was 231,579,454 coins. Interestingly, they produced six different variations, and each cost differently.
1776 – 1976 No mint mark Eisenhower dollar
The Philadelphia mint struck two 1976 dollar types without the mint mark. Type 1 mintage was 4,019,000, while the number of coins in Type 2 was 117,337,000. The difference between those two is in lettering.
| 1776 – 1976 Eisenhower dollar value | ||||
| Condition | 1976 Type 1 | 1976 Type 2 | 1976 D Type 1 | 1976 D Type 2 |
| MS 60 | $3 | $2 | $2 | $2 |
| MS 61 | $3.50 | $2.50 | $2.50 | $2.50 |
| MS 62 | $3.50 | $2.50 | $2.50 | $2.50 |
| MS 63 | $4 | $3 | $3 | $3 |
| MS 64 | $12 to $18 | $6 to $12 | $15 to 20 | $10 to $12 |
| MS 65 | $85 to $140 | $12 to $22 | $21 to $30 | $15 to $25 |
| MS 66 | $1,200 to $1,800 | $60 to $110 | $140 to $175 | $55 to $80 |
| MS 67 | / | $1,800 to $2,400 | $7,500 to $8,625 | $2,000 to $2,400 |
While coins in Type 1 have bold lettering on the reverse with a low relief, those in Type 2 feature sharp, narrow lettering with a higher relief. Their price is $3 to $100, depending on the coin type, condition, and dealer. However, those in the highest grades can cost up to $2,400.
Some of these coins are expensive. For instance, the record price for one Eisenhower dollar Type 2 in the MS 64 grade was $8,050. In 2014, one collector set aside slightly less money for the 1976 MS 66 Eisenhower dollar Type 1, $7,638.
1776 – 1976 S proof Eisenhower dollar
The San Francisco mint struck only proofs this year, and you can recognize two clad types. The mint produced 2,845,450 coins Type 1 and 4,149,730 Type 2.
| 1776 – 1976 Eisenhower dollar value | ||
| Condition | 1976 S DCAM Type 1 | 1976 S DCAM Type 2 |
| PR 60 | $4.50 | $2.75 |
| PR 61 | $4.50 | $2.75 |
| PR 62 | $4.50 | $2.75 |
| PR 63 | $4.50 | $2.75 |
| PR 64 | $5 | $4 |
| PR 65 | $7 | $6 |
| PR 66 | $8 | $8 |
| PR 67 | $10 | $9 |
| PR 68 | $12 | $10 |
| PR 69 | $18 | $16 |
| PR 70 | $5,500 | $1,850 |
The commemorative 1776 – 1976 S Eisenhower dollars Type 1 are a bit more pricey, and you can buy one for $4.50 to $18, depending on the condition. However, those in the PR 70 grade can reach $5,500.
More affordable Type 2 coins typically cost $2.75 to $16, while those in perfect condition can reach $1,850 at auctions. As expected, the most expensive are DCAM specimens, including the best-selling coins in the set.
For instance, one collector paid an impressive $25,300 for the 1976 S PR 70 DCAM clad Eisenhower dollar Type 1 in 2011 at Heritage Auctions. Three years later, a proof dollar Type 2 with identical characteristics reached $22,550 at Great Collections.
1776 – 1976 D Eisenhower dollar
In 1976, Denver produced 21,048,710 Eisenhower dollar coins in Type 1 and 82,179,564 pieces in Type 2. Low-graded specimens typically cost $3 to $10, but those graded over MS 67 are often priced at $2,500 to $8,600.
The most expensive 1976 D MS 63 Eisenhower dollar Type 1 was sold for $14,375 at Bowers & Merena in 2001. The most costly Type 2 reached $5,060 when one collector bought it at American Numismatic Rarities in 2006.
1776 – 1976 Eisenhower Dollar Errors
Dollar with the indented quarter dollar planchet reverse
One collector added the rare 1976 MS 64 Eisenhower error dollar with a quarter-dollar planchet indented to its reverse to their collection for $1,997.50. This unique coin appeared at Heritage auctions in 2017.
Besides, collectors sometimes find errors like:
- Doubling, tripling, or quadrupling images and lettering
- Strikethrough tape
- Strikethrough reading
- Spivack error
- Defective clad
Some of these error coins can reach $500 to $1,500 at the right auction.
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