1776 to 1976 Dollar Value, Error list & Coin Identifier App

The 1776 to 1976 Bicentennial Eisenhower dollar is one of the most beloved commemorative coins in U.S. history, struck to celebrate America's 200th anniversary of independence. With a distinctive dual date and a unique Liberty Bell & Moon reverse designed by Dennis R. Williams, this dollar broke sharply from the standard eagle design used on regular Eisenhower dollars. NGC Coin Explorer provides comprehensive certification data for the 1776-1976 Type 1 Eisenhower dollar, including population reports and auction records across all grade levels.

            1776 to 1976 Dollar at a Glance
            ▶ Composition: Copper-nickel clad (circulation) / 40% silver (collector)
▶ Diameter: 38.1 mm
▶ Weight: 22.68g (clad) / 24.59g (silver)
▶ Designer: Frank Gasparro (obverse) / Dennis R. Williams (reverse)
▶ Reverse: Liberty Bell superimposed on the Moon
▶ Mints: Philadelphia (no mark), Denver (D), San Francisco (S)
▶ Key varieties: Type 1 (bold lettering) vs Type 2 (serif lettering)
▶ Rarest error: No S Proof Type 2 — only 1 known (~$850,000)

        

Bicentennial dollars were produced from 1975 through 1976, all bearing the dual date 1776–1976. The Mint struck both clad and 40% silver collector versions, and an early production change in the reverse lettering created two distinct design types now catalogued as Type 1 and Type 2. For a comprehensive breakdown of current market values, the 1776 to 1976 dollar value guide at CoinValueApp covers certified auction data, grade premiums, and variety pricing in detail.

Quick Value Check

Find your coin scenario in 30 seconds

What You See	Likely Value	Next Step
Proof qualities, no S mint mark (Type 2)	~$850,000	Immediate multi-expert authentication
1976-D coin, weighs 24.6g (silver planchet)	$10,000–$30,000	Weigh precisely, then NGC/PCGS authenticate
40%+ off-center, dual date still visible	$2,500–$7,500	Grade & certify with PCGS or NGC
Type 1 Philadelphia (bold lettering, no mint mark)	$35–$500 in high grades	Confirm Type 1 lettering; consider grading
40% silver S-mint (from collector set)	$15–$100+	All silver Bicentennials are Type 1
Doubled die on date or LIBERTY	$50–$300	Verify hub doubling vs. machine doubling
Circulated clad Type 2 dollar	$1–$5	Face value; keep for type set

Varieties & Mintage

Type 1 vs Type 2 — the most widespread distinction in the Bicentennial series

Variety	Mint	Mintage (approx.)	Composition	Notes
Type 1	Philadelphia	~4M (est.)	Clad	Bold sans-serif reverse lettering; scarce
Type 1	Denver	~21M (est.)	Clad	Bold lettering; more common than Phila. Type 1
Type 2	Philadelphia	~113M	Clad	Refined serif lettering; common
Type 2	Denver	~82M	Clad	Most common Bicentennial dollar
Type 1	San Francisco	~11M	40% Silver	All S-mint silver Bicentennials are Type 1
Proof Type 2	San Francisco	~4M	40% Silver	Sold in special sets; must have S mint mark

        How to identify Type 1 vs Type 2: Examine the reverse lettering in UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and ONE DOLLAR under magnification. Type 1 shows thick, blocky, bold sans-serif letters. Type 2 has thinner strokes with small serifs (decorative ends). Type 1 Philadelphia business strikes are significantly scarcer and command the strongest premiums.
    

Value by Grade Tables

Market estimates based on verified auction records — circulated to gem uncirculated

Type 1 Clad (Philadelphia & Denver)

Grade	Philadelphia (No MM)	Denver (D)
Circulated (VF-XF)	$2–$8	$2–$5
MS-60–63	$10–$25	$8–$18
MS-64	$35–$60	$20–$40
MS-65	$100–$200	$50–$100
MS-66+	$300–$500+	$150–$300

40% Silver Bicentennial (S Mint — All Type 1)

Grade	Uncirculated (MS)	Proof (PR)
MS/PR-60–63	$15–$25	$20–$35
MS/PR-64	$25–$45	$35–$60
MS/PR-65	$45–$80	$60–$100
MS/PR-66+	$80–$200+	$100–$300+

1776 to 1976 Dollar Error List with Pictures

Four major error categories — from common doubled dies to the most valuable modern U.S. coin

Error #1: Type 1 vs Type 2 Variety

The most widespread design distinction — bold vs. serif reverse lettering

Type 1 (bold letters) vs Type 2 (serif letters) reverse comparison

Type 1 and Type 2 varieties stem from an early production change at the U.S. Mint. Type 1 features thick, blocky, bold sans-serif lettering on UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and ONE DOLLAR. The design was modified because it did not strike optimally on clad planchets. Type 2 introduced thinner, refined lettering with serifs that better matched the obverse font style.

How to identify: Use 5–10x magnification on the reverse lettering • Type 1 letters appear heavier with blunt ends • Type 2 letters have fine finishing strokes at the ends • Type 1 Philadelphia is the scarcest business strike • All 40% silver Bicentennials are Type 1 exclusively

Value: Type 1 Philadelphia MS-65+ $100–$500 — Type 2 circulated $1–$5

Error #2: No S Proof Type 2 ⭐

The rarest modern U.S. coin — one known specimen, estimated ~$850,000

1776-1976 No S Proof Type 2 — mirror fields, frosted devices, no mint mark below Eisenhower's neck

The 1776–1976 No S Proof Type 2 Bicentennial dollar is perhaps the most significant modern U.S. coin rarity. Only one specimen is known, struck at the Philadelphia Mint as a trial piece during the transition from Type 1 to Type 2 design. On August 12, 1974, designers were permitted to strike trial proofs in Philadelphia, which is why this coin lacks the S mint mark found on all production proof Bicentennial dollars.

How to identify: Mirror-like fields and frosted design devices (cameo contrast) • Type 2 reverse with thin, serif lettering • No mint mark below Eisenhower's neck • No circulation wear whatsoever • Sharp, squared rims consistent with proof striking • Professional authentication is absolutely mandatory

⚠ Note: Philadelphia circulation strikes also have no mint mark. Only proof characteristics confirm this rarity.

Value: ~$850,000+ (graded PCGS PR66CAM — Mitchell Spivack collection)

Error #3: Off-Center Strike

Planchet misalignment creates dramatic blank crescents — the larger, the more valuable

Off-center Bicentennial dollar — ~30% off with broadstrike, expanded to 42mm diameter

Off-center strike errors occur when the planchet is not properly positioned between the dies during striking, leaving a portion of the design missing and a blank crescent-shaped area on the coin. A notable 2016 auction example was struck approximately 30% off-center and also exhibited broadstrike characteristics — struck without the collar die — expanding the coin to 42mm instead of the standard 38mm diameter. The combination commands a premium over either error alone.

How to identify: Blank curved area showing original planchet surface • Design cleanly cut off (not worn away) • Both obverse and reverse show consistent misalignment • Verify the dual date 1776–1976 is still visible • Measure diameter — broadstrikes exceed 38.1mm • Edge reeding may be incomplete or absent on broadstruck examples

Value: 5–15% off: $100–$400 — 20–35% off: $500–$2,000 — 40%+ with date: $2,500–$7,500

Error #4: Wrong Planchet (1976-D on Silver)

Only 2 known examples — Denver clad dollar struck on a San Francisco silver planchet

1976-D struck on 40% silver planchet — weighs 24.6g vs. normal 22.7g for clad

The most extraordinary wrong planchet error in the Bicentennial series is the 1976-D dollar struck on a 40% silver planchet intended for San Francisco production. Only two examples are known, one graded AU58 and one Mint State. The error occurred when silver planchets from San Francisco were accidentally mixed with Denver's clad planchets. While approximately 45 Denver Mint Eisenhower dollars on silver planchets exist from other years, the Bicentennial date is exceptionally scarce.

How to identify: Weigh precisely — silver planchet: 24.6g vs. clad: 22.7g • Silver has a distinctly different sound when tapped • Examine the edge for the copper core visible in clad coins (absent in silver) • Silver planchets have different luster • Must have a D mint mark for this specific rarity • Be alert to silver-plated alterations — these are worthless

Value: $10,000–$30,000+ (1976-D on silver) — Other wrong planchet types: $500–$5,000

Recent Auction Results

Verified public auction records — real market benchmarks for Bicentennial dollar errors

Coin	Grade	Sale Price	Notes
No S Proof Type 2	PCGS PR66CAM	~$850,000 (est.)	Only known specimen; private collection
1976-D on Silver Planchet	AU58	$10,000–$30,000+	One of only 2 known examples
Off-Center + Broadstrike (~30%)	MS	~$7,000	2016 auction; 42mm expanded diameter
Type 1 Philadelphia MS-66	PCGS MS-66	$300–$500	Scarce business strike, top pop grades
40% Silver MS-67	PCGS MS-67	$150–$300	Collector silver; all Type 1
Doubled Die Variety	MS-64	$50–$300	Varies by strength & location of doubling

“The 1776–1976 No S Proof Type 2 may be the most valuable modern U.S. coin in existence — a unique trial piece connecting America's Bicentennial celebration to the rarest of mint errors.”

Identify Your 1776 to 1976 Dollar with CoinKnow

Distinguish Type 1 vs Type 2, detect off-center percentages, and verify proof characteristics in seconds

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Snap Both Sides

CoinKnow instantly identifies Type 1 vs Type 2 reverse lettering using side-by-side reference images from its database, eliminating guesswork on the most common Bicentennial question.

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Detect Errors

Automatic detection for doubled dies, off-center percentage measurement, and proof characteristic verification. Weight specs help you flag potential wrong planchet candidates.

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Track Auction Values

Real-time auction tracking from Heritage, GreatCollections, and major houses. Monitor price trends for Bicentennial dollar errors and varieties over time.

Pro Workflow: 1776–1976 Dollar Evaluation Steps

1.Examine reverse lettering under magnification — confirm Type 1 (bold) vs Type 2 (serif)

2.Check mint mark location below Eisenhower's neck — D, S, or no mark (Philadelphia)

3.Weigh the coin: 22.68g = clad; 24.59g = 40% silver planchet candidate

4.If proof characteristics present with no S mark — seek immediate expert authentication

5.Use CoinKnow to compare lettering styles and verify doubled die vs. machine doubling

6.Submit any coin potentially worth $100+ to PCGS or NGC for certification

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most valuable 1776 to 1976 dollar errors?

The most valuable is the No S Proof Type 2, with only one known specimen estimated at approximately $850,000. The 1976-D struck on a 40% silver planchet is extremely rare with only two known examples worth $10,000–$30,000. Off-center strikes with visible dual dates can reach $7,500, while Type 1 Philadelphia varieties in high grades command $100–$500 premiums.

How do I tell if my 1776 to 1976 dollar is Type 1 or Type 2?

Examine the reverse inscription lettering (UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and ONE DOLLAR) under 5–10x magnification. Type 1 has thick, bold, sans-serif letters with no decorative finishing strokes. Type 2 has thinner letters with small serifs at the ends. The CoinKnow app includes side-by-side comparison images to make this identification straightforward.

Are 1776 to 1976 dollars with no mint mark valuable?

Most no-mint-mark Philadelphia Bicentennial dollars are worth $1–$5 in circulated condition. However, Type 1 Philadelphia issues are scarcer and worth $35–$500 in high grades. The key exception is the unique No S Proof Type 2, worth hundreds of thousands — but that coin must also show undeniable proof characteristics, not just the absence of a mint mark.

What is the 1976 No S Proof dollar worth?

The 1776–1976 No S Proof Type 2 is estimated at approximately $850,000 or more. It was graded PCGS PR66CAM and resides in the Mitchell Spivack private collection. It is considered possibly the rarest modern U.S. coin. Due to its unique status, its value at auction could exceed even this estimate. Professional authentication is absolutely essential — do not assume any coin is this rarity without expert examination.

Are there doubled die varieties in 1776 to 1976 dollars?

Yes, though they are not as dramatic as in some other U.S. series. Doubling typically appears on the date digits, LIBERTY lettering, or elements of the Liberty Bell design on the reverse. True doubled dies show clear separation between design elements, not the shelf-like appearance of machine doubling. Most examples are worth $50–$300 depending on doubling strength and coin grade.

Reality Check & Action Plan

What most 1776–1976 dollars are actually worth — and when to act

Scenario	Realistic Value	Action
Proof characteristics + no S mint mark (Type 2)	~$850,000	Immediate multi-expert authentication required
1976-D, weighs 24.6g (silver planchet)	$10,000–$30,000+	Weigh precisely; PCGS or NGC authenticate
Dramatic off-center (40%+), date visible	$2,500–$7,500	Grade and certify; value depends on %
Type 1 Philadelphia MS-65+	$100–$500	Confirm Type 1; send for certification
40% silver S-mint, MS-65+	$60–$200	All Type 1; consider grading in gem condition
Circulated clad Type 2 dollar	$1–$5	Keep for type set; common coin

1.Always check the reverse lettering first. The Type 1 vs. Type 2 distinction affects your coin's value more than any other single factor.
2.Weigh before assuming wrong planchet. A digital scale accurate to 0.01g is the fastest way to identify silver planchet candidates before investing in grading fees.
3.Never clean your coin. Cleaning permanently destroys any premium and can make authentication of proofs impossible.
4.Philadelphia + no mint mark ≠ No S Proof. All Philadelphia circulation strikes also lack a mint mark. Only coins with clear proof characteristics qualify.
5.Hub doubling vs. machine doubling. Only genuine hub doubling carries numismatic value. Use CoinKnow to distinguish them before attributing a doubled die.

The 1776 to 1976 Bicentennial Eisenhower dollar occupies a unique place in American coinage history: a coin born from celebration that produced one of the most extraordinary errors in modern numismatics. For most collectors, the Bicentennial dollar is an affordable and historically rich series — accessible in circulated condition, rewarding in gem grades, and fascinating through its Type 1 and Type 2 variety collecting. But hovering above every proof Bicentennial dollar is the shadow of a single, extraordinary coin: the No S Proof Type 2, whose singular existence makes it the pinnacle of modern U.S. rarity.

“The 1776 to 1976 Bicentennial dollar is simultaneously one of America's most beloved commemoratives and home to its most valuable modern mint error — a coin that celebrates 200 years of independence while hiding the rarest proof ever struck.”