Bicentennial Coin Value & Price Guide

Bicentennial coins are iconic pieces of American numismatic history issued to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the United States. These special designs for the quarter, half dollar, and dollar denominations feature unique reverse motifs and a dual date of 1776-1976.

History of Bicentennial Coin

In anticipation of the 1976 Bicentennial, the U.S. Mint held a national competition to redesign the reverses of the quarter, half dollar, and dollar. The winning designs featured a colonial drummer, Independence Hall, and the Liberty Bell superimposed on the moon, respectively. To meet the massive public demand, these coins were produced during both 1975 and 1976, which is why no coins of these denominations bear a 1975 date. The program was a massive success, introducing millions of Americans to the hobby of coin collecting through special silver sets and everyday circulation.

Value Factors for Bicentennial Coin

• Metal composition, specifically the 40% silver content found in special collector uncirculated and proof sets.
• The presence of a mint mark, with San Francisco (S) issues often being more desirable than Philadelphia or Denver strikes.
• The professional grade or 'state of preservation,' where high-grade Mint State or Proof-70 specimens command the highest market premiums.
• The specific variety of the design, such as the bold or thin lettering styles found on the 1976 Eisenhower Dollars.

Tips for Buying Bicentennial Coin

• Look for the 'S' mint mark to identify silver-clad versions which carry higher intrinsic and collector value than copper-nickel circulation strikes.
• Prioritize coins in original government packaging or professional grading slabs to ensure the preservation of the original luster.
• Check for the 'Type 1' versus 'Type 2' lettering on Eisenhower Dollars, as the thickness of the font can significantly impact rarity and price.
• Avoid paying high premiums for circulated copper-nickel coins found in pocket change, as these were minted in the billions and are generally worth face value.

Items in This Collection

• Bicentennial Kennedy Half Dollar
• United States of America Bicentennial Coin
• Bicentennial Half Dollar Coin
• 1976 Bicentennial Kennedy Half Dollar
• 1976 United States Bicentennial Silver Uncirculated Set
• 1776-1976 Bicentennial Kennedy Half Dollar
• 1976 Bicentennial Coin Collection
• Bicentennial Eisenhower Dollar Coin
• 1976 Kennedy Half Dollar Bicentennial
• Spirit of '76 Bicentennial Coin Set
• 1776-1976 Bicentennial Eisenhower Dollar Coin
• 1776-1976 D Bicentennial Kennedy Half Dollar
• 1776-1976 Eisenhower Bicentennial Dollar Coin