1776-1976-S Bicentennial Eisenhower Dollar (40% Silver Uncirculated)
Coin/Bullion · United States Mint (San Francisco branch). The US Mint is the sole producer of legal tender in the US, established 1792.
Pattern: Eisenhower Dollar (Bicentennial One-Year Design), introduced for the US 200th anniversary.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
United States Mint (San Francisco branch). The US Mint is the sole producer of legal tender in the US, established 1792.
Material
40% Silver Clad (Outer layers of 80% silver, 20% copper bonded to a core of 20.9% silver, 79.1% copper). Total net silver content: 0.3161 troy oz.
Dimensions
Diameter: 38.1 mm; Weight: 24.59 grams (standard for 40% silver Ikes vs 22.68g for copper-nickel).
Description
This is a large-format United States dollar coin minted to celebrate the American Bicentennial. Unlike the standard copper-nickel circulation versions found in change, this 'S' mint mark specimen contains 40% silver, specifically intended for collectors. It features Frank Gasparro’s portrait of Eisenhower and Dennis R. Williams’ special Bicentennial reverse design.
Key Features
Dual date 1776-1976, 'S' mint mark, and the lack of a copper 'sandwich' stripe on the edge (indicating silver content).
Material & Composition
40% Silver Clad (Outer layers of 80% silver, 20% copper bonded to a core of 20.9% silver, 79.1% copper). Total net silver content: 0.3161 troy oz.
Finish & Decoration
Uncirculated (Business Strike) or Matte-like finish for silver collectors. Obverse: Profile of Dwight D. Eisenhower. Reverse: Liberty Bell and Moon.
Hallmarks & Stamps
S mint mark (located above the 1976 date), 'LIBERTY', 'IN GOD WE TRUST', and dual date '1776-1976'. No silver hallmarks as it is sovereign currency.
Construction Details
Die-struck at the San Francisco Assay Office on a three-layered silver-clad planchet.
Functional Features
Milled edge (reeded), legal tender status for one United States dollar.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A (Numismatic item, currently housed in a protective circular plastic acrylic capsule).
Craftsmanship Details
High-pressure machine strike. The Bicentennial series utilized 'Type I' and 'Type II' lettering styles; this specimen shows refined 'Type II' characteristics typical of the silver strikes.
Authentication Indicators
S mint mark location, correct dual-date typography, and lack of copper core visible on the reeded edge. Weight verification is the primary non-destructive test.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America, San Francisco Mint, California.
Era & Period
Modern Era / Bicentennial Celebration (1975-1976). Design reflects 1970s numismatic trends.
Age Estimate
Produced between 1975 and 1976. Specifically, the silver versions were sold in blue envelopes as 'Blue Ikes'.
Cultural Significance
Represents the patriotic fervor of the 1976 Bicentennial. It was the last large-size dollar coin intended for circulation/collectors before the smaller Susan B. Anthony dollar.
Condition Notes
Uncirculated / Mint State. Appears to have original luster with minor bag marks or surface grazing. No significant toning visible. Capsule has protected it from tarnish.
Value Estimate
$10 to $20 USD depending on the current silver spot price and numismatic grade (MS63-MS65).
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean or polish with silver cream as it destroys numismatic value. Keep in the airtight acrylic capsule to prevent oxidation/sulfide toning.
Similar Pieces
1976 Copper-Nickel Clad Eisenhower Dollar (no 'S' or no silver), 1976-S Proof Silver Eisenhower Dollar (mirror-like finish), 1971-1974 'Blue/Brown Ikes'.
Interesting Facts
The reverse design was selected through a national competition won by 22-year-old art student Dennis R. Williams.