Designed by: Frank Gasparro and Dennis R. Wiliams
Issue Dates: 1975-1976
Composition:
75% copper, 25% nickel bonded to core of pure copper (copper-nickel coins)
40% silver, 60% copper (silver-clad coins)
Diameter: 38.1 mm
Weight: 22.68 grams (350.00 grains, copper-nickel coins), 24.59 grams (379.48 grains, silver clad coins)
Edge: Reeded
Proof Mintage: 6,995,180 (copper-nickel coins), 4,000,000 (silver clad coins)

To mark the nation’s bicentennial in 1976, the mint offered new reverses on the quarter, half and dollar coins as well as a special “double date” on the obverse. After an open competition announced in October 1973, the design of Dennis R. Williams which featured the Liberty Bell superimposed on the moon was chosen for use on the Eisenhower dollar.

Early in production, a minor change to the reverse lettering was made, making it a bit thinner and sharper. The first variety (with broad, flat lettering) from the Philadelphia mint is the key especially in high grade above MS-65.

In ultra-high grade (above MS66), demand from collectors competing in the Set Registries from PCGS and NGC have driven prices of these coins in mint state to extremely high levels. Proofs of course remain relatively inexpensive under the grade of “70.”