The “Liberty Bell dollar coin” refers to the Eisenhower Bicentennial dollar coin, minted from 1975-1976 and featuring the Liberty Bell superimposed on the Moon on its reverse.
The value of these coins depends on several factors:
- Type: There are two main types of the bicentennial dollar:
– Type 1: Thicker, sans-serif lettering on the reverse.
– Type 2: Thinner, serif-style lettering on the reverse.
– Note: The 40% silver versions were only minted with the Type 1 design.
- Composition: Most were copper-nickel clad for general circulation. Special collector versions, primarily from San Francisco (with an “S” mint mark) and a small quantity for presentations from Philadelphia (no mint mark), were struck in 40% silver.
- Condition: The better the coin’s condition, the higher its value.
– Circulated: Coins in poor condition may only be worth close to their face value. For example, a circulated 1776-1976 D Type 2 coin is worth between $1.05 and $1.50.
– Uncirculated: Coins that haven’t been in circulation are worth more. A 1976-S silver (uncirculated) can range from $4 to $30 or more depending on its condition (MS60-64 to MS65+).
– Proof Coins: Specially struck coins with a mirror-like finish and sharp details intended for collectors. A 1976-S silver (proof) can range from $8 to $25 or more (PR60-64 to PR65+).
– High-Grade Coins: A Type 1 Bicentennial dollar in MS66 condition was auctioned for $7,637.50 in 2014. A 1776-1976 D Type 2 silver dollar in pristine, uncirculated condition has sold for as much as $7500.
- Mint Mark: The San Francisco (“S” mint mark) coins, especially the silver versions, are generally more valuable than those from Philadelphia (no mint mark) or Denver (“D” mint mark).
- Errors and Rarities: Mistakes during the minting process, like doubling or off-center strikes, can significantly increase a coin’s value. The 1976 No-S proof dollar is particularly rare and valuable because it was mistakenly produced without a mint mark.
In summary
- Common circulating copper-nickel clad coins are worth close to their face value.
- 40% Silver Bicentennial dollars (marked “S”) are worth at least their silver content, with uncirculated examples and proof coins fetching higher prices.
- High-grade (MS65+ or PR65+) Type 1 and Type 2 Bicentennial dollars can be worth hundreds, thousands, or even tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the specific mint and grade.
- Rare error coins can command very high prices, such as the 1976 No-S proof dollar, which is described by Coin ID Scanner as a candidate for the rarest 1776-1976 silver dollar error.
Therefore, it is recommended to get your coin appraised by a coin dealer to accurately determine its specific value.
What is the 1776 to 1976 Liberty Bell coin?
Thanks for asking. The Bicentennial dollar, picturing the Liberty Bell and moon on the reverse and the double date 1776-1976 beneath the portrait of President Eisenhower on the obverse, goes into circulation beginning October 13, 1975, Mrs. Mary Brooks, Director of the Mint, announced today.