1976 Type I and II Eisenhower Dollars

The 1776-1976 Eisenhower Dollars were first introduced in 1975.  They were minted through 1975 and 1976 to celebrate the nation's bicentennial.  A slight design change made between the two years, resulted in two different varieties.  The two are relatively easy to distinguish, even without magnification, if one knows where to look.  Study the pictures and descriptions below and you will be sure to get an "A" the next time you have to tell the two apart.

Type I

The 1776-1976 Bicentennial Ikes minted in 1975 have wide, low-relief lettering.  It can also be considered "plain" lettering.  The easiest letter to see the difference is on the R in DOLLAR.  The tail of the R is straight on Type I coins and curved on Type II coins.


Type II

The 1776-1976 Bicentennial Ikes minted in 1976 have narrow, high-relief lettering.  It can also be considered "fancy" lettering.  Now that you can tell the difference, remember which is which by recalling the lettering started out "plain" (Type I) and then they "fancied" it up (Type II).


Okay, now you can tell the difference between the 1976 Type I and Type II varieties (and remember which is which).  Take a look at your 1976-P and D Eisenhower Dollars apply your new skills to attribute these as either Type I or Type II.  Heck, while you're at it, look at your 1976-S silver uncirculated Ikes and your 1976-S clad and silver proofs and attribute them as well.

Copper-nickel clad proof versions of  the bicentennial Ike Dollar were included in both the 1975 and 1976 Proof Sets.  Using the information in this guide, you will see that both types are available in the clad proofs.  The silver versions, both proof and BU, were made for special 3-piece sets of bicentennial coinage (also including the dual-date bicentennial quarter and half dollar).  While they were sold by the Mint well into the 1980s, the entire production was minted in 1975 and thus all are Type I.