1776-1976 Eisenhower Bicentennial $1 Circulated (Type 1 Bold Block Lettering)

Designation: 1776–1976 United States Eisenhower Bicentennial Commemorative Large Dollar
Mintage Year: Dual-dated 1776–1976 (Struck during 1975 to celebrate the nation’s 200th anniversary)
Mint Location: Philadelphia Mint (Struck without a mint mark for standard general circulation)
Denomination: One Dollar ($1.00 USD)
Composition: Outer layers of 75% Copper and 25% Nickel bonded to an inner core of pure Copper
Grade/Condition: Circulated / Very Fine to Extremely Fine (Mixed VF–EF Details)
Variety Identification: Reverse Type 1 / Bold Block Lettering Variety (Identified on Dennis R. Williams’ reverse design by the presence of wide, chunky, and completely sans-serif lettering on the country name and denomination text, which was replaced late in 1975 by the narrower Type 2 script).
Historical Context & Variety Significance:
The 200th Anniversary Redesign: To celebrate the American Bicentennial, Congress authorized a temporary reverse design modification for the dollar, featuring a patriotic combination of the Liberty Bell superimposed over the moon.
The Scarcer Type 1 Dies: Soon after production started in 1975, the U.S. Mint realized the heavy, blocky Type 1 lettering caused structural striking issues and accelerated die fatigue. The hubs were quickly modified to feature thin, elegant serifs (Type 2). This makes the early, original Philadelphia-struck Type 1 business strikes significantly harder to find than their Type 2 counterparts.
Condition & Eye Appeal Notes:
Surfaces & Patina: The coin showcases honest, circulated surfaces with an authentic, uniform light silver-gray tone. The fields are clear of harsh abrasive cleaning lines or deep post-mint scratches.
Wear Analysis: Moderate circulation wear is visible across Frank Gasparro’s obverse portrait of General Eisenhower, primarily localized on the cheekbone and hair lines above the ear. On the reverse, light pocket friction has smoothed the high-point shoulder bracket of the Liberty Bell and the center of the lunar globe. All perimeter block letters and the dual-date stamps remain fully raised, legible, and bold.
Rim & Presentation: The outer reeded edge and circular rim borders are uniform and intact. Safely protected inside a round acrylic coin capsule.