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The Certified 1976-S Eisenhower Dollar in Silver MS67 by PCGS is a high-grade and beautifully preserved example of one of the most iconic modern commemorative coins issued by the United States Mint. Struck to mark the nation’s Bicentennial, this special issue celebrates 200 years of American independence with a bold dual-date design and a distinctive reverse motif, making it a centerpiece of 20th-century U.S. numismatics. The “S” mintmark indicates it was produced at the San Francisco Mint and struck in a 40% silver composition, distinguishing it from the clad issues struck in Philadelphia and Denver for general circulation. Graded MS67 by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), this coin represents near-superb quality with sharp details, strong luster, and virtually no visible imperfections.
The Eisenhower Dollar series was introduced in 1971, honoring President Dwight D. Eisenhower and commemorating both his legacy and the Apollo 11 Moon landing, symbolized by the eagle-and-moon reverse on regular issues. However, for the 1976 Bicentennial celebration, the U.S. Mint introduced a one-time-only reverse design and a dual date, “1776–1976,” on the obverse to honor the nation’s 200th birthday. This was the first change to a U.S. coin’s reverse specifically for a national commemorative event in decades, adding historic significance to the coin.
The obverse of the 1976-S Eisenhower Dollar features a left-facing portrait of President Eisenhower designed by Chief Engraver Frank Gasparro. The dual date “1776–1976” replaces the standard date, serving as a reminder of the coin’s commemorative purpose. The inscriptions “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” are placed above and to the left of the portrait, respectively. The boldness of the portrait and clarity of the fields in an MS67 coin are exceptional, with minimal contact marks and full, unbroken luster. PCGS MS67 examples of this coin exhibit superb eye appeal, often rivaling lower-end prooflike examples in terms of visual impact.
The reverse design, created by Dennis R. Williams, was selected through a national competition sponsored by the American Revolution Bicentennial Administration. It features the Liberty Bell superimposed over the Moon—an innovative blend of two powerful American symbols, one historical and one futuristic. The inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” arches above the design, with “ONE DOLLAR” at the bottom and the national motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” to the left of the bell. This reverse is unique to the Bicentennial 1976 issue and was used only in 1975 and 1976-dated production, even though all bear the “1776–1976” date.
The 1976-S Eisenhower Dollar in silver was issued as part of the Mint’s special collector sets and never released for general circulation. It was struck in a 40% silver composition, consisting of an outer layer of .800 silver bonded to an inner core of .209 silver, resulting in a total silver content of 0.3161 troy ounces per coin. These coins were produced using a higher quality strike than business strikes and were offered in both uncirculated and proof versions. The uncirculated silver dollars were included in the three-coin Bicentennial Silver Uncirculated Sets alongside silver Washington Quarters and Kennedy Half Dollars, all bearing the special 1776–1976 designs.
Minted at the San Francisco Mint, the “S” mintmark appears just below Eisenhower’s neck truncation on the obverse. The facility’s reputation for high-quality collector coinage is evident in the consistently strong strikes and brilliant finishes seen on silver Bicentennial issues. MS67 examples graded by PCGS represent some of the finest known uncirculated pieces, with only a small fraction of submissions achieving such a high grade. These coins are free from the typical bag marks, scuffs, or dull luster that often plague large-dollar coins of the era, particularly those intended for collectors but handled less carefully than modern bullion.
Population reports show that while thousands of 1976-S Silver Eisenhower Dollars have been graded, only a small percentage earn the MS67 grade, and fewer still achieve MS68 or higher. PCGS-certified MS67 coins offer the best combination of quality and relative affordability, especially for collectors seeking premium examples without entering the extremely low-population, high-cost territory of MS68 or above. MS67 coins typically exhibit strong luster, clean fields, sharp device definition, and just a trace of minor imperfections visible under magnification.
The coin's large format—38.1 millimeters in diameter—makes it a standout piece in any collection, offering an impressive canvas for its commemorative designs. Its silver composition and low mintage compared to standard copper-nickel issues further enhance its appeal. Collectors of Eisenhower Dollars, Bicentennial commemoratives, or high-grade modern U.S. coinage particularly value these certified pieces for their historical relevance and pristine preservation. As the only circulating U.S. dollar coin series to feature a silver version after the 1965 transition away from 90% silver coinage, the Eisenhower Dollar occupies a unique place in American numismatic history.
While not struck for circulation, the 1976-S Silver Eisenhower Dollar retains its status as legal tender and a commemorative symbol of American resilience and innovation. It remains a physical link to the excitement and patriotism surrounding the United States Bicentennial celebration, when millions of Americans engaged with history through pageants, parades, and collectibles like these coins. Today, it continues to be sought after not only for its precious metal content but for its role in a key moment of national pride.
The Certified 1976-S Silver Eisenhower Dollar MS67 PCGS encapsulates the best of modern numismatics: artistic design, commemorative purpose, intrinsic silver value, and top-tier condition. With its sharp strike, radiant surfaces, and PCGS certification guaranteeing authenticity and grade, it is an exceptional acquisition for anyone looking to build a high-quality collection of 20th-century U.S. coinage. Whether admired for its historical significance or added to a registry set for competitive collecting, this coin shines as one of the finest examples of the only large-size silver dollar issued in the Bicentennial era.