The Two 1976 Ike Dollar Varieties As you know the 1776-1976 dated Eisenhower Dollars were first introduced in 1975. They were minted through 1975 and 1976 to celebrate the USA's bicentennial. A slight design change was made between the two years resulting in two different varieties. The two are relatively easy to distinguish, even without magnification, if one knows where to look.Remember, no bicentennial coins were minted in 1975, but the 1976 Bicentennial Eisenhower Dollars produced during 1975 have a different style font (low relief or regular). They are designated as Type I and, if you examine the R in the word DOLLARyou will see the tail of the R is straight without a serif. Photo courtesy of (www.coinpage.com): 1976 TYPE I BICENTENNIAL IKE DOLLAR 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 with serifs (Type II). Photo courtesy of (coins.thefuntimesguide.com): 1976 TYPE II BICENTENNIAL DOLLAR 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. To further help you please read the following quote from eBay Guides. Copper-nickel clad proof versions of the bicentennial Ike Dollar were included in both the 1975 and 1976 Proof Sets. Using the information you garnered thus far, 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. And now you know... Clinker
