The United States held its Bicentennial in 1976, 50 years before America's 250th anniversary in 2026.
The Bicentennial commemorated the 200th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Celebrations took place across the country and included parades, festivals, exhibitions, commemorative objects, and special public works. The period also produced a large body of patriotic artwork and memorabilia.
The anniversary's most recognizable official souvenirs included redesigned quarters, half dollars, and dollar coins issued under a special coinage program. The quarter displayed a colonial drummer and a dual date, 1776–1976, rather than the usual eagle reverse.
The Bicentennial and Semiquincentennial are related but distinct milestones. The first marked two centuries since independence; the second marks two and a half centuries. The 2026 celebration therefore looks back to 1976 as its most direct modern precedent.