The circulating U.S. coins issued for the 1976 Bicentennial carry the dual date 1776–1976.
The dual date links the founding-era milestone with the 200th-anniversary year. It appeared on the special quarter, Kennedy half dollar, and Eisenhower dollar authorized for the Bicentennial. Each coin kept its normal obverse portrait but received a temporary commemorative reverse.
Although the coins are commonly called “1976 Bicentennial coins,” the Mint struck them in both 1975 and 1976. No coins in the three-denomination set were dated 1975; the dual date remained 1776–1976 regardless of the production year.
The quarter featured a colonial drummer, the half dollar showed Independence Hall, and the dollar depicted the Liberty Bell superimposed on the Moon. These coins were intended for circulation, unlike many commemorative issues sold mainly to collectors. Their designs helped make the Bicentennial visible in everyday commerce.