The dollar was the first United States Bicentennial coin intended for the public to be produced, struck in February 1975.
The Bicentennial coin program included a quarter, half dollar, and dollar. Although all three denominations carried the double date 1776–1976, production began with the dollar before the other redesigned coins entered circulation.
The half dollar was released first to the public on July 7, 1975, during ceremonies in Minneapolis. The quarter followed in September, and the dollar followed in October. Thus, the first denomination produced was not the first one released into everyday circulation.
The dollar’s reverse combined the Liberty Bell with the Moon. The quarter and half dollar used different designs, but each coin was part of the same temporary redesign authorized for the Bicentennial period.