The dollar was the first denomination of United States Bicentennial coin produced for public circulation.
The Mint began striking the Bicentennial dollar in February 1975, ahead of the quarter and half dollar. The coins carried the dual date 1776–1976 and temporarily replaced their normal reverse designs with patriotic images selected through a national competition.
The Bicentennial dollar showed the Liberty Bell superimposed on the Moon. The quarter featured a Colonial drummer, while the half dollar depicted Independence Hall. All three denominations were struck in 1975 and 1976, although none carried a 1975 date.
The dollar design was submitted by Dennis R. Williams, a 22-year-old art student. His design made him the youngest person to that point to design a United States coin, a fact distinct from the question of which denomination entered public production first.