Who designed the reverse of the 1976 U.S. Bicentennial dollar coin?

Dennis R. Williams designed the reverse of the 1976 U.S. Bicentennial dollar coin.

Williams created an image of the Liberty Bell superimposed against the Moon. The design connected a familiar American symbol with the country’s space-age identity during the Bicentennial era. It was selected through a national competition for the three special reverse designs.

The other winning designers were Jack L. Ahr, whose colonial drummer appeared on the quarter, and Seth Huntington, whose Independence Hall design appeared on the half dollar. The Treasury announced all three winners on March 6, 1974.

Williams was only 21 when his design was chosen, making him the youngest person to design a United States coin at that time. He had originally created the concept as a class assignment while studying art. Mint Chief Engraver Frank Gasparro later made changes to the lettering and other details to prepare the design for production.