Younger adults may recall collecting state quarters as children, while older adults may remember looking for Bicentennial coins honoring America’s 200th anniversary. At the time this article was published, those coins were already more than 40 years old, yet they remained fairly easy to locate.
The Early Story of Bicentennial Coins
The story began in 1966, when Congress created the American Revolutionary Bicentennial Commission ahead of the country’s 200th anniversary, still a decade away. Several years later, the ARBC formed its Coins and Medals Advisory Committee, which proposed commemorative coins for the celebration. The U.S. Treasury initially resisted the concept, but by 1973 it fully supported minting Bicentennial coins: copper-nickel quarters, half dollars, and dollars, plus 40 percent silver-clad quarters, half dollars, and dollars.
The Coin Design Competition
The Treasury held an open design contest, inviting citizens to submit artwork for the reverse of each coin. Nearly 900 entries arrived, and Treasury Secretary George Shultz selected winning designs from 12 finalists. Each of the three winners received $5,000. Their chosen designs included the following:
- Jack L. Ahr’s reverse design paired a Colonial drummer with a victory torch for the quarter.
- Seth Huntington placed Philadelphia’s Independence Hall on the half dollar’s reverse.
- Dennis R. Williams put the Liberty Bell, superimposed over the moon, on the dollar’s reverse.At the time of original publication, the article described the following:
Each coin’s obverse featured one of three distinguished presidents: George Washington on the quarter, John F. Kennedy on the half dollar, and Dwight D. Eisenhower on the dollar. At only 21 and a college junior, Williams became the youngest person in U.S. history to design American coinage.
Producing the Bicentennial Coins
The Mint started taking coin pre-orders in 1974. It charged $9 for 40% silver uncirculated sets and $15—later reduced to $12—for 40% silver proof sets. Copper-nickel clad uncirculated and proof sets were priced at $7 and $6, respectively. Striking began on July 4, 1975. A second, modestly revised set appeared the following year and remained on sale through 1986.
At the time of original publication, the article described the following: Bicentennial Coins at Publication
At the time this article was published, Bicentennial coins were less common than before but still affordable for collectors and gold-and-coin dealers. A complete 40% silver uncirculated set in original packaging could be found for about $14, while the 40% three-coin proof set was approximately $18. Copper-nickel clad sets generally sold for less than $8. Circulated Bicentennial coins, sadly, were worth only face value.
At the time, collectors hoping to finish a collection or have it evaluated, including 40% Bicentennial coins and sets, could work with Atlanta Gold & Coin Buyers. The company then provided free, no-obligation appraisals. Readers could call 404-236-9744 to arrange an appointment, or contact the company for a mail-in appraisal with Atlanta’s most transparent gold and coin dealers.
