There’s not too much that’s special about these 1976 coins except, well, they’re clean and uncirculated. In addition to the specially produced Bicentennial dollar, half dollar, and quarter, the 1976 dime, nickel, and penny are also part of the sets.
Author: David
Like modern coins, this one is still pretty much worth its face value: 25 cents. It remains in general circulation.
There are many dubious sellers of expensive Bicentennial quarters online, claiming that no mint mark or a filled in D on the mint mark are somehow special. Both the Philadelphia and West Point mints produced 1976 quarters with no mint marks, so only Denver quarters can be distinguished from the others…and the D is so small that normal wear often makes it look flat.
We used to call these “Drummer Boy Quarters,” as if they had something to with Christmas. The colonial drummer design was the result of a nationwide competition.
This fine glass plate depicts the special edition coins from 1976: quarter, half-dollar, and dollar. Imperial Glass was a division of Lenox. This plate includes the original retail box and pamphlet detailing the significance of the bars, stars, and coins. The crystal has a satin finish which allows the relief to be seen better.
Plate diameter: 9″
Images enhanced to show relief.
These seven plates are actually part of a “Special Edition Series” nine-plate set issued between 1975 and 1976. Most collections found online have only six (or fewer) of the total. There are numerous initials on all plates, and the producer is Williamsport Foundry. The plates depict several of the most famous patriotic art works:
- “The Spirit of ’76”
A.M. Willard - “Washington Crossing the Delaware”
Emanuel Leutze - “The Boston Tea Party” (rare)
C. Sternberg - “Surrender of Cornwallis”
John Trumbull - “Battle of Bunker’s Hill”
John Trumbull - “Declaration of Independence”
John Trumbull - “Betsy Ross and The Flag”
John Dunsmore
Missing (and rare) are plates of Paul Revere’s ride (title and painter unknown), and Constitutional Congress (title and painter unknown).
Plate diameter: 10 3/4″
These plates–purchased at different times–appear to have the exact same rim design and size. There are no other markings to associate them.
Plate diameter: 10 3/4″
This silver-rimmed large plate set has a “Le go” marking, which indicates these plates were distributed by Leo Goldman Imports. The set was all clearly made in Japan. Since there are no other markings, it’s hard to know if it’s complete. One of the plates features the popular artwork “Spirit of ’76” by A.M. Willard.
Plate diameter: 10 1/4″
These two plates are part of a six-plate set labeled The Sabina Line.
Besides the more generic Eagle and Bell plate, included here:
- “Declaration of Independence”
John Trumbull
Missing are plates of the “The Spirit of ’76” by A.M. Willard, “Washington Crossing the Delaware” by Emanuel Leutze, “Betsy Ross and The Flag” by John Dunsmore, and “Battle of Bunker’s Hill” by John Trumbull.
Plate diameter: 10 1/4″
This large oblong dish features all 55 signers organized by colony. Produced by American Historical Replica Company and designated as the Declaration of Independence Platter.
Two other platters and two goblets were offered as part of this set. Missing are the Constitution Platter and John Hancock Platter. This item includes the original retail box.
Platter dimensions: 13″ x 9 1/4″
Images enhanced to show relief.
This metal plate was made by York Metalcrafters. Other versions of this plate omit the @ Greebrier stamp and simply read “1776 – 1976.”
Features a relief interpretation of the painting “The Spirit of ’76” by A.M. Willard. York produced a handful of designs for the Bicentennial.
Plate diameter: 10 3/4″
This large china plate–like many available on the market–is missing the original metal cast Liberty Bell glued-on relief. The faint outline can still be seen on this specimen.
Plate diameter: 10 5/8″
Elsewhere
About
This site is subject to use Terms. All content is provided as-is and is not meant to be official or authoritative.