In 1976, most U.S. coins in everyday circulation were made from copper-nickel and not silver. But the U.S. Mint had silver coins produced for collectors as part of the Bicentennial celebration.
These were the 1776-1976 Eisenhower Dollar (40% silver), 1776-1976 JFK Half Dollar (40% silver), and the 1776-1976 Washington Quarter (40% silver), with the "S" mintmarks. These were not released into general circulation and sold only in special sets.
So if you found a 1976 coin in your pocket change, it's almost certainly not silver. The circulating versions of the Bicentennial dollar, half dollar, and quarter were made of copper-nickel clad. Look for the "S" mintmark!
HOWEVER...
Many private mints were producing .999 fine silver rounds in the United States in 1976!
1776–1976 Draper Mint Centennial Silver Round Spirit of ’76
Item Details:
Item Type: Silver Round
Date/Year: 1776–1976 (Bicentennial issue)
Brand/Mint/Manufacturer: Draper Mint
Denomination or Model: 1 oz Bicentennial “Spirit of ’76”
Grade/Condition: Brilliant Uncirculated (BU)
Certification: Not certified – raw bullion round
Metal/Material: .999 Fine Silver
Weight or Size: 1 oz (31.1 g)
Color/Finish: Prooflike BU finish
The Spirit of '76 Bicentennial silver round celebrates the 200th anniversary of America.
I asked CoPilot:
“The Spirit of ’76” is a phrase that captures the passionate drive, unity, and courage of the American people during the Revolutionary War in 1776. It’s not just about patriotism—it’s about the fierce belief in freedom, self-governance, and the birth of a new nation.
What It Represents
Revolutionary zeal: The determination of colonists to break free from British rule.
Unity and sacrifice: Communities coming together, risking everything for independence.
Founding ideals: Liberty, democracy, and the pursuit of a better future.
Cultural Symbolism
The phrase became iconic through art, especially the famous painting The Spirit of ’76 by Archibald Willard, showing three patriots—one with a drum, one with a fife, and one wounded—marching forward with resolve.
It’s often used in coins, medals, and commemorative items to evoke pride and historical reverence.
In short, “The Spirit of ’76” is the heartbeat of American independence—a rallying cry that still echoes in symbols, stories, and silver rounds."
The Swiss of America is the flagship brand of Draper Mint, but they also used other names over the years, like Swiss of Utah, American, Rocky Mountain Mint, and Kingsmen Silver. Out of those, only Swiss of America and Rocky Mountain Mint made silver rounds.
Swiss of America made 1-ounce commemorative rounds, like this 1976 Bicentennial Silver Round.
Reference
https://allengelhard.com/draper-mint/
https://agroundworld.com/pshop/brand/draper-mint-123
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spirit_of_'76_(sentiment)
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