Back in 1976, the US celebrated its 200th anniversary (Bicentennial) and changed the coins up a little bit (the next significant change i remember was the 1999 State Quarter program). This was evident in the quarter, half dollar, and dollar coins. i may have 20+ of all of these (definitely circulated, and not in great condition). Those three coins were also minted in 1975, but with 1976 dates. i did buy one version online that was in better shape.
1976 Proof set (the back of it at least, showing where most of the changes were made). Ignore the top row, it was lame and unchanged.
The US also released a version of the $2 bill (or Jefferson, as i call it) with a reverse based off the John Trumbull painting "Declaration of Independence". i need to get a better-quality version of this one of these days (the two or so i have are not in great shape). Useless trivia - i carry a 1976 $2 bill with me most times i go out. It is not like 2026 is my semicentennial or anything.
Yes, that is the 1976 version - it is obviously creased/folded, and there is some writing on the front of it (who writes on dollar bills? Monsters).
This year is the 250th anniversary (also known as the semiquincentennial, or half of 500 years). Like the 1976 coins, they are sporting the 1776-2026 dates.
This time, the dime has also changed. For one year, one of the three most destructive presidents in US history will be absent from the coin (he will not be missed). FDR will be replaced by "Emerging Liberty". It is probably my favorite of the design changes. Most of the best US coin designs didn't have presidents on them, but metaphorical depictions of Liberty (including one of my favorites the "Mercury dime" also known as the Winged Liberty Head dime).
There are also 5 new quarters - i could do without the weak Gettysburg Address one, the others aren't awful. The Half dollar design looks decent, though reminiscent of the Platinum Eagle design. The worthless Sacagawea dollar coin doesn't look changed at all (discontinue it already).
Too bad the proof set will not be cheap ($107) - i still would like to purchase one. That is probably the only way i'm ever going to get a hold of these (still missing 6-8 National Park Quarters). i like using cash, but don't go out that much (and when i do it is usually gift cards).
i can't do images (because i don't yet have any of the coins), but here might be a link to the US Mint's section on the program. Check out "Annual Sets" (under American Eagle Coins in the Products By Category section).
