Interesting. I’ve always written it the other way. And I make a point of not using the politically correct dating I find these days. I like picky. Can’t guarantee I’ll always remember, though. This form is sort of ingrained in me by now.
I mean this to be construction but it is time to un-ingrain it and fortunately it is easy.
B.C. is English and an abbreviation of “Before Christ.”
A.D. is Latin and an abbreviation for “anno Domini,” which is Latin for “in the year of our Lord.”
The year "1776 Before Christ" and "In the Year of Our Lord 1776" are correct. 1776 B.C and A.D. 1776.