1976-S 25c, 50c, $1 Silver Proof Set, 3 Coins PR

Original Packaging: Each coin was encased in an acrylic capsule, and these were inserted into a wallet­-­like display case. This consisted of a blue panel holding the individual capsules, the panel being hinged at its top to permit viewing of both sides of the coins. The panel was attached to the inside of a wallet that folded over to protect the coins. The inside cover of the wallet, opposite the blue panel, was a vibrant red and featured a diagonal ribbon of red, white, and blue stripes. Printed in silver script on this inside cover were the words “United States Bicentennial Silver Proof Set.” The outside cover was blue, and it bore the dates 1776­–1976 encircled by thirteen stars, all printed in gold ink.

Commentary: The silver­ ­clad composition, used for the half dollars of 1965­ to ­1970 and the collector­-­edition dollars since 1971, was extended to the three Bicentennial issues. These three­-­coin sets were sold separately from the regular Proof sets of 1975 and 1976, which included copper­-­nickel­ ­clad Proofs of the quarter, half dollar, and dollar. Initially priced at $15 per set, this price was soon lowered to $12, and rebates were issued to those who had paid the higher figure.

The attractive packaging of this set went a long way toward enhancing sales, and the ordering period lasted many years. The runaway speculation in silver prices that occurred during 1979­ and ­1980 caused the Mint to suspend sales during this period, but they later resumed and lasted through 1982.

Because silver is a naturally more brilliant metal than the copper­-­nickel alloy used for the regular Proofs, the mirror finish on these coins is quite a bit more pleasing. This enhances the contrast with the coins’ typically frosted devices, so cameo and ultra cameo pieces are readily available. Being a softer alloy, too, the silver­ clad Proofs were less destructive to dies, which retained their frosting longer. A rare and possibly unique trial striking of the 1976 silver Proof dollar is known without the S mintmark. Presumably, this was coined at the Philadelphia Mint before the dies were shipped west. No documentation exists to account for this coin, though the coin does certainly exist. This author examined it in 1995, and there was no evidence of alteration.

Source: Whitman