The US Mint sold 4,149,730 of the 1976 Proof Sets, making it the most popular Proof Set, even to this day. The peaked interest in the set was undoubtedly due to people wanting to have a collectible piece from this important year. It was still a 6 coin set, with every coin in the set – except the Lincoln Cent – being a Proof-only issue. The mirror-like Proof finish on the coins enhances their beauty. This set was made by the US Mint in San Francisco. Presently, JM Bullion has this 1976 US Mint Proof Set available for purchase online.
Coin Highlights:
- Ships in a protective hard plastic case with an outer box!
- Six 1976 coins from the US Mint are included!
- Proof specimens.
- Each coin bears its respective face value in US dollars.
- Each denomination has its own obverse and reverse design.
- Total of 4,149,730 proof sets were issued in 1976.
- Please note – some sets may be missing the outer envelope/sleeve/box.
The coins are placed in individually sealed rings that are arranged on a red felt-covered paper insert. The beauty and shine of the coins really stand out against this red background. The coin-filled red paper is sealed in a two-piece clear plastic case. The clear plastic case is then inserted into a black plastic frame, that opens and closes and can be used to display the coins.
The Proof Set consists of one each of the Lincoln Cent, Jefferson Nickel, Roosevelt Dime, Washington Quarter, Kennedy Half Dollar, and Eisenhower Dollar. The quarter, half dollar, and dollar coins are dated 1776-1976 and are copper-nickel clad. These each also have their bicentennial designs on the reverse.
The reverse of the Bicentennial Washington Quarter features a left-facing Colonial drummer. Over his right shoulder is a victory torch, encircled by 13 stars. This was on the Washington Quarter during 1975 and 1976. Jack L. Ahr, who owned his own commercial art company, won the contest to design the Bicentennial Quarter reverse.
The reverse of the Bicentennial Kennedy Half Dollar features a symmetrical front view of Independence Hall in Philadelphia, where both the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were signed. To the left of Independence Hall is the inscription 200 YEARS OF FREEDOM. Seth G. Huntington, who worked at the marketing firm of Brown & Bigelow as head of the art department, won the contest to design the Bicentennial Half Dollar reverse.
The reverse of the Bicentennial Eisenhower Dollar features the Liberty Bell superimposed against the Moon. Dennis R. Williams, an art student at the Columbus College of Art and Design, won the contest to design the Bicentennial Dollar reverse. Frank Gasparro, of the US Mint, slightly modified the design, thus there was a Type I and Type II version.
None of the 3 designers of these Bicentennial reverses ever worked for the US Mint.
If you have questions, please contact the JM Bullion Customer Service team, we will be happy to assist you. We can be reached via phone at 800-276-6508, via online live chat, or via email.