The Bicentennial year undoubtedly drove collectors to wanting to get their hands on a 1976 US Mint Proof Set. This increased demand resulted in the US Mint selling 4,149,730 Proof Sets, making it the most popular Proof Set, even to this day. It was still a 6 coin set, however, 3 of the coins had special reverse designs to commemorate the Bicentennial. All 6 coins still came in the mirror-like Proof finish that enhance their beauty. This set was made by the US Mint in San Francisco. Right now, the 1976 US Mint Proof Set is available for purchase from Silver.com.
Coin Highlights:
- Received in a protective hard plastic case with an outer box!
- Includes six 1976 coins from the US Mint!
- Issued total of 4,149,730 proof sets in 1976.
- Proof specimens.
- Each coin bears its respective face value in US dollars.
- Each denomination has its own obverse and reverse design.
- Please note – some sets may be missing the outer envelope/sleeve/box.
The Proof Set contains 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 the Bicentennial versions – they are dated 1776-1976 and feature the Bicentennial reverse designs. They are copper-nickel clad.
The Treasury Department had the National Sculpture Society conduct a contest to get the designs for the reverse of the Bicentennial coins. The 3 design winners had never worked for the US Mint.
The Bicentennial Washington Quarter reverse design features a left-facing Colonial drummer. Over his right shoulder is a victory torch, encircled by 13 stars. Jack L. Ahr, owner of his own commercial art company, created this reverse design. This was on the Washington Quarter during 1975 and 1976.
The Bicentennial Kennedy Half Dollar reverse design features a front view of Independence Hall in Philadelphia. To the left of Independence Hall is the inscription 200 YEARS OF FREEDOM. Seth G. Huntington, head of the art department at the marketing firm of Brown & Bigelow, created this reverse design.
The Bicentennial Eisenhower Dollar reverse design features the Liberty Bell superimposed against the Moon. Dennis R. Williams, an art student at the Columbus College of Art and Design, created this reverse design. Frank Gasparro, of the US Mint, slightly modified the design, thus there was a Type I and Type II version.
The coins are placed in individual, sealed rings that are arranged on a red felt-covered paper insert. The beauty and shine of the coins really pop 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.
Should you have any questions, the Silver.com Customer Service team is standing by, ready to assist you. We can be reached via phone at 888-989-7223, via online live chat, or via our email.
