Coins - 1973 Proof
Set
The 1973 Proof Set was the first year to include the Eisenhower dollar even though the dollar coin was first
introduced in 1971. The proof set contained six coins of $1.91 in face value: the Lincoln cent, Jefferson nickel,
Roosevelt dime, Washington quarter, Kennedy half dollar and Eisenhower dollar. The US Mint sold the 1973 proof sets
initially for $7.00 each.
The 1973 annual Proof Set was the first year with the black outer box with the inner plastic lens which included
an attached display stand. This packaging style was used for the proof set years of 1973 through 1979.
1973 Proof Set Package
Silver script identifies the set as "United States Proof Set • 1973" on the flap of the black box. The box
dimensions are roughly 3.5 inches by 5.5 inches by 3/8 inch.
The back and outer edges of the proof set box did not contain any other identifying letters or marks.
The black flap slides from under the written section and the lens holding the six coins enters the box from the
bottom.
1973 Proof Set Contents and Proof Coins
The black plastic cover with the silver heraldic eagle rotates on hinges to form an upright display for the
proof coins. People did get frustrated with the display stand. Today, these sets can be found without the addition
of the black plastic flip cover.
This was the first year for the Eisenhower dollar to be included in proof sets. The dollar coins in the proof
set were cupro-nickel, however the Mint did produced 40% silver proof and uncirculated Eisenhower dollars that were
sold in individual packaging.
Instead of the coins singularly sandwiched between two pieces of plastic, each coin is held in a circular piece
of plastic with a slightly raised outer rim. These circles fit into the clear plastic lens holding a red material
for a contrast field.
In the upper left corner, raised letters in clear plastic show "PACKAGED BY US MINT." At the bottom, "UNITED
STATES PROOF SET" in raised silver letters is printed on the black plastic.
Looking at the reverse, the Apollo 11 insignia on the reverse of the Eisenhower dollar shows prominently. The
eagle lands on the moon with olive branches in its talons, and over its right wing, the distant earth can be
seen.
1973 Proof Set Coin Specifications
The specifications for the coins in the 1973 annual Proof Set:
Denomination |
Cent |
Five Cent |
Dime |
Quarter |
Half Dollar |
Dollar |
Obverse
|
Lincoln
|
Jefferson
|
Roosevelt
|
Washington
|
Kennedy
|
Eisenhower
|
Designed by
|
V.D. Brenner
|
Felix Schlag
|
John R. Sinnock
|
John
Flanagan
|
Gilroy
Roberts
|
Frank
Gasparro
|
Reverse
|
Lincoln Memorial
|
Montecello
|
Torch, Olive Branch, Oak Branch
|
Heraldic Eagle
|
Heraldic Eagle
|
Apollo 11 Insignia, Eagle on Moon
|
Designed by
|
Frank
Gasparro |
Felix Schlag |
John R. Sinnock |
John
Flanagan
|
Frank Gasparro
|
Frank Gasparro
|
Composition
|
95% Copper, 5% Zinc
|
25% Nickel, 75% Copper
|
Cupro-Nickel Clad, 8.33% Ni, Balance Cu
|
Cupro-Nickel Clad, 8.33% Ni, Balance Cu
|
Cupro-Nickel Clad, 8.33% Ni, Balance Cu
|
Cupro-Nickel Clad, 8.33% Ni, Balance Cu |
Standard
Weight
|
3.110 g
|
5.000 g
|
2.268 g
|
5.670 g
|
11.340 g
|
22.68 g
|
Standard
Diameter
|
0.750 in 19.05 mm
|
0.835 in 21.21 mm
|
0.705 in 17.91 mm
|
0.955 in
24.26 mm
|
1.205 in
30.61 mm
|
1.5 in
38.1 mm
|
Edge
|
Plain
|
Plain
|
Reeded
|
Reeded
|
Reeded
|
Reeded
|
In later sets, the US Mint advises, "To preserve the beauty of your Proof Set, it should be stored in a cool,
dry place."
1973 Proof Set Year Population and Cost of Living
The world population in 1973 was 3,943,176,752. This represents 57.5% of the world's population in 2010.
$100 in 1973 equals $491.12 in 2010 dollars using the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Inflation Calculator.
New houses in 1973 cost $35,500 which would be $174,348 today.
The average income was $7580 per year ($37,228 in today's dollars).
Gas averaged $.388 per gallon ($1.91 in today's money).
The average new car was $4,052 ($19,900). (Chart views into the cost
of living changes throughout the Proof Set years)
|