Coins - 1976 Proof
Set
In 1976, the US Mint recognized the 200th anniversary of our nation with bicentennial coins not only in the
special bicentennial set, but also in the annual proof set.
The annual proof set contained six coins: the cent (penny), five cent (nickel), dime, quarter dollar, half
dollar and dollar coins. The total face value equaled $1.91 and was sold by the Mint for $7.00.
Like the special bicentennial set, the dollar, half dollar and quarter coins included the special reverse
designs commemorating the bicentennial. These reverse bicentennial designs occurred on the coins in both the 1975
and 1976 proof sets.
Two varieties of the bicentennial Eisenhower dollar occurred with differences in the "R" of "DOLLAR" on the
reverse. Variety 1 has a straight "tail" and bolder text. The other, Variety 2, has a curved tail and a serif-like
text. The proof set dollars appear to be Variety 2.
Unlike the special proof set, the six-coin annual set did not contain any silver, only copper-nickel clad
coins.
1976 Proof Set Package
The 1976 annual Proof Set provides an example of the packaging for the proof set years of 1973 through 1979.
Silver script identifies the set as "United States Proof Set • 1976" on the flap of the black box. The box
dimensions are roughly 3.5 inches by 5.5 inches by 3/8 inch.
These proof sets include an additional black plastic covering that flips open to view the coins. The cover
includes the presidential coat of arms, raised and coated in silver. Plus, the set includes "UNITED STATES PROOF
SET" in raised letters coated in silver on the black plastic border of the packaging.
Though collectors and dealers became frustrated with the additional cover. Consequently, you may find these sets
on the market today without the additional black plastic flip cover.
1976 Proof Set Contents and Proof Coins
The black plastic also acts as a display stand to show off the proof coins.
From the back, you can see the covering used as a display stand.
With the cover opened, the coins' obverse can easily be seen.
Turned over, the reverse shows the three special bicentennial designs on the half dollar, the dollar and the
quarter dollar.
1976 Proof Set Coin Specifications
The specifications for the coins in the 1976 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
|
Colonial
Drummer
|
Independence
Hall
|
Liberty Bell,
Moon
|
Designed by
|
Frank
Gasparro |
Felix Schlag |
John R. Sinnock |
Jack L. Ahr
|
Seth G.
Huntington
|
Dennis R.
Williams
|
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."
1976 Proof Set Year Population and Cost of Living
The world population in 1976 was 4,158,000,000. This represents 60.7% of the world's population in 2010.
$100 in 1976 equals $383.23 in 2010 dollars using the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Inflation Calculator.
New houses in 1976 cost $48,000 which would be $183,951 today.
The average income was $9227 per year ($35,359 in today's dollars).
Gas averaged $0.590 per gallon ($2.26 in today's money).
The average new car was $5,418 ($20,763). (Chart views into the cost
of living changes throughout the Proof Set years)
|