Sorry in advance if this is a dumb question... I have a 1976 Proof set (the 6 piece set) that is half 1976 and half 1975. The Cent, Nickel, and Dime are all 1975 S, while the Half, Quarter, and Dollar are all Bicentennial 1976. Is this normal, or is it some sort of error? Thank you for your help.
The quarter, half, and dollars that were minted in 1975 were dated 1776-1976 for the bicentenial. Sorry but its not an error and its a 1975 set not a 76.
Are you sure it ain't a 1975 proof set, because they didn't make any half, quarters, dollars with 1975 on them, they put 1776-1976 on em. So if it was a 1975 it would be like that
Ok, good deal. That was my first assumption, but I wanted to get other opinions as well. The package that it came in says 1976 proof set, so that was my only real confusion. I guess it was just packaged incorrectly. Thanks.
Yes, you're first instinct was correct. The 1975 US Proof Sets came with 1975 cent, nickel and dime, and bicentennial quarter, half and dollar. Someone (and I am assuming that he's NOT referring to the Mint packaging) incorrectly labeled your set.
It's not an error. Only the quarter, half and dollar coins have the dual dates from 1976. Some were struck in 1975 in order to get ahead on striking the dual dates on those denominations. This is normal.
Couple of things I would suggest; 1. Be aware that the 40% silver half is worth the whole set in value. 2. Check the dime for a missing "S" mint mark. It's worth BIG bucks.
Dave: The set that he has is clad. The 6 piece proof sets all contain clad coins only. The only set that has a silver half is the 3 piece proof set in which all 3, the quarter, half and the dollar were struck in 40% silver. I would, however look for the no S dime.
I haven't checked to see if others have posted this, but the Mint started striking the Bicentennials in 1975 for a reason I don't know, so they put it in the Proof/Mint sets in both 1975 and 1976. There were no 1975 dated quarters, Halves, and Eisenhower Dollars struck. Great question, though it is not an error. ~Cannyn
The reason that the US Mint made the bicentennial coinage in 1975 and 1976 was to insure that there would be ample supply of these coins. Coin hoarding and shortages were still fresh in the minds of the US Mint in the early 70s. It was the Mint's plan that they would continue the 1974 date until mid-1975 and then release the new bicentennial coins to be distributed for an entire year and a half. It is also interesting to note that the legislation that authorized the bicentennial coinage allowed for a continuation of these bicentennial designs beyond 1976, but that the current year of issue would also have to appear on the coins. This was not necessary, however, as the Mint decided to return to the eagle reverse design in 1977.
My mistake Mike. I though all 76 halfs were 40 % silver. However the Clad coins are listed for $9.00 where as the whole set is listed at $8.00 to $11.00. Thanks for the clarification. Dave
