This is the specially issued 1976 Silver Proof Set (Buy on eBay). This set contained the 1976-S Eisenhower Dollar, Kennedy Half Dollar, and Washington Quarter. Each coin was minted with a special composition which included 40% silver. Because of the silver content, the sets were offered at $15.00, which was more than double the price of the standard six coin set. The U.S. Mint also offered the 1976 Silver Mint Set with the same coins in uncirculated finish.
The 1976 Silver Proof Sets sold a very high final mintage, which neared 4 million. The popularity was probably inspired by people wanted to obtain a keepsake from the important bicentennial year. It should also be noted that the sets remained on sale for several years after the bicentennial as the U.S. Mint continued to sell excess inventory.
These coins are relatively easy to find in cameo and deep cameo finishes. They can be acquired in this party holders in high grades with only a little effort, although perfect graded PCGS PR70DCAM and NGC PF 70 Ultra Cameo are very difficult.
The packaging for the 1976 Silver Proof Set was somewhat unique. The coins came shipped in a Styrofoam holder. The coins were each in individual capsules and the box was separate. The owner of the set could presumably assemble the set by placing the capsules into the proper places in the box.
1976 Silver Proof Set Coins
- 1776-1976-S Silver Clad Proof Washington Quarter
- 1776-1976-S Silver Clad Proof Kennedy Half Dollar
- 1776-1976-S Silver Clad Proof Eisenhower Dollar Type 1
1976 Silver Proof Set Information
- Coins per Set: 3
- Face Value: $1.75
- Silver Content: 0.530 troy oz. (16.484 g)
- Original Issue Price: $15.00
- Mintage: 3,998,621
