1977-S 1c-$1 Proof Set, 6 Coins PR

Original Packaging: The coins were secured in a clear plastic casing with a red, flocked insert and a black, hinged frame. The hinge provided for an easel display of the set, and the words UNITED STATES PROOF SET appeared at the bottom of the frame in raised, silver lettering. A black cardboard box housed the assembled set, and the words “UNITED STATES PROOF SET • 1977” were printed on it in silver script.

Commentary: Sales of Proof sets receded a bit after the excitement of the Bicentennial period, though this year still enjoyed a fairly large production.

The quality of the 1977 Proof sets was noticeably superior to that of just a few years earlier, with fully struck, richly detailed cameo Proofs being the norm rather than the exception. There are no great rarities for this set, though top­-­grade, ultra cameo coins still bring strong prices. Little premium is attached to Proofs that are merely cameo or are fully brilliant.

The quarter dollar received a facelift for 1977, both its obverse and reverse being revised. The coin’s relief was lowered and its details sharpened, the portrait of Washington in particular being clearly different from the high­-­relief bust used from 1974­ to ­1976.

Source: Whitman