1978-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 • 1978” were printed on it in silver script.

Commentary: Sales in 1978 were down a bit from the previous year, but not enough to have any real impact on rarity.

The quality of United States Proof coins, which had been progressing steadily since 1972, took a giant leap in 1978. It seems that the Mint was now determined to produce cameo Proofs exclusively. Chromium-plating of the dies, combined with quick replacement of those dies that had begun to show wear, maintained a consistent quality throughout this year’s production run of Proof sets.

More skillful preparation of the dies also left fewer polishing lines and other flaws. As a result, the certified grades applied to typical Proofs of this and subsequent years are generally higher than for pre­-­1977 issues.

With this greater uniformity in die preparation came a concurrent reduction in the number of die varieties. In fact, doubled­-­die obverse and reverse varieties are nearly unknown for Proofs after the early 1970s. Of the few that do exist, most are insignificant in that the doubling is very minor.

Source: Whitman