American Proof Set Appraisal

1976 United States Proof Set

This item is a 1976 United States Proof Set, consisting of several coins enclosed in a sealed, transparent plastic presentation case. The individual coins are housed in separate, square compartments within the plastic, which is then sealed along its edges, likely with heat, and further secured by a red strip along the left and right sides. The coins visible include a penny (copper-toned, likely bronze), a nickel (silver-toned), a dime (silver-toned), a quarter (silver-toned), and a half-dollar (silver-toned). All the silver-toned coins appear to be clad coinage, typical for this period's circulating coinage and proof sets. Given the '1976 proof set' context, the quarter and half-dollar most notably feature the Bicentennial designs with dates '1776-1976'. The coins exhibit the mirror-like fields and frosted devices characteristic of proof coinage, suggesting high quality strike. There are some visible smudges or minor discoloration on the plastic packaging, particularly around the upper left quarter, indicating some wear or environmental exposure. The packaging itself shows signs of age, with slight yellowing and minor creases in the clear plastic. The coins themselves appear to be in excellent condition, protected by the sealed proof set packaging, with no visible scratches or circulation wear. The overall integrity of the packaging seems to be maintained, ensuring the coins remain in their original, uncirculated proof state. The red border provides a decorative and sealing element, though its material cannot be definitively determined from the image, it resembles a plastic or paper strip commonly used in such government-issued coin sets. The craftsmanship of the coins themselves is high, reflecting the meticulous production standards for proof issues.