First Commemorative Mint 1976 United States Bicentennial Set

This is a United States Bicentennial commemorative currency set produced and marketed by the First Commemorative Mint. The set features two primary components of legal tender: an Eisenhower Dollar coin (likely the 1776-1976 copper-nickel clad dual-dated variety) featuring the profile of Dwight D. Eisenhower, and a 1976 Series Two Dollar federal reserve note. The note displays the portrait of Thomas Jefferson on the obverse and is a Series 1976 bill from the Second Federal Reserve District (New York, denoted by the 'B' seal). The serial number visible is B12040850A. Both items are housed in a black vinyl folder with clear protective sleeves. Included is a pink Certificate of Authenticity (COA) from the First Commemorative Mint, which guarantees the items as genuine legal tender struck by the United States Mint. The set also includes decorative cardstock backing with historic imagery of Liberty Bell and descriptive text. The condition of the currency appears to be uncirculated or lightly handled, though the note shows minor waves common for plastic storage. The folder and paperwork show crisp edges with no significant fading or tearing, suggesting the item has been well-preserved in a collection.

I have examined the First Commemorative Mint 1976 Bicentennial Set, which includes a 1976 Series $2 Federal Reserve Note and an Eisenhower Bicentennial Dollar. Both items appear to be in Uncirculated (UNC) or About Uncirculated (AU) condition based on the visual evidence. The currency note retains crisp edges and the coin shows typical luster for a copper-nickel clad specimen. These sets were marketed heavily to the general public during the 1970s and 80s as commemorative keepsakes. The current market for these items is driven by nostalgic collectors rather than high-end numismatists. The intrinsic value is tied largely to the face value ($3.00), while the premium comes from the original marketing packaging and the Certificate of Authenticity. Comparables on the secondary market frequently sell within the $15 to $25 range depending on the freshness of the vinyl folder. Factors limiting the value include the high mintage of the 1976 $2 bills and the commonality of the clad Eisenhower dollars. While I have conducted a visual inspection of the serial numbers (B12040850A) and mint marks, a physical inspection is required to confirm the absence of subtle cleaning on the coin or pressing on the note. For full authentication, I would need to verify the paper texture under magnification and ensure the coin's weight and diameter match official Mint specifications. This valuation assumes both pieces are generic circulation strikes and not the more valuable 40% silver or 'Variety 1' iterations, which cannot be definitively distinguished without physical weighing or high-resolution edge inspection.