Coins - 1970 Mint
Set
Three mints, Denver, Philadelphia and San Francisco, produced circulating coins in 1970 and contributed
uncirculated coins as examples of each coin they made to the 1970 Mint Set. In addition, the mint set included
a Kennedy half dollar which was not produced for circulation that year.
The mint set included one 40% silver half dollar, two each of the quarter, dime and nickel, and three
pennies. The 1970 Kennedy half dollar was the last year of the 40% silver coins until the special
bicentennial three-coin set.
Similar to the previous couple of years, the US Mint packaged the 1970 mint set in a plain white
envelope with the address of the United States Assay Office in San Francisco (the mint) in the return address area.
In the lower left corner "1970 — U. C." identifies the set. (U. C. = Uncirculated Coins)
1970 Mint Set Package
Two pieces of cardstock that have yellowed with age sandwich the two pliofilm sleeves containing
the coins inside the outer white envelope.
1970 Mint Set Uncirculated Coins
The red-edged pliofilm contains the five coins minted in Denver, including the Kennedy half dollar that did
not circulate in 1970, and a token printed with red ink. The four coins minted in Philadelphia and the
San Francisco one cent coin are in the blue edged pliofilm with a blue printed token.
Since the pliofilm does not hold the coins rigidly, they rotate into various positions in relation
to one another.
The coins' reverse images can be readily seen through the clear pliofilm. The tokens identifying
the mints show the same printing on the obverse and reverse views.
The red printed token in the 1970 mint set identifies that sleeve as being "Coins of
the Denver Mint."
Likewise, the blue printed token shows "Coins of the Philadelphia Mint & San Francisco Assay Office."
The San Francisco facility primarily minted proof coins, however they did produce Lincoln cents for
circulation and for the uncirculated mint sets.
1970 Mint Set Coins and Metals
The coins of the 1970 Mint Set contained the following metals:
Penny: 95% copper; 5% zinc
Nickel: 75% copper; 25% nickel
Dime: 91.67% copper; 8.33% nickel
Quarter: 91.67% copper; 8.33% nickel
Half Dollar: 60% copper; 40% silver (.1479 troy ounce of pure silver)
Click on Mint Set Population to view the contents of the sets
through the years. Take a look at the overall Mint Set page to see how the values
compare among the sets.
1970 Mint Set Year - News about Coins and the US Mint
(note: the below links to newspapers open in a new window)
Silver Needs Are Reported for New Coins
Spokane Daily Chronicle - Mar 6, 1970
The US Mint reported it will take 47.4 million ounces of silver to make the 150 million Eisenhower silver dollars
proposed in the compromise agreement. 25.5 million ounces would come from the national strategic stockpile and the
remainder would come from the 95.3 million ounces stockpiled by the Treasury Department. If Congress approves the
compromise, the US Mint would produce 150 million proof sets and uncirculated mints sets of the Eisenhower dollar
containing 40% silver. The Mint would also produce non-silver dollars for circulation.
Non-Silver, Silver Dollar To Bear Eisenhower Stamp
St. Petersburg Times - Mar 25, 1970
Beginning Oct. 14 (1970), the late President Eisenhower's 80th birthday anniversary, silver dollars with his
likeness will be available. This would be the first silver dollar produced since 1935, and per the Director,
probably the last silver dollar made. The cupronickel versions will be $1. The silver dollars would be more
expensive.
Only Hobbyists Can Own Coins Minted of Gold
Toledo Blade - Jul 5, 1970
The article provides information about the various gold coins minted for use in the early days of the nation. It
describes the various denominations of gold including eagles and the Stella.
White House Blue Room is Least Attractive
Williamson Daily News - Jul 30, 1970
In addition to the restoration at the White House, Mary Brooks, Director of the Mint, searched for and found old
furnishings from the 1870s for her office. These treasures came from the old San Francisco Mint, survived the
earthquake and fires of 1906 and were stored at the Philadelphia Mint. After being transported to Washington, DC,
the furnishings were refinished and now decorate the Director's office. The restoration project cost $5749.56, but
the resulting furnishings are appraised at $36,500.
'70 US Mint Sets Good Buy
The Evening Independent - Sep 18, 1970
The mint set with the 40% silver Kennedy half dollar should be the second "good buy" of the year. Proof sets sold
earlier in the year have increased in value already. The cut-of for ordering was Aug. 31 (1970) or when the two
million sets limit was reached. When received by dealers, the sets should sell for several times their $2.50 mint
price.
Coin redesign wanted by private US Mint
The Windsor Star - Sep 30, 1970
The president of the Franklin Mint recommended the US Mint redesign all its coins in 1976 to commemorate the
nation's 200th birthday. He suggested that the designs be selected by a national competition and the coins return
to their original designs in 1977.
Mint Director Wants Pennies In Use
Sarasota Herald-Tribune - Dec 17, 1970
Mary Brooks, Director of the Mint, urged people to put their pennies back into circulation. This article takes
exception to her use of "pennies." The author claimed the US Mint produces "one cent" coins with Lincoln's portrait
on them. Only Britain produces "pennies."
The 1970 Mint Set Year included news of the new Eisenhower dollar coin, silver clad and cupro-nickel.
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