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Coins - 1974 Proof Set

 

This year, the US Mint continued with the packaging style for the 1974 proof set that was introduced the previous year. The proof set contained six coins of $1.91 in face value: the cent (penny), the five cent (nickel), the ten cent (dime), the 25 cent (quarter), the 50 cent (half dollar) and the one dollar coins. The US Mint sold the 1974 proof sets initially for $7.00 each.

1974 Proof Set Package

The 1974 annual Proof Set was packaged in a black outer box. The silver script at the top identifies the set as "United States Proof Set • 1974" on the flap of the black box. The box dimensions are roughly 3.5 inches by 5.5 inches by 3/8 inch.

1974 Proof Set 

The outer edges and the back of the 1974 proof set box do not include any additional letters or identifying marks.

1974 Proof Set back

The black flap slides from under the written section, and the lens with its plastic cover and display easel that holds the six coins enters the box from the bottom.

1974 Proof Set contents

1974 Proof Set Contents and Proof Coins

The black plastic cover with the centered silver heraldic eagle rotates on hinges to form an upright display for the proof coins. Some people removed the black plastic, and sets are found today with just the lens and coins, not the black plastic flip cover.

1974 Proof Set display

During 1974, the Mint changed the Lincoln portrait and the Washington portrait dies. Visually, however, the changes were so slight as to be difficult to discern. The changes are not recognized as varieties within the proof set population.

Given their varying sizes, the coins are evenly spaced within the proof set lens. Each coin is held in its own circular capsule which is held firmly in the clear plastic with the red contrasting interior. At the bottom "UNITED STATES PROOF SET" in raised silver letters shows against the black plastic base of the set. In the upper left corner, raised letters in the clear plastic state "PACKAGED BY US MINT."

1974 Proof Set obverse 

Turning the set over, the reverse of the coins can easily be seen in their clear encasement with the nickel, penny and dime across the top and the half, dollar and quarter across the bottom.

1974 Proof Set reverse 

1974 Proof Set Coin Specifications

The specifications for the coins in the 1974 annual Proof Set:

 Denomination  Cent Five Cent Dime  Quarter  Half Dollar  Dollar

 Obverse

 Lincoln

Jefferson

Roosevelt

Washington

Kennedy

Eisenhower

Designed by

  V.D. Brenner

  Felix Schlag

  John R. Sinnock

John
Flanagan

Gilroy
Roberts

Frank
Gasparro

Reverse

 Lincoln Memorial

Montecello

Torch, Olive Branch, Oak Branch

Heraldic Eagle

Heraldic Eagle

Apollo 11 Insignia, Eagle on Moon

Designed by

 Frank
Gasparro
 Felix Schlag  John R. Sinnock

John
Flanagan

Frank Gasparro

Frank Gasparro

Composition

95% Copper, 5% Zinc

25% Nickel, 75% Copper

Cupro-Nickel Clad, 8.33% Ni, Balance Cu

Cupro-Nickel Clad, 8.33% Ni, Balance Cu

Cupro-Nickel Clad, 8.33% Ni, Balance Cu

Cupro-Nickel Clad, 8.33% Ni, Balance Cu

Standard
Weight

 3.110 g

5.000 g

2.268 g

5.670 g

11.340 g

22.68 g

Standard
Diameter

 0.750 in 19.05 mm

 0.835 in 21.21 mm

 0.705 in 17.91 mm

0.955 in
24.26 mm

1.205 in
30.61 mm

1.5 in
38.1 mm

Edge

 Plain

Plain

Reeded

Reeded

Reeded

Reeded


In later sets, the US Mint advises, "To preserve the beauty of your Proof Set, it should be stored in a cool, dry place."

1974 Proof Set Year Population and Cost of Living

The world population in 1974 was 4,017,813,804. This represents 58.6% of the world's population in 2010.

$100 in 1974 equals $442.30 in 2010 dollars using the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Inflation Calculator.

New houses in 1974 cost $38,900 which would be $172,055 today.

The average income was $8031 per year ($35,520 in today's dollars).

Gas averaged $0.532 per gallon ($2.35 in today's money).

The average new car was $4,440 ($19,638).

(Chart views into the cost of living changes throughout the Proof Set years)

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