Coins - 1977 Proof Set

The 1977 proof set contained six coins with the dollar, half dollar and quarter dollar reverse images returning to the eagle designs. The proof set's six coins of $1.91 in face value included the one cent, the five cent, the ten cent, the 25 cent, the 50 cent and the one dollar coins. The US Mint sold the 1977 proof sets initially for $9.00 each.

1977 Proof Set Package

The 1977 annual Proof Set package consisted of a shiny black outer box with silver lettering identifying the contents. The silver script on the top flap of the black box states "United States Proof Set • 1977." The box dimensions are roughly 3.5 inches by 5.5 inches by 3/8 inch.

Neither the edges nor the back of the proof set box show any other identifying letters or marks.

The proof set opens by pulling the section from under the written edge to access the lens holding the coins. Black plastic with the raised silver eagle design covers the obverse of the coins and can be folded back on its hinges.

1977 Proof Set Contents and Proof Coins

By folding the black flip cover, the lens holding the proof coins can be displayed upright. Today, some sets are found without the black flip cover since some people removed them from their sets.

While returning to the pre-bicentennial designs, the US Mint took the opportunity to re-visit the Washington quarter. The overall design did not change, however the dies used for both the obverse and reverse were modified to yield sharper details on the coin.

The proof set lens holds the different sized coins attractively spaced. Each coin is held in its own circular capsule which is held firmly in the clear plastic with the red contrasting interior. In the upper left corner, raised letters in the clear plastic identify "PACKAGED BY US MINT." At the bottom, raised letters coated in silver color state, "UNITED STATES PROOF COINS."

Turning the set over to view the reverse, the earlier eagle designs on the half dollar, dollar and quarter dollar coins can be readily seen across the bottom row of coins.

1977 Proof Set Coin Specifications

The specifications for the coins in the 1977 annual Proof Set:

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

1977 Proof Set Year Population and Cost of Living

The world population in 1977 was 4,233,639,679. This represents 61.8% of the world's population in 2010.

$100 in 1977 equals $359.83 in 2010 dollars using the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Inflation Calculator.

New houses in 1977 cost $54,200 which would be $195,028 today.

The average income was $9779 per year ($35,189 in today's dollars).

Gas averaged $0.622 per gallon ($2.24 in today's money).

The average new car was $5,814 ($20,920).

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