1979 Proof Set

The 1979 Proof Set is a notable piece of numismatic history, representing a time of transition and change for the United States Mint. During this period, the country was experiencing shifts in coinage design and production methods, with the introduction of new designs and technological advances. The 1979 set, like many proof sets before it, was a highly anticipated release for collectors and enthusiasts alike, offering a glimpse into the U.S. Mint's ongoing commitment to producing high-quality coinage. The set was produced to celebrate the ongoing legacy of American coinage, as well as to cater to the growing demand for proof versions of the nation’s coins. A proof set is made by striking the coins multiple times with specially polished dies, resulting in coins with sharp, detailed features and a mirror-like finish. This method makes the coins especially attractive and sought after by collectors.

The 1979 Proof Set includes all six circulating denominations, which were the cent, nickel, dime, quarter, half dollar, and dollar. The coins are all struck in 90% copper or 75% copper and 25% nickel, with the exception of the dollar coin. The most notable design in this set is the Susan B. Anthony dollar, which was introduced that year. This coin replaced the Eisenhower dollar, and it marked the first time a female figure had appeared on a U.S. dollar coin in modern history. The Susan B. Anthony dollar features a profile of the famous suffragist and activist, with an inscription of her name and the year of mintage on the obverse. The reverse of the coin depicts an eagle landing on the moon, an emblem of the nation's achievements in space exploration. The design of this coin was a departure from the large, iconic symbols typically seen on U.S. coinage, and it remains a symbol of progress and change in the history of American coinage.

Another significant feature of the 1979 Proof Set is the continued use of the same iconic designs for the cent, nickel, dime, and quarter. The Lincoln cent features the classic image of Abraham Lincoln, designed by Victor David Brenner and first introduced in 1909. The Jefferson nickel, designed by Felix Schlag, shows a portrait of Thomas Jefferson, a founding father and the third President of the United States. The Roosevelt dime, which was first introduced in 1946, is a tribute to the late President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The quarter, bearing the design of George Washington, has been in circulation since 1932, though it has undergone various changes throughout the years to include special commemorative designs. All of these coins, though familiar to the public, are made with the highest standards in mind for proof coin production.

The 1979 Proof Set also includes the Kennedy half dollar, which has been part of the U.S. Mint's offerings since 1964. The design, created by Frank Gasparro, features a portrait of President John F. Kennedy, who was tragically assassinated in 1963. The coin was introduced to honor his legacy and was originally minted in 90% silver, though it transitioned to a copper-nickel clad composition starting in 1971. The 1979 half dollar, like the other coins in the set, features a mirror-like finish, with crisp, clean details that highlight the artistry and craftsmanship of the coin’s design.

In terms of its historical context, the 1979 Proof Set was released at a time when the U.S. Mint was focusing on both the continuation of its classic coin designs and the introduction of new concepts to appeal to collectors. The Susan B. Anthony dollar was the standout of this set, marking a new chapter in U.S. coinage. Its design had been in development for several years prior to its release, and it was met with mixed reactions from the public. Some were excited by the prospect of a dollar coin featuring a female figure, while others found the design to be less than inspiring. Regardless of public opinion, the 1979 proof coins have become a lasting part of American numismatic history, and the Susan B. Anthony dollar remains an iconic symbol of women's contributions to American history.

The mintage of the 1979 Proof Set was notably higher than previous years, as demand for these coins was strong. The U.S. Mint produced over 3.9 million proof sets, ensuring that collectors across the country could acquire their own sets. While the set was priced higher than the standard coinage released in circulation, it was seen as a valuable investment for collectors. Each set came housed in a clear plastic case, with an included certificate of authenticity. The packaging and presentation of the set were part of what made it so desirable to collectors, as they could showcase the stunning coins in a manner that highlighted their intricate designs and flawless finishes.

In terms of its condition, the 1979 Proof Set is considered to be in excellent quality, with all coins being produced under high-precision conditions at the U.S. Mint. The coins in the proof set are struck multiple times to ensure crisp, clean details and are made with polished dies to create the characteristic mirror-like finish that proofs are known for. Because of the nature of the production process, these coins are often free from any major defects, such as scratches or blemishes. However, like all coins, they may have slight imperfections from the minting process, but these do not detract from their overall quality and collectability.

Collectors who seek to build complete sets of U.S. coinage often look to the 1979 Proof Set as an essential piece of their collection. The set not only showcases the coins that were in circulation at the time, but it also highlights the changes taking place within the Mint, such as the introduction of the Susan B. Anthony dollar. With its combination of historical significance, impressive designs, and high-quality minting, the 1979 Proof Set remains a cherished item for both collectors and those interested in the history of American coinage.

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• Year: 1979
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