Mint Sets were issued for each year during the time period from 1970 to 1979. These United States Mint products remained a popular method for collectors to obtain an example of each circulating coin issued for the year. Some changes to coin design would take place during this period, along with a specially issued set in silver clad composition.
The set which began the decade is well known as an important date since it contained a Kennedy Half Dollar not issued for circulation. This has long led the 1970 Mint Set to command a premium above other issues. This also represented the final 40% silver half dollar issued before the standard composition was changed to copper nickel clad.
In a similar situation, the sets issued in 1973 contained Eisenhower Dollars which were not released for circulation, but only issued within the sets. This also marked the first appearance of the dollar coin within the uncirculated coin sets offered by the US Mint.
In 1976 the reverse designs of the quarter, half dollar, and dollar were changed to celebrate the bicentennial. Coins bearing the new designs and dual date of “1776-1976” were included in both the 1975 and 1976 mint sets. A special set was also issued containing the three coins stuck in 40% silver. The standard design for these coins was resumed from 1977.
Finally, a new small sized dollar was introduced in 1979 featuring Susan B. Anthony.
