'75 Vs '76 mint sets.
cladking
Posts: 28,701 ✭✭✭✭✭
These sets are very different. They look and feel similar especially on cursory examination but there are lots of differences. the best '76 quarters and halfs appear in the '76 sets. The '75 dime often looks AU but the '76 is good looking though often tarnishes. this brings us to the biggest difference; the '75 set has far less stable packaging than the '76. I recently separated some '75 and '76 dimes in the packaging that were all very well stored. I could virtually do it blindfolded because the '75 cellophane was soft and the '76 a little crisp still. All the '75's were badly tarnished but many of the '76's were fine.
The '75 dime is very underrated. Nice chBU specimens are the exception and many will just be spent because people don't want to be bothered to soak them. This set suffers higher attrition than most Ike sets because it contains the type 1 Philly which is very low mintage and hard to find in choice Unc. You need to cut three '75 mint sets just to get a nice attractive BU . The other coins usually end up in circulation.
Most '73 Ikes are attractive enough for most collectors which keeps the attrition on this set low. The packaging is stable so most '73's don't even need a soak in acetone.
Comments
Do the 75 p dimes come well struck?
Yes. Often. Even usually.
FB are a little easier, but like most dates they are elusive.
It's mostly mute luster and tarnish that makes them look AU but many of the uglier ones are weaker strikes as well.
I do not have any '75 or '76 sets, but have seen them offered at a local gun show. Did not check them out then... but if he still has them, next show, I will check them. Cheers, RickO
The real winner in the '75 set is the Gem type I Philly Ike.
These are so hard to find that you might never find one so Gem Philly dimes are tough enough to make the hunt worthwhile anyway.
The nickels are tough in rolls so Gems of these are a darkhorse.
In the '76 set are most of the best quarters.