1976-S 25c Silver PR DCAM

Designers: Obverse: John Flanagan. Reverse: Jack L. Ahr. Weight: 5.75 grams. Composition: Outer layers of .800 silver, .200 copper bonded to inner core of .209 silver, .791 copper (net weight .0739 oz. pure silver). Diameter: 24.3 mm. Edge: Reeded. Mint: San Francisco.

Key to Collecting: This is simply a special-metal version of the preceding design, struck in a silver-clad composition for sale to numismatists and those desiring souvenirs. All were struck at the San Francisco Mint and bear an S mintmark. Circulated coins are exceedingly rare—unavailable, unless someone spent a coin collection! On the other hand, Mint State coins are very common.

Aspects of Striking and Appearance: Usually excellent.

Proof Coins: Common.

Designers: Obverse: Frank Gasparro; Reverse: Dennis R. Williams. Weight: 24.59 grams. Composition: Outer layers of .800 silver, .200 copper bonded to inner core of .209 silver, .791 copper (net weight .3161 oz. pure silver). Diameter: 38.1 mm. Edge: Reeded. Mints: Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco.

Key to Collecting: The commentary for this variety is generally the same as the preceding, except that these pieces were struck on planchets of silver and copper and went only to numismatists and souvenir hunters, not into general circulation (such as at Nevada casinos). Coins such as this help fill in the later parts of a type set quickly and inexpensively. All were struck at the San Francisco Mint and bear an S mintmark.

Aspects of Striking and Appearance: Usually well struck.

Proof Coins: Plentiful in proportion to the mintage, typically of the variety with “low relief, bold lettering” on reverse. A few were made of the “sharp design, delicate lettering” style.