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HOLD FOR RELEASE AT 2:30 P.M. MST

[SUNDAY, JANUARY 19, 1975]{.underline}

[MINT LOWERS PRICE ON BICENTENNIAL SILVER PROOF SETS]{.underline}

Mrs. Mary Brooks, Director of the Mint, today announced a price
reduction of \$3.00 for the three-piece 40% silver Bicentennial proof
coin set and the removal of the limitation on orders for both the proof
and uncirculated silver sets commemorating the 200^th^ anniversary of
American Independence.

The lower price of \$12.00 per set for the silver proof coins and the
unlimited number of sets individuals may now order anytime through July
4, 1976, is made possible through the planned introduction of a new
automated system for the production of proof coins. The new breakthrough
in automation will increase production and substantially replace the
current slow manual production and inspection methods of proof coins.

The old price of \$15.00 per set was determined during the oil embargo,
a time of uncertainty as to the availability, price and future delivery
of crucial packaging materials.

I'm exceedingly proud and happy to pass on to the consumer the lower
manufacturing costs realized from new and faster production techniques
for special coins," Mrs. Brooks said. "The newly designed coins in our
Bicentennial silver sets are historic pieces. Our added production
capacity, together with the extended 18-month ordering period, will
greatly help toward reaching our goal of making these sets available to
every American wanting them."

Congress has imposed a production limit of at least 45,000,000 silver
Bicentennial coins and shipment of the mail-ordered sets begins after
July 4, 1975.

United States proof coins are celebrated for their gemlike, virtually
flawless quality. Heretofore, their production required operators to
hand feed the presses and singly inspect each double struck coin.

The new Automatic Proof Coin Handling System automates the feeding of
blanks to a proof coin press and places the finished coin into a color
coded coin tray providing faster inspection of the finished product.
Minimal handling also results in less rejects due to accidental
scratching.

The prototype system is presently operational to handle dollar coins at
the rate of 22 coins per minute and, by spring, will be further
developed to handle 25 and 50 cent pieces.

Beginning March 14, refunds will be sent to those persons who have
already ordered the three-piece silver Bicentennial proof sets at the
higher price.

Others wishing to place new orders, or additional orders, for the silver
Bicentennial proof sets at \$12.00 each, and the silver uncirculated
specimens at \$9.00 each, should write to:

> Bureau of the Mint
>
> 55 Mint Street
>
> San Francisco, California 94175

This is the first time in the nation's history that designs on
circulating coins have been changed in honor of an anniversary of
American Independence. And the Bicentennial proof and uncirculated coins
are the only U.S. coins presently containing silver.

A national competition was conducted to select the three new designs
featuring a colonial drummer on the reverse of the quarter, Independence
Hall on the back of the half dollar and the Liberty Bell and moon on the
dollar reverse.

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