\[\"The Department of the TREASURY NEWS\" banner, with \"The Department
of the Treasury 1789\" seal on right and \"BUREAU OF THE MINT; WASH.,
D.C. 20220 - W04-5011\" on 2nd line.\]

[FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE]{.underline}

November 13, 1974

[PRESIDENT RECEIVES BICENTENNIAL COINS]{.underline}

Mrs. Mary Brooks, Director of the Mint, presented first strikes of newly
designed Bicentennial silver proof coins to the President today at the
White House.

The new reverse designs on the double-dated 1776-1976 quarter, half
dollar and dollar were chosen in a national design competition. In
accordance with Public Law 93-127, the new designs are slated to appear
on cupro-nickel circulating coins as well as on proof and uncirculated
specimens in cupro-nickel and 40% silver.

This is the first time circulating coinage has been re-designed to honor
an anniversary of American Independence. The Mint hopes the wide
distribution of the three coins will call appropriate attention to our
Bicentennial and serve as reminders of our nation's rich heritage and
dedication to freedom.

The new designs will appear on all circulating quarters, halves and
dollars issued for distribution by the Federal Reserve System beginning
July 4, 1975, and continuing through the Bicentennial year. Orders for
the three piece silver proof and uncirculated sets will be taken
beginning November 15, 1974 and continue through January 31, 1975, or
until reaching maximum production capacity.

The Mint had to get an early start if it was to significantly
participate in celebrating the Bicentennial. Now that so many of the new
projects are reaching fulfillment, changes in ordering cycles had to be
made to permit the smooth inclusion of the new special coins and medals
programs.

Attached is a list of ordering periods for Bicentennial coins and medals
during 1975. Please be aware that cut-off dates could be earlier than
noted if orders exceed the Mint's production capacity for each separate
offering and that orders are limited to a maximum of five sets, or
units, per person.

Persons already on the Mint's mailing list will automatically receive
order cards at the appropriate time for all special coins and medals
made available by the Mint. Those not on the list may obtain order forms
for the new silver bicentennial coins at local banks and Post Offices.
Persons using these order forms will be added to the Mint's mailing
list. Others wishing to be added to the list should write to: Bureau of
the Mint, 55 Mint Street, San Francisco, California 94175.

  ------------------------------------------ --------------------- ---------------------
                                             [Order                [Price]{.underline}
                                             Period]{.underline}   

  Three piece 40% silver Bicentennial proof  11/15/74 - 1/31/75    \$15 per set
  set                                                              

  Three piece 40% silver Bicentennial        11/15/74 - 1/31/75    \$ 9 per set
  uncirculated set                                                 

  Non-silver 1975 proof set (containing      1/2/75 - 2/28/75      \$ 7 per set
  three coins with new Bicentennial designs)                       

  Non-silver 1975 uncirculated set (includes 3/3/75 - 4/30/75      \$ 6 per set
  new Bicentennial designs)                                        

  America's First Medals (third unit) struck 4/1/75 - 5/30/75      \$10 per unit
  in pewter                                                        

  America's First Medals (fourth unit)       9/1/75 - 10/31/75     \$10 per unit

  In addition, the Mint, in cooperation with                       
  the American Revolution Bicentennial                             
  Administration, will take orders for the                         
  ARBA national medals during the following                        
  time periods. Prices will be announced by                        
  the ARBA.                                                        

  ARBA Philatelic-Numismatic Combination     7/1/75 - 7/31/75      
  (maximum of three PNCs per order)                                

  ARBA Unique Package of National Medal:                           

  Silver specimen orders limited to three    10/1/75 - 10/31/75    
  medals                                                           

  Bronze edition orders limited to four      10/1/75 - 10/31/75    
  medals                                                           
  ------------------------------------------ --------------------- ---------------------

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