NUVEEN TAX FREE TRUST SERIES 857
487, 1996-04-16
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<PAGE>
   
                                                    FILE NO. 333-01825
                                                    40 ACT FILE NO. 811-2271
    
 
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                                AMENDMENT NO. 1
                                       TO
                                    FORM S-6
 
For  Registration  under  the  Securities  Act of  1933  of  Securities  of Unit
Investment Trusts Registered on
Form N-8B-2
 
   
<TABLE>
<S> <C>                 <C>
A.  Exact name of Trust: NUVEEN TAX-FREE UNIT TRUST, SERIES 857
B.  Name of Depositor:  JOHN NUVEEN & CO. INCORPORATED
 
C.  Complete address of Depositor's principal executive offices:
 
                        333 West Wacker Drive
                        Chicago, Illinois 60606
 
D.  Name and complete address of agents for service:
 
                        JOHN NUVEEN & CO. INCORPORATED
                        Attn: James J. Wesolowski
                        333 West Wacker Drive
                        Chicago, Illinois 60606
 
                        CHAPMAN AND CUTLER
                        Attn: Eric F. Fess
                        111 West Monroe Street
                        Chicago, Illinois 60603
 
It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box)
 
/ / immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
 
/ / on April 16, 1996 pursuant to paragraph (b)
/ / 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)
 
/ / on April 16, 1996 pursuant to paragraph (a) of rule 485 or 486
E.  Title and amount of  securities being registered: An  indefinite number of Units  as
    permitted by Rule 24f-2.
 
F.  Proposed  maximum offering price  to the public of  the securities being registered:
    Not presently determinable.
 
G.  Amount of filing fee: $500 in accordance with Rule 24f-2.*
 
H.  Approximate date of proposed sale  to the public: As  soon as practicable after  the
    effective date of the Registration Statement.
 
* Previously Paid
 
/X/ Check box if it is proposed that this filing will become effective on April 16, 1996
    at 1:30 P.M. pursuant to Rule 487.
</TABLE>
    
 
<PAGE>
   
                     NUVEEN TAX-FREE UNIT TRUST, SERIES 857
    
 
                             CROSS-REFERENCE SHEET
 
                    PURSUANT TO RULE 404(C) OF REGULATION C
                        UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
 
                (FORM N-8B-2 ITEMS REQUIRED BY INSTRUCTION 1 AS
                           TO PROSPECTUS ON FORM S-6)
 
<TABLE>
<C>  <S>  <C>                                          <C> <C>
FORM N-8B-2                                                FORM S-6
ITEM NUMBER                                                HEADING IN PROSPECTUS
 
          I. ORGANIZATION AND GENERAL INFORMATION
 1.  (a)  Name of trust                                 )  Prospectus Part A -- Cover Page
     (b)  Title of securities issued                    )
 2.  Name and address of Depositor                      )  Information About the Sponsor
 3.  Name and address of Trustee                        )  Information About the Trustee
 4.  Name and address of principal Underwriter          )  Information About the Sponsor
 5.  Organization of trust                              )  What Is The Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust?
 6.  Execution and termination of Trust Agreement       )  What Is The Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust?
                                                        )  Information About The Trustee
                                                        )  Other Information
 7.  Changes of Name                                    )  *
 8.  Fiscal Year                                        )
 9.  Litigation                                         )
 
          II. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST AND SECURITIES OF THE TRUST
10.  General Information regarding trust's securities   )  Summary of Portfolios
                                                        )  Why and How are the Bonds Insured?
                                                        )  When Are Distributions Made to Unitholders?
                                                        )  Ownership and Transfer of Units
                                                        )  How Units May Be Redeemed Without Charge?
                                                        )  How Bonds May Be Removed From The Trusts?
                                                        )  Information About the Trustee
                                                        )  Information About the Sponsor
                                                        )  Other Information
                                                        )  What Is The Tax Status of Unitholders?
11.  Type of securities comprising units                )  What Is The Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust?
                                                        )  Summary of Portfolios
                                                        )  Composition of Trusts
                                                        )  What Are The Objectives Of The Trusts?
                                                        )  Why and How are the Bonds Insured?
12.  Certain information regarding                      )  *
     periodic payment certificates                      )
13.  (a)  Load, fees, expenses, etc.                    )  Part A -- Essential Information
                                                        )  How Is The Public Offering Price Determined?
                                                        )  Market For Units
                                                        )  What Is Accrued Interest?
                                                        )  What Are Estimated Long Term Return
                                                        )  And Estimated Current Return?
                                                        )  How Was The Price Of The Bonds
                                                        )  Determined At The Date of Deposit?
                                                        )  What Are Normal Trust Operating Expenses?
                                                        )  When Are Distributions Made To Unitholders?
                                                        )  Summary Of Portfolios
                                                        )  How Detailed Are Reports To Unitholders?
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<C>  <S>  <C>                                          <C> <C>
     (b)  Certain information regarding                 )  *
          periodic payment certificates                 )
     (c)  Certain percentages                           )  How Is The Public Offering Price Determined?
                                                        )  Market For Units
                                                        )  What Are Estimated Long Term Return
                                                        )  And Estimated Current Return?
                                                        )  How Was The Price Of The Bonds
                                                        )  Determined At The Date Of Deposit?
                                                        )  What Is Accrued Interest?
     (d)  Certain other fees, etc. payable by holders   )  How Was The Price Of The Bonds Determined
                                                        )  At The Date Of Deposit?
                                                        )  What Are Normal Trust Operating Expenses?
                                                        )  Ownership And Transfer Of Units
     (e)  Certain profits receivable by depositor,      )  Composition Of Trusts
          principal underwriter, trustee or             )
          affiliated persons                            )
                                                        )  How Units May Be Purchased By The Sponsor
 
     (f)  Ratio of annual charges to income             )  *
14.  Issuance of trust's securities                     )  Summary of Portfolios
                                                        )  When Are Distributions Made To Unitholders?
                                                        )  Ownership and Transfer of Units
                                                        )  How Units May Be Redeemed Without Charge
15.  Receipt and handling of payments                   )  *
     from purchasers                                    )
16.  Acquisition and Disposition of                     )  What Is The Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust?
     Underlying Securities                              )
                                                        )  Summary of Portfolios
                                                        )  Composition of Trusts
                                                        )  Why and How are the Bonds Insured?
                                                        )  How Units May Be Redeemed Without Charge
                                                        )  How Bonds May Be Removed From The Trusts
                                                        )  Other Information
17.  Withdrawal or redemption                           )  Market For Units
                                                        )  How Units May Be Redeemed Without Charge
                                                        )  How Units May Be Purchased By The Sponsor
18.  (a)  Receipt and disposition of income             )  Summary of Portfolios
                                                        )  When Are Distributions Made To Unitholders?
                                                        )  How Detailed Are Reports To Unitholders?
     (b)  Reinvestment of distributions                 )  Accumulation Plan
     (c)  Reserves or special funds                     )  Summary of Portfolios
                                                        )  When Are Distributions Made To Unitholders?
     (d)  Schedule of distributions                     )  *
19.  Records, accounts and reports                      )  When Are Distributions Made To Unitholders?
                                                        )  How Detailed Are Reports To Unitholders?
20.  Certain miscellaneous provisions of                )  Information About the Trustee
     Trust Agreement                                    )
                                                        )  Information About the Sponsor
                                                        )  Other Information
21.  Loans to security holders                          )  *
22.  Limitations on liability                           )  Summary of Portfolios
                                                        )  Composition of Trusts
                                                        )  Information About The Trustee
23.  Bond arrangements                                  )  *
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<C>  <S>  <C>                                          <C> <C>
24.  Other material provisions of Trust Agreement.      )  *
 
          III. ORGANIZATION, PERSONNEL AND AFFILIATED PERSONS OF DEPOSITOR
25.  Organization of Depositor                          )  Information About the Sponsor
26.  Fees received by Depositor                         )  *
27.  Business of Depositor                              )  Information About the Sponsor
28.  Certain information as to officials                )  *
     and affiliated persons of Depositor                )
29.  Voting Securities of Depositor                     )  Information About the Sponsor
30.  Persons controlling Depositor                      )
31.  Payments by Depositor for certain                  )
     services rendered to trust                         )
32.  Payments by Depositor for certain                  )  *
     other services rendered to trust                   )
33.  Remuneration of employees of Depositor             )
     for certain services rendered to trust             )
34.  Remuneration of other persons for                  )
     certain services rendered to trust                 )
 
          IV. DISTRIBUTION AND REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES
35.  Distribution of trust's securities by states       )  *
36.  Suspension of sales of trust's securities          )
37.  Revocation of authority to distribute              )
38.  (a)  Method of distribution                        )
     (b)  Underwriting agreements                       )  How Units of The Trusts Are
                                                        )  Distributed To The Public
     (c)  Selling agreement                             )
39.  (a)  Organization of principal underwriter         )  Information About The Sponsor
     (b)  NASD membership of principal underwriter      )
40.  Certain fees received by principal underwriter     )  *
41.  (a)  Business of principal underwriter             )
     (b)  Branch offices of principal underwriter       )  *
     (c)  Salesmen of principal underwriter             )
42.  Ownership of trust's securities by                 )  *
     certain persons                                    )
43.  Certain brokerage commissions received             )  *
     by principal underwriter                           )
44.  (a)  Method of valuation                           )  Part A -- Essential Information
                                                        )  How Is The Public Offering Price Determined?
                                                        )  How Was The Price Of The Bonds
                                                        )  Determined At The Date of Deposit?
                                                        )  What Are Normal Trust Operating Expenses?
     (b)  Schedule as to offering price                 )  *
     (c)  Variation in offering price to                )  How Is the Public Offering Price
          certain persons                               )  Determined?
                                                        )  What Is Accrued Interest?
                                                        )  How Was The Price Of The Bonds
                                                        )  Determined At The Date of Deposit?
45.  Suspension of redemption rights                    )  *
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<C>  <S>  <C>                                          <C> <C>
46.  (a)  Redemption valuation                          )  Unit Value and Evaluation
                                                        )  How Units May Be Redeemed Without Charge
                                                        )  How Units May Be Purchased By The Sponsor
     (b)  Schedule as to redemption price               )  *
47.  Maintenance of position in underlying              )  How Is the Public Offering Price
     securities                                         )  Determined?
                                                        )  How Units May Be Purchased By The Sponsor
 
          V. INFORMATION CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE OR CUSTODIAN
48.  Organization and regulation of Trustee             )  Information About The Trustee
49.  Fees and expenses of Trustee                       )  Part A -- Essential Information
                                                        )  What Are Normal Trust Operating Expenses?
50.  Trustee's lien                                     )  What Are Normal Trust Operating Expenses?
                                                        )  When Are Distributions Made To Unitholders?
 
          VI. INFORMATION CONCERNING INSURANCE OF HOLDERS OF SECURITIES
51.  Insurance of holders of trust's securities         )  *
 
          VII. POLICY OF REGISTRANT
52.  (a)  Provisions of trust agreement with            )  What Are Normal Trust Operating
          respect to selection or elimination           )  Expenses?
          of underlying securities                      )
                                                        )  How Units May Be Redeemed Without Charge
                                                        )  How Bonds May Be Removed From The Trusts
     (b)  Transactions involving elimination            )  *
          of underlying securities                      )
     (c)  Policy regarding substitution or              )  Summary of Portfolios
          elimination of underlying securities          )
                                                        )  Composition of Trusts
                                                        )  How Bonds May Be Removed From The Trusts
     (d)  Fundamental policy not otherwise covered      )  *
53.  Tax status of trust                                )  What Is The Tax Status Of Unitholders?
 
          VIII. FINANCIAL AND STATISTICAL INFORMATION
54.  Trust's securities during last ten years           )  *
55.                                                     )
56.  Certain information regarding                      )  *
     periodic payment certificate                       )
57.                                                     )
58.                                                     )
</TABLE>
 
- ---------
 
* Inapplicable, omitted, answer negative or not required.
<PAGE>
   
                                 APRIL 16, 1996
                             SUBJECT TO COMPLETION
    
                                           A
   
NUVEEN               NUVEEN MARYLAND TRADITIONAL TRUST 314
                    (NUVEEN TAX-FREE UNIT TRUSTS SERIES 857)
    
 
                                               CUSIP NUMBERS:
   
                                               Monthly:               67102E 345
                                               Quarterly:             67102E 352
                                               Semi-Annually:         67102E 360
    
   
             PROSPECTUS--PART A (SPECIFIC TERMS) -- APRIL 16, 1996
 THIS PART A OF THE PROSPECTUS MAY NOT BE DISTRIBUTED UNLESS ACCOMPANIED BY THE
                                   PART B OF
  THE NUVEEN TAX-EXEMPT UNIT TRUSTS PROSPECTUS, TO WHICH SUCH REFERENCE HEREIN
                           APPLIES. ANY REFERENCE TO
   "NUVEEN TAX-EXEMPT UNIT TRUSTS" IN PART B SHALL BE AMENDED TO READ "NUVEEN
                             TAX-FREE UNIT TRUSTS."
     BOTH PARTS OF THE PROSPECTUS SHOULD BE RETAINED FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
    
 
   
    Maryland  Traditional Trust  314 (the  "Trust") consists  of a  portfolio of
interest-bearing obligations issued by  or on behalf of  the State of  Maryland,
certain  United  States Territories  or  authorities and  political subdivisions
thereof which,  in  the  opinion  of recognized  bond  counsel  to  the  issuing
authorities, provide income which is exempt from Federal income tax and Maryland
state and local income taxes to the extent indicated below.
    
    The  objectives of the Trust are income exempt from Federal and state income
taxes, and conservation  of capital.  The objectives are,  of course,  dependent
upon  the continuing  ability of the  issuers, obligors and/or  insurers to meet
their respective obligations.
   
    The Portfolio of  the Trust  consists of  7 obligations  issued by  entities
located  in Maryland. The Bonds  in the Trust are  either general obligations of
the governmental entity issuing them and are backed by the taxing power  thereof
or  are  payable as  to principal  and interest  from the  income of  a specific
project or authority and are not supported by the issuer's power to levy  taxes.
The sources of payment for the Bonds are divided as follows:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
     NUMBER OF                                              PORTFOLIO
      ISSUES                PURPOSE OF ISSUE                PERCENTAGE
  ---------------  ----------------------------------------------------
  <C>              <S>                                     <C>
         3         General Obligations                            43   %
         2         Health Care Facility Revenue                   29
         1         Electrical System Revenue                      14
         1         Water and/or Sewer Revenue                     14
</TABLE>
    
 
   
    Approximately  28.6% of the  aggregate principal amount of  the Bonds in the
Trust (accounting for approximately 26.4% of the aggregate offering price of the
Bonds) are original issue discount bonds. See  "RISK FACTORS" in Part B of  this
Prospectus  for a discussion  of the characteristics of  such obligations and of
the risks associated therewith.
    
   
    The Trust is considered to be concentrated in Bonds of Health Care  Facility
Revenue  Issuers whose revenues are subject to certain risks including increased
governmental regulation, fluctuating occupancy levels and increased competition.
For a  discussion of  the risks  associated  with investments  in the  bonds  of
various issuers, see "RISK FACTORS" in Part B of this Prospectus. Certain of the
Bonds  may be insured by a commercial insurer, see "Schedule of Investments" and
"WHY AND HOW ARE THE BONDS INSURED?" in Part B of this Prospectus.
    
 
   
                             ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
              REGARDING THE NUVEEN MARYLAND TRADITIONAL TRUST 314
        ON THE BUSINESS DAY PRIOR TO THE DATE OF DEPOSIT, APRIL 15, 1996
    
         Sponsor and Evaluator.......... John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated
         Trustee........................ The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A.
                ------------------------------------------------
 
The income, expense and distribution data  set forth below have been  calculated
for   Unitholders  receiving  monthly,  quarterly  or  semi-annual  distribution
options.
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                   <C>
Principal Amount of Bonds in Trust..................  $     3,500,000
Number of Units.....................................           35,000
Fractional Undivided Interest in Trust Per Unit.....         1/35,000
Public Offering Price--Less than 500 Units
    Aggregate Offering Price of Bonds in Trust......  $     3,343,040
    Divided by Number of Units......................  $         95.52
    Plus Sales Charge 4.9% (5.152% of the Aggregate
     Offering Price of the Bonds per Unit)..........  $          4.92
    Public Offering Price Per Unit(1)...............  $        100.44
Redemption Price Per Unit (exclusive of accrued
  interest).........................................  $         95.04
Sponsor's Initial Repurchase Price Per Unit
  (exclusive of accrued interest)...................  $         95.52
Excess of Public Offering Price Per Unit over
  Redemption Price Per Unit.........................  $          5.40
Excess of Public Offering Price Per Unit over
  Sponsor's Repurchase Price Per Unit...............  $          4.92
Average Maturity of Bonds in the Trust(2)...........       26.9 years
</TABLE>
    
 
- ----------
THESE SECURITIES HAVE  NOT BEEN APPROVED  OR DISAPPROVED BY  THE SECURITIES  AND
EXCHANGE  COMMISSION OR ANY  STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION  NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE  COMMISSION OR  ANY  STATE SECURITIES  COMMISSION PASSED  UPON  THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
Information   contained  herein  is  subject   to  completion  or  amendment.  A
registration statement  relating to  these securities  has been  filed with  the
Securities  and Exchange  Commission. These securities  may not be  sold nor may
offers to buy be accepted prior  to the time the registration statement  becomes
effective.  This  Prospectus  shall  not  constitute an  offer  to  sell  or the
solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these  securities
in  any State in which such offer,  solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior
to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any State.
 
                                     1 of 7
<PAGE>
                         ESSENTIAL INFORMATION (CONT.)
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  MONTHLY        QUARTERLY      SEMI-ANNUAL
                                                -----------     -----------     -----------
  <S>                                           <C>             <C>             <C>
  Calculation of Estimated Net Annual
    Interest Income Per Unit
      Annual Interest Income(3)............         $5.5714         $5.5714        $5.5714
      Less Estimated Annual Expense........          $.2360          $.2040         $.1850
                                                -----------     -----------     -----------
      Estimated Net Annual Interest
        Income(4)..........................         $5.3354         $5.3674        $5.3864
  Daily Rate of Accrual Per Unit...........         $.01482         $.01490        $.01496
  ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN(5)..............            5.31%           5.34%          5.36 %
  ESTIMATED LONG TERM RETURN(5)............            5.36%           5.39%          5.41 %
  Trustee's Annual Fees(6).................         $1.4983         $1.1783        $0.9883
Date of Deposit.....................................................................................April 16, 1996
Settlement Date.....................................................................................April 19, 1996
Mandatory Termination Date....................................See "OTHER INFORMATION" in Part B of this Prospectus
Minimum Value of Each Trust...................................See "OTHER INFORMATION" in Part B of this Prospectus
Sponsor's Annual Evaluation Fee.........................................$0.17 per $1,000 principal amount of Bonds
Estimated Annual Organizational Expenses(7).......................................................$.02914 per Unit
- ----------
</TABLE>
    
 
The evaluation time for purpose  of sale, purchase or  redemption of Units is  4
p.m.  Eastern time or as of  any earlier closing time on  a day on which the New
York Stock Exchange is scheduled in advance to close at such earlier time.  (See
"HOW IS THE PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE DETERMINED?" in Part B of this Prospectus.)
 
   
(1) Units  are offered at  the Public Offering Price  plus accrued interest from
    the preceding Record  Date to,  but not  including, the  date of  settlement
    (normally  three business days  after purchase). The Date  of Deposit of the
    Fund has  been  designated  as  the  First Record  Date  for  all  plans  of
    distribution  of the Trust and, accordingly, for Units purchased on the Date
    of Deposit, $.04 of accrued interest to the Settlement Date will be added to
    the Public Offering  Price. (See "WHAT  IS ACCRUED INTEREST?"  in Part B  of
    this Prospectus.)
    
 
(2) The  Average Maturity  of Bonds  in the Trust  is calculated  based upon the
    stated maturities of the Bonds in the  Trust (or, with respect to Bonds  for
    which funds or securities have been placed in escrow to redeem such Bonds on
    a  stated call  date, based  upon such call  date). The  Average Maturity of
    Bonds in the  Trust may  increase or  decrease from  time to  time as  Bonds
    mature or are called or sold.
 
(3) Assumes  delivery of  all Bonds. (See  "COMPOSITION OF  TRUSTS" appearing in
    Part B of this  Prospectus.) Interest income does  not include accretion  of
    original  issue  discount on  "zero coupon"  Bonds, Stripped  Obligations or
    other original issue discount Bonds. (See  "RISK FACTORS" in Part B of  this
    Prospectus.)
 
(4) The  amount and  timing of interest  distributions from the  Trust under the
    various plans of distribution  are set forth below.  It is anticipated  that
    the  amount of interest to  be distributed per Unit  in each year under each
    plan of distribution will initially be substantially equal to the  Estimated
    Net Annual Interest Income per Unit for that plan. The amount of interest to
    be  distributed  annually  per  Unit, will  generally  change  as  Bonds are
    redeemed, mature or are sold or as fees and expenses increase or decrease.
 
(5) Estimated Long  Term Return  for the  Trust represents  the average  of  the
    yields  to  maturity  (or  call)  of  the  Bonds  in  the  Trust's portfolio
    calculated in  accordance  with  accepted bond  practices  and  adjusted  to
    reflect  a compounding factor, expenses and sales charges. Estimated Current
    Return is computed by  dividing the Net Annual  Interest Income per Unit  by
    the  Public Offering  Price, and in  contrast to Estimated  Long Term Return
    does not reflect the  amortization of premium or  accretion of discount,  if
    any.  For  more information  see "WHAT  ARE ESTIMATED  LONG TERM  RETURN AND
    ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN?" in Part B of this Prospectus.
 
(6) Each Trustee annual  fee is per  $1,000 principal amount  of the  underlying
    Bonds  in  the  Trust  for  that portion  of  the  Trust  that  represents a
    particular plan of distribution.
 
(7) The Trust (and  therefore Unitholders)  will bear all  or a  portion of  its
    organizational   costs  (including  costs   of  preparing  the  registration
    statements, the  trust indenture  and other  closing documents,  registering
    Units  with the Securities  and Exchange Commission  and states, the initial
    audit of the Trust portfolio, legal  fees and the initial fees and  expenses
    of  the Trustee but not  including the expenses incurred  in the printing of
    preliminary and final prospectuses, and expenses incurred in the preparation
    and printing  of brochures  and other  advertising materials  and any  other
    selling  expenses)  as  is  common for  mutual  funds.  Total organizational
    expenses will be  amortized over a  five year period.  See "WHAT ARE  NORMAL
    TRUST  OPERATING EXPENSES?" in  Part B of this  Prospectus and "Statement of
    Condition." Historically, the sponsors of  unit investment trusts have  paid
    all the costs of establishing such trusts.
 
                                     2 of 7
<PAGE>
                             INTEREST DISTRIBUTION
 
    Details  of interest distributions  per Unit of the  Trust under the various
plans appear in  the following table  based upon estimated  Net Annual  Interest
Income at the Date of Deposit:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                       NORMAL
                                                                                                                   DISTRIBUTIONS
                                                         1996                                  1997                   PER YEAR
<S>                                     <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------      --------------
Record Date*..........................        6/1            8/1           11/1            2/1            5/1
Distribution Date.....................       6/15           8/15          11/15           2/15           5/15
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monthly Distribution Plan.............  $   .6669(1)                                                               $  5.3354
                                                                 --------$.4446 every month--------
Quarterly Distribution Plan...........  $   .6669(1)   $   .8940(2)   $  1.3410      $  1.3410      $  1.3410      $  5.3674
Semi-Annual Distribution Plan.........  $   .6669(1)                  $  2.2440(3)                  $  2.6928      $  5.3864
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    
 
_*_ Record  Dates for  semi-annual distributions are  May 1 and  November 1; for
    quarterly distributions, they are February 1,  May 1, August 1 and  November
    1.  Record Dates for monthly distributions are  the first day of each month.
    Distribution Dates under each distribution plan are the fifteenth day of the
    month  in  which  the  respective  Record  Date  occurred.  For   additional
    information  see "WHEN ARE DISTRIBUTIONS MADE  TO UNITHOLDERS?" in Part B of
    this Prospectus.
 
(1)_ The first distribution will be paid  to all Unitholders, regardless of  the
     distribution  plan selected. Such  distribution may be more  or less than a
     regular monthly distribution.
 
   
(2)_ The second distribution under the quarterly distribution plan represents  a
     2-month  distribution; subsequent  quarterly distributions  will be regular
     3-month distributions.
    
 
   
(3) The second distribution under the semi-annual distribution plan represents a
    5-month distribution; subsequent semi-annual  distributions will be  regular
    6-month distributions.
    
 
                                     3 of 7
<PAGE>
                             MARYLAND RISK FACTORS
 
    The  financial condition  of the  State of  Maryland is  affected by various
national,  economic,   social  and   environmental  policies   and   conditions.
Additionally,  Constitutional and statutory limitations imposed on the State and
its local governments concerning taxes, bond indebtedness and other matters  may
constrain the revenue-generating capacity of the State and its local governments
and,  therefore,  the ability  of  the issuers  of  the Bonds  to  satisfy their
obligations.
 
    The economic vitality of the State  and its various regions and,  therefore,
the  ability of the  State and its  local governments to  satisfy the Bonds, are
affected  by  numerous  factors.  The  State's  economic  base  is  diversified,
consisting  of manufacturing, construction  and service industries, supplemented
by rural areas with selective commercial agriculture. The State has a relatively
high wage  labor  market which  has  resulted  in the  State's  business  sector
becoming more vulnerable to competitive pressures.
 
    The State is a party to numerous lawsuits in which an adverse final decision
could materially affect the State's governmental operations and consequently its
ability to pay debt service on its obligations.
 
    The  State of  Maryland currently  maintains a  "triple A"  bond rating from
Standard & Poor's and Moody's on its general obligation indebtedness.
 
    Further information concerning  Maryland risk factors  may be obtained  upon
written   or  telephonic  request   to  the  Trustee   as  described  in  "OTHER
INFORMATION--Supplemental Information" appearing in Part B of this Prospectus.
 
                                   TAX STATUS
 
    For a discussion of the Federal tax status of income earned on Trust  Units,
see "WHAT IS THE TAX STATUS OF UNITHOLDERS?" in Part B of this Prospectus.
 
    The  assets of the Trust will consist of interest-bearing obligations issued
by or  on  behalf of  the  State of  Maryland,  its political  subdivisions  and
authorities and, provided the interest thereon is exempt from State income taxes
by the laws or treaties of the United States, obligations issued by or on behalf
of  the United States'  territories or possessions,  including Puerto Rico, Guam
and the  Virgin  Islands,  their political  subdivisions  and  authorities  (the
"Maryland Bonds").
 
    In the opinion of Venable, Baetjer and Howard, special counsel for the Trust
for Maryland tax matters, under existing law:
 
        For  Maryland state and local income tax purposes, the Trust will not be
    taxable as an association, and  the income of the  Trust will be treated  as
    the income of the Unitholders.
 
        For  Maryland state  and local  tax purposes,  interest on  the Maryland
    Bonds which is exempt from Maryland state and local income tax when received
    by the Trust, and which would be exempt from Maryland state and local income
    tax if  received  directly  by  a Unitholder,  will  retain  its  status  as
    tax-exempt  interest  when  received by  the  Trust and  distributed  to the
    Unitholders.
 
        Interest derived from  the Trust  by a  Unitholder with  respect to  the
    Maryland  Bonds will not be subject to Maryland state or local income taxes;
    provided that  interest or  profit derived  from the  Trust by  a  financial
    institution,  as defined in  Section 8-101(c) of  the Tax-General Article of
    the Annotated  Code of  Maryland,  will be  subject  to the  Maryland  state
    franchise  tax on financial institutions, except to the extent such interest
    is expressly exempt from  the Maryland state franchise  tax by the  statutes
    which  authorize the issuance  of such Maryland Bonds  (See Section 8-204 of
    the Tax General Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland).
 
        A Unitholder will not be subject  to Maryland state or local income  tax
    with  respect to  gain realized  when Maryland Bonds  held in  the Trust are
    sold, redeemed, or paid  at maturity, except with  respect to gain  realized
    upon a sale, redemption or payment at maturity of such Maryland Bonds as are
    issued  by or on  behalf of United States  territories or possessions, their
    political subdivisions and authorities; such gain will equal the proceeds of
    sale, redemption  or payment,  less  the tax  basis  of the  Maryland  Bonds
    (adjusted  to reflect (a) the amortization  of Bond premium or discount, and
    (b) the  deposit in  the Trust  after the  Unitholder's settlement  date  of
    Maryland Bonds with accrued interest).
 
        Although  the  matter  is  not  free  from  doubt,  gain  realized  by a
    Unitholder from the redemption,  sale or other disposition  of a Trust  Unit
    (i)  will be  subject to  Maryland state  income tax  except in  the case of
    individual Unitholders  who are  not Maryland  residents, and  (ii) will  be
    subject  to Maryland local income tax  in the case of individual Unitholders
    who are Maryland residents.
 
        If interest on  indebtedness incurred  or continued by  a Unitholder  to
    purchase  Units  in  the Trust  is  not  deductible for  Federal  income tax
    purposes, it  will  also be  nondeductible  for Maryland  state  income  tax
    purposes and, if applicable, local income tax purposes.
 
        Trust  Units will be subject to Maryland inheritance and estate tax only
    if held by  Maryland residents.  Neither the  Maryland Bonds  nor the  Trust
    Units  will be subject to  Maryland personal property tax,  sales tax or use
    tax.
 
                                     4 of 7
<PAGE>
   
                     NUVEEN MARYLAND TRADITIONAL TRUST 314
                    (NUVEEN TAX-FREE UNIT TRUST SERIES 857)
         SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS AT THE DATE OF DEPOSIT, APRIL 16, 1996
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          Ratings(3)           Trustee's
                                                                      Optional       ---------------------   Determination
 Aggregate        Name of Issuer and Title of Issue Represented      Redemption       Standard                of Offering
  Principal        by Sponsor's Contracts to Purchase Bonds(1)      Provisions(2)     & Poor's    Moody's        Price
<C>          <C> <S>                                              <C>                <C>         <C>        <C>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$   500,000      Maryland Health and Higher Educational              2004 at 102        AAA         Aaa     $       509,405
                   Facilities Authority, Revenue Bonds, Maryland
                   General Hospital Issue, Series 1994, 6.20%
                   Due 7/1/24. (MBIA Insured.)
    500,000      Anne Arundel County, Maryland, General              2006 at 101        AA+         Aa
                   Obligation Bonds, Consolidated Water and
                   Sewer Series, 1996,
                 310M-5.00% Due 9/1/24, (Original issue discount                                                    273,705
                   bonds delivered on or about March 20, 1996 at
                   a price of 93.528% of principal amount.)
                 190M-5.00% Due 9/1/25. (Original issue discount                                                    167,455
                   bonds delivered on or about March 20, 1996 at
                   a price of 93.434% of principal amount.)
    500,000      Anne Arundel County, Maryland, Pollution            2004 at 102         A          A2              498,750
                   Control Revenue Refunding Bonds (Baltimore
                   Gas and Electric Company Project), Series
                   1994, 6.00% Due 4/1/24.
    500,000      City of Baltimore, Maryland (Mayor and City      No Optional Call      AAA         Aaa             441,590
                   Council of Baltimore), Project and Refunding
                   Revenue Bonds (Water Projects), Series
                   1994-A, 5.00% Due 7/1/24. (Original issue
                   discount bonds delivered on or about February
                   24, 1994 at a price of 94.055% of principal
                   amount.)(FGIC Insured.)
    500,000      City of Gaithersburg, Maryland, Hospital            2005 at 102        AAA         Aaa             498,750
                   Facilities Refunding and Improvement Revenue
                   Bonds (Shady Grove Adventist Hospital),
                   Series 1995, 6.00% Due 9/1/21. (FSA Insured.)
    500,000      Harford County, Maryland, Consolidated Public       2006 at 102        AA-         Aa              455,885
                   Improvement Bonds, Series 1996, 5.00% Due
                   3/1/16. (General Obligation Bonds.)
    500,000      Howard County, Maryland, Metropolitan District      2005 at 101        AA+         Aaa             497,500
                   Bonds, 1996 Series A (General Obligation
                   Bonds.), 5.80% Due 2/15/26.
- -----------                                                                                                 ---------------
$ 3,500,000                                                                                                 $     3,343,040
- -----------                                                                                                 ---------------
- -----------                                                                                                 ---------------
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------
 
    (1) The Sponsor's contracts to purchase  Bonds were entered into during  the
period  from April 12, 1996  to April 15, 1996.  Other information regarding the
Bonds in the Trust on the Date of Deposit is as follows:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        ANNUAL
                                                           PROFIT      INTEREST
                                              COST TO     (OR LOSS)    INCOME TO    BID PRICE
                   TRUST                      SPONSOR    TO SPONSOR      TRUST      OF BONDS
  ----------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
  <S>                                       <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
  MARYLAND TRADITIONAL TRUST 314..........  $ 3,329,725  $   13,315   $  195,000   $ 3,326,165
</TABLE>
    
 
   
In addition,  the difference  between the  Trustee's determination  of  Offering
Price  and Bid Price (as a percentage of principal amount) is .48%. Neither cost
to Sponsor nor  profit (or  loss) to  Sponsor reflects  underwriting profits  or
losses  received  or  incurred  by  the  Sponsor  through  its  participation in
underwriting syndicates.  The Sponsor  did not  participate as  either the  sole
underwriter  or as a manager or member of a syndicate that acted as the original
underwriter of any of the Bonds.
    
 
    (2) The Bonds are first subject to optional redemption in the years, and  at
the  prices,  shown. Unless  otherwise indicated,  the  Bonds, except  for Bonds
issued at a  substantial original  issue discount, are  redeemable at  declining
prices  (but not below  par value) in subsequent  years. Original issue discount
bonds, including zero coupon bonds, are generally redeemable at prices based  on
the  issue  price  plus  the  amount  of  original  issue  discount  accreted to
redemption plus, if applicable, some premium,  the amount of which will  decline
in  subsequent years. The Bonds  may also be subject  to sinking fund redemption
without premium  prior to  the dates  shown.  Certain Bonds  may be  subject  to
redemption  without  premium prior  to  the date  shown  pursuant to  special or
mandatory call provisions specified in  the instruments setting forth the  terms
and  provisions of  such Bonds.  See "COMPOSITION OF  TRUSTS", "WHAT  IS THE TAX
STATUS OF UNITHOLDERS?" and "RISK FACTORS" in Part B of this Prospectus.
 
    (3) Certain of the Bonds in a  Traditional Trust, as insured by an  Insurer,
may  be rated AAA by  Standard & Poor's and/or Aaa  by Moody's. The insurance on
such Bonds guarantees the payment of  interest and principal on such Bonds  when
due  but  does  not cover  certain  market  risks associated  with  fixed income
securities such as accelerated payments, mandatory redemptions or interest  rate
risks.  (See "WHY AND HOW  ARE THE BONDS INSURED?" in  Part B of this Prospectus
and "Description of Ratings" in the Information Supplement.)
 
                                     5 of 7
<PAGE>
                             Statement of Condition
 
   
                     NUVEEN MARYLAND TRADITIONAL TRUST 314
    
 
   
                    (Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust, Series 857)
    
 
   
                              AS OF APRIL 16, 1996
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                 <C>
    TRUST PROPERTY
Sponsor's contracts to purchase Tax-Free Bonds,
  backed by an irrevocable letter of
  credit(1)(2)....................................  $    3,343,040
Accrued interest to April 16, 1996 on underlying
  Bonds(1)........................................          31,208
Organizational costs(3)...........................           5,100
                                                    --------------
            Total.................................  $    3,379,348
                                                    --------------
                                                    --------------
   LIABILITIES AND INTEREST OF UNITHOLDERS
LIABILITIES:
    Accrued interest to April 16, 1996 on
     underlying Bonds(4)..........................  $       31,208
    Accrued organizational costs(3)...............           5,100
                                                    --------------
            Total.................................  $       36,308
                                                    --------------
                                                    --------------
INTEREST OF UNITHOLDERS:
    Units of fractional undivided interest
     outstanding (35,000)
      Cost to investors(5)........................  $    3,515,273
        Less: Gross underwriting commission(6)....        (172,233)
                                                    --------------
    Net amount applicable to investors............  $    3,343,040
                                                    --------------
            Total.................................  $    3,379,348
                                                    --------------
                                                    --------------
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------
 
(1) Represented by contracts  to purchase Tax-Exempt  Bonds which include  "when
    issued"  or  "regular  way" or  "delayed  delivery" contracts  for  which an
    irrevocable letter of  credit issued  by a  major commercial  bank has  been
    deposited with the Trustee on the Date of Deposit. The amount of such letter
    of  credit  and any  cash  deposited exceeds  the  amount necessary  for the
    purchase of the Bonds plus accrued interest  to the Date of Deposit. At  the
    Date  of Deposit, Bonds may  have been delivered to  the Sponsor pursuant to
    certain of these contracts; the Sponsor  has assigned to the Trustee all  of
    its rights, title and interest in and to such Bonds.
 
(2) Aggregate  value (at offering prices) as of the Date of Deposit of the Bonds
    listed under "Schedule of Investments"  herein, and their aggregate cost  to
    the  Trust are the same.  Such offering prices were  determined by Kenny S&P
    Evaluation Services, a division of J.J. Kenny Co., Inc., as of the close  of
    business on the business day prior to the Date of Deposit. (See "HOW WAS THE
    PRICE  OF THE BONDS  DETERMINED AT THE DATE  OF DEPOSIT?" in  Part B of this
    Prospectus.) Insurance coverage providing for the timely payment, when  due,
    of  all principal of and  interest on certain of  the Bonds in a Traditional
    Trust may have been obtained by  the issuers of such Bonds. Such  insurance,
    if any, does not guarantee the market value of the Bonds or the value of the
    Units.  Both the bid and the offering  prices of the underlying Bonds and of
    the Units may include value attributable  to such policies of insurance,  if
    any.
 
(3) The  Trust (and  therefore Unitholders)  will bear all  or a  portion of its
    estimated organizational costs  which will  be deferred  and amortized  over
    five years from the Date of Deposit.
 
(4) Representing,  as set forth in "WHAT IS ACCRUED INTEREST?" in Part B of this
    Prospectus, advancement by  the Trustee of  an amount equal  to the  accrued
    Bond interest as of the Date of Deposit.
 
(5) Aggregate  Public Offering Price (exclusive of accrued interest) computed as
    set forth under "HOW IS THE PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE DETERMINED?" in Part B  of
    this Prospectus.
 
(6) The  gross underwriting commission of 4.90% of the Public Offering Price has
    been calculated on the assumption that the  Units sold are not subject to  a
    reduction  of sales  charge for  quantity purchases.  In single transactions
    involving 500 Units or more, the sales  charge is reduced. (See "HOW IS  THE
    PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE DETERMINED?" in Part B of this Prospectus.)
 
                                     6 of 7
<PAGE>
                    REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
   
TO  THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF JOHN  NUVEEN & CO. INCORPORATED AND UNITHOLDERS OF
MARYLAND TRADITIONAL TRUST 314:
    
 
   
    We have audited the accompanying statement of condition and the schedule  of
investments  at  date of  deposit (included  in  Part A  of this  Prospectus) of
Maryland Traditional Trust 314 (contained in Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust,  Series
857), as of April 16, 1996. These financial statements are the responsibility of
the  Sponsor. Our  responsibility is  to express  an opinion  on these financial
statements based on our audit.
    
 
    We conducted  our  audit  in accordance  with  generally  accepted  auditing
standards.  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence  supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included
confirmation of the irrevocable letter of credit arrangement for the purchase of
securities,   described  in  Note   (1)  to  the   statement  of  condition,  by
correspondence with the Trustee. An audit also includes assessing the accounting
principles used  and significant  estimates  made by  the  Sponsor, as  well  as
evaluating  the overall  financial statement  presentation. We  believe that our
audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
   
    In our opinion, the statement of  condition and the schedule of  investments
at  date of deposit referred to above  present fairly, in all material respects,
the financial position of Maryland Traditional  Trust 314 as of April 16,  1996,
in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
    
 
                                                             ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
 
   
Chicago, Illinois,
April 16, 1996.
    
 
                                     7 of 7
<PAGE>
   
                                 APRIL 16, 1996
                             SUBJECT TO COMPLETION
    
 
                                           A
   
NUVEEN                NUVEEN INTERMEDIATE INSURED TRUST 84
                    (NUVEEN TAX-FREE UNIT TRUSTS SERIES 857)
    
 
                                               CUSIP NUMBERS:
 
   
                                               Monthly:               67093J 253
                                               Quarterly:             67093J 261
                                               Semi-Annually:         67093J 279
    
 
   
             PROSPECTUS--PART A (SPECIFIC TERMS) -- APRIL 16, 1996
 THIS PART A OF THE PROSPECTUS MAY NOT BE DISTRIBUTED UNLESS ACCOMPANIED BY THE
                                   PART B OF
  THE NUVEEN TAX-EXEMPT UNIT TRUSTS PROSPECTUS, TO WHICH SUCH REFERENCE HEREIN
                           APPLIES. ANY REFERENCE TO
   "NUVEEN TAX-EXEMPT UNIT TRUSTS" IN PART B SHALL BE AMENDED TO READ "NUVEEN
                             TAX-FREE UNIT TRUSTS."
     BOTH PARTS OF THE PROSPECTUS SHOULD BE RETAINED FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
    
 
   
    Intermediate  Insured  Trust 84  (the "Trust")  consists  of a  portfolio of
interest-bearing obligations issued by  or on behalf  of States, certain  United
States  Territories or authorities and  political subdivisions thereof which, in
the opinion  of recognized  bond  counsel to  the issuing  authorities,  provide
income which is exempt from Federal income tax, to the extent indicated in "WHAT
IS THE TAX STATUS OF UNITHOLDERS?" in Part B of this Prospectus.
    
 
    The  objectives of the Trust  are income exempt from  Federal income tax and
conservation of  capital. The  objectives  are, of  course, dependent  upon  the
continuing  ability  of  the issuers,  obligors  and/or insurers  to  meet their
respective obligations.
 
   
    The Portfolio of  the Trust consists  of 12 obligations  issued by  entities
located  in 10 states. The Bonds in  the Trust are either general obligations of
the governmental entity issuing them and are backed by the taxing power  thereof
or  are  payable as  to principal  and interest  from the  income of  a specific
project or authority and are not supported by the issuer's power to levy  taxes.
The sources of payment for the Bonds are divided as follows:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
     NUMBER OF                                              PORTFOLIO
      ISSUES                PURPOSE OF ISSUE                PERCENTAGE
  ---------------  ----------------------------------------------------
  <C>              <S>                                     <C>
         6         General Obligations                            52   %
         3         Dedicated-Tax Supported Revenue                18
         1         Electrical System Revenue                      10
         1         Municipal Lease Revenue                        10
         1         Water and/or Sewer Revenue                     10
</TABLE>
    
 
   
    Approximately  4.0% of  the aggregate principal  amount of the  Bonds in the
Trust (accounting for approximately 2.3% of the aggregate offering price of  the
Bonds)  are original issue discount obligations. Certain of these original issue
discount obligations, amounting to  4.0% of the  aggregate principal amount  and
2.3%  of  the aggregate  offering price  of the  Bonds in  the Trust,  are "zero
coupon" bonds. See "RISK FACTORS" in Part B of this Prospectus for a  discussion
of  the  characteristics  of  such  obligations  and  of  the  risks  associated
therewith.
    
 
    All of the Bonds in the Trust are covered by policies of insurance  obtained
from  the  MBIA  Insurance  Corporation guaranteeing  payment  of  principal and
interest when due. As a  result of such insurance, the  Bonds in the Trust  have
received  a rating of "Aaa" by  Moody's and both the Bonds  in the Trust and the
Units of the Trust have received a rating of "AAA" by Standard & Poor's.
 
   
    Sixteen percent of the  principal amount of Bonds  in the Trust consists  of
issues  of  entities located  in the  State of  Florida; such  concentration may
involve more risk than if such Bonds  were issued by issuers located in  several
states.
    
 
    For  a discussion of the  risks associated with investments  in the bonds of
various issuers, see "RISK FACTORS" in Part B of this Prospectus.
 
    Information contained  herein  is  subject to  completion  or  amendment.  A
registration  statement relating  to these  securities has  been filed  with the
Securities and Exchange  Commission. These securities  may not be  sold nor  may
offers  to buy be accepted prior to  the time the registration statement becomes
effective. This  Prospectus  shall  not  constitute an  offer  to  sell  or  the
solicitation  of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities
in any State in which such offer,  solicitation or sale would be unlawful  prior
to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any State.
 
- ----------
THESE  SECURITIES HAVE  NOT BEEN APPROVED  OR DISAPPROVED BY  THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY  STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION  NOR HAS THE  SECURITIES
AND  EXCHANGE  COMMISSION OR  ANY STATE  SECURITIES  COMMISSION PASSED  UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
                                     1 of 6
<PAGE>
   
                             ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
               REGARDING THE NUVEEN INTERMEDIATE INSURED TRUST 84
        ON THE BUSINESS DAY PRIOR TO THE DATE OF DEPOSIT, APRIL 15, 1996
    
         Sponsor and Evaluator.......... John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated
         Trustee........................ The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A.
                ------------------------------------------------
 
The income, expense and distribution data  set forth below have been  calculated
for   Unitholders  receiving  monthly,  quarterly  or  semi-annual  distribution
options.
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                   <C>
Principal Amount of Bonds in Trust..................  $     5,000,000
Number of Units.....................................           50,000
Fractional Undivided Interest in Trust Per Unit.....         1/50,000
Public Offering Price--Less than 500 Units
    Aggregate Offering Price of Bonds in Trust......  $     4,880,780
    Divided by Number of Units......................  $         97.62
    Plus Sales Charge 3.9% (4.058% of the Aggregate
     Offering Price of the Bonds per Unit)..........  $          3.96
    Public Offering Price Per Unit(1)...............  $        101.58
Redemption Price Per Unit (exclusive of accrued
  interest).........................................  $         97.25
Sponsor's Initial Repurchase Price Per Unit
  (exclusive of accrued interest)...................  $         97.62
Excess of Public Offering Price Per Unit over
  Redemption Price Per Unit.........................  $          4.33
Excess of Public Offering Price Per Unit over
  Sponsor's Repurchase Price Per Unit...............  $          3.96
Average Maturity of Bonds in the Trust(2)...........       10.0 years
 
<CAPTION>
                                                          MONTHLY
                                                      SEMI-ANNUAL ---
                                                                QUARTERLY
                                                                --
                                                                ------------------------------
<S>                                                   <C>                 <C>   <C>
  Calculation of Estimated Net Annual
    Interest Income Per Unit
      Annual Interest Income(3)............         $4.9407         $4.9407        $4.9407
      Less Estimated Annual Expense........          $.2312          $.1992         $.1802
                                                -----------     -----------     -----------
      Estimated Net Annual Interest
        Income(4)..........................         $4.7095         $4.7415        $4.7605
  Daily Rate of Accrual Per Unit...........         $.01308         $.01317        $.01322
  ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN(5)..............            4.64%           4.67%          4.69 %
  ESTIMATED LONG TERM RETURN(5)............            4.56%           4.59%          4.61 %
  Trustee's Annual Fees(6).................         $1.4858         $1.1658        $0.9758
</TABLE>
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                          <C>
Date of Deposit...........................................................................................April 16, 1996
Settlement Date...........................................................................................April 19, 1996
Mandatory Termination Date..........................................See "OTHER INFORMATION" in Part B of this Prospectus
Minimum Value of Each Trust.........................................See "OTHER INFORMATION" in Part B of this Prospectus
Sponsor's Annual Evaluation Fee...............................................$0.17 per $1,000 principal amount of Bonds
Estimated Annual Organizational Expenses(7).............................................................$.03240 per Unit
- ----------
BECAUSE CERTAIN OF THE BONDS IN  THE TRUST WILL NOT BE  DELIVERED TO THE TRUSTEE UNTIL  AFTER THE SETTLEMENT DATE FOR  A
PURCHASE OF UNITS MADE ON THE DATE OF DEPOSIT, INTEREST THAT ACCRUES ON THOSE BONDS BETWEEN THE DATE OF DEPOSIT AND SUCH
DELIVERY  DATE WILL BE TREATED AS A RETURN OF PRINCIPAL RATHER  THAN AS TAX-EXEMPT INCOME. THE AMOUNT OF ANY SUCH RETURN
OF PRINCIPAL IS NOT  INCLUDED IN THE ANNUAL  INTEREST INCOME SHOWN ABOVE.  FOR THE TRUST, THE  FOLLOWING SETS FORTH  THE
LATEST  SCHEDULED BOND DELIVERY DATE, THE AMOUNT  PER UNIT THAT WILL BE TREATED  AS A RETURN OF PRINCIPAL TO UNITHOLDERS
WHO PURCHASE ON THE  DATE OF DEPOSIT, AND  THE ESTIMATED CURRENT  RETURN UNDER THE MONTHLY  DISTRIBUTION PLAN AFTER  THE
FIRST  YEAR, ASSUMING THE PORTFOLIO AND ESTIMATED  ANNUAL EXPENSES DO NOT VARY FROM  THAT SET FORTH ABOVE (SEE "WHAT ARE
NORMAL TRUST OPERATING EXPENSES?" IN PART B OF THIS PROSPECTUS AND THE "SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS"). THE ESTIMATED CURRENT
RETURN AFTER THE FIRST YEAR WILL ALSO BE HIGHER UNDER THE QUARTERLY AND SEMI-ANNUAL DISTRIBUTION PLANS:
                                   LATEST SCHEDULED         PER UNIT         ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN
                                    DELIVERY DATE     RETURN OF PRINCIPAL      AFTER THE FIRST YEAR
                                  ------------------  --------------------   -------------------------
  INTERMEDIATE INSURED TRUST....    APRIL 24, 1996    $           .01                     4.64        %
</TABLE>
    
 
The evaluation time for purpose  of sale, purchase or  redemption of Units is  4
p.m.  Eastern time or as of  any earlier closing time on  a day on which the New
York Stock Exchange is scheduled in advance to close at such earlier time.  (See
"HOW IS THE PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE DETERMINED?" in Part B of this Prospectus.)
   
(1) Units  are offered at  the Public Offering Price  plus accrued interest from
    the preceding Record  Date to,  but not  including, the  date of  settlement
    (normally  three business days  after purchase). The Date  of Deposit of the
    Fund has  been  designated  as  the  First Record  Date  for  all  plans  of
    distribution  of the Trust and, accordingly, for Units purchased on the Date
    of Deposit, $.04 of accrued interest to the Settlement Date will be added to
    the Public Offering  Price. (See "WHAT  IS ACCRUED INTEREST?"  in Part B  of
    this Prospectus.)
    
(2) The  Average Maturity  of Bonds  in the Trust  is calculated  based upon the
    stated maturities of the Bonds in the  Trust (or, with respect to Bonds  for
    which funds or securities have been placed in escrow to redeem such Bonds on
    a  stated call  date, based  upon such call  date). The  Average Maturity of
    Bonds in the  Trust may  increase or  decrease from  time to  time as  Bonds
    mature or are called or sold.
(3) Assumes  delivery of  all Bonds. (See  "COMPOSITION OF  TRUSTS" appearing in
    Part B of this  Prospectus.) Interest income does  not include accretion  of
    original  issue  discount on  "zero coupon"  Bonds, Stripped  Obligations or
    other original issue discount Bonds. (See  "RISK FACTORS" in Part B of  this
    Prospectus.)
(4) The  amount and  timing of interest  distributions from the  Trust under the
    various plans of distribution  are set forth below.  It is anticipated  that
    the  amount of interest to  be distributed per Unit  in each year under each
    plan of distribution will initially be substantially equal to the  Estimated
    Net Annual Interest Income per Unit for that plan. The amount of interest to
    be  distributed  annually  per  Unit, will  generally  change  as  Bonds are
    redeemed, mature or are sold or as fees and expenses increase or decrease.
(5) Estimated Long  Term Return  for the  Trust represents  the average  of  the
    yields  to  maturity  (or  call)  of  the  Bonds  in  the  Trust's portfolio
    calculated in  accordance  with  accepted bond  practices  and  adjusted  to
    reflect  a compounding factor, expenses and sales charges. Estimated Current
    Return is computed by  dividing the Net Annual  Interest Income per Unit  by
    the  Public Offering  Price, and in  contrast to Estimated  Long Term Return
    does not reflect the  amortization of premium or  accretion of discount,  if
    any.  For  more information  see "WHAT  ARE ESTIMATED  LONG TERM  RETURN AND
    ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN?" in Part B of this Prospectus.
(6) Each Trustee annual  fee is per  $1,000 principal amount  of the  underlying
    Bonds  in  the  Trust  for  that portion  of  the  Trust  that  represents a
    particular plan of distribution.
(7) The Trust (and  therefore Unitholders)  will bear all  or a  portion of  its
    organizational   costs  (including  costs   of  preparing  the  registration
    statements, the  trust indenture  and other  closing documents,  registering
    Units  with the Securities  and Exchange Commission  and states, the initial
    audit of the Trust portfolio, legal  fees and the initial fees and  expenses
    of  the Trustee but not  including the expenses incurred  in the printing of
    preliminary and final prospectuses, and expenses incurred in the preparation
    and printing  of brochures  and other  advertising materials  and any  other
    selling  expenses)  as  is  common for  mutual  funds.  Total organizational
    expenses will be  amortized over a  five year period.  See "WHAT ARE  NORMAL
    TRUST  OPERATING EXPENSES?" in  Part B of this  Prospectus and "Statement of
    Condition." Historically, the sponsors of  unit investment trusts have  paid
    all the costs of establishing such trusts.
 
                                     2 of 6
<PAGE>
                             INTEREST DISTRIBUTION
 
    Details  of interest distributions  per Unit of the  Trust under the various
plans appear in  the following table  based upon estimated  Net Annual  Interest
Income at the Date of Deposit:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                       NORMAL
                                                                                                                   DISTRIBUTIONS
                                                         1996                                  1997                   PER YEAR
<S>                                     <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------      --------------
Record Date*..........................        6/1            8/1           11/1            2/1            5/1
Distribution Date.....................       6/15           8/15          11/15           2/15           5/15
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monthly Distribution Plan.............  $   .5895(1)                                                               $  4.7168
                                                              --------   $.3930 every month   --------
Quarterly Distribution Plan...........  $   .5895(1)   $   .7914(2)   $  1.1871      $  1.1871      $  1.1871      $  4.7488
Semi-Annual Distribution Plan.........  $   .5895(1)                  $  1.9860(3)                  $  2.3832      $  4.7678
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    
 
 * Record  Dates for  semi-annual distributions  are May  1 and  November 1; for
   quarterly distributions, they are February 1, May 1, August 1 and November 1.
   Record Dates  for monthly  distributions are  the first  day of  each  month.
   Distribution  Dates under each distribution plan are the fifteenth day of the
   month  in  which  the  respective   Record  Date  occurred.  For   additional
   information  see "WHEN ARE  DISTRIBUTIONS MADE TO UNITHOLDERS?"  in Part B of
   this Prospectus.
 
(1) The first distribution will  be paid to all  Unitholders, regardless of  the
    distribution  plan selected.  Such distribution may  be more or  less than a
    regular monthly distribution.
 
   
(2) The second distribution under the  quarterly distribution plan represents  a
    2-month  distribution;  subsequent quarterly  distributions will  be regular
    3-month distributions.
    
 
   
(3) The second distribution under the semi-annual distribution plan represents a
    5-month distribution; subsequent semi-annual  distributions will be  regular
    6-month distributions.
    
 
                                   TAX STATUS
 
    For  a discussion  of the tax  status of  income earned on  Trust Units, see
"WHAT IS THE TAX STATUS OF UNITHOLDERS?" in Part B of this Prospectus.
 
                                     3 of 6
<PAGE>
   
                      NUVEEN INTERMEDIATE INSURED TRUST 84
                    (NUVEEN TAX-FREE UNIT TRUST SERIES 857)
         SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS AT THE DATE OF DEPOSIT, APRIL 16, 1996
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          Ratings(3)           Trustee's
                                                                      Optional       ---------------------   Determination
 Aggregate        Name of Issuer and Title of Issue Represented      Redemption       Standard                of Offering
  Principal        by Sponsor's Contracts to Purchase Bonds(1)      Provisions(2)     & Poor's    Moody's        Price
<C>          <C> <S>                                              <C>                <C>         <C>        <C>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$   500,000      State Public Works Board of the State of         No Optional Call      AAA         Aaa     $       483,100
                   California, Lease Revenue Refunding Bonds
                   (Department of Corrections), 1993 Series C
                   (Del Norte), 4.75% Due 12/1/05.
    500,000      State of Connecticut, General Obligation Bonds   No Optional Call      AAA         Aaa             501,965
                   (1993 Series B), 5.25% Due 9/15/06.
    500,000     * Bay County, Florida, Pollution Control Revenue  No Optional Call      AAA         Aaa             501,250
                   Refunding Bonds, Series 1996 (Gulf Power
                   Company Project), 5.25% Due 4/1/06. (When
                   issued.)
    300,000      Orange County, Florida, Tourist Development Tax  No Optional Call      AAA         Aaa             308,886
                   Refunding Revenue Bonds, Series 1994A, 5.55%
                   Due 10/1/05.
    500,000      State of Hawaii, General Obligation Bonds of     No Optional Call      AAA         Aaa             496,145
                   1996, Series CL, 5.10% Due 3/1/06.
    100,000      Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority       No Optional Call      AAA         Aaa              57,610
                   (Illinois), McCormick Place Expansion Project
                   Bonds, Series 1994B, 0.00% Due 6/15/06.
                   (Original issue discount bonds delivered on
                   or about June 23, 1994 at a price of 48.688%
                   of principal amount.)
    500,000      Public Building Commission of Chicago            No Optional Call      AAA         Aaa             497,955
                   (Illinois), Building Revenue Bonds, Series A
                   of 1993 (Board of Education of the City of
                   Chicago), 5.25% Due 12/1/06. (General
                   Obligation Bonds.)
    500,000      Hamilton Southeastern Consolidated School                              AAA         Aaa
                   Building Corporation, Hamilton County,
                   Indiana, First Mortgage Bonds, Series 1996,
                 250M-4.85% Due 1/15/06,                          No Optional Call                                  241,500
                 250M-4.85% Due 7/15/06.                             2006 at 102                                    241,173
                   (General Obligation Bonds.)
    500,000      City of Detroit (Michigan), Downtown             No Optional Call      AAA         Aaa             500,000
                   Development Authority, Tax Increment
                   Refunding Bonds (Development Area No. 1
                   Projects), Series 1996B, 5.35% Due 7/1/06.
                   (When issued.)
    500,000      The City of New York (New York), General         No Optional Call      AAA         Aaa             505,635
                   Obligation Bonds, Fiscal 1996 Series J, 5.50%
                   Due 2/15/06.
    500,000      North Wales Water Authority (Montgomery County,  No Optional Call      AAA         Aaa             488,790
                   Pennsylvania), Water Revenue Bonds, Series of
                   1995, 4.85% Due 11/1/05.
    100,000      Tumwater School District No. 33, Thurston        No Optional Call      AAA         Aaa              56,771
                   County, Washington, General Obligation Bonds,
                   1996, Series B, 0.00% Due 12/1/06. (Original
                   issue discount bonds delivered on or about
                   February 1, 1996 at a price of 56.74% of
                   principal amount.)
- -----------                                                                                                 ---------------
$ 5,000,000                                                                                                 $     4,880,780
- -----------                                                                                                 ---------------
- -----------                                                                                                 ---------------
</TABLE>
    
 
   
*_ These Bonds, or  a portion  thereof, have  delivery dates  beyond the  normal
   settlement  date. Their expected  delivery date is  April 24, 1996. Contracts
   relating to  Bonds with  delivery  dates after  the  date of  settlement  for
   purchase  made on  the Date  of Deposit  constitute approximately  10% of the
   aggregate principal amount of the Trust. (See "COMPOSITION OF TRUSTS" in Part
   B of this Prospectus.)
    
 
- ------------
 
    (1) The Sponsor's contracts to purchase  Bonds were entered into during  the
period  from April 11, 1996  to April 15, 1996.  Other information regarding the
Bonds in the Trust on the Date of Deposit is as follows:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        ANNUAL
                                                           PROFIT      INTEREST
                                              COST TO     (OR LOSS)    INCOME TO    BID PRICE
                   TRUST                      SPONSOR    TO SPONSOR      TRUST      OF BONDS
  ----------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
  <S>                                       <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
  INTERMEDIATE INSURED TRUST 84...........  $ 4,858,556  $   22,224   $  247,400   $ 4,862,280
</TABLE>
    
 
   
In addition,  the difference  between the  Trustee's determination  of  Offering
Price  and Bid Price (as a percentage of principal amount) is .37%. Neither cost
to Sponsor nor  profit (or  loss) to  Sponsor reflects  underwriting profits  or
losses  received  or  incurred  by  the  Sponsor  through  its  participation in
underwriting syndicates.  The Sponsor  did not  participate as  either the  sole
underwriter  or as a manager or member of a syndicate that acted as the original
underwriter of any of the Bonds.
    
 
    (2) The Bonds are first subject to optional redemption in the years, and  at
the  prices,  shown. Unless  otherwise indicated,  the  Bonds, except  for Bonds
issued at a  substantial original  issue discount, are  redeemable at  declining
prices  (but not below  par value) in subsequent  years. Original issue discount
bonds, including zero coupon bonds, are generally redeemable at prices based  on
the  issue  price  plus  the  amount  of  original  issue  discount  accreted to
redemption plus, if applicable, some premium,  the amount of which will  decline
in  subsequent years. The Bonds  may also be subject  to sinking fund redemption
without premium  prior to  the dates  shown.  Certain Bonds  may be  subject  to
redemption  without  premium prior  to  the date  shown  pursuant to  special or
mandatory call provisions specified in  the instruments setting forth the  terms
and  provisions of  such Bonds.  See "COMPOSITION OF  TRUSTS", "WHAT  IS THE TAX
STATUS OF UNITHOLDERS?" and "RISK FACTORS" in Part B of this Prospectus.
 
    (3) All the  Bonds in the  Insured Trusts,  as insured by  the Insurer,  are
rated AAA by Standard & Poor's and Aaa by Moody's. The insurance obtained by the
Trust guarantees the payment of interest and principal on the Bonds when due but
does not cover certain market risks associated with fixed income securities such
as  accelerated payments, premiums payable  on mandatory redemptions or interest
rate risks.  (See "WHY  AND  HOW ARE  THE  BONDS INSURED?"  in  Part B  of  this
Prospectus and "Description of Ratings" in the Information Supplement.)
 
                                     4 of 6
<PAGE>
                             Statement of Condition
 
   
                      NUVEEN INTERMEDIATE INSURED TRUST 84
    
 
   
                    (Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust, Series 857)
    
 
   
                              AS OF APRIL 16, 1996
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                 <C>
    TRUST PROPERTY
Sponsor's contracts to purchase Tax-Exempt Bonds,
  backed by an irrevocable letter of
  credit(1)(2)....................................  $    4,880,780
Accrued interest to April 16, 1996 on underlying
  Bonds(1)........................................          46,983
Organizational costs(3)...........................           8,100
                                                    --------------
            Total.................................  $    4,935,863
                                                    --------------
                                                    --------------
   LIABILITIES AND INTEREST OF UNITHOLDERS
LIABILITIES:
    Accrued interest to April 16, 1996 on
     underlying Bonds(4)..........................  $       46,983
    Accrued organizational costs(3)...............           8,100
                                                    --------------
            Total.................................  $       55,083
                                                    --------------
                                                    --------------
INTEREST OF UNITHOLDERS:
    Units of fractional undivided interest
     outstanding (50,000)
      Cost to investors(5)........................  $    5,078,842
        Less: Gross underwriting commission(6)....        (198,062)
                                                    --------------
    Net amount applicable to investors............  $    4,880,780
                                                    --------------
            Total.................................  $    4,935,863
                                                    --------------
                                                    --------------
- ------------
</TABLE>
    
 
(1) Represented  by contracts to  purchase Tax-Exempt Bonds  which include "when
    issued" or  "regular  way" or  "delayed  delivery" contracts  for  which  an
    irrevocable  letter of  credit issued  by a  major commercial  bank has been
    deposited with the Trustee on the Date of Deposit. The amount of such letter
    of credit  and any  cash  deposited exceeds  the  amount necessary  for  the
    purchase  of the Bonds plus accrued interest  to the Date of Deposit. At the
    Date of Deposit, Bonds  may have been delivered  to the Sponsor pursuant  to
    certain  of these contracts; the Sponsor has  assigned to the Trustee all of
    its rights, title and interest in and to such Bonds.
 
(2) Aggregate value (at offering prices) as of the Date of Deposit of the  Bonds
    listed  under "Schedule of Investments" herein,  and their aggregate cost to
    the Trust are the  same. Such offering prices  were determined by Kenny  S&P
    Evaluation  Services, a division of J.J. Kenny Co., Inc., as of the close of
    business on the business day prior to the Date of Deposit. (See "HOW WAS THE
    PRICE OF THE BONDS  DETERMINED AT THE  DATE OF DEPOSIT?" in  Part B of  this
    Prospectus.)  Insurance coverage providing for the timely payment, when due,
    of all principal of and interest on  the Bonds in an Insured Trust has  been
    obtained by the Sponsor or by the issuers of such Bonds. Such insurance does
    not  guarantee the market value of the Bonds or the value of the Units. Both
    the bid and the offering prices of the underlying Bonds and of the Units may
    include value attributable to such policies of insurance.
 
(3) The Trust (and  therefore Unitholders)  will bear all  or a  portion of  its
    estimated  organizational costs  which will  be deferred  and amortized over
    five years from the Date of Deposit.
 
(4) Representing, as set forth in "WHAT IS ACCRUED INTEREST?" in Part B of  this
    Prospectus,  advancement by  the Trustee of  an amount equal  to the accrued
    Bond interest as of the Date of Deposit.
 
(5) Aggregate Public Offering Price (exclusive of accrued interest) computed  as
    set  forth under "HOW IS THE PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE DETERMINED?" in Part B of
    this Prospectus.
 
(6) The gross underwriting commission of 3.90% of the Public Offering Price  has
    been  calculated on the assumption that the  Units sold are not subject to a
    reduction of sales  charge for  quantity purchases.  In single  transactions
    involving  500 Units or more, the sales  charge is reduced. (See "HOW IS THE
    PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE DETERMINED?" in Part B of this Prospectus.)
 
                                     5 of 6
<PAGE>
                    REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
   
TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF JOHN  NUVEEN & CO. INCORPORATED AND UNITHOLDERS  OF
INTERMEDIATE INSURED TRUST 84:
    
 
   
    We  have audited the accompanying statement of condition and the schedule of
investments at  date of  deposit (included  in  Part A  of this  Prospectus)  of
Intermediate  Insured Trust 84 (contained in  Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust, Series
857), as of April 16, 1996. These financial statements are the responsibility of
the Sponsor. Our  responsibility is  to express  an opinion  on these  financial
statements based on our audit.
    
 
    We  conducted  our  audit  in accordance  with  generally  accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to  obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included
confirmation of the irrevocable letter of credit arrangement for the purchase of
securities,  described  in  Note   (1)  to  the   statement  of  condition,   by
correspondence with the Trustee. An audit also includes assessing the accounting
principles  used  and significant  estimates  made by  the  Sponsor, as  well as
evaluating the overall  financial statement  presentation. We  believe that  our
audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
   
    In  our opinion, the statement of  condition and the schedule of investments
at date of deposit referred to  above present fairly, in all material  respects,
the financial position of Intermediate Insured Trust 84 as of April 16, 1996, in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
    
 
                                                             ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
 
   
Chicago, Illinois,
April 16, 1996.
    
 
                                     6 of 6
<PAGE>
   
                                 APRIL 16, 1996
                             SUBJECT TO COMPLETION
    
                                           A
   
NUVEEN                 NUVEEN NEW YORK INSURED TRUST 249
                    (NUVEEN TAX-FREE UNIT TRUSTS SERIES 857)
    
                                               CUSIP NUMBERS:
   
                                               Monthly:               67101K 763
                                               Quarterly:             67101K 771
                                               Semi-Annually:         67101K 789
    
   
             PROSPECTUS--PART A (SPECIFIC TERMS) -- APRIL 16, 1996
 THIS PART A OF THE PROSPECTUS MAY NOT BE DISTRIBUTED UNLESS ACCOMPANIED BY THE
                                   PART B OF
  THE NUVEEN TAX-EXEMPT UNIT TRUSTS PROSPECTUS, TO WHICH SUCH REFERENCE HEREIN
                           APPLIES. ANY REFERENCE TO
   "NUVEEN TAX-EXEMPT UNIT TRUSTS" IN PART B SHALL BE AMENDED TO READ "NUVEEN
                             TAX-FREE UNIT TRUSTS."
     BOTH PARTS OF THE PROSPECTUS SHOULD BE RETAINED FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
    
 
   
    New  York  Insured  Trust  249  (the "Trust")  consists  of  a  portfolio of
interest-bearing obligations issued by  or on behalf of  the State of New  York,
certain  United  States Territories  or  authorities and  political subdivisions
thereof which,  in  the  opinion  of recognized  bond  counsel  to  the  issuing
authorities, provide income which is exempt from Federal income tax and New York
state and city income taxes, to the extent indicated below.
    
    The  objectives of the Trust are income exempt from Federal and state income
taxes, and conservation  of capital.  The objectives are,  of course,  dependent
upon  the continuing  ability of the  issuers, obligors and/or  insurers to meet
their respective obligations.
   
    The Portfolio of  the Trust  consists of  7 obligations  issued by  entities
located  in New York. The  Bonds in the Trust  are either general obligations of
the governmental entity issuing them and are backed by the taxing power  thereof
or  are  payable as  to principal  and interest  from the  income of  a specific
project or authority and are not supported by the issuer's power to levy  taxes.
The sources of payment for the Bonds are divided as follows:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
     NUMBER OF                                              PORTFOLIO
      ISSUES                PURPOSE OF ISSUE                PERCENTAGE
  ---------------  ----------------------------------------------------
  <C>              <S>                                     <C>
         2         College and University Revenue                 30   %
         1         General Obligations                            15
         1         Transportation Facility Revenue                15
         1         Municipal Lease Revenue                        15
         1         Water and/or Sewer Revenue                     15
         1         Bridge and Toll Road Revenue                   10
</TABLE>
    
 
   
    Approximately  45.0% of the  aggregate principal amount of  the Bonds in the
Trust (accounting for approximately 44.6% of the aggregate offering price of the
Bonds) are original issue discount bonds. See  "RISK FACTORS" in Part B of  this
Prospectus  for a discussion  of the characteristics of  such obligations and of
the risks associated therewith.
    
    All of the Bonds in the Trust are covered by policies of insurance  obtained
from  the  MBIA  Insurance  Corporation guaranteeing  payment  of  principal and
interest when due. As a  result of such insurance, the  Bonds in the Trust  have
received  a rating of "Aaa" by  Moody's and both the Bonds  in the Trust and the
Units of the Trust have received a rating of "AAA" by Standard & Poor's.
   
    The Trust  is  considered  to  be  concentrated  in  Bonds  of  College  and
University Revenue Issuers whose revenues are subject to certain risks including
declines  in  "college  age" individuals  and  the possible  inability  to raise
tuition and fees. For a discussion  of the risks associated with investments  in
the bonds of various issuers, see "RISK FACTORS" in Part B of this Prospectus.
    
   
                             ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
                REGARDING THE NUVEEN NEW YORK INSURED TRUST 249
        ON THE BUSINESS DAY PRIOR TO THE DATE OF DEPOSIT, APRIL 15, 1996
    
         Sponsor and Evaluator.......... John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated
         Trustee........................ The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A.
                ------------------------------------------------
 
The  income, expense and distribution data  set forth below have been calculated
for  Unitholders  receiving  monthly,  quarterly  or  semi-annual   distribution
options.
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                   <C>
Principal Amount of Bonds in Trust..................  $     5,000,000
Number of Units.....................................           50,000
Fractional Undivided Interest in Trust Per Unit.....         1/50,000
Public Offering Price--Less than 500 Units
    Aggregate Offering Price of Bonds in Trust......  $     4,842,853
    Divided by Number of Units......................  $         96.86
    Plus Sales Charge 4.9% (5.152% of the Aggregate
     Offering Price of the Bonds per Unit)..........  $          4.99
    Public Offering Price Per Unit(1)...............  $        101.85
Redemption Price Per Unit (exclusive of accrued
  interest).........................................  $         96.36
Sponsor's Initial Repurchase Price Per Unit
  (exclusive of accrued interest)...................  $         96.86
Excess of Public Offering Price Per Unit over
  Redemption Price Per Unit.........................  $          5.49
Excess of Public Offering Price Per Unit over
  Sponsor's Repurchase Price Per Unit...............  $          4.99
Average Maturity of Bonds in the Trust(2)...........       26.2 years
</TABLE>
    
 
- ----------
THESE  SECURITIES HAVE  NOT BEEN APPROVED  OR DISAPPROVED BY  THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY  STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION  NOR HAS THE  SECURITIES
AND  EXCHANGE  COMMISSION OR  ANY STATE  SECURITIES  COMMISSION PASSED  UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
Information  contained  herein  is  subject   to  completion  or  amendment.   A
registration  statement relating  to these  securities has  been filed  with the
Securities and Exchange  Commission. These securities  may not be  sold nor  may
offers  to buy be accepted prior to  the time the registration statement becomes
effective. This  Prospectus  shall  not  constitute an  offer  to  sell  or  the
solicitation  of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities
in any State in which such offer,  solicitation or sale would be unlawful  prior
to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any State.
 
                                     1 of 7
<PAGE>
                         ESSENTIAL INFORMATION (CONT.)
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  MONTHLY        QUARTERLY      SEMI-ANNUAL
                                                -----------     -----------     -----------
  <S>                                           <C>             <C>             <C>
  Calculation of Estimated Net Annual
    Interest Income Per Unit
      Annual Interest Income(3)............         $5.7375         $5.7375        $5.7375
      Less Estimated Annual Expense........          $.2375          $.2055         $.1865
                                                -----------     -----------     -----------
      Estimated Net Annual Interest
        Income(4)..........................         $5.5000         $5.5320        $5.5510
  Daily Rate of Accrual Per Unit...........         $.01527         $.01536        $.01541
  ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN(5)..............            5.40%           5.43%          5.45 %
  ESTIMATED LONG TERM RETURN(5)............            5.44%           5.47%          5.48 %
  Trustee's Annual Fees(6).................         $1.5725         $1.2525        $1.0625
Date of Deposit.....................................................................................April 16, 1996
Settlement Date.....................................................................................April 19, 1996
Mandatory Termination Date....................................See "OTHER INFORMATION" in Part B of this Prospectus
Minimum Value of Each Trust...................................See "OTHER INFORMATION" in Part B of this Prospectus
Sponsor's Annual Evaluation Fee.........................................$0.17 per $1,000 principal amount of Bonds
Estimated Annual Organizational Expenses(7).......................................................$.03000 per Unit
- ----------
</TABLE>
    
 
The  evaluation time for purpose  of sale, purchase or  redemption of Units is 4
p.m. Eastern time or as of  any earlier closing time on  a day on which the  New
York  Stock Exchange is scheduled in advance to close at such earlier time. (See
"HOW IS THE PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE DETERMINED?" in Part B of this Prospectus.)
 
   
(1) Units are offered at  the Public Offering Price  plus accrued interest  from
    the  preceding Record  Date to,  but not  including, the  date of settlement
    (normally three business days  after purchase). The Date  of Deposit of  the
    Fund  has  been  designated  as  the First  Record  Date  for  all  plans of
    distribution of the Trust and, accordingly, for Units purchased on the  Date
    of Deposit, $.05 of accrued interest to the Settlement Date will be added to
    the  Public Offering Price.  (See "WHAT IS  ACCRUED INTEREST?" in  Part B of
    this Prospectus.)
    
 
(2) The Average Maturity  of Bonds  in the Trust  is calculated  based upon  the
    stated  maturities of the Bonds in the  Trust (or, with respect to Bonds for
    which funds or securities have been placed in escrow to redeem such Bonds on
    a stated call  date, based  upon such call  date). The  Average Maturity  of
    Bonds  in the  Trust may  increase or  decrease from  time to  time as Bonds
    mature or are called or sold.
 
(3) Assumes delivery of  all Bonds.  (See "COMPOSITION OF  TRUSTS" appearing  in
    Part  B of this  Prospectus.) Interest income does  not include accretion of
    original issue  discount on  "zero coupon"  Bonds, Stripped  Obligations  or
    other  original issue discount Bonds. (See "RISK  FACTORS" in Part B of this
    Prospectus.)
 
(4) The amount and  timing of interest  distributions from the  Trust under  the
    various  plans of distribution  are set forth below.  It is anticipated that
    the amount of interest to  be distributed per Unit  in each year under  each
    plan  of distribution will initially be substantially equal to the Estimated
    Net Annual Interest Income per Unit for that plan. The amount of interest to
    be distributed  annually  per  Unit,  will generally  change  as  Bonds  are
    redeemed, mature or are sold or as fees and expenses increase or decrease.
 
(5) Estimated  Long  Term Return  for the  Trust represents  the average  of the
    yields to  maturity  (or  call)  of  the  Bonds  in  the  Trust's  portfolio
    calculated  in  accordance  with  accepted bond  practices  and  adjusted to
    reflect a compounding factor, expenses and sales charges. Estimated  Current
    Return  is computed by dividing  the Net Annual Interest  Income per Unit by
    the Public Offering  Price, and in  contrast to Estimated  Long Term  Return
    does  not reflect the  amortization of premium or  accretion of discount, if
    any. For  more information  see "WHAT  ARE ESTIMATED  LONG TERM  RETURN  AND
    ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN?" in Part B of this Prospectus.
 
(6) Each  Trustee annual  fee is per  $1,000 principal amount  of the underlying
    Bonds in  the  Trust  for  that  portion of  the  Trust  that  represents  a
    particular plan of distribution.
 
(7) The  Trust (and  therefore Unitholders)  will bear all  or a  portion of its
    organizational  costs  (including  costs   of  preparing  the   registration
    statements,  the trust  indenture and  other closing  documents, registering
    Units with the Securities  and Exchange Commission  and states, the  initial
    audit  of the Trust portfolio, legal fees  and the initial fees and expenses
    of the Trustee but  not including the expenses  incurred in the printing  of
    preliminary and final prospectuses, and expenses incurred in the preparation
    and  printing of  brochures and  other advertising  materials and  any other
    selling expenses)  as  is  common for  mutual  funds.  Total  organizational
    expenses  will be amortized  over a five  year period. See  "WHAT ARE NORMAL
    TRUST OPERATING EXPENSES?" in  Part B of this  Prospectus and "Statement  of
    Condition."  Historically, the sponsors of  unit investment trusts have paid
    all the costs of establishing such trusts.
 
                                     2 of 7
<PAGE>
                             INTEREST DISTRIBUTION
 
    Details of interest distributions  per Unit of the  Trust under the  various
plans  appear in  the following table  based upon estimated  Net Annual Interest
Income at the Date of Deposit:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                       NORMAL
                                                                                                                   DISTRIBUTIONS
                                                         1996                                  1997                   PER YEAR
<S>                                     <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------      --------------
Record Date*..........................        6/1            8/1           11/1            2/1            5/1
Distribution Date.....................       6/15           8/15          11/15           2/15           5/15
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monthly Distribution Plan.............  $   .6871(1)                                                               $  5.5000
                                                                 --------$.4581 every month--------
Quarterly Distribution Plan...........  $   .6871(1)   $   .9216(2)   $  1.3824      $  1.3824      $  1.3824      $  5.5320
Semi-Annual Distribution Plan.........  $   .6871(1)                  $  2.3115(3)                  $  2.7738      $  5.5510
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    
 
 * Record Dates for  semi-annual distributions  are May  1 and  November 1;  for
   quarterly distributions, they are February 1, May 1, August 1 and November 1.
   Record  Dates  for monthly  distributions are  the first  day of  each month.
   Distribution Dates under each distribution plan are the fifteenth day of  the
   month   in  which  the  respective   Record  Date  occurred.  For  additional
   information see "WHEN ARE  DISTRIBUTIONS MADE TO UNITHOLDERS?"  in Part B  of
   this Prospectus.
 
(1) The  first distribution will  be paid to all  Unitholders, regardless of the
    distribution plan selected.  Such distribution may  be more or  less than  a
    regular monthly distribution.
 
   
(2) The  second distribution under the  quarterly distribution plan represents a
    2-month distribution;  subsequent quarterly  distributions will  be  regular
    3-month distributions.
    
 
   
(3) The second distribution under the semi-annual distribution plan represents a
    5-month  distribution; subsequent semi-annual  distributions will be regular
    6-month distributions.
    
 
                             NEW YORK RISK FACTORS
 
    The financial condition  of the  State of New  York is  affected by  various
national,   economic,   social  and   environmental  policies   and  conditions.
Additionally, Constitutional and statutory limitations imposed on the State  and
its  local governments concerning taxes, bond indebtedness and other matters may
constrain the revenue-generating capacity of the State and its local governments
and, therefore,  the  ability of  the  issuers of  the  Bonds to  satisfy  their
obligations.  Historically, the State  has been one of  the wealthiest states in
the nation; however, for  decades the State economy  has grown more slowly  than
that  of the nation as a whole,  gradually eroding the State's relative economic
affluence.
 
    The economic vitality of the State  and its various regions and,  therefore,
the  ability of the  State and its  local governments to  satisfy the Bonds, are
affected by  numerous  factors.  The  economy  of  the  State  continues  to  be
influenced  by the financial health of the City of New York, which faces greater
competition as other major cities  develop financial and business  capabilities.
The State has for many years had a very high state and local tax burden relative
to other states. The burden of State and local taxation, in combination with the
many  other  causes of  regional economic  dislocation,  has contributed  to the
decisions of some businesses and individuals to relocate outside, or not  locate
within, the State.
 
    The  State is party to numerous lawsuits  in which an adverse final decision
could materially affect the State's governmental operations and consequently its
ability to pay debt service on its  obligations. On January 21, 1994, the  State
entered  into a settlement  with Delaware with  respect to STATE  OF DELAWARE V.
STATE OF NEW YORK. The State made an immediate $35 million payment and agreed to
make a $33 million  annual payment in  each of the next  five fiscal years.  The
State  has not settled with other parties to the litigation and will continue to
incur litigation expenses as to those claims.
 
    All outstanding general  obligation bonds  of the  State are  rated "A-"  by
Standard and Poor's and "A" by Moody's.
 
    Further  information concerning New  York risk factors  may be obtained upon
written or telephonic request to the Trustee as described in "OTHER  INFORMATION
- -- Supplemental Information" appearing in Part B of this Prospectus.
 
                                   TAX STATUS
 
    For  a discussion of the Federal tax status of income earned on Trust Units,
see "WHAT IS THE TAX STATUS OF UNITHOLDERS?" in Part B of this Prospectus.
 
    In the opinion of Edwards  & Angell, special counsel  for the Trust for  New
York tax matters, under existing law:
 
        Interest   on  obligations  issued  by   New  York  State,  a  political
    subdivision thereof, Puerto  Rico, the  Virgin Islands,  Guam, the  Northern
    Mariana  Islands,  or  other possessions  of  the United  States  within the
    meaning of Section 103(c) of the  Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as  amended
    ("New York Obligations"), which would be
 
                                     3 of 7
<PAGE>
    exempt  from New York State or New York City personal income tax if directly
    received by a Unitholder, will retain its status as tax-exempt interest when
    received by the Trust and distributed to such Unitholder.
 
        Interest (less amortizable premium, if any) derived from the Trust by  a
    resident  of New  York State  (or New York  City) in  respect of obligations
    issued by states other than New York (or their political subdivisions)  will
    be subject to New York State (or New York City) personal income tax.
 
        A Unitholder who is a resident of New York State (or New York City) will
    be  subject to New  York State (or  New York City)  personal income tax with
    respect to gains realized  when New York Obligations  held in the Trust  are
    sold,  redeemed or paid at maturity or  when the Unitholder's Units are sold
    or redeemed;  such gain  will  equal the  proceeds  of sale,  redemption  or
    payment  less the tax basis of the  New York Obligation or Unit (adjusted to
    reflect (a) the  amortization of premium  or discount, if  any, on New  York
    Obligations  held by  the Trust, (b)  accrued original  issue discount, with
    respect to  each  New  York Obligation  which,  at  the time  the  New  York
    Obligation  was issued, had original issue  discount, and (c) the deposit of
    New  York  Obligations  with  accrued  interest  in  the  Trust  after   the
    Unitholder's settlement date).
 
        Interest  or gain from  the Trust derived  by a Unitholder  who is not a
    resident of New York  State (or New  York City) will not  be subject to  New
    York  State (or  New York  City) personal income  tax, unless  the Units are
    property employed in a business, trade, profession or occupation carried  on
    in New York State (or New York City).
 
        In  the case  of the  Trust, amounts  paid under  the insurance policies
    representing maturing interest on defaulted New York Obligations held by the
    Trustee in the Trust  will be excludable  from New York  State and New  York
    City  income if, and  to the same  extent as, such  interest would have been
    excludable if paid by the respective issuer.
 
        For purposes of the New  York State and New  York City franchise tax  on
    corporations,  Unitholders which are subject to such tax will be required to
    include in their entire net income any interest or gains distributed to them
    even  though  distributed  in  respect  of  obligations  of  any  state   or
    subdivision thereof including New York.
 
        If borrowed funds are used to purchase Units in the Trust, all (or part)
    of  the interest on  such indebtedness will  not be deductible  for New York
    State and  New  York  City  tax  purposes. The  purchase  of  Units  may  be
    considered  to have been made with borrowed funds even though such funds are
    not directly traceable to the purchase of Units in the Trust.
 
                                     4 of 7
<PAGE>
   
                       NUVEEN NEW YORK INSURED TRUST 249
                    (NUVEEN TAX-FREE UNIT TRUST SERIES 857)
         SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS AT THE DATE OF DEPOSIT, APRIL 16, 1996
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          Ratings(3)           Trustee's
                                                                      Optional       ---------------------   Determination
 Aggregate        Name of Issuer and Title of Issue Represented      Redemption       Standard                of Offering
  Principal        by Sponsor's Contracts to Purchase Bonds(1)      Provisions(2)     & Poor's    Moody's        Price
<C>          <C> <S>                                              <C>                <C>         <C>        <C>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$   750,000      The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey,      2005 at 101        AAA         Aaa     $       728,115
                   Consolidated Bonds, One Hundredth Series,
                   5.75% Due 6/15/30.
    750,000      Dormitory Authority of the State of New York,       2004 at 102        AAA         Aaa             750,000
                   Leake and Watts Services, Inc., Insured
                   Revenue Bonds, Series 1994, 6.00% Due 7/1/23.
    750,000      Dormitory Authority of the State of New York,       2004 at 102        AAA         Aaa             701,505
                   University of Rochester, Strong Memorial
                   Hospital Revenue Bonds, Series 1994, 5.50%
                   Due 7/1/21. (Original issue discount bonds
                   delivered on or about March 30, 1994 at a
                   price of 93.75% of principal amount.)
    750,000      Dormitory Authority of the State of New York,       2004 at 100        AAA         Aaa             724,643
                   State University Educational Facilities
                   Revenue Bonds, Series 1994B, 5.75% Due
                   5/15/24. (Original issue discount bonds
                   delivered on or about September 13, 1994 at a
                   price of 91.125% of principal amount.)
    500,000      New York State Thruway Authority, General           2005 at 102        AAA         Aaa             500,000
                   Revenue Bonds, Series C, 6.00% Due 1/1/25.
    750,000      The City of New York, New York, General           2006 at 101 1/2      AAA         Aaa             733,590
                   Obligation Bonds, Fiscal 1996 Series G, 5.75%
                   Due 2/1/14. (Original issue discount bonds
                   delivered on or about January 9, 1996 at a
                   price of 94.421% of principal amount.)
    750,000      New York City (New York), Municipal Water           2004 at 101        AAA         Aaa             705,000
                   Finance Authority, Water and Sewer System
                   Revenue Bonds, Fixed Rate Fiscal 1994 Series
                   B, 5.50% Due 6/15/19.
- -----------                                                                                                 ---------------
$ 5,000,000                                                                                                 $     4,842,853
- -----------                                                                                                 ---------------
- -----------                                                                                                 ---------------
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------
 
    (1) The Sponsor's contracts to purchase Bonds were entered into on April 15,
1996. Other information regarding the Bonds in the Trust on the Date of  Deposit
is as follows:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        ANNUAL
                                                           PROFIT      INTEREST
                                              COST TO     (OR LOSS)    INCOME TO    BID PRICE
                   TRUST                      SPONSOR    TO SPONSOR      TRUST      OF BONDS
  ----------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
  <S>                                       <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
  NEW YORK INSURED TRUST 249..............  $ 4,819,418  $   23,435   $  286,875   $ 4,817,853
</TABLE>
    
 
   
In  addition,  the difference  between the  Trustee's determination  of Offering
Price and Bid Price (as a percentage of principal amount) is .50%. Neither  cost
to  Sponsor nor  profit (or  loss) to  Sponsor reflects  underwriting profits or
losses received  or  incurred  by  the  Sponsor  through  its  participation  in
underwriting  syndicates. The  Sponsor did  not participate  as either  the sole
underwriter or as a manager or member of a syndicate that acted as the  original
underwriter of any of the Bonds.
    
 
    (2)  The Bonds are first subject to optional redemption in the years, and at
the prices,  shown. Unless  otherwise  indicated, the  Bonds, except  for  Bonds
issued  at a  substantial original issue  discount, are  redeemable at declining
prices (but not below  par value) in subsequent  years. Original issue  discount
bonds,  including zero coupon bonds, are generally redeemable at prices based on
the issue  price  plus  the  amount  of  original  issue  discount  accreted  to
redemption  plus, if applicable, some premium,  the amount of which will decline
in subsequent years. The  Bonds may also be  subject to sinking fund  redemption
without  premium  prior to  the dates  shown.  Certain Bonds  may be  subject to
redemption without  premium prior  to  the date  shown  pursuant to  special  or
mandatory  call provisions specified in the  instruments setting forth the terms
and provisions of  such Bonds.  See "COMPOSITION OF  TRUSTS", "WHAT  IS THE  TAX
STATUS OF UNITHOLDERS?" and "RISK FACTORS" in Part B of this Prospectus.
 
    (3)  All the  Bonds in the  Insured Trusts,  as insured by  the Insurer, are
rated AAA by Standard & Poor's and Aaa by Moody's. The insurance obtained by the
Trust guarantees the payment of interest and principal on the Bonds when due but
does not cover certain market risks associated with fixed income securities such
as accelerated payments, premiums payable  on mandatory redemptions or  interest
rate  risks.  (See "WHY  AND  HOW ARE  THE  BONDS INSURED?"  in  Part B  of this
Prospectus and "Description of Ratings" in the Information Supplement.)
 
                                     5 of 7
<PAGE>
                             Statement of Condition
 
   
                       NUVEEN NEW YORK INSURED TRUST 249
    
 
   
                    (Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust, Series 857)
    
 
   
                              AS OF APRIL 16, 1996
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                 <C>
    TRUST PROPERTY
Sponsor's contracts to purchase Tax-Free Bonds,
  backed by an irrevocable letter of
  credit(1)(2)....................................  $    4,842,853
Accrued interest to April 16, 1996 on underlying
  Bonds(1)........................................          91,974
Organizational costs(3)...........................           7,500
                                                    --------------
            Total.................................  $    4,942,327
                                                    --------------
                                                    --------------
   LIABILITIES AND INTEREST OF UNITHOLDERS
LIABILITIES:
    Accrued interest to April 16, 1996 on
     underlying Bonds(4)..........................  $       91,974
    Accrued organizational costs(3)...............           7,500
                                                    --------------
            Total.................................  $       99,474
                                                    --------------
                                                    --------------
INTEREST OF UNITHOLDERS:
    Units of fractional undivided interest
     outstanding (50,000)
      Cost to investors(5)........................  $    5,092,357
        Less: Gross underwriting commission(6)....        (249,504)
                                                    --------------
    Net amount applicable to investors............  $    4,842,853
                                                    --------------
            Total.................................  $    4,942,327
                                                    --------------
                                                    --------------
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------
 
(1) Represented by contracts  to purchase Tax-Exempt  Bonds which include  "when
    issued"  or  "regular  way" or  "delayed  delivery" contracts  for  which an
    irrevocable letter of  credit issued  by a  major commercial  bank has  been
    deposited with the Trustee on the Date of Deposit. The amount of such letter
    of  credit  and any  cash  deposited exceeds  the  amount necessary  for the
    purchase of the Bonds plus accrued interest  to the Date of Deposit. At  the
    Date  of Deposit, Bonds may  have been delivered to  the Sponsor pursuant to
    certain of these contracts; the Sponsor  has assigned to the Trustee all  of
    its rights, title and interest in and to such Bonds.
 
(2) Aggregate  value (at offering prices) as of the Date of Deposit of the Bonds
    listed under "Schedule of Investments"  herein, and their aggregate cost  to
    the  Trust are the same.  Such offering prices were  determined by Kenny S&P
    Evaluation Services, a division of J.J. Kenny Co., Inc., as of the close  of
    business on the business day prior to the Date of Deposit. (See "HOW WAS THE
    PRICE  OF THE BONDS  DETERMINED AT THE DATE  OF DEPOSIT?" in  Part B of this
    Prospectus.) Insurance coverage providing for the timely payment, when  due,
    of  all principal of and interest on the  Bonds in an Insured Trust has been
    obtained by the Sponsor or by the issuers of such Bonds. Such insurance does
    not guarantee the market value of the Bonds or the value of the Units.  Both
    the bid and the offering prices of the underlying Bonds and of the Units may
    include value attributable to such policies of insurance.
 
(3) The  Trust (and  therefore Unitholders)  will bear all  or a  portion of its
    estimated organizational costs  which will  be deferred  and amortized  over
    five years from the Date of Deposit.
 
(4) Representing,  as set forth in "WHAT IS ACCRUED INTEREST?" in Part B of this
    Prospectus, advancement by  the Trustee of  an amount equal  to the  accrued
    Bond interest as of the Date of Deposit.
 
(5) Aggregate  Public Offering Price (exclusive of accrued interest) computed as
    set forth under "HOW IS THE PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE DETERMINED?" in Part B  of
    this Prospectus.
 
(6) The  gross underwriting commission of 4.90% of the Public Offering Price has
    been calculated on the assumption that the  Units sold are not subject to  a
    reduction  of sales  charge for  quantity purchases.  In single transactions
    involving 500 Units or more, the sales  charge is reduced. (See "HOW IS  THE
    PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE DETERMINED?" in Part B of this Prospectus.)
 
                                     6 of 7
<PAGE>
                    REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
   
TO  THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF JOHN  NUVEEN & CO. INCORPORATED AND UNITHOLDERS OF
NEW YORK INSURED TRUST 249:
    
 
   
    We have audited the accompanying statement of condition and the schedule  of
investments  at date of deposit  (included in Part A  of this Prospectus) of New
York Insured Trust 249 (contained in Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust, Series 857), as
of April 16,  1996. These  financial statements  are the  responsibility of  the
Sponsor.  Our  responsibility  is  to  express  an  opinion  on  these financial
statements based on our audit.
    
 
    We conducted  our  audit  in accordance  with  generally  accepted  auditing
standards.  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence  supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included
confirmation of the irrevocable letter of credit arrangement for the purchase of
securities,   described  in  Note   (1)  to  the   statement  of  condition,  by
correspondence with the Trustee. An audit also includes assessing the accounting
principles used  and significant  estimates  made by  the  Sponsor, as  well  as
evaluating  the overall  financial statement  presentation. We  believe that our
audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
   
    In our opinion, the statement of  condition and the schedule of  investments
at  date of deposit referred to above  present fairly, in all material respects,
the financial position of New  York Insured Trust 249 as  of April 16, 1996,  in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
    
 
                                                             ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
 
   
Chicago, Illinois,
April 16, 1996.
    
 
                                     7 of 7
<PAGE>


<PAGE>
 
                                           B
 
NUVEEN  Tax-Exempt Unit Trusts
             PROSPECTUS -- PART B
            (GENERAL TERMS)
              SEPTEMBER 1, 1995
 
THIS PART B OF THE PROSPECTUS MAY NOT BE DISTRIBUTED UNLESS ACCOMPANIED BY  PART
A. BOTH PARTS OF THIS PROSPECTUS SHOULD BE RETAINED FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
FURTHER  DETAIL REGARDING CERTAIN OF THE  INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE PROSPECTUS
MAY BE OBTAINED WITHIN  FIVE BUSINESS DAYS OF  WRITTEN OR TELEPHONIC REQUEST  TO
THE TRUSTEE AT 770 BROADWAY, NEW YORK, NY 10003 OR (800) 257-8787.
 
INTEREST  INCOME TO A TRUST AND TO UNITHOLDERS, IN THE OPINION OF COUNSEL, UNDER
EXISTING LAW  IS EXEMPT  FROM FEDERAL  INCOME TAX.  CAPITAL GAINS,  IF ANY,  ARE
SUBJECT  TO TAX. IN ADDITION, INTEREST INCOME OF STATE TRUSTS IS, IN THE OPINION
OF COUNSEL,  EXEMPT,  TO THE  EXTENT  INDICATED,  FROM STATE  AND  LOCAL  TAXES.
INTEREST  INCOME OF ANY TRUST  OTHER THAN A STATE TRUST  MAY BE SUBJECT TO STATE
AND LOCAL TAXES.
 
CURRENTLY OFFERED AT PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE PLUS INTEREST ACCRUED TO THE DATE  OF
SETTLEMENT. MINIMUM PURCHASE-- EITHER $5,000 OR 50 UNITS, WHICHEVER IS LESS.
 
THIS  NUVEEN TAX-EXEMPT  UNIT TRUST SERIES  consists of  the underlying separate
unit investment  trust  set forth  in  Part A  to  this Prospectus.  Each  Trust
initially  consists  of delivery  statements relating  to contracts  to purchase
Bonds and, thereafter, will  consist of a  diversified portfolio of  obligations
issued  by  or on  behalf of  states and  territories of  the United  States and
authorities and political  subdivisions thereof (see  "Schedule of  Investments"
appearing  in Part A of this Prospectus).  Except in specific instances as noted
in Part A of  this Prospectus, the  information contained in  this Part B  shall
apply  to each Trust in its entirety.  All obligations in each Traditional Trust
are rated in the category "A" or better by Standard & Poor's, a division of  the
McGraw  Hill Companies ("Standard & Poor's")  or Moody's Investors Service, Inc.
("Moody's") on the Date  of Deposit. All obligations  in each Insured Trust  are
covered  by policies of  insurance obtained from  the MBIA Insurance Corporation
guaranteeing payment of principal  and interest when due.  All such policies  of
insurance  remain effective  so long  as the  obligations are  outstanding. As a
result of such insurance, the Bonds in each portfolio of the Insured Trusts have
received a rating of "Aaa"  by Moody's and the Bonds  in the Insured Trusts  and
the  Units of  each such  Trust have received  a rating  of "AAA"  by Standard &
Poor's. INSURANCE RELATES ONLY TO THE BONDS IN THE INSURED TRUSTS AND NOT TO THE
UNITS OFFERED HEREBY OR TO THEIR MARKET  VALUE. (See "WHY AND HOW ARE THE  BONDS
INSURED?".)
 
THE  OBJECTIVES of  a Trust  are tax-exempt  income and  conservation of capital
through a diversified investment  in tax-exempt Bonds.  The payment of  interest
and  the preservation of principal are, of course, dependent upon the continuing
ability of  the issuers  of  Bonds and  of any  insurer  thereof to  meet  their
obligations  thereunder. There is no guarantee that a Trust's objectives will be
achieved. (See "RISK FACTORS".)
 
DISTRIBUTIONS of interest received by a Trust will be made semi-annually  unless
the  Unitholder  elects to  receive them  monthly or  quarterly. (See  "WHEN ARE
DISTRIBUTIONS MADE TO  UNITHOLDERS?".) Distribution  of funds  in the  Principal
Account, if any, will ordinarily be made semi-annually.
 
FOR  ESTIMATED LONG TERM RETURNS AND ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURNS to Unitholders in
each Trust on the business day prior to the Date of Deposit. (See Part A of this
Prospectus and  "WHAT  ARE ESTIMATED  LONG  TERM RETURN  AND  ESTIMATED  CURRENT
RETURN?".)
 
THE  PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE  per Unit of  each Trust during  the initial offering
period is equal to a pro rata share of the OFFERING prices of the Bonds in  such
Trust's  portfolio plus  a sales charge  of up  to 4.90% of  the Public Offering
Price (equivalent to  5.152% of the  net amount invested);  the sales charge  is
somewhat lower on Trusts with lesser average maturities. (See "HOW IS THE PUBLIC
OFFERING  PRICE DETERMINED?".)  The Secondary  Market Public  Offering Price per
Unit for each Trust will be equal to a  pro rata share of the sum of BID  prices
of the Bonds in such Trust plus the sales charges determined based on the number
of  years remaining  to the  maturity of  each Bond.  Accrued interest  from the
preceding Record Date to, but not including, the settlement date (normally three
business days after purchase) is added  to the Public Offering Price. The  sales
charge  is reduced on a graduated scale  for sales involving at least $50,000 or
500 Units  and will  be applied  on whichever  basis is  more favorable  to  the
purchaser. (See "HOW IS THE PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE DETERMINED?".)
 
A  UNITHOLDER MAY REDEEM UNITS at the office of the Trustee at prices based upon
the BID prices of the Bonds. The  price received upon redemption may be more  or
less  than the amount paid by Unitholders, depending upon the value of the Bonds
on the date of tender  for redemption. (See "HOW  UNITS MAY BE REDEEMED  WITHOUT
CHARGE?".)  The  Sponsor, although  not required  to  do so,  intends to  make a
secondary market for the Units of the Trusts at prices based upon the BID prices
of the Bonds  in the respective  Trusts. (See "MARKET  FOR UNITS".) RETAIN  BOTH
PART A AND PART B OF THIS PROSPECTUS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
 
<PAGE>
RISK FACTORS. An investment in a Trust  should be made with an understanding  of
the risks associated therewith, including, among other factors, the inability of
the issuer or an insurer to pay the principal of or interest on a bond when due,
volatile interest rates, early call provisions, and changes to the tax status of
the Bonds. See Part A of this Prospectus and "RISK FACTORS."
 
UNITS OF THE TRUST ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR GUARANTEED OR ENDORSED
BY, ANY BANK AND ARE NOT FEDERALLY INSURED OR OTHERWISE PROTECTED BY THE FEDERAL
DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD OR ANY OTHER AGENCY AND
INVOLVE INVESTMENT RISK, INCLUDING THE POSSIBLE LOSS OF PRINCIPAL.
 
THESE  SECURITIES HAVE  NOT BEEN APPROVED  OR DISAPPROVED BY  THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY  STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION  NOR HAS THE  SECURITIES
AND  EXCHANGE  COMMISSION OR  ANY STATE  SECURITIES  COMMISSION PASSED  UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
<PAGE>
  NUVEEN  Tax-Exempt Unit Trusts
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      INDEX                                                             PAGE
<C>   <S>                                              <C>        <C>
      WHAT IS THE NUVEEN TAX-EXEMPT UNIT TRUST?                            3
      WHAT ARE THE OBJECTIVES OF THE TRUSTS?                               3
      SUMMARY OF PORTFOLIOS                                                3
      RISK FACTORS                                                         4
      COMPOSITION OF TRUSTS                                                6
      WHY AND HOW ARE THE BONDS INSURED?                                   7
      HOW IS THE PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE DETERMINED?                         8
      MARKET FOR UNITS                                                    11
      WHAT IS ACCRUED INTEREST?                                           11
      WHAT ARE ESTIMATED LONG TERM RETURN AND ESTIMATED
      CURRENT RETURN?                                                     12
      HOW WAS THE PRICE OF THE BONDS DETERMINED AT THE
      DATE
      OF DEPOSIT?                                                         12
      WHAT IS THE TAX STATUS OF UNITHOLDERS?                              13
      WHAT ARE NORMAL TRUST OPERATING EXPENSES?                           14
      WHEN ARE DISTRIBUTIONS MADE TO UNITHOLDERS?                         15
      ACCUMULATION PLAN                                                   16
      HOW DETAILED ARE REPORTS TO UNITHOLDERS?                            17
      UNIT VALUE AND EVALUATION                                           17
      HOW UNITS OF THE TRUSTS ARE DISTRIBUTED TO THE
      PUBLIC                                                              17
      OWNERSHIP AND TRANSFER OF UNITS                                     19
      HOW UNITS MAY BE REDEEMED WITHOUT CHARGE                            19
      HOW UNITS MAY BE PURCHASED BY THE SPONSOR                           20
      HOW BONDS MAY BE REMOVED FROM THE TRUSTS                            20
      INFORMATION ABOUT THE TRUSTEE                                       21
      INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPONSOR                                       22
      OTHER INFORMATION                                                   22
</TABLE>
 
                  2
<PAGE>
WHAT IS THE NUVEEN TAX-EXEMPT UNIT TRUST?
 
This Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit  Trust is one  of a series  of separate but  similar
investment  companies created by the  Sponsor, each of which  is designated by a
different Series number. The underlying unit investment trusts contained in this
Series  are  combined  under  one   Trust  Indenture  and  Agreement.   Specific
information  regarding this Trust is set forth in Part A of this Prospectus. The
various Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit Trusts are collectively referred to herein as the
"Trusts"; the trusts in which few or none of the Bonds are insured are sometimes
referred to as the "Traditional  Trusts", the trusts in  which all of the  Bonds
are  insured  as described  herein  are sometimes  referred  to as  the "Insured
Trusts", and  the state  trusts  (both Traditional  and Insured)  are  sometimes
referred to as the "State Trusts." This Series was created under the laws of the
State  of New York pursuant to a Trust Indenture and Agreement dated the Date of
Deposit (the "Indenture") between John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated (the "Sponsor")
and The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. (the "Trustee").
 
    The Sponsor has deposited with  the Trustee delivery statements relating  to
contracts  for the  purchase of municipal  debt obligations  together with funds
represented by an irrevocable letter of credit issued by a major commercial bank
in the amount, including accrued interest,  required for their purchase (or  the
obligations  themselves) (the "Bonds"). See "Schedule  of Investments" in Part A
of this Prospectus, for  a description of the  Securities deposited in a  Trust.
See  "SUMMARY OF PORTFOLIOS" and "RISK FACTORS"  for a discussion of zero coupon
bonds and  stripped obligations  included in  the Trusts,  if any.  Some of  the
delivery statements may relate to contracts for the purchase of "when issued" or
other Bonds with delivery dates after the date of settlement for a purchase made
on  the Date  of Deposit. See  the "Schedule of  Investments" in Part  A of this
Prospectus and  "COMPOSITION  OF TRUSTS".  For  a discussion  of  the  Sponsor's
obligations in the event of a failure of any contract for the purchase of any of
the  Bonds and its limited right to substitute other bonds to replace any failed
contract, see "COMPOSITION OF TRUSTS."
 
    Payment of interest on the Bonds in each Insured Trust, and of principal  at
maturity,  is guaranteed under policies of  insurance obtained by the Sponsor or
by the issuers of the  Bonds. (See "WHY AND HOW  ARE THE BONDS INSURED?".) AS  A
GENERAL  MATTER, NEITHER THE ISSUER NOR  THE SPONSOR HAS OBTAINED INSURANCE WITH
RESPECT TO THE BONDS IN ANY TRADITIONAL TRUST.
 
    The Trustee has delivered  to the Sponsor  registered Units which  represent
ownership  of  the  entire  Trust,  and  which  are  offered  for  sale  by this
Prospectus. Each Unit of a Trust  represents a fractional undivided interest  in
the  principal and net income of such Trust in the ratio set forth in "Essential
Information" in Part A of this Prospectus.  Units may only be sold in states  in
which  they  are registered.  To  the extent  that any  Units  of any  Trust are
redeemed by the Trustee, the aggregate value of the Trust's assets will decrease
by the amount  paid to the  redeeming Unitholder, but  the fractional  undivided
interest  of each unredeemed  Unit in such  Trust will increase proportionately.
The Sponsor will  initially, and  from time to  time thereafter,  hold Units  in
connection with their offering.
 
WHAT ARE THE OBJECTIVES OF THE TRUSTS?
 
The  objectives of the Trusts are income  exempt from Federal income tax and, in
the case of State Trusts, where applicable, state income and intangibles  taxes,
and  conservation of capital, through an  investment in obligations issued by or
on behalf of  states and territories  of the United  States and authorities  and
political  subdivisions thereof,  the interest  on which  is, in  the opinion of
recognized bond counsel  to the  issuing governmental  authorities, exempt  from
Federal  income  tax  under  existing  law  and  certain  state  income  tax and
intangibles taxes, if any, for purchasers who qualify as residents of that State
in which Bonds are issued. Insurance guaranteeing the timely payment, when  due,
of  all  principal and  interest on  the Bonds  in each  Insured Trust  has been
obtained by the  Sponsor or by  the issuers  of such Bonds  from MBIA  Insurance
Corporation,  and as a result  of such insurance the  obligations in the Insured
Trusts are rated "Aaa" by Moody's and "AAA" by Standard & Poor's. (See "WHY  AND
HOW  ARE THE  BONDS INSURED?".)  All obligations  in each  Traditional Trust are
rated in the category  "A" or better  (SP-1 or MIG  2 or better  in the case  of
short term obligations included in a Short Term Traditional Trust) by Standard &
Poor's  or Moody's (including provisional  or conditional ratings). In addition,
certain Bonds  in  certain  Traditional  Trusts  may  be  covered  by  insurance
guaranteeing  the timely payment, when due, of all principal and interest. There
is, of course, no guarantee that the Trusts' objectives will be achieved. For  a
comparison  of net  after-tax return for  various tax brackets  see the "TAXABLE
EQUIVALENT ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN  TABLES" included in  the Appendices to  the
Information Supplement of this Prospectus.
 
SUMMARY OF PORTFOLIOS
 
In  selecting  Bonds for  the respective  Trusts,  the following  factors, among
others, were considered:  (i) the Standard  & Poor's Corporation  rating of  the
Bonds  or the Moody's Investors Service, Inc. rating of the Bonds (see "WHAT ARE
THE OBJECTIVES OF THE TRUSTS?" for  a description of minimum rating  standards),
(ii)  the prices of the Bonds relative  to other bonds of comparable quality and
maturity, (iii) the diversification of Bonds as to purpose of issue and location
of issuer, (iv)  the maturity dates  of the Bonds,  and (v) in  the case of  the
Insured Trusts only, the availability of MBIA Insurance Corporation insurance on
such Bonds. (See "WHY AND HOW ARE THE BONDS INSURED?".)
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
RISK FACTORS
 
    An  investment in Units of any Trust should be made with an understanding of
the risks that such an investment may entail. Each Trust consists of  fixed-rate
municipal  debt  obligations. As  such, the  value of  the debt  obligations and
therefore of  the  Units will  decline  with  increases in  interest  rates.  In
general,  the longer the period until the maturity of a Bond, the more sensitive
its value will be to fluctuations in interest rates. The Sponsor cannot  predict
the  extent or timing  of such fluctuations and,  accordingly, their effect upon
the value of the debt obligations.  Additional risk factors include the  ability
of  the issuer, or, if applicable, an  insurer, to make payments of interest and
principal when  due, "mandatory  put" features,  early call  provisions and  the
potential  for changes in the tax status of the Bonds. As set forth in Part A of
this Prospectus, the Trusts may contain or be concentrated in one or more of the
types of bonds discussed below. The following paragraphs briefly discuss certain
circumstances which may adversely affect the ability of issuers of Bonds held in
the portfolio of a Trust to make payment of principal and interest thereon,  and
which  also  therefore may  adversely  affect the  ratings  of such  Bonds. With
respect to Insured  Trusts, however, because  of the insurance  obtained by  the
Sponsor or by the issuers of the Bonds, such changes should not adversely affect
an  Insured Trust's receipt of principal and interest, the Standard & Poor's AAA
or Moody's Aaa  ratings of  the Bonds  in the  Insured Trust  portfolio, or  the
Standard  & Poor's AAA rating of the Units of each such Insured Trust. The Bonds
described  below  may  be  subject   to  special  or  extraordinary   redemption
provisions.  For economic risks specific to the individual Trusts, see Part A of
this Prospectus  and  the  Appendices  to the  Information  Supplement  of  this
Prospectus.
 
    HEALTH  FACILITY OBLIGATIONS are  obligations of issuers  whose revenues are
derived from services  provided by  hospitals or other  health care  facilities,
including  nursing  homes. The  ability  of such  issuers  to make  debt service
payments on  these  obligations  is  dependent  on  various  factors,  including
occupancy  levels  of the  facility, demand  for  services, wages  of employees,
overhead  expenses,  competition  from   other  similar  providers,   government
regulation,  the cost of  malpractice insurance, and  the degree of governmental
financial assistance, including Medicare and Medicaid.
 
    HOUSING OBLIGATIONS are obligations of issuers whose revenues are  primarily
derived  from mortgage loans on single family residences or housing projects for
low to moderate income families. Housing obligations are generally prepayable at
any time and  therefore their average  life will ordinarily  be less than  their
stated  maturities. The ability of such issuers to make debt service payments on
these obligations is dependent on  various factors, including occupancy  levels,
rental  income, mortgage default rates,  taxes, operating expenses, governmental
regulations and the appropriation of subsidies.
 
    INDUSTRIAL  REVENUE  OBLIGATIONS  are  industrial  revenue  bonds  ("IRBs"),
including  pollution  control  revenue bonds,  which  are  tax-exempt securities
issued by  states, municipalities,  public authorities  or similar  entities  to
finance  the  cost of  acquiring, constructing  or improving  various industrial
projects. Debt  service  payment on  IRBs  is dependent  upon  various  factors,
including  the creditworthiness of the corporate operator of the project and, if
applicable, corporate guarantor, revenues  generated from the project,  expenses
associated with the project and regulatory and environmental restrictions.
 
    ELECTRIC  UTILITY OBLIGATIONS are obligations  of issuers whose revenues are
primarily derived from the sale of electric energy. The ability of such  issuers
to  make  debt service  payments on  these obligations  is dependent  on various
factors, including the rates  for electricity, the  demand for electricity,  the
degree  of competition, governmental regulation,  overhead expenses and variable
costs, such as fuel.
 
    TRANSPORTATION FACILITY REVENUE OBLIGATIONS are obligations of issuers which
are payable  from  and  secured  by revenues  derived  from  the  ownership  and
operation  of airports, public transit systems and ports. The ability of issuers
to make  debt  service payments  on  airport  obligations is  dependent  on  the
capability  of airlines to  meet their obligations under  use agreements. Due to
increased competition,  deregulation, increased  fuel costs  and other  factors,
many  airlines may  have difficulty  meeting their  obligations under  these use
agreements. Bonds  that are  secured primarily  by the  revenue collected  by  a
public  transit system typically  are additionally secured by  a pledge of sales
tax receipts collected  at the state  or local level,  or of other  governmental
financial  assistance. The revenue of issuers of transit system obligations will
be affected by variations in utilization, which  in turn may be affected by  the
degree  of  local governmental  subsidization, competition  from other  forms of
transportation, and  increased costs.  Port  authorities derive  their  revenues
primarily  from fees imposed  on ships using the  facilities which may fluctuate
depending on  the local  economy  and on  competition  from competing  forms  of
transportation  such  as air,  rail and  trucks. The  revenues of  issuers which
derive their  payments  from bridge,  road  or  tunnel toll  revenues  could  be
adversely  affected  by  increases  in fuel  costs,  competition  from toll-free
vehicular bridges and roads and alternative modes of transportation.
 
    WATER AND/OR SEWERAGE OBLIGATIONS are obligations of issuers whose  revenues
are  payable from user fees from the sale of water and/or sewerage services. The
problems   of   such    issuers   include   the    ability   to   obtain    rate
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
increases,  population  declines, the  limitations  on operations  and increased
costs and delays attributable to environmental considerations, the  difficulties
obtaining  new supplies of fresh water,  the effect of conservation programs and
in "no-growth" zoning ordinances.
 
    UNIVERSITY AND COLLEGE REVENUE OBLIGATIONS are obligations of issuers  whose
revenues  are  derived  mainly  from  tuition,  dormitory  revenues,  grants and
endowments. General  problems faced  by  such issuers  include declines  in  the
number  of "college" age  individuals, possible inability  to raise tuitions and
fees, the uncertainty of continued receipt of Federal grants and state  funding,
and  government  legislation  or  regulations  which  may  adversely  affect the
revenues or costs of such issuers.
 
    DEDICATED-TAX SUPPORTED  OBLIGATIONS are  obligations of  issuers which  are
payable  from  and  secured by  tax  revenues  from a  designated  source, which
revenues are pledged to secure the  bonds. The various types of Bonds  described
below  differ in structure and with respect  to the rights of the bondholders to
the underlying property. Each type of dedicated-tax supported Bond has  distinct
risks,  only  some of  which  are set  forth  below. One  type  of dedicated-tax
supported Bond  is  secured by  the  incremental  tax received  on  either  real
property  or on sales within a  specifically defined geographical area; such tax
generally will not provide bondholders with a lien on the underlying property or
revenues. Another type of dedicated-tax supported  Bond is secured by a  special
tax  levied on real property within a defined geographical area in such a manner
that the  tax is  levied  on those  who benefit  from  the project;  such  bonds
typically  provide for  a statutory lien  on the underlying  property for unpaid
taxes. A third  type of dedicated-tax  supported Bond  may be secured  by a  tax
levied  upon the  manufacture, sale  or consumption  of commodities  or upon the
license to  pursue certain  occupations or  upon corporate  privileges within  a
taxing  jurisdiction. As  to any  of these  types of  Bonds, the  ability of the
designated revenues to satisfy the interest and principal payments on such bonds
may be affected by changes  in the local economy,  the financial success of  the
enterprise  responsible for the payment of the  taxes, the value of any property
on which taxes may be assessed and the ability to collect such taxes in a timely
fashion. Each of  these factors will  have a different  affect on each  distinct
type of dedicated-tax supported bonds.
 
    MUNICIPAL  LEASE  OBLIGATIONS  are  obligations that  are  secured  by lease
payments of a  governmental entity  and are  normally subject  to annual  budget
appropriations  of the leasing  governmental entity. A  governmental entity that
enters into  such  a  lease  agreement cannot  obligate  future  governments  to
appropriate  for and make lease payments but covenants to take such action as is
necessary to include  any lease  payments due  in its  budgets and  to make  the
appropriations  therefor. A governmental entity's failure to appropriate for and
to make payments under its lease  obligation could result in insufficient  funds
available for payment of the obligations secured thereby.
 
    ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT OBLIGATIONS AND STRIPPED OBLIGATIONS are bonds which
were  issued with  nominal interest  rates less than  the rates  then offered by
comparable securities and as  a consequence were originally  sold at a  discount
from  their face,  or par,  values. In a  stable interest  rate environment, the
market value of  an original  issue discount bond  would tend  to increase  more
slowly in early years and in greater increments as the bond approached maturity.
 
    Certain  of the original issue  discount obligations in a  Trust may be zero
coupon bonds. Zero coupon bonds  do not provide for  the payment of any  current
interest;  the buyer receives only  the right to receive  a final payment of the
face amount  of the  bond at  its maturity.  Zero coupon  bonds are  subject  to
substantially  greater  price  fluctuations during  periods  of  changing market
interest rates  than are  securities  of comparable  quality that  pay  interest
currently.
 
    Original  issue discount  obligations, including  zero coupon  bonds, may be
subject to redemption  at prices based  on the  issue price plus  the amount  of
original  issue discount accreted to redemption  (the "accreted value") plus, if
applicable, some premium. Pursuant  to such call  provisions, an original  issue
discount  bond may be called prior to its maturity date at a price less than its
face value.  See the  "Schedule of  Investments"  appearing in  Part A  of  this
Prospectus for more information about the call provisions of portfolio Bonds.
 
    Certain of the Bonds in a Trust may be stripped obligations, which represent
evidences  of ownership  with respect  to either  the principal  amount of  or a
payment of interest  on a tax-exempt  obligation ("Stripped Obligations").  Each
Stripped  Obligation has been purchased at a discount from the amount payable at
maturity. A Stripped Obligation  therefore has economic characteristics  similar
to zero coupon bonds, as described above.
 
    Unitholders  should consult their own tax advisers with respect to the state
and local tax consequences of owning  original issue discount bonds or  Stripped
Obligations.  Under applicable  provisions governing determination  of state and
local taxes,  interest  on  original  issue  discount  obligations  or  Stripped
Obligations  may be  deemed to be  received in  the year of  accrual even though
there is no corresponding cash payment.
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
    Certain bonds may carry a "mandatory put" (also referred to as a  "mandatory
tender"  or "mandatory repurchase") feature pursuant to which the holder of such
bonds will receive payment of the full principal amount thereof on a stated date
prior to the maturity date unless  such holder affirmatively acts to retain  the
bond.  The Trustee does not have the authority  to act to retain Bonds with such
features; accordingly, it will receive payment  of the full principal amount  of
any  such Bonds on the stated put date and such date is therefore treated as the
maturity date of such Bonds in selecting Bonds for the respective Trusts and for
purposes of calculating the average maturity of the Bonds in any Trust.
 
COMPOSITION OF TRUSTS
 
Each Trust initially consists  of delivery statements  relating to contracts  to
purchase  Bonds (or of such Bonds) as are listed under "Schedule of Investments"
in Part A of this Prospectus and,  thereafter, of such Bonds as may continue  to
be  held from time to time (including  certain securities deposited in the Trust
in  substitution  for  Bonds  not  delivered  to  a  Trust  or  in  exchange  or
substitution  for  Bonds upon  certain  refundings), together  with  accrued and
undistributed  interest  thereon  and  undistributed  cash  realized  from   the
disposition of Bonds.
 
    "WHEN-ISSUED"  AND  "DELAYED  DELIVERY"  TRANSACTIONS.    The  contracts  to
purchase Bonds delivered to  the Trustee represent an  obligation by issuers  or
dealers  to deliver Bonds to  the Sponsor for deposit  in the Trusts. Certain of
the contracts relate  to Bonds  which have  not been issued  as of  the Date  of
Deposit  and which are commonly referred to as "when issued" or "when, as and if
issued" Bonds. Although  the Sponsor  believes it  unlikely, if  such Bonds,  or
replacement  bonds described  below, are  not acquired  by a  Trust or  if their
delivery is  delayed, the  Estimated  Current Returns  and Estimated  Long  Term
Returns  shown  in Part  A of  this Prospectus  may be  reduced. Certain  of the
contracts for the purchase of Bonds provide for delivery dates after the date of
settlement for purchases  made on the  Date of Deposit.  Interest on such  "when
issued"  and  "delayed delivery"  Bonds accrues  to  the benefit  of Unitholders
commencing with the first settlement date for the Units. However, in the opinion
of counsel, Unitholders who  purchase their Units prior  to the date such  Bonds
are  actually delivered to the Trustee must  reduce the tax basis of their Units
for interest accruing on such Bonds  during the interval between their  purchase
of  Units and the delivery of the Bonds because such amounts constitute a return
of principal. As a result of such adjustment, the Estimated Current Returns  set
forth in Part A of this Prospectus (which are based on the Public Offering Price
as  of the business day prior to the Date of Deposit) may be slightly lower than
Unitholders will receive after the first  year, assuming the Portfolio does  not
change  and estimated  annual expense  does not vary  from that  set forth under
"Essential Information" in Part A of this Prospectus. Those Bonds in each  Trust
purchased with delivery dates after the date of settlement for purchases made on
the  Date of Deposit are so noted in  the "Schedule of Investments" in Part A of
this Prospectus.
 
    LIMITED REPLACEMENT OF CERTAIN BONDS.   Neither the Sponsor nor the  Trustee
shall  be liable in any way  for any default, failure or  defect in any Bond. In
the event of a failure to deliver any  Bond that has been purchased for a  Trust
under  a contract, including those  Bonds purchased on a  when, as and if issued
basis ("Failed Bonds"), the Sponsor is authorized under the Indenture to  direct
the  Trustee to acquire  other specified Bonds ("Replacement  Bonds") to make up
the original corpus of the Trust within 20 days after delivery of notice of  the
failed  contract and the cost  to the Trust (exclusive  of accrued interest) may
not exceed the amount of  funds reserved for the  purchase of the Failed  Bonds.
The  Replacement Bonds  must satisfy the  criteria previously  described for the
Trusts and shall be substantially identical to the Failed Bonds they replace  in
terms  of (i) the exemption from federal  and state taxation; (ii) maturity and;
(iii) cost to the Trust. In addition,  Replacement Bonds shall not be "when,  as
and if issued" Bonds. Whenever a Replacement Bond has been acquired for a Trust,
the  Trustee shall, within five days after the delivery thereof, mail or deliver
a notice of such acquisition to all Unitholders of the Trust involved. Once  the
original corpus of the Trust is acquired, the Trustee will have no power to vary
the investment of the Trust.
 
    To  the extent Replacement Bonds are  not acquired, the Sponsor shall refund
to all Unitholders of the Trust  involved the sales charge attributable to  such
Failed  Bonds not replaced, and the  principal and accrued interest attributable
to such Bonds shall be distributed not more than 30 days after the determination
of such failure or at  such earlier time as the  Trustee in its sole  discretion
deems  to be in the interest of  the Unitholders. Any such accrued interest paid
to Unitholders will be paid by the Sponsor and, accordingly, will not be treated
as tax-exempt  income.  In the  event  Failed Bonds  in  a Trust  could  not  be
replaced,  the  Net Annual  Interest Income  per  Unit for  such Trust  would be
reduced and the Estimated Current Return thereon might be lowered.
 
    SALE, MATURITY AND REDEMPTION OF BONDS.  Certain of the Bonds may from  time
to  time  under certain  circumstances be  sold  or redeemed  or will  mature in
accordance with their terms. The proceeds from  such events will be used to  pay
for   Units  redeemed  or   distributed  to  Unitholders   and  not  reinvested;
accordingly, no assurance can be given that  a Trust will retain for any  length
of time its present size and composition.
 
    All  of the Bonds in  each Trust are subject to  being called or redeemed in
whole or  in part  prior to  their stated  maturities pursuant  to the  optional
redemption  provisions described in  the "Schedule of Investments"  in Part A of
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
this Prospectus  and  in  most  cases  pursuant  to  sinking  fund,  special  or
extraordinary  redemption provisions. See the discussion of the various types of
bond issues,  above, for  information  on the  call  provisions of  such  bonds,
particularly single family mortgage revenue bonds.
 
    The exercise of redemption or call provisions will (except to the extent the
proceeds of the called Bonds are used to pay for Unit redemptions) result in the
distribution  of  principal and  may  result in  a  reduction in  the  amount of
subsequent interest  distributions; it  may also  affect the  current return  on
Units  of the Trust involved.  The exercise of redemption  or call provisions is
more likely to occur in  situations where when the  Bonds have an offering  side
evaluation  which represents a premium  over par (as opposed  to a discount from
par). (In  the  case  of  original issue  discount  bonds,  such  redemption  is
generally  to  be made  at the  issue price  plus the  amount of  original issue
discount accreted to the date of redemption; such price is referred to herein as
"accreted value"). Because Bonds may have  been valued at prices above or  below
par  value or the then current accreted  value at the time Units were purchased,
Unitholders may realize  gain or loss  upon the redemption  of portfolio  Bonds.
(See  "WHAT IS THE TAX STATUS OF  UNITHOLDERS?" and "WHEN ARE DISTRIBUTIONS MADE
TO UNITHOLDERS?" in Part B and the  "Schedule of Investments" in Part A of  this
Prospectus.)
 
    CERTAIN  TAX  MATTERS;  LITIGATION.    Certain of  the  Bonds  in  a Trust's
portfolio may be subject  to continuing requirements such  as the actual use  of
bond proceeds, manner of operation of the project financed from bond proceeds or
rebate  of excess  earnings on  bond proceeds that  may affect  the exemption of
interest on such  Bonds from Federal  income taxation. Although  at the time  of
issuance  of each  of the  Bonds in each  Trust an  opinion of  bond counsel was
rendered as to the exemption of interest on such obligations from Federal income
taxation, and the issuers covenanted  to comply with all requirements  necessary
to retain the tax-exempt status of the Bonds, there can be no assurance that the
respective  issuers  or  other obligors  on  such obligations  will  fulfill the
various continuing  requirements  established  upon issuance  of  the  Bonds.  A
failure to comply with such requirements may cause a determination that interest
on  such  obligations  is  subject  to  Federal  income  taxation,  perhaps even
retroactively from the  date of  issuance of  such Bonds,  thereby reducing  the
value of the Bonds and subjecting Unitholders to unanticipated tax liabilities.
 
    To  the best knowledge of the Sponsor,  there is no litigation pending as of
the Date of Deposit in respect of  any Bonds which might reasonably be  expected
to  have a  material adverse effect  on any of  the Trusts. It  is possible that
after the Date of Deposit, litigation may be initiated with respect to Bonds  in
any  Trust. Any  such litigation may  affect the  validity of such  Bonds or the
tax-exempt nature of the interest thereon,  but while the outcome of  litigation
of  such nature can never be entirely predicted, the opinions of bond counsel to
the issuer of  each Bond  on the  date of issuance  state that  such Bonds  were
validly issued and that the interest thereon is, to the extent indicated, exempt
from Federal income tax.
 
WHY AND HOW ARE THE BONDS INSURED?
 
Insurance  guaranteeing  the  timely payment,  when  due, of  all  principal and
interest on the Bonds in each Insured Trust has been obtained by the Sponsor  or
by  the issuers or underwriters of the Bonds from the MBIA Insurance Corporation
(the "Insurer"). Certain of the  Bonds in an Insured Trust  may be covered by  a
policy  or policies of insurance obtained by  the issuers or underwriters of the
Bonds from  Municipal Bond  Insurance Association  (the "Association")  or  Bond
Investors  Guaranty Insurance Company ("BIG"). The claims-paying ability of both
the Insurer  and the  Association was  rated  "AAA Prime  Grade" by  Standard  &
Poor's.  Moody's rates  all bond  issuers insured by  either the  Insurer or the
Association "Aaa" and  short-term loans "MIG  1," both designated  to be of  the
highest  quality.  The Insurer  has  issued a  policy  or policies  of insurance
covering each of the Bonds in the Insured Trusts, each policy to remain in force
until the payment in full of such Bonds and whether or not the Bonds continue to
be held  by an  Insured Trust.  By the  terms of  each policy  the Insurer  will
unconditionally  guarantee to  the holders or  owners of the  Bonds the payment,
when due,  required of  the  issuer of  the  Bonds of  an  amount equal  to  the
principal of and interest on the Bonds as such payments shall become due but not
be  paid  (except that  in the  event of  any  acceleration of  the due  date of
principal by reason of mandatory  or optional redemption, default or  otherwise,
the  payments guaranteed will be made in such amounts and at such times as would
have been due had there not been an acceleration).
 
    Insurance guaranteeing the timely  payment, when due,  of all principal  and
interest  on certain Bonds in a Traditional  Trust may have been obtained by the
Sponsor, issuer or underwriter  of the particular Bonds  involved or by  another
party.  Such insurance, which  provides coverage substantially  the same as that
obtained with  respect  to  Bonds  in Insured  Trusts  as  described  above,  is
effective  so long as the insured Bond is outstanding and the insurer remains in
business. Insurance relates  only to the  particular Bond and  not to the  Units
offered hereby or to their market value. Insured Bonds have received a rating of
"Aaa"  by  Moody's and/or  "AAA" by  Standard  & Poor's  in recognition  of such
insurance.
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
    If a Bond in a Traditional  Trust is insured, the "Schedule of  Investments"
appearing in Part A of this Prospectus will identify the insurer. The Sponsor to
date  has purchased  and presently  intends to  purchase insurance  for Bonds in
Traditional Trusts exclusively from the Insurer. There can be no assurance  that
any  insurer listed therein will be able to satisfy its commitments in the event
claims are made in  the future. However, Standard  & Poor's and/or Moody's  have
rated the claims-paying ability of each insurer "AAA" or "Aaa," respectively.
 
    The  Insurer is the principal operating subsidiary of MBIA, Inc., a New York
Stock Exchange listed company. MBIA, Inc. is  not obligated to pay the debts  of
or  claims against the  Insurer. The Insurer is  a limited liability corporation
rather than a  several liability association.  The Insurer is  domiciled in  the
State  of New York and licensed to do business in all 50 states, the District of
Columbia, the  Commonwealth of  Puerto Rico,  the Commonwealth  of the  Northern
Mariana  Islands, the Virgin Islands  of the United States  and the Territory of
Guam. The Insurer has one European branch in the Republic of France.
 
    As of  June  30,  1995 the  Insurer  had  admitted assets  of  $3.6  billion
(unaudited),  total liabilities of  $2.4 billion (unaudited),  and total capital
and surplus of $1.2 billion (unaudited) determined in accordance with  statutory
accounting   practices   prescribed   or  permitted   by   insurance  regulatory
authorities. As of December  31, 1994, the Insurer  had admitted assets of  $3.4
billion  (audited),  total  liabilities  of $2.3  billion  (audited),  and total
capital and  surplus of  $1.1 billion  (audited) determined  in accordance  with
statutory  accounting practices prescribed or  permitted by insurance regulatory
authorities.
 
    The Association is comprised  of the five insurance  companies set forth  in
the following table, which provides certain unaudited financial information with
respect to each of the five insurance companies comprising the Association.
 
                      MUNICIPAL BOND INSURANCE ASSOCIATION
      FIVE MEMBER COMPANIES ASSETS AND POLICYHOLDERS' SURPLUS (UNAUDITED)
                           AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 1994.
                                (000'S OMITTED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               NEW YORK      NEW YORK       NEW YORK
                                                                              STATUTORY     STATUTORY    POLICYHOLDERS
                                                                                ASSETS     LIABILITIES      SURPLUS
                                                                             ------------  ------------  --------------
<S>                                                                          <C>           <C>           <C>
The AEtna Casualty & Surety Company........................................  $ 10,030,200  $  8,275,300  $   1,754,900
Fireman's Fund Insurance Company...........................................     6,815,775     4,904,534      1,911,241
The Travelers Indemnity Company............................................    10,295,359     8,515,392      1,779,967
CIGNA Property and Casualty Company (formerly AEtna Insurance Company).....     5,112,251     4,842,235        270,016
The Continental Insurance Company..........................................     2,794,536     2,449,805        344,731
                                                                             ------------  ------------  --------------
        Total..............................................................  $ 35,048,121  $ 28,987,266  $   6,060,855
                                                                             ------------  ------------  --------------
                                                                             ------------  ------------  --------------
</TABLE>
 
    Insurance  companies  are subject  to  extensive regulation  and supervision
where they  do  business  by  state insurance  commissioners  who  regulate  the
standards of solvency which must be maintained, the nature of and limitations on
investments, reports of financial condition, and requirements regarding reserves
for  unearned premiums, losses  and other matters. A  significant portion of the
assets of insurance companies are required by law to be held in reserve  against
potential claims on policies and is not available to general creditors. Although
the  federal government  does not  regulate the  business of  insurance, federal
initiatives including  pension  regulation,  controls  on  medical  care  costs,
minimum  standards for no-fault automobile insurance, national health insurance,
tax law changes affecting life insurance  companies and repeal of the  antitrust
exemption  for  the insurance  business can  significantly impact  the insurance
business.
 
    The above ratings are  not recommendations to buy,  sell or hold the  Bonds,
and  such ratings may  be subject to revision  or withdrawal at  any time by the
rating agencies. Any downward revision or  withdrawal of either or both  ratings
may have an adverse effect on the market price of the Bonds. See the Information
Supplement--for further information concerning insurance.
 
    Because the insurance on the Bonds, if any, will be effective so long as the
Bonds  are outstanding, such insurance will be taken into account in determining
the market value  of the  Bonds and therefore  some value  attributable to  such
insurance  will be included in the value of the Units of the Insured Trusts. The
insurance does not, however, guarantee the market  value of the Bonds or of  the
Units.
 
HOW IS THE PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE DETERMINED?
 
The  Public Offering Price of the Units of  each Trust is equal to the Trustee's
determination of the aggregate  OFFERING prices of  the Bonds deposited  therein
(minus  any  advancement to  the  principal account  of  the Trust  made  by the
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
Trustee) plus a sales charge set forth  in "Essential Information" in Part A  of
this  Prospectus, in  each case  adding to  the total  thereof cash  held by the
Trust, if  any,  and  dividing the  sum  so  obtained by  the  number  of  Units
outstanding in the Trust. See "UNIT VALUE AND EVALUATION."
 
    The  sales charge applicable to quantity purchases is reduced on a graduated
scale for sales to any  purchaser of at least $50,000  or 500 Units and will  be
applied  on whichever basis is more favorable  to the purchaser. For purposes of
calculating the applicable  sales charge,  purchasers who  have indicated  their
intent  to purchase a specified  amount of Units of any  Trust in the primary or
secondary offering period by executing and delivering a letter of intent to  the
Sponsor,  which letter of intent must be in a form acceptable to the Sponsor and
shall have a maximum duration of thirteen months, will be eligible to receive  a
reduced  sales charge according to  the following tables based  on the amount of
intended aggregate  purchases as  expressed  in the  letter  of intent.  Due  to
administrative  limitations and in  order to permit  adequate tracking, the only
secondary market  purchases that  will be  permitted to  be applied  toward  the
intended  specified amount and that will receive the corresponding reduced sales
charge are  those  Units that  are  acquired through  or  from the  Sponsor.  By
establishing  a letter of intent, a Unitholder agrees that the first purchase of
Units following the execution of  such letter of intent will  be at least 5%  of
the  total  amount  of  the  intended  aggregate  purchases  expressed  in  such
Unitholder's letter of intent. Further, through the establishment of the  letter
of intent, such Unitholder agrees that Units representing 5% of the total amount
of  the  intended  purchases will  be  held  in escrow  by  the  Trustee pending
completion of these purchases. All distributions on Units held in escrow will be
credited  to  such  Unitholder's  account.  If  total  purchases  prior  to  the
expiration  of the letter of intent period  equal or exceed the amount specified
in a Unitholder's letter of intent, the Units held in escrow will be transferred
to such Unitholder's account.  If the total purchases  are less than the  amount
specified,  the Unitholder involved must pay the  Sponsor an amount equal to the
difference between the amounts  paid for these purchases  and the amounts  which
would  have  been paid  if the  higher sales  charge had  been applied.  If such
Unitholder does  not pay  the additional  amount within  20 days  after  written
request  by  the  Sponsor  or the  Unitholder's  securities  representative, the
Sponsor will  instruct  the Trustee  to  redeem  an appropriate  number  of  the
escrowed Units to meet the required payment. By establishing a letter of intent,
a  Unitholder irrevocably appoints the Sponsor  as attorney to give instructions
to redeem any or  all of such  Unitholder's escrowed Units,  with full power  of
substitution in the premises. A Unitholder or his securities representative must
notify  the Sponsor whenever such  Unitholder makes a purchase  of Units that he
wishes to  be counted  towards the  intended amount.  Sales charges  during  the
primary offering period are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            NATIONAL AND STATE TRUSTS         LONG INTERMEDIATE TRUSTS        INTERMEDIATE
                                                                                                                 TRUSTS
                                          -----------------------------     -----------------------------     ------------
<S>                                       <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>
                                            PERCENT          PERCENT          PERCENT          PERCENT          PERCENT
                                               OF             OF NET             OF             OF NET             OF
                                            OFFERING          AMOUNT          OFFERING          AMOUNT          OFFERING
            NUMBER OF UNITS*                 PRICE           INVESTED          PRICE           INVESTED          PRICE
- ----------------------------------------  ------------     ------------     ------------     ------------     ------------
Less than 500...........................         4.90 %           5.152%           4.25 %           4.439%           3.90%
500 but less than 1,000.................         4.75             4.987            4.15             4.330            3.70
1,000 but less than 2,500...............         4.50             4.712            3.85             4.004            3.50
2,500 but less than 5,000...............         4.25             4.439            3.60             3.734            3.25
5,000 but less than 10,000..............         3.50             3.627            3.35             3.466            3.00
10,000 but less than 25,000.............         3.00             3.093            3.00             3.093            2.75
25,000 but less than 50,000.............         2.50             2.564            2.50             2.564            2.50
50,000 or more..........................         2.00             2.041            2.00             2.041            2.00
 
<CAPTION>
 
<S>                                       <C>
                                            PERCENT
                                             OF NET
                                             AMOUNT
            NUMBER OF UNITS*                INVESTED
- ----------------------------------------  ------------
Less than 500...........................         4.058%
500 but less than 1,000.................         3.842
1,000 but less than 2,500...............         3.627
2,500 but less than 5,000...............         3.359
5,000 but less than 10,000..............         3.093
10,000 but less than 25,000.............         2.828
25,000 but less than 50,000.............         2.564
50,000 or more..........................         2.041
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            SHORT INTERMEDIATE TRUSTS
                                                                                  SHORT TERM TRUSTS
                                          -----------------------------     -----------------------------
<S>                                       <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>
                                            PERCENT          PERCENT          PERCENT          PERCENT
                                               OF             OF NET             OF             OF NET
                                            OFFERING          AMOUNT          OFFERING          AMOUNT
            NUMBER OF UNITS*                 PRICE           INVESTED          PRICE           INVESTED
- ----------------------------------------  ------------     ------------     ------------     ------------
Less than 500...........................         3.00 %           3.093%           2.50 %           2.564%
500 but less than 1,000.................         2.80             2.881            2.30             2.354
1,000 but less than 2,500...............         2.60             2.670            2.10             2.145
2,500 but less than 5,000...............         2.35             2.407            1.85             1.885
5,000 but less than 10,000..............         2.10             2.145            1.60             1.626
10,000 but less than 25,000.............         1.85             1.885            1.35             1.368
25,000 but less than 50,000.............         1.80             1.833            1.25             1.266
50,000 or more..........................         1.50             1.523            1.15             1.163
</TABLE>
 
*Breakpoint  sales charges are computed both on  a dollar basis and on the basis
 of the number of Units purchased, using the equivalent of 500 Units to $50,000,
 2,500 Units to $250,000 etc., and will  be applied on that basis which is  more
 favorable to the purchaser.
 
    For  "secondary market"  sales the  Public Offering  Price per  Unit of each
Trust is determined by adding to the Trustee's determination of the BID price of
each Bond in the Trust  a sales charge determined  in accordance with the  table
set forth below based upon the number of years remaining to the maturity of each
such  Bond. See "UNIT VALUE AND EVALUATION."  The effect of this method of sales
charge calculation will be that different sales charge
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
rates will be applied to the various  Bonds in a Trust portfolio based upon  the
maturities  of such Bonds. As shown, the  sales charge on Bonds in each maturity
range (and therefore the aggregate sales charge on the purchase) is reduced with
respect to purchases of at least $50,000 or 500 Units:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       AMOUNT OF PURCHASE*
                              -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                           <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
                                            $50,000      $100,000     $250,000     $500,000    $1,000,000   $2,500,000
                                UNDER          TO           TO           TO           TO           TO           TO       $5,000,000
YEARS TO MATURITY              $50,000      $99,999      $249,999     $499,999     $999,999    $2,499,999   $4,999,999    OR MORE
- ----------------------------------------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
Less than 1...................         0           0            0            0            0            0            0            0
1 but less than 2.............     1.523 %     1.446 %      1.369 %      1.317 %      1.215 %      1.061 %       .900 %       .750 %
2 but less than 3.............     2.041       1.937        1.833        1.729        1.626        1.420        1.225        1.030
3 but less than 4.............     2.564       2.433        2.302        2.175        2.041        1.781        1.546        1.310
4 but less than 5.............     3.093       2.961        2.828        2.617        2.459        2.175        1.883        1.590
5 but less than 7.............     3.627       3.433        3.239        3.093        2.881        2.460        2.165        1.870
7 but less than 10............     4.167       3.951        3.734        3.520        3.239        2.828        2.489        2.150
10 but less than 13...........     4.712       4.467        4.221        4.004        3.788        3.253        2.842        2.430
13 but less than 16...........     5.263       4.988        4.712        4.439        4.167        3.627        3.169        2.710
16 or more....................     5.820       5.542        5.263        4.987        4.603        4.004        3.500        3.000
</TABLE>
 
 *Breakpoint sales charges are computed both on a dollar basis and on the  basis
  of  the  number of  Units  purchased, using  the  equivalent of  500  Units to
  $50,000, 2,500 Units  to $250,000,  etc., and will  be applied  on that  basis
  which is more favorable to the purchaser.
 
    The  secondary market sales charges above are  expressed as a percent of the
net amount invested; expressed  as a percent of  the Public Offering Price,  the
maximum  sales charge on  any Trust, including one  consisting entirely of Bonds
with 16 years  or more to  maturity, would be  5.50% (5.820% of  the net  amount
invested).  The  actual secondary  market sales  charge  included in  the Public
Offering Price of  any particular  Trust will depend  on the  maturities of  the
Bonds in the portfolio of such Trust.
 
    Pursuant to the terms of the Indenture, the Trustee may terminate a Trust if
the  net asset value of such Trust, as shown by any evaluation, is less than 20%
of the original principal amount of the Trust.
 
    At all  times while  Units are  being  offered for  sale, the  Sponsor  will
appraise  or cause to  be appraised daily  the value of  the underlying Bonds in
each Trust as of 4:00 p.m. eastern time on each day on which the New York  Stock
Exchange  (the "Exchange") is normally open  and will adjust the Public Offering
Price of the Units commensurate with such appraisal. Such Public Offering  Price
will be effective for all orders received by a dealer or the Sponsor at or prior
to  4:00 p.m. eastern time on each such day. Orders received after that time, or
on a day when the Exchange is closed for a scheduled holiday or weekend, will be
held until the next determination of price.
 
    Accrued interest from the preceding Record  Date to, but not including,  the
settlement  date of the transaction (three business days after purchase) will be
added to the Public Offering Price to determine the purchase price of Units. See
"WHAT IS ACCRUED INTEREST?".
 
    The graduated sales  charges set forth  above will apply  on all  applicable
purchases  of Nuveen investment  company securities on  any one day  by the same
purchaser in the amounts stated, and  for this purpose purchases of this  Series
will be aggregated with concurrent purchases of any other Series or of shares of
any  open-end management  investment company of  which the  Sponsor is principal
underwriter and with respect to the purchase of which a sales charge is imposed.
Purchases by or  for the  account of  an individual and  his or  her spouse  and
children  under 21 years of age  ("immediate family members") will be aggregated
to determine the applicable sales charge.  The graduated sales charges are  also
applicable  to a trustee  or other fiduciary purchasing  securities for a single
trust estate or single fiduciary account.  Units may be purchased at the  Public
Offering Price without a sales charge by officers or directors and by bona fide,
full-time  employees  of  Nuveen, Nuveen  Advisory  Corp.,  Nuveen Institutional
Advisory Corp.  and  The John  Nuveen  Company,  including in  each  case  these
individuals and their immediate family members (as defined above).
 
    Units  may be  purchased in  the primary or  secondary market  at the Public
Offering Price for  non-breakpoint purchases  minus the  concession the  Sponsor
typically  allows to brokers and dealers  for non-breakpoint purchases (see "HOW
UNITS OF  THE TRUSTS  ARE DISTRIBUTED  TO  THE PUBLIC?")  by (1)  investors  who
purchase  Units  through  registered  investment  advisers,  certified financial
planners and registered broker-dealers who  in each case either charge  periodic
fees  for financial planning, investment  advisory or asset management services,
or provide such services in connection  with the establishment of an  investment
account  for which a comprehensive "wrap fee"  charge is imposed, (2) bank trust
departments investing  funds over  which they  exercise exclusive  discretionary
investment  authority and  that are  held in  a fiduciary,  agency, custodial or
similar capacity, (3) any person who for at least 90 days, has been an  officer,
director  or bona fide employee of any firm offering Units for sale to investors
or their  immediate family  members  (as defined  above)  and (4)  officers  and
directors  of  bank  holding companies  that  make Units  available  directly or
through  subsidiaries  or  bank  affiliates.  Notwithstanding  anything  to  the
contrary  in  this  Prospectus,  such investors,  bank  trust  departments, firm
employees and bank  holding company  officers and directors  who purchase  Units
through  this  program will  not receive  sales  charge reductions  for quantity
purchases.
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
    The initial or primary Public Offering Price  of the Units in each Trust  is
based upon a pro rata share of the OFFERING prices per Unit of the Bonds in such
Trust  plus the  applicable sales charge.  The secondary  market Public Offering
Price of each Trust is based upon a pro rata share of the BID prices per Unit of
the Bonds in such Trust plus the applicable sales charge. The OFFERING prices of
Bonds in a Trust may be expected to average between 1/2% to 2% more than the BID
prices of such  Bonds. The difference  between the bid  side evaluation and  the
offering side evaluation of the Bonds in each Trust on the business day prior to
the Date of Deposit is shown in the discussion of each Trust portfolio.
 
    Whether  or not Units are being offered for sale, the Sponsor will determine
the aggregate value of each Trust as of 4:00 p.m. eastern time: (i) on each June
30 or December 31 (or, if such date is not a business day, the last business day
prior thereto), (ii) on any day on  which a Unit is tendered for redemption  (or
the  next succeeding business day  if the date of  tender is a non-business day)
and (iii) at such other times as may be necessary. For this purpose, a "business
day" shall be any day on which  the Exchange is normally open. (See "UNIT  VALUE
AND EVALUATION.")
 
MARKET FOR UNITS
 
During  the  initial public  offering period,  the Sponsor  intends to  offer to
purchase Units of each  Trust at a  price equivalent to the  pro rata share  per
Unit  of the OFFERING prices of the Bonds in such Trust (plus accrued interest).
Afterward, although  it  is not  obligated  to do  so,  the Sponsor  intends  to
maintain  a secondary  market for  Units of  each Trust  at its  own expense and
continuously to offer  to purchase  Units of each  Trust at  prices, subject  to
change  at  any time,  which  are based  upon  the BID  prices  of Bonds  in the
respective portfolios of the  Trusts. UNITHOLDERS WHO WISH  TO DISPOSE OF  THEIR
UNITS SHOULD INQUIRE OF THE TRUSTEE OR THEIR BROKER AS TO THE CURRENT REDEMPTION
PRICE. (See "HOW UNITS MAY BE REDEEMED WITHOUT CHARGE?".) In connection with its
secondary  marketmaking activities, the Sponsor may from time to time enter into
secondary market  joint  account  agreements with  other  brokers  and  dealers.
Pursuant to such an agreement the Sponsor will purchase Units from the broker or
dealer at the bid price and will place the Units into a joint account managed by
the  Sponsor; sales from  the account will  be made in  accordance with the then
current prospectus and the Sponsor and  the broker or dealer will share  profits
and  losses in  the joint account  in accordance  with the terms  of their joint
account agreement.
 
    Certificates, if any, for Units are  delivered to the purchaser as  promptly
after the date of settlement (three business days after purchase) as the Trustee
can  complete  the mechanics  of registration,  normally  within 48  hours after
registration instructions are received. Purchasers of Units to whom Certificates
are issued will be unable  to exercise any right  of redemption until they  have
received  their Certificates as tender of the Certificate, properly endorsed for
transfer. (See "HOW UNITS MAY BE REDEEMED WITHOUT CHARGE?".)
 
WHAT IS ACCRUED INTEREST?
 
Accrued interest is the accumulation of unpaid interest on a bond from the  last
day  on which  interest thereon  was paid.  Interest on  Bonds in  each Trust is
accounted for daily on an accrual basis. For this reason, the purchase price  of
Units  of a Trust will  include not only the Public  Offering Price but also the
proportionate share  of accrued  interest  to the  date of  settlement.  Accrued
interest  does not  include accrual  of original  issue discount  on zero coupon
bonds, Stripped Obligations  or other  original issue  discount bonds.  Interest
accrues  to the  benefit of Unitholders  commencing with the  settlement date of
their purchase transaction.
 
    In an effort to reduce the  amount of accrued interest that investors  would
have  to pay in addition to the Public Offering Price, the Trustee has agreed to
advance to each Trust the amount of accrued interest due on the Bonds as of  the
Date  of Deposit (which has been designated  the first Record Date for all plans
of distribution).  This accrued  interest will  be paid  to the  Sponsor as  the
holder  of record of all Units on  the Date of Deposit. Consequently, the amount
of accrued interest  to be  added to  the Public  Offering Price  of Units  will
include  only accrued interest from  the Date of Deposit  to, but not including,
the date of  settlement of the  investor's purchase (three  business days  after
purchase), less any distributions from the related Interest Account. The Trustee
will  recover its  advancements (without interest  or other cost  to the Trusts)
from interest received on the Bonds deposited in each Trust.
 
    The Trustee has no  cash for distribution to  Unitholders until it  receives
interest  payments on the Bonds in the  Trusts. Since municipal bond interest is
accrued daily but  paid only  semi-annually, during  the initial  months of  the
Trusts,  the Interest Accounts,  consisting of accrued  but uncollected interest
and collected interest  (cash), will  be predominantly  the uncollected  accrued
interest that is not available for distribution. However, due to advances by the
Trustee,  the Trustee will provide a first distribution between approximately 30
and 60 days after the Date of Deposit. Assuming each Trust retains its  original
size  and composition  and expenses  and fees  remain the  same, annual interest
collected and distributed  will approximate  the estimated  Net Annual  Interest
Income  stated herein. However, the  amount of accrued interest  at any point in
time will  be  greater than  the  amount that  the  Trustee will  have  actually
received and distributed to the Unitholders. Therefore, there will always remain
an  item of  accrued interest  that is  included in  the Purchase  Price and the
redemption price of the Units.
 
    Interest is accounted  for daily and  a proportionate share  of accrued  and
undistributed  interest computed from the preceding  Record Date is added to the
daily valuation of each Unit of each  Trust. (See Part A of this Prospectus  and
"WHEN ARE DISTRIBUTIONS MADE TO UNITHOLDERS?".) As Bonds mature, or are redeemed
or  sold,  the  accrued  interest  applicable to  such  bonds  is  collected and
subsequently distributed to Unitholders. Unitholders who
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
sell or redeem all or a portion of their Units will be paid their  proportionate
share  of  the  remaining accrued  interest  to,  but not  including,  the third
business day following the date of sale or tender.
 
WHAT ARE ESTIMATED LONG TERM RETURN AND ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN?
 
The Estimated Long Term Return for each Trust is a measure of the return to  the
investor  expected  to be  earned  over the  estimated  life of  the  Trust. The
Estimated Long Term Return represents an  average of the yields to maturity  (or
call)  of  the Bonds  in  the Trust's  portfolio  calculated in  accordance with
accepted bond practice and adjusted to reflect expenses and sales charges. Under
accepted bond practice, tax-exempt bonds are customarily offered to investors on
a "yield price" basis, which involves computation of yield to maturity or to  an
earlier  call date  (whichever produces the  lower yield), and  which takes into
account not only the interest payable on the bonds but also the amortization  or
accretion  of  any premium  over,  or discount  from,  the par  (maturity) value
inherent in the bond's purchase price. In the calculation of Estimated Long Term
Return, the average yield for the Trust's portfolio is derived by weighting each
Bond's yield by the market value of the Bond and by the amount of time remaining
to the date to  which the Bond  is priced. This weighted  average yield is  then
adjusted  to  reflect estimated  expenses, is  compounded, and  is reduced  by a
factor which represents the amortization of  the sales charge over the  expected
average  life of the Trust. The Estimated  Long Term Return calculation does not
take into account the effect  of a first distribution which  may be less than  a
regular  distribution or may  be paid at some  point after 30  days (or a second
distribution which may be  less than a normal  distribution for Unitholders  who
choose  quarterly or  semi-annual plans of  distribution), and it  also does not
take into account the difference in timing of payments to Unitholders who choose
quarterly or semi-annual plans  of distribution, each of  which will reduce  the
return.
 
    Estimated  Current Return  is computed by  dividing the  Net Annual Interest
Income per Unit by the Public Offering Price. In contrast to Estimated Long Term
Return, Estimated Current Return does not reflect the amortization of premium or
accretion of discount, if any, on the Bonds in the Trust's portfolio. Net Annual
Interest Income per Unit is calculated by dividing the annual interest income to
the Trust, less estimated expenses, by the number of Units outstanding.
 
    Net Annual Interest  Income per  Unit, used to  calculate Estimated  Current
Return,  will vary  with changes  in fees  and expenses  of the  Trustee and the
Evaluator and  with the  redemption,  maturity, exchange  or  sale of  Bonds.  A
Unitholder's  actual return may vary  significantly from the Estimated Long-Term
Return, based  on their  holding  period, market  interest rate  changes,  other
factors  affecting  the  prices  of  individual  bonds  in  the  portfolio,  and
differences between  the expected  remaining  life of  portfolio bonds  and  the
actual length of time that they remain in the Trust; such actual holding periods
may be reduced by termination of the Trust, as described in "OTHER INFORMATION."
Since  both  the Estimated  Current Return  and the  Estimated Long  Term Return
quoted herein are  based on  the market  value of  the underlying  Bonds on  the
business  day prior  to the  Date of  Deposit, subsequent  calculations of these
performance  measures  will  reflect  the  then  current  market  value  of  the
underlying  Bonds and may be higher or lower. The Sponsor will provide estimated
cash flow  information relating  to a  Trust without  charge to  each  potential
investor  in a Trust who  receives this prospectus and  makes an oral or written
request to the Sponsor for such information.
 
    A portion of the  monies received by  a Trust may be  treated, in the  first
year  only, as a return of principal due to the inclusion in the Trust portfolio
of "when-issued"  or  other  Bonds  having delivery  dates  after  the  date  of
settlement  for purchases  made on  the Date of  Deposit. A  consequence of this
treatment is that in the computation  of Estimated Current Return for the  first
year, such monies are excluded from Net Annual Interest Income and treated as an
adjustment  to the Public Offering Price. (See "Essential Information" appearing
in Part A  of this  Prospectus, "COMPOSITION  OF TRUSTS"  and "WHAT  IS THE  TAX
STATUS OF UNITHOLDERS?")
 
    A  comparison of tax-free  and equivalent taxable  estimated current returns
with the returns on  various taxable investments is  one element to consider  in
making  an  investment  decision. The  Sponsor  may  from time  to  time  in its
advertising and sales materials compare the then current estimated returns on  a
Trust  and returns  over specified periods  on other similar  Nuveen Trusts with
returns on taxable investments such as corporate or U.S. Government bonds,  bank
CD's  and  money  market accounts  or  money  market funds,  each  of  which has
investment characteristics  that  may  differ  from those  of  the  Trust.  U.S.
Government  bonds, for example, are  backed by the full  faith and credit of the
U.S. Government and bank CD's and money market accounts are insured by an agency
of the federal government. Money market accounts and money market funds  provide
stability  of principal, but pay interest at  rates that vary with the condition
of the short-term debt market. The investment characteristics of the Trusts  are
described more fully elsewhere in the Prospectus.
 
HOW WAS THE PRICE OF THE BONDS DETERMINED AT THE DATE OF DEPOSIT?
 
The prices at which the Bonds deposited in the Trusts would have been offered to
the  public on the business day prior to  the Date of Deposit were determined by
the Trustee on the basis  of an evaluation of such  Bonds prepared by Kenny  S&P
Evaluation  Services, a  division of  J. J.  Kenny Co.,  Inc., a  firm regularly
engaged in the business of  evaluating, quoting or appraising comparable  bonds.
With respect to Bonds in Insured Trusts and insured Bonds in Traditional Trusts,
Kenny  S&P Evaluation Services, a  division of J. J.  Kenny Co., Inc., evaluated
the Bonds as so insured. (See "WHY AND HOW ARE THE BONDS INSURED?".)
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
    The amount by which  the Trustee's determination of  the OFFERING PRICES  of
the  Bonds deposited  in the Trusts  was greater or  less than the  cost of such
Bonds to  the  Sponsor was  PROFIT  OR LOSS  to  the Sponsor  exclusive  of  any
underwriting  profit.  (See Part  A of  this Prospectus.)  The Sponsor  also may
realize FURTHER PROFIT OR  SUSTAIN FURTHER LOSS as  a result of fluctuations  in
the  Public Offering  Price of the  Units. Cash,  if any, made  available to the
Sponsor prior to the settlement  date for a purchase of  Units, or prior to  the
acquisition  of all Portfolio securities by a Trust, may be available for use in
the Sponsor's business, and may be of benefit to the Sponsor.
 
WHAT IS THE TAX STATUS OF UNITHOLDERS?
 
At the  respective times  of issuance  of the  Bonds, opinions  relating to  the
validity  thereof and to  the exemption of interest  thereon from Federal income
tax were rendered  by bond  counsel to  the respective  issuing authorities.  In
addition,  with respect to  State Trusts, where applicable,  bond counsel to the
issuing authorities rendered opinions  as to the exemption  of interest on  such
Bonds,  when held by residents  of the state in which  the issuers of such Bonds
are located, from state income taxes and certain state or local intangibles  and
local  income taxes. For a discussion of the tax status of State Trusts see Part
A of this Prospectus. Neither the Sponsor nor its counsel have made any  special
review  for the Trusts of the proceedings  relating to the issuance of the Bonds
or of  the basis  for the  opinions  rendered in  connection therewith.  If  the
interest  on a Bond should be determined to be taxable, the Bond would generally
have to  be sold  at a  substantial discount.  In addition,  investors could  be
required  to pay  income tax  on interest  received prior  to the  date of which
interest is determined to be taxable.
 
    Federally tax-exempt income, including income  on Units of the Trusts,  will
be taken into consideration in computing the portion, if any, of social security
benefits  received that will be included in a taxpayer's gross income subject to
the Federal income tax.
 
    Gain realized on the sale or redemption of the Bonds by the Trustee or of  a
Unit  by  a Unitholder  is includable  in  gross income  for Federal  income tax
purposes, and may be  includable in gross income  for state tax purposes.  (Such
gain  does not  include any  amounts received  in respect  of tax-exempt accrued
interest  or  accrued  original  issue  discount,  if  any.)  A  portion  of   a
Unitholder's  gain, to the extent of accreted market discount, may be treated as
ordinary income rather than capital gain if the Bonds were purchased by a  Trust
at a market discount or if the Unitholder purchased his or her Units at a market
discount  on or  after April 30,  1993. Market  discount can arise  based on the
price the Trust pays for the Bonds or the price a Unitholder pays for his or her
Units. Market  discount that  accretes while  the Trust  holds a  Bond would  be
recognized  as ordinary  income by the  Unitholders when  principal payments are
received on the Bond, upon sale  or at redemption (including early  redemption),
or  upon the sale or redemption of his  or her Units, unless a Unitholder elects
to include market discount in taxable income as it accrues. The market  discount
rules  are complex and  Unitholders should consult  their tax advisors regarding
these rules and their application.
 
    In the opinion of Chapman and Cutler, Counsel to the Sponsor, under existing
law:
 
    (1) the Trusts  are not  associations taxable  as corporations  for  Federal
        income  tax purposes. Tax-exempt interest received by each of the Trusts
        on  Bonds  deposited  therein  will  retain  its  status  as  tax-exempt
        interest,  for Federal income tax purposes,  when received by the Trusts
        and when distributed  to the  Unitholders, except  that the  alternative
        minimum  tax and environmental  tax (the "Superfund  Tax") applicable to
        corporate Unitholders  may, in  certain  circumstances, include  in  the
        amount  on which  such taxes  are calculated  a portion  of the interest
        income received by  the Trust.  See "CERTAIN TAX  MATTERS APPLICABLE  TO
        CORPORATE UNITHOLDERS", below;
 
    (2) each  Unitholder of a Trust is considered to  be the owner of a pro rata
        portion of such Trust under Subpart E, subchapter J of Chapter 1 of  the
        Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the "Code") and will have a taxable event
        when  the Trust  disposes of  a Bond or  when the  Unitholder redeems or
        sells Units. Unitholders must  reduce the tax basis  of their Units  for
        their  share of accrued interest received by the Trust, if any, on Bonds
        delivered after  the  date the  Unitholders  pay for  their  Units  and,
        consequently,  such Unitholders may have an  increase in taxable gain or
        reduction in capital loss  upon the disposition of  such Units. Gain  or
        loss  upon the sale or redemption of  Units is measured by comparing the
        proceeds of  such sale  or redemption  with the  adjusted basis  of  the
        Units.  If the  Trustee disposes of  Bonds (whether by  sale, payment at
        maturity, redemption or otherwise),  gain or loss  is recognized to  the
        Unitholder. The amount of any such gain or loss is measured by comparing
        the  Unitholder's  pro  rata  share  of  the  total  proceeds  from such
        disposition with  the  Unitholder's  basis for  his  or  her  fractional
        interest  in the  asset disposed  of. In  the case  of a  Unitholder who
        purchases Units, such basis (before adjustment for earned original issue
        discount  and  amortized  bond  premium,   if  any)  is  determined   by
        apportioning  the  cost of  the  Units among  each  of the  Trust assets
        ratably according to value as of  the date of acquisition of the  Units.
        The   tax  cost  reduction   requirements  of  said   Code  relating  to
        amortization of bond  premium may, under  some circumstances, result  in
        the  Unitholder realizing a taxable gain when  his or her Units are sold
        or redeemed for an amount equal to their original cost; and
 
    (3) any amounts paid on defaulted Bonds  held by the Trustee under  policies
        of  insurance issued with respect to  such Bonds will be excludable from
        Federal gross income if, and to the same extent as, such interest  would
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
        have  been so excludable if paid by the respective issuer provided that,
        at the  time such  policies are  purchased, the  amounts paid  for  such
        policies  are reasonable,  customary and consistent  with the reasonable
        expectation that the issuer of the bonds, rather than the insurer,  will
        pay  debt  service  on  the  bonds. Paragraph  (2)  of  this  opinion is
        accordingly  applicable   to  policy   proceeds  representing   maturing
        interest.
 
In the opinion of Carter, Ledyard & Milburn, counsel to the Trustee, and, in the
absence  of a New York Trust from the Series, special counsel for the Series for
New York tax matters, under existing law:
 
        Under the income tax laws of the State and City of New York, each  Trust
    is  not an association taxable as a corporation and the income of each Trust
    will be treated as the income of the Unitholders.
 
    For a summary  of each opinion  of special counsel  to the respective  State
Trusts for state tax matters, see Part A of this Prospectus.
 
    ALL STATEMENTS IN THE PROSPECTUS CONCERNING EXEMPTION FROM FEDERAL, STATE OR
OTHER TAXES ARE THE OPINION OF COUNSEL AND ARE TO BE SO CONSTRUED.
 
    The Internal Revenue Code provides that interest on indebtedness incurred or
continued  to purchase  or carry  obligations, the  interest on  which is wholly
exempt from Federal income taxes, is not deductible. Because each Unitholder  is
treated  for Federal income tax purposes as the owner of a pro rata share of the
Bonds owned by the applicable Trust, interest on borrowed funds used to purchase
or carry Units  of such  Trust will  not be  deductible for  Federal income  tax
purposes.  Under rules used by the Internal Revenue Service for determining when
borrowed funds are  considered used for  the purpose of  purchasing or  carrying
particular  assets, the purchase  of Units may  be considered to  have been made
with borrowed funds even though the borrowed funds are not directly traceable to
the purchase of Units (however, these  rules generally do not apply to  interest
paid  on indebtedness  incurred to  purchase or  improve a  personal residence).
Similar rules are  generally applicable  for state tax  purposes. Special  rules
apply  in  the  case  of  certain  financial  institutions  that  acquire Units.
Investors with questions regarding  these issues should  consult with their  tax
advisers.
 
    For  purposes of computing  the alternative minimum  tax for individuals and
corporations, interest on certain specified tax-exempt private activity bonds is
included as a preference item. The Trusts do not include any such bonds.
 
    CERTAIN TAX  MATTERS APPLICABLE  TO CORPORATE  UNITHOLDERS. In  the case  of
certain  corporations, the alternative minimum tax  and the Superfund Tax depend
upon the corporation's alternative minimum taxable income ("AMTI"), which is the
corporation's taxable income  with certain  adjustments. One  of the  adjustment
items  used in computing AMTI and the Superfund Tax of a corporation (other than
an S corporation, Regulated Investment Company, Real Estate Investment Trust, or
REMIC) is an amount equal to 75%  of the excess of such corporation's  "adjusted
current  earnings" over an amount equal to its AMTI (before such adjustment item
and the  alternative  tax net  operation  loss deduction).  Although  tax-exempt
interest  received by each of the Trusts  on Bonds deposited therein will not be
included in the gross  income of corporations for  Federal income tax  purposes,
"adjusted current earnings" includes all tax-exempt interest, including interest
on all Bonds in the Trust and tax-exempt original issue discount.
 
    Corporate  Unitholders  are urged  to consult  their  own tax  advisers with
respect to the particular tax consequences  to them resulting under the  Federal
tax  law, including the corporate alternative minimum tax, the Superfund Tax and
the branch profits tax imposed by Section 884 of the Code.
 
    EXCEPT AS NOTED ABOVE  AND IN PART  A OF THIS  PROSPECTUS, THE EXEMPTION  OF
INTEREST ON STATE AND LOCAL OBLIGATIONS FOR FEDERAL INCOME TAX PURPOSES DOES NOT
NECESSARILY  RESULT IN EXEMPTION UNDER THE INCOME OR OTHER TAX LAWS OF ANY STATE
OR CITY. THE LAWS  OF THE SEVERAL  STATES VARY WITH RESPECT  TO THE TAXATION  OF
SUCH OBLIGATIONS.
 
WHAT ARE NORMAL TRUST OPERATING EXPENSES?
 
No  annual advisory  fee is charged  to the  Trusts by the  Sponsor. The Sponsor
does, however, receive a fee as set  forth in "Essential Information" in Part  A
of  this  Prospectus  for regularly  evaluating  the Bonds  and  for maintaining
surveillance over the portfolio. (See "UNIT VALUE AND EVALUATION.")
 
    The Trustee receives for ordinary recurring services an annual fee for  each
plan  of distribution  for each  Trust as  set forth  in "Essential Information"
appearing in Part A of this Prospectus. Each annual fee is per $1,000  principal
amount  of the underlying  Bonds in a Trust  for that portion  of the Trust that
represents  a  particular  plan  of  distribution.  The  Trustee's  fee  may  be
periodically  adjusted in response to  fluctuations in short-term interest rates
(reflecting the  cost to  the Trustee  of advancing  funds to  a Trust  to  meet
scheduled  distributions) and  may be  further adjusted  in accordance  with the
cumulative percentage  increase  of  the United  States  Department  of  Labor's
Consumer  Price Index  entitled "All  Services Less  Rent of  Shelter" since the
establishment of the Trusts.  The Trustee has  the use of  funds, if any,  being
held   in  the  Interest  and  Principal  Accounts  of  each  Trust  for  future
distributions,  payment  of  expenses   and  redemptions.  These  Accounts   are
non-interest  bearing to Unitholders. Pursuant to normal banking procedures, the
Trustee benefits  from the  use of  funds held  therein. Part  of the  Trustee's
compensation for its services to the Fund is expected to result from such use of
these funds.
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
    Premiums  for the policies  of insurance obtained  by the Sponsor  or by the
Bond issuers with respect to the Bonds in the Insured Trusts and with respect to
insured Bonds in Traditional Trusts have been paid in full prior to the  deposit
of the Bonds in the Trusts, and the value of such insurance has been included in
the evaluation of the Bonds in each Trust and accordingly in the Public Offering
Price  of Units of each Trust. There  are no annual continuing premiums for such
insurance.
 
    All or  a portion  of  the expenses  incurred  in establishing  the  Trusts,
including costs of preparing the registration statement, the trust indenture and
other  closing  documents, registering  Units with  the Securities  and Exchange
Commission and states, the  initial audit of each  Trust portfolio, legal  fees,
the  initial  fees  and  expenses  of the  Trustee  and  any  other non-material
out-of-pocket expenses, will be paid by the Trusts and amortized over the  first
five  years of such Trusts. The following  are additional expenses of the Trusts
and, when paid  by or are  owed to  the Trustee, are  secured by a  lien on  the
assets  of the  Trust or Trusts  to which  such expenses are  allocable: (1) the
expenses and costs of any action undertaken by the Trustee to protect the Trusts
and the  rights  and interests  of  the Unitholders;  (2)  all taxes  and  other
governmental  charges upon the Bonds or any part of the Trusts (no such taxes or
charges are  being  levied  or  made  or,  to  the  knowledge  of  the  Sponsor,
contemplated); (3) amounts payable to the Trustee as fees for ordinary recurring
services  and for extraordinary non-recurring  services rendered pursuant to the
Indenture, all disbursements and expenses including counsel fees (including fees
of bond  counsel which  the Trustee  may retain)  sustained or  incurred by  the
Trustee  in connection therewith; and (4)  any losses or liabilities accruing to
the Trustee without negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct on its part. The
Trustee is empowered to sell  Bonds in order to pay  these amounts if funds  are
not otherwise available in the applicable Interest and Principal Accounts.
 
    The  Indenture requires each Trust  to be audited on  an annual basis at the
expense of the Trust by independent public accountants selected by the  Sponsor.
The  Trustee  shall not  be  required, however,  to cause  such  an audit  to be
performed if its cost to a Trust shall exceed $.05 per Unit on an annual  basis.
Unitholders  of a  Trust covered by  an audit may  obtain a copy  of the audited
financial statements upon request.
 
WHEN ARE DISTRIBUTIONS MADE TO UNITHOLDERS?
 
Interest received by the Trustee on the Bonds in each Trust, including that part
of the proceeds of  any disposition of Bonds  which represents accrued  interest
and  including  any insurance  proceeds representing  interest due  on defaulted
Bonds, shall be credited to the "Interest  Account" of such Trust and all  other
moneys  received by the Trustee shall be  credited to the "Principal Account" of
such Trust.
 
    The pro rata share of  cash in the Principal Account  in each Trust will  be
computed as of each semi-annual Record Date and distributions to the Unitholders
as of such Record Date will be made on or shortly after the fifteenth day of the
month. Proceeds received from the disposition, including sale, call or maturity,
of  any of the Bonds and all amounts  paid with respect to zero coupon bonds and
Stripped Obligations will be  held in the Principal  Account and either used  to
pay  for Units  redeemed or distributed  on the Distribution  Date following the
next semi-annual Record Date. The Trustee is not required to make a distribution
from the  Principal  Account  of  any Trust  unless  the  amount  available  for
distribution in such account equals at least ten cents per Unit.
 
    The pro rata share of the Interest Account in each Trust will be computed by
the  Trustee each month as of each Record Date and distributions will be made on
or shortly after the fifteenth day of the month to Unitholders of such Trust  as
of the Record Date who are entitled to distributions at that time under the plan
of  distribution chosen. Persons who purchase Units  between a Record Date and a
Distribution Date will receive their first distribution on the Distribution Date
following the next Record Date under the applicable plan of distribution.
 
    Purchasers of  Units  who desire  to  receive interest  distributions  on  a
monthly or quarterly basis may elect to do so at the time of purchase during the
initial  public offering  period. Those indicating  no choice will  be deemed to
have chosen the  semi-annual distribution  plan. All  Unitholders, however,  who
purchase  Units during the initial  public offering period and  who hold them of
record on the first Record Date will receive the first distribution of interest.
Thereafter, Record Dates for monthly distributions will be the first day of each
month; Record  Dates  for quarterly  distributions  will  be the  first  day  of
February,   May,  August  and   November;  and  Record   Dates  for  semi-annual
distributions will be  the first day  of May and  November. See Part  A of  this
Prospectus for details of distributions per Unit of each Trust under the various
plans  based upon estimated Net  Annual Interest Income at  the Date of Deposit.
The amount of  the regular distributions  will generally change  when Bonds  are
redeemed, mature or are sold or when fees and expenses increase or decrease. For
the  purpose of minimizing  fluctuations in the  distributions from the Interest
Account of a Trust, the Trustee is authorized to advance such amounts as may  be
necessary  to provide for interest distributions of approximately equal amounts.
The Trustee shall be  reimbursed, without interest, for  any such advances  from
funds  in  the Interest  Account of  such  Trust. The  Trustee's fee  takes into
account the costs  attributable to  the outlay of  capital needed  to make  such
advances.
 
    The  plan of  distribution selected  by a  Unitholder will  remain in effect
until changed.  Unitholders  purchasing  Units  in  the  secondary  market  will
initially  receive distributions  in accordance with  the election  of the prior
owner. Unitholders desiring to  change their plan of  distribution may do so  by
sending   a   written  notice   requesting   the  change,   together   with  any
Certificate(s), to  the  Trustee. The  notice  and any  Certificate(s)  must  be
received by the
 
                                       15
<PAGE>
Trustee  not later than  the semi-annual Record  Date to be  effective as of the
semi-annual distribution  following  the  subsequent  semi-annual  Record  Date.
Unitholders  are requested to make any such  changes within 45 days prior to the
applicable Record  Date.  Certificates should  only  be sent  by  registered  or
certified  mail to minimize the possibility of  their being lost or stolen. (See
"OWNERSHIP AND TRANSFER OF UNITS.")
 
    As of the first day of each month the Trustee will deduct from the  Interest
Account  of a Trust or, to the extent funds are not sufficient therein, from the
Principal Account of  a Trust, amounts  needed for payment  of expenses of  such
Trust.  The Trustee also may withdraw from said accounts such amount, if any, as
it deems necessary to establish a  reserve for any governmental charges  payable
out  of such Trust. Amounts  so withdrawn shall not be  considered a part of the
Trust's assets until such time  as the Trustee shall return  all or any part  of
such amounts to the appropriate account. In addition, the Trustee shall withdraw
from  the Interest Account and the Principal  Account of a Trust such amounts as
may be necessary to  cover redemptions of  Units of such  Trust by the  Trustee.
Funds  which are available for future  distributions, redemptions and payment of
expenses are held in accounts which are non-interest bearing to Unitholders  and
are available for use by the Trustee pursuant to normal banking procedures.
 
ACCUMULATION PLAN
 
The  Sponsor  is  also  the  principal  underwriter  of  the  Accumulation Funds
described  in  the  following  table.  Each  of  these  funds  is  an  open-end,
diversified  management investment company into  which Unitholders may choose to
reinvest  Trust   distributions  automatically,   without  any   sales   charge.
(Reinvestment  generally is available  only to Unitholders  who are residents of
the states for which such portfolios  are named.) Unitholders may reinvest  both
interest  and  principal  distributions or  principal  distributions  only. Each
Accumulation Fund has  investment objectives  which differ  in certain  respects
from  those  of the  Trusts  and may  invest in  securities  which would  not be
eligible for deposit in the Trusts. The investment adviser to each  Accumulation
Fund  is Nuveen Advisory Corp., a wholly-owned  subsidiary of the Sponsor. For a
more detailed description,  Unitholders of  each Accumulation  Fund should  read
carefully  the prospectus of the Accumulation Fund in which they are interested.
For additional information concerning the Accumulation Plan see the  Information
Supplement of this Prospectus.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                      ACCUMULATION FUND                                            GENERAL FUND DESCRIPTION
- --------------------------------------------------------------  --------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                             <C>
Nuveen Municipal Bond Fund                                      Tax-exempt   income  by   investing  in   long-term  municipal
                                                                securities.
Nuveen Tax-Free  Reserves,  Inc.  and  Nuveen  Tax-Free  Money
Market Fund, Inc.:
Nuveen  Massachusetts  Tax-Free Money  Market Fund  Nuveen New  Tax-exempt and in certain cases double and triple tax-  exempt
York Tax-Free Money Market Fund                                 "money market" funds with checkwriting privileges.
Nuveen California Tax-Free Fund:
Nuveen California Tax-Free Value Fund                           Double  tax-exempt income by investing in long-term investment
                                                                grade California tax-exempt securities.
Nuveen California Insured Tax-Free Value Fund                   Double tax-exempt income  by investing  in insured  California
                                                                tax-exempt securities.
Nuveen California Tax-Free Money Market Fund                    California  tax-exempt "money  market" fund  with checkwriting
                                                                privileges.
Nuveen Tax-Free  Bond Fund,  Inc.  and the  Nuveen  Multistate
Tax-Free Trust:
Nuveen  Massachusetts  Tax-Free  Value Fund,  Nuveen  New York  Double and  in  certain  cases  triple  tax-exempt  income  by
Tax-Free  Value Fund, Nuveen Ohio  Tax-Free Value Fund, Nuveen  investing in tax-exempt securities in the state for which  the
New  Jersey Tax-Free Value Fund, Nuveen Arizona Tax-Free Value  portfolio is named.
Fund, Nuveen  Florida  Tax-Free Value  Fund,  Nuveen  Maryland
Tax-Free  Value  Fund,  Nuveen Michigan  Tax-Free  Value Fund,
Nuveen Pennsylvania Tax-Free  Value Fund  and Nuveen  Virginia
Tax-Free Value Fund
Nuveen Insured Tax-Free Bond Fund, Inc.:
Nuveen  Insured  Municipal  Bond  Fund,  Nuveen  Massachusetts  Tax-exempt and in certain cases double and triple tax-  exempt
Insured  Tax-Free Value Fund  and the Nuveen  New York Insured  funds investing in insured tax-exempt securities in the  state
Tax-Free Value Fund.                                            for which the portfolio is named.
</TABLE>
 
Shareholder  Services, Inc.  will mail to  each participant  in the Accumulation
Plan a quarterly  statement containing  a record of  all transactions  involving
purchases of Accumulation Fund shares (or fractions thereof) with Trust interest
distributions or as a result of reinvestment of Accumulation Fund dividends. Any
distribution of principal used
 
                                       16
<PAGE>
to  purchase  shares of  an Accumulation  Fund will  be separately  confirmed by
Shareholder Services, Inc. Unitholders will also receive distribution statements
from the Trustee detailing  the amounts transferred  to their Accumulation  Fund
accounts.
 
Participants  may at any time, by so  notifying the Trustee in writing, elect to
change  the  Accumulation  Fund  into   which  their  distributions  are   being
reinvested,  to change from principal only  reinvestment to reinvestment of both
principal and interest or vice versa, or to terminate their participation in the
Accumulation Plan altogether and receive future distributions on their Units  in
cash.  There will be no  charge or other penalty for  such change of election or
termination. The character of Trust  distributions for income tax purposes  will
remain unchanged even if they are reinvested in an Accumulation Fund.
 
HOW DETAILED ARE REPORTS TO UNITHOLDERS?
 
The  Trustee  shall  furnish Unitholders  of  a  Trust in  connection  with each
distribution, a statement of the amount of  interest, if any, and the amount  of
other  receipts (received  since the preceding  distribution) being distributed,
expressed in each case  as a dollar  amount representing the  pro rata share  of
each Unit of a Trust outstanding and a year to date summary of all distributions
paid  on said Units.  Within a reasonable period  of time after  the end of each
calendar year, the Trustee shall furnish to  each person who at any time  during
the  calendar  year was  a registered  Unitholder  of a  Trust a  statement with
respect to  such  Trust  (i)  as to  the  Interest  Account:  interest  received
(including  amounts  representing  interest  received  upon  any  disposition of
Bonds), and, except  for any  State Trust, the  percentage of  such interest  by
states  in which the issuers  of the Bonds are  located, deductions for fees and
expenses of such Trust, redemption of Units and the balance remaining after such
distributions and deductions,  expressed in  each case  both as  a total  dollar
amount  and as  a dollar  amount representing  the pro  rata share  of each Unit
outstanding on the  last business  day of  such calendar  year; (ii)  as to  the
Principal  Account: the dates of  disposition of any Bonds  and the net proceeds
received therefrom (excluding  any portion representing  accrued interest),  the
amount  paid for purchase of Replacement  Bonds, the amount paid upon redemption
of Units, deductions for  payment of applicable taxes  and fees and expenses  of
the  Trustee, and the balance remaining  after such distributions and deductions
expressed both as a total dollar amount and as a dollar amount representing  the
pro  rata  share of  each  Unit outstanding  on the  last  business day  of such
calendar year;  (iii)  a  list  of  the Bonds  held  and  the  number  of  Units
outstanding  on the last business day of such calendar year; (iv) the Unit Value
based upon the last computation thereof made during such calendar year; and  (v)
amounts actually distributed during such calendar year from the Interest Account
and  from  the Principal  Account, separately  stated,  expressed both  as total
dollar amounts and  as dollar amounts  representing the pro  rata share of  each
Unit  outstanding. Each annual  statement will reflect  pertinent information in
respect of  all  plans of  distribution  so  that Unitholders  may  be  informed
regarding the results of other plans of distribution.
 
UNIT VALUE AND EVALUATION
 
The  value of each  Trust is determined by  the Sponsor on the  basis of (1) the
cash on hand in the Trust or moneys  in the process of being collected, (2)  the
value  of the Bonds in  the Trust based on  the BID prices of  the Bonds and (3)
interest  accrued  thereon   not  subject  to   collection,  LESS  (1)   amounts
representing  taxes or governmental charges payable out of the Trust and (2) the
accrued expenses of the Trust. The result of such computation is divided by  the
number  of Units of such  Trust outstanding as of  the date thereof to determine
the per Unit value ("Unit Value") of  such Trust. The Sponsor may determine  the
value  of the Bonds in each Trust (1) on  the basis of current BID prices of the
Bonds obtained from dealers or brokers who customarily deal in bonds  comparable
to  those held by the Trust, (2) if bid  prices are not available for any of the
Bonds, on the basis of bid prices for comparable bonds, (3) by causing the value
of the Bonds to be determined by  others engaged in the practice of  evaluating,
quoting  or appraising comparable bonds or (4)  by any combination of the above.
Although the Unit Value of each Trust is  based on the BID prices of the  Bonds,
the Units are sold initially to the public at the Public Offering Price based on
the OFFERING prices of the Bonds.
 
    Because  the insurance obtained  by the Sponsor  or by the  issuers of Bonds
with respect to  the Bonds in  the Insured  Trusts and with  respect to  insured
Bonds  in Traditional Trusts is effective so long as such Bonds are outstanding,
such insurance will be  taken into account in  determining the bid and  offering
prices  of such  Bonds and therefore  some value attributable  to such insurance
will be included in the value of Units of Trusts that include such Bonds.
 
HOW UNITS OF THE TRUSTS ARE DISTRIBUTED TO THE PUBLIC
 
John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated is the Sponsor and sole Underwriter of the Units.
It is  the  intention  of  the  Sponsor  to  qualify  Units  of  National,  Long
Intermediate,  Intermediate, Short Intermediate  and Short Term  Trusts for sale
under the  laws of  substantially all  of the  states of  the United  States  of
America,  and Units  of State Trusts  only in the  state for which  the Trust is
named and selected other states.
 
                                       17
<PAGE>
    Promptly following the deposit of Bonds in exchange for Units of the Trusts,
it is the practice of the Sponsor to place all of the Units as collateral for  a
letter or letters of credit from one or more commercial banks under an agreement
to  release such Units from time to  time as needed for distribution. Under such
an arrangement  the Sponsor  pays  such banks  compensation  based on  the  then
current  interest  rate. This  is a  normal  warehousing arrangement  during the
period of  distribution of  the Units  to public  investors. To  facilitate  the
handling  of  transactions,  sales of  Units  shall be  limited  to transactions
involving a minimum of either $5,000 or 50 Units, whichever is less. The Sponsor
reserves the right to reject, in whole or in part, any order for the purchase of
Units.
 
    The Sponsor plans to allow a  discount to brokers and dealers in  connection
with   the  primary  distribution   of  Units  and   also  in  secondary  market
transactions. The primary market discounts are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         DISCOUNT PER UNIT
                                --------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                             <C>         <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
                                 NATIONAL    LONG INTER-                  SHORT INTER-
                                AND STATE      MEDIATE     INTERMEDIATE      MEDIATE     SHORT TERM
NUMBER OF UNITS*                  TRUSTS       TRUSTS         TRUSTS         TRUSTS        TRUSTS
- ------------------------------  ----------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -----------
Less than 500.................    $3.20         $2.90          $2.70          $2.00         $1.50
500 but less than 1,000.......     3.20         2.90           2.70           2.00          1.50
1,000 but less than 2,500.....     3.20         2.70           2.50           1.80          1.30
2,500 but less than 5,000.....     3.20         2.45           2.25           1.55          1.05
5,000 but less than 10,000....     2.50         2.45           2.25           1.55          1.05
10,000 but less than 25,000...     2.00         2.00           2.00           1.30           .80
25,000 but less than 50,000...     1.75         1.75           1.75           1.30           .60
50,000 or more................     1.75         1.50           1.50           1.00           .60
</TABLE>
 
*Breakpoint sales charges and related dealer concessions are computed both on  a
 dollar  basis and  on the  basis of  the number  of Units  purchased, using the
 equivalent of 500 Units to  $50,000, 2,500 Units to  $250,000 etc. and will  be
 applied on that basis which is more favorable to the purchaser.
 
    The  Sponsor currently intends  to maintain a secondary  market for Units of
each Trust.  See "MARKET  FOR UNITS."  The amount  of the  dealer concession  on
secondary  market purchases of Trust Units  through the Sponsor will be computed
based upon the value of  the Bonds in the  Trust portfolio, including the  sales
charge  computed as described in "HOW IS THE PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE DETERMINED?",
and adjusted to reflect  the cash position of  the Trust principal account,  and
will vary with the size of the purchase as shown in the following table:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               AMOUNT OF PURCHASE*
                            -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                         <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>
                                        $50,000   $100,000   $250,000   $500,000   $1,000,000  $2,500,000
                              UNDER       TO         TO         TO         TO          TO          TO      $5,000,000
YEARS TO MATURITY            $50,000    $99,999   $249,999   $499,999   $999,999   $2,499,999  $4,999,999   OR MORE
- --------------------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Less than 1...............      0          0          0          0          0          0           0           0
1 but less than 2.........    1.00%      .90%       .85%       .80%       .70%        .55%       .467%       .389%
2 but less than 3.........    1.30%      1.20%      1.10%      1.00%      .90%        .73%       .634%       .538%
3 but less than 4.........    1.60%      1.45%      1.35%      1.25%      1.10%       .90%       .781%       .662%
4 but less than 5.........    2.00%      1.85%      1.75%      1.55%      1.40%      1.25%       1.082%      .914%
5 but less than 7.........    2.30%      2.15%      1.95%      1.80%      1.65%      1.50%       1.320%      1.140%
7 but less than 10........    2.60%      2.45%      2.25%      2.10%      1.95%      1.70%       1.496%      1.292%
10 but less than 13.......    3.00%      2.80%      2.60%      2.45%      2.30%      2.00%       1.747%      1.494%
13 but less than 16.......    3.25%      3.15%      3.00%      2.75%      2.50%      2.15%       1.878%      1.606%
16 or more................    3.50%      3.50%      3.40%      3.35%      3.00%      2.50%       2.185%      1.873%
</TABLE>
 
 *Breakpoint sales charges and related dealer concessions are computed both on a
  dollar  basis and  on the basis  of the  number of Units  purchased, using the
  equivalent of 500 Units to $50,000, 2,500 Units to $250,000, etc., and will be
  applied on that basis which is more favorable to the purchaser.
 
    The Sponsor reserves the  right to change  the foregoing dealer  concessions
from time to time.
 
    Registered  investment advisers, certified financial planners and registered
broker-dealers who  in  each case  either  charge periodic  fees  for  financial
planning,  investment  advisory or  asset management  services, or  provide such
services in connection with the establishment of an investment account for which
a comprehensive  "wrap  fee"  charge  is imposed,  and  bank  trust  departments
investing  funds  over which  they  exercise exclusive  discretionary investment
authority and  that  are held  in  a  fiduciary, agency,  custodial  or  similar
capacity,  are  not entitled  to receive  any dealer  concession for  primary or
secondary market purchases in which an investor purchases any number of Units at
the Public Offering Price for non-breakpoint purchases minus the concession  the
sponsor  typically allows  to brokers  and dealers  for non-breakpoint purchases
(see "HOW IS THE PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE DETERMINED?").
 
    Certain commercial banks are making Units  of the Trusts available to  their
customers  on  an agency  basis. A  portion of  the sales  charge paid  by these
customers is retained by or  remitted to the banks in  the amounts shown in  the
above  table.  The Glass-Steagall  Act prohibits  banks from  underwriting Trust
Units; the Act  does, however,  permit certain agency  transactions and  banking
regulators   have  not  indicated  that  these  particular  agency  transactions
 
                                       18
<PAGE>
are not permitted under the Act. In Texas and in certain other states, any  bank
making Units available must be registered as a broker-dealer under state law.
 
OWNERSHIP AND TRANSFER OF UNITS
 
The  ownership of  Units is  evidenced by book  entry positions  recorded on the
books and records of the Trustee  unless the Unitholder expressly requests  that
the  purchased Units be evidenced in Certificate form. The Trustee is authorized
to treat as the owner of Units that person who at the time is registered as such
on the books of the Trustee. Any  Unitholder who holds a Certificate may  change
to  book entry ownership by submitting to the Trustee the Certificate along with
a written request that the Units represented by such Certificate be held in book
entry form. Likewise, a Unitholder who holds Units in book entry form may obtain
a Certificate for such  Units by written  request to the  Trustee. Units may  be
held in denominations of one Unit or any multiple or fraction thereof. Fractions
of  Units are computed to three decimal  places. Any Certificates issued will be
numbered serially for identification, and  are issued in fully registered  form,
transferable  only  on the  books of  the Trustee.  Book entry  Unitholders will
receive a Book Entry Position Confirmation reflecting their ownership.
 
   
    For Trusts allowing optional plans  of distribution, Certificates for  Units
will  bear  an  appropriate notation  on  their  face indicating  which  plan of
distribution has been selected. When a change is made, the existing Certificates
must be surrendered to  the Trustee and new  Certificates issued to reflect  the
currently  effective  plan of  distribution. There  will be  no charge  for this
service. Holders of book  entry Units can change  their plan of distribution  by
making  a written  request to  the Trustee,  which will  issue a  new Book Entry
Position Confirmation to reflect such change.
    
 
    Units are transferable by  making a written request  to the Trustee and,  in
the  case of Units  evidenced by Certificate(s),  by presenting and surrendering
such Certificate(s) to the Trustee, at its  address listed on the back cover  of
this  Part B of  the Prospectus, properly  endorsed or accompanied  by a written
instrument or  instruments  of  transfer.  The  Certificate(s)  should  be  sent
registered  or  certified  mail  for  the  protection  of  the  Unitholder. Each
Unitholder must sign such written  request, and such Certificate(s) or  transfer
instrument,  exactly as his name  appears on (a) the  face of the Certificate(s)
representing the  Units  to be  transferred,  or  (b) the  Book  Entry  Position
Confirmation(s)  relating to the Units to be transferred. Such signature(s) must
be guaranteed by a guarantor acceptable to the Trustee. In certain instances the
Trustee may require  additional documents  such as,  but not  limited to,  trust
instruments, certificates of death, appointments as executor or administrator or
certificates  of corporate authority. Mutilated Certificates must be surrendered
to the Trustee in order for a replacement Certificate to be issued. Although  at
the  date hereof no charge is made and none is contemplated, a Unitholder may be
required to pay $2.00 to the  Trustee for each Certificate reissued or  transfer
of  Units requested and to  pay any governmental charge  which may be imposed in
connection therewith.
 
REPLACEMENT OF LOST, STOLEN OR DESTROYED CERTIFICATES.
 
    To obtain a  new Certificate replacing  one that has  been lost, stolen,  or
destroyed,   the   Unitholder   must  furnish   the   Trustee   with  sufficient
indemnification  and  pay  such  expenses   as  the  Trustee  may  incur.   This
indemnification  must be in the form of an Open Penalty Bond of Indemnification.
The premium for such an indemnity bond may vary, but currently amounts to 1%  of
the  market  value of  the Units  represented  by the  Certificate. In  the case
however, of  a Trust  as to  which notice  of termination  has been  given,  the
premium  currently amounts to 0.5% of the  market value of the Units represented
by such Certificate.
 
HOW UNITS MAY BE REDEEMED WITHOUT CHARGE
 
Unitholders may redeem all or a portion  of their Units by (1) making a  written
request  for such redemption (book entry Unitholders may use the redemption form
on the reverse side of their Book Entry Position Confirmation) to the Trustee at
its address  listed  on  the  back  cover of  this  Part  B  of  the  Prospectus
(redemptions  of 1,000 Units or more will require a signature guarantee), (2) in
the case of Units evidenced by a Certificate, by also tendering such Certificate
to the Trustee, duly endorsed or  accompanied by proper instruments of  transfer
with signatures guaranteed as explained above, or provide satisfactory indemnity
required  in  connection with  lost, stolen  or  destroyed Certificates  and (3)
payment of applicable governmental charges, if any. Certificates should be  sent
only  by registered or certified mail to minimize the possibility of their being
lost or stolen. (See "OWNERSHIP AND TRANSFER OF UNITS".) No redemption fee  will
be   charged.  A  Unitholder  may  authorize  the  Trustee  to  honor  telephone
instructions for  the  redemption  of  Units held  in  book  entry  form.  Units
represented  by Certificates may  not be redeemed by  telephone. The proceeds of
Units redeemed by telephone will  be sent by check  either to the Unitholder  at
the  address specified on his account or to a financial institution specified by
the Unitholder for credit to the account of the Unitholder. A Unitholder wishing
to  use  this  method  of  redemption  must  complete  a  Telephone   Redemption
Authorization  Form and  furnish the Form  to the  Trustee. Telephone Redemption
Authorization  Forms   can   be   obtained  from   a   Unitholder's   registered
representative  or by calling the  Trustee. Once the completed  Form is on file,
the Trustee will honor telephone redemption  requests by any person. The time  a
telephone redemption request is received
 
                                       19
<PAGE>
determines the "date of tender" as discussed below. The redemption proceeds will
be mailed within three business days following the telephone redemption request.
Only  Units  held in  the  name of  individuals  may be  redeemed  by telephone;
accounts registered in broker name,  or accounts of corporations or  fiduciaries
(including  among others, trustees, guardians, executors and administrators) may
not use the telephone redemption privilege.
 
    On the third business day following the date of tender, the Unitholder  will
be  entitled to receive  in cash for each  Unit tendered an  amount equal to the
Unit Value of such Trust determined by the Trustee, as of 4:00 p.m. eastern time
on the date of tender  as defined hereafter, plus  accrued interest to, but  not
including, the third business day after the date of tender ("Redemption Price").
The  price received upon redemption may be more  or less than the amount paid by
the Unitholder  depending on  the value  of the  Bonds on  the date  of  tender.
Unitholders  should  check with  the Trustee  or their  broker to  determine the
Redemption Price before tendering Units.
 
    The "date of  tender" is  deemed to  be the date  on which  the request  for
redemption  of Units is received  in proper form by  the Trustee, except that as
regards a redemption request received after 4:00 p.m. eastern time or on any day
on which the New  York Stock Exchange (the  "Exchange") is normally closed,  the
date  of tender  is the  next day on  which such  Exchange is  normally open for
trading and such request will  be deemed to have been  made on such day and  the
redemption will be effected at the Redemption Price computed on that day.
 
    Accrued  interest paid  on redemption shall  be withdrawn  from the Interest
Account of the  appropriate Trust or,  if the balance  therein is  insufficient,
from  the Principal Account of such Trust.  All other amounts paid on redemption
shall be withdrawn from the Principal Account. The Trustee is empowered to  sell
underlying  Bonds of a  Trust in order  to make funds  available for redemption.
(See "HOW BONDS MAY  BE REMOVED FROM  THE TRUSTS.") Units  so redeemed shall  be
cancelled.  To  the  extent that  Bonds  are sold  from  a Trust,  the  size and
diversity of such Trust will  be reduced. Such sales may  be required at a  time
when  Bonds would not  otherwise be sold  and might result  in lower prices than
might otherwise be realized.
 
    The Redemption Price is  determined on the  basis of the  BID prices of  the
Bonds  in each Trust, while  the initial Public Offering  Price of Units will be
determined on the  basis of the  OFFERING prices of  the Bonds as  of 4:00  p.m.
eastern  time on any day on which the  Exchange is normally open for trading and
such determination is made. As of any given time, the difference between the bid
and offering prices  of such  Bonds may  be expected to  average 1/2%  to 2%  of
principal amount. In the case of actively traded Bonds, the difference may be as
little  as 1/4 to  1/2 of 1%,  and in the  case of inactively  traded Bonds such
difference usually will not exceed 3%.
 
    The right  of redemption  may be  suspended and  payment postponed  for  any
period  during  which the  Securities  and Exchange  Commission  determines that
trading in the municipal bond market is restricted or an emergency exists, as  a
result  of  which  disposal  or  evaluation  of  the  Bonds  is  not  reasonably
practicable, or for such other periods as the Securities and Exchange Commission
may by order permit.
 
    Under regulations issued by the  Internal Revenue Service, the Trustee  will
be required to withhold a specified percentage of the principal amount of a Unit
redemption  if the Trustee has not been furnished the redeeming Unitholder's tax
identification number in the manner required by such regulations. Any amount  so
withheld  is transmitted to the Internal Revenue Service and may be recovered by
the  Unitholder  only  when  filing  his   or  her  tax  return.  Under   normal
circumstances  the Trustee  obtains the  Unitholder's tax  identification number
from the  selling  broker at  the  time the  Certificate  or Book  Entry  Return
Confirmation  is issued, and this  number is printed on  the Certificate or Book
Entry Return Confirmation and on distribution statements. If a Unitholder's  tax
identification number does not appear as described above, or if it is incorrect,
the  Unitholder should contact  the Trustee before  redeeming Units to determine
what action, if any, is required to avoid this "back-up withholding."
 
HOW UNITS MAY BE PURCHASED BY THE SPONSOR
 
The Trustee will notify the  Sponsor of any tender  of Units for redemption.  If
the  Sponsor's bid in  the secondary market  at that time  equals or exceeds the
Redemption Price it may purchase such Units by notifying the Trustee before  the
close  of business on the  second succeeding business day  and by making payment
therefor to  the  Unitholder not  later  than the  day  on which  payment  would
otherwise have been made by the Trustee. (See "HOW UNITS MAY BE REDEEMED WITHOUT
CHARGE.")  The Sponsor's current practice  is to bid at  the Redemption Price in
the secondary market. Units held by the  Sponsor may be tendered to the  Trustee
for redemption as any other Units.
 
HOW BONDS MAY BE REMOVED FROM THE TRUSTS
 
Bonds will be removed from a Trust as they mature or are redeemed by the issuers
thereof.  See Part A of  this Prospectus and "RISK  FACTORS" for a discussion of
call provisions of portfolio Bonds.
 
                                       20
<PAGE>
    The Indenture also  empowers the Trustee  to sell Bonds  for the purpose  of
redeeming  Units tendered by any Unitholder, and for the payment of expenses for
which income may not be available. Under the Indenture the Sponsor is  obligated
to  provide the Trustee with a current list of Bonds in each Trust to be sold in
such circumstances. In deciding which Bonds  should be sold the Sponsor  intends
to  consider, among  other things, such  factors as: (1)  market conditions; (2)
market  prices  of  the  Bonds;  (3)  the  effect  on  income  distributions  to
Unitholders  of the sale of various Bonds; (4) the effect on principal amount of
underlying Bonds  per Unit  of the  sale  of various  Bonds; (5)  the  financial
condition of the issuers; and (6) the effect of the sale of various Bonds on the
investment  character of the Trust. Such sales, if required, could result in the
sale of Bonds by the Trustee at prices less than original cost to the Trust.  To
the extent Bonds are sold, the size and diversity of such Trust will be reduced.
 
    In  addition, the  Sponsor is empowered  to direct the  Trustee to liquidate
Bonds upon the happening of certain other events, such as default in the payment
of principal and/or interest, an action of the issuer that will adversely affect
its ability to continue payment of the  principal of and interest on its  Bonds,
or  an  adverse  change  in  market, revenue  or  credit  factors  affecting the
investment character of the Bonds. If a default in the payment of the  principal
of  and/or interest  on any  of the Bonds  occurs, and  if the  Sponsor fails to
instruct the Trustee whether to  sell or continue to  hold such Bonds within  30
days  after notification  by the  Trustee to  the Sponsor  of such  default, the
Indenture provides that  the Trustee  shall liquidate said  Bonds forthwith  and
shall  not be liable for  any loss so incurred. The  Sponsor may also direct the
Trustee to liquidate Bonds in a Trust if the Bonds in the Trust are the  subject
of  an advanced refunding,  generally considered to be  when refunding bonds are
issued and the proceeds thereof are deposited in irrevocable trust to retire the
refunded Bonds on their redemption date.
 
    Except as stated in "COMPOSITION OF  TRUSTS" regarding the limited right  of
substitution  of Replacement  Bonds for Failed  Bonds, and  except for refunding
securities that may be exchanged for Bonds under certain conditions specified in
the Indenture, the Indenture does not  permit either the Sponsor or the  Trustee
to  acquire or deposit bonds either in  addition to, or in substitution for, any
of the Bonds initially deposited in a Trust.
 
INFORMATION ABOUT THE TRUSTEE
 
The Trustee and its address are stated on  the back cover of this Part B of  the
Prospectus. The Trustee is subject to supervision and examination by the Federal
Deposit  Insurance Corporation,  the Board of  Governors of  the Federal Reserve
System and either the Comptroller of the Currency or state banking authorities.
 
LIMITATIONS ON LIABILITIES OF SPONSOR AND TRUSTEE
 
    The Sponsor and the Trustee shall  be under no liability to Unitholders  for
taking  any action or for  refraining from any action  in good faith pursuant to
the Indenture, or for errors in judgment, but shall be liable only for their own
negligence, lack of good faith or  willful misconduct. The Trustee shall not  be
liable for depreciation or loss incurred by reason of the sale by the Trustee of
any  of the Bonds. In the  event of the failure of  the Sponsor to act under the
Indenture, the Trustee may act thereunder and shall not be liable for any action
taken by it in good faith under the Indenture.
 
    The Trustee shall not be liable for any taxes or other governmental  charges
imposed  upon or in respect of the Bonds or upon the interest thereon or upon it
as Trustee under  the Indenture or  upon or in  respect of any  Trust which  the
Trustee  may be required  to pay under any  present or future  law of the United
States of  America or  of any  other taxing  authority having  jurisdiction.  In
addition,  the  Indenture  contains  other  customary  provisions  limiting  the
liability of the Trustee.
 
SUCCESSOR TRUSTEES AND SPONSORS
 
    The Trustee or any successor trustee  may resign by executing an  instrument
of resignation in writing and filing same with the Sponsor and mailing a copy of
a  notice of resignation to all Unitholders  then of record. Upon receiving such
notice, the Sponsor is required to promptly appoint a successor trustee. If  the
Trustee becomes incapable of acting or is adjudged a bankrupt or insolvent, or a
receiver  or other public officer shall take  charge of its property or affairs,
the  Sponsor  may  remove  the  Trustee  and  appoint  a  successor  by  written
instrument.  The resignation or  removal of a  trustee and the  appointment of a
successor trustee shall become effective only when the successor trustee accepts
its appointment as such. Any successor trustee shall be a corporation authorized
to exercise  corporate  trust  powers, having  capital,  surplus  and  undivided
profits of not less than $5,000,000. Any corporation into which a trustee may be
merged  or with which it may be  consolidated, or any corporation resulting from
any merger or consolidation to  which a trustee shall be  a party, shall be  the
successor trustee.
 
    If  upon resignation of  a trustee no  successor has been  appointed and has
accepted the appointment within 30 days after notification, the retiring trustee
may apply  to  a  court of  competent  jurisdiction  for the  appointment  of  a
successor.
 
                                       21
<PAGE>
    If the Sponsor fails to undertake any of its duties under the Indenture, and
no  express  provision is  made for  action by  the Trustee  in such  event, the
Trustee may, in addition to its other  powers under the Indenture (1) appoint  a
successor sponsor or (2) terminate the Indenture and liquidate the Trusts.
 
INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPONSOR
 
John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated, the Sponsor and Underwriter, was founded in 1898
and  is  the oldest  and  largest investment  banking  firm specializing  in the
underwriting and distribution of tax-exempt securities and maintains the largest
research department in the investment  banking community devoted exclusively  to
the  analysis of municipal securities. In  1961 the Sponsor began sponsoring the
Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit Trust and, since this  time, it has issued more than  $30
billion  in tax-exempt unit trusts, including over $8 billion in insured trusts.
The Sponsor is also principal underwriter  of 16 mutual funds and 60  closed-end
funds.  These registered open-end and  closed-end investment companies currently
have approximately  $32.8 billion  in  tax-exempt securities  under  management.
Nationwide, more than 1,000,000 individual investors have purchased Nuveen's tax
exempt  trusts and  funds. The  present corporation was  organized in  1967 as a
wholly-owned subsidiary of  Nuveen Corporation, successor  to the original  John
Nuveen  & Co. founded in 1898 as a sole proprietorship and incorporated in 1953.
In 1974, John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated became a wholly-owned subsidiary of  The
St. Paul Companies, Inc., a financial services management company located in St.
Paul,  Minnesota. On May 19, 1992,  common shares comprising a minority interest
in The John Nuveen  Company ("JNC"), a newly  organized corporation which  holds
all  of the  shares of  Nuveen, were sold  to the  general public  in an initial
public offering. St. Paul retains a controlling interest in JNC with over 70% of
JNC's shares. The Sponsor is a member of the National Association of  Securities
Dealers,  Inc. and  the Securities  Industry Association  and has  its principal
offices located in Chicago (333 W. Wacker Drive) and New York (Swiss Bank Tower,
10 East 50th Street). It maintains 14 regional offices.
 
    To help advisers and investors better understand and more efficiently use an
investment in  the  Trust to  reach  their  investment goals,  the  Sponsor  may
advertise and create specific investment programs and systems. For example, such
activities may include presenting information on how to use an investment in the
Trust,  alone or in combination with an investment in other mutual funds or unit
investment trusts sponsored by Nuveen, to accumulate assets for future education
needs or periodic payments such as  insurance premiums. The Trust's sponsor  may
produce  software or  additional sales literature  to promote  the advantages of
using the Trust to meet these and other specific investor needs.
 
OTHER INFORMATION
AMENDMENT OF INDENTURE
 
    The Indenture may  be amended  by the Trustee  and the  Sponsor without  the
consent  of any of  the Unitholders (1) to  cure any ambiguity  or to correct or
supplement any provision thereof which may be defective or inconsistent, or  (2)
to  make such  other provisions as  shall not adversely  affect the Unitholders,
provided, however, that the Indenture may not be amended to increase the  number
of Units in any Trust or to permit the deposit or acquisition of bonds either in
addition  to, or in substitution for any of the Bonds initially deposited in any
Trust except as stated in "COMPOSITION OF TRUSTS" regarding the limited right of
substitution of Replacement Bonds and  except for the substitution of  refunding
bonds  under certain circumstances. The Trustee  shall advise the Unitholders of
any amendment promptly after execution thereof.
 
TERMINATION OF INDENTURE
 
    Each Trust may be liquidated at any  time by written consent of 100% of  the
Unitholders  or by  the Trustee when  the value of  such Trust, as  shown by any
evaluation, is less than 20% of the original principal amount of such Trust  and
will  be  liquidated  by  the Trustee  in  the  event that  Units  not  yet sold
aggregating more  than 60%  of the  Units originally  created are  tendered  for
redemption  by the Sponsor thereby reducing the  net worth of such Trust to less
than 40%  of the  principal amount  of  the Bonds  originally deposited  in  the
portfolio. (See "Essential Information" appearing in Part A of this Prospectus.)
The  sale of Bonds from the Trusts upon termination may result in realization of
a lesser amount than might otherwise be realized if such sale were not  required
at such time. For this reason, among others, the amount realized by a Unitholder
upon  termination  may be  less than  the principal  amount of  Bonds originally
represented by the Units held by  such Unitholder. The Indenture will  terminate
upon the redemption, sale or other disposition of the last Bond held thereunder,
but  in no event shall it continue beyond the end of the calendar year preceding
the fiftieth anniversary of its execution for National and State Trusts,  beyond
the  end  of  the  calendar  year preceding  the  twentieth  anniversary  of its
execution for Long Intermediate,  and Intermediate Trusts or  beyond the end  of
the  calendar year  preceding the tenth  anniversary of its  execution for Short
Intermediate and Short Term Trusts.
 
    Written notice of  any termination  specifying the  time or  times at  which
Unitholders  may surrender their Certificates, if any, for cancellation shall be
given by  the  Trustee  to each  Unitholder  at  the address  appearing  on  the
 
                                       22
<PAGE>
registration  books of the Trust maintained  by the Trustee. Within a reasonable
time thereafter the Trustee shall liquidate any Bonds in the Trust then held and
shall deduct  from  the assets  of  the Trust  any  accrued costs,  expenses  or
indemnities  provided  by  the  Indenture which  are  allocable  to  such Trust,
including estimated compensation of the Trustee and costs of liquidation and any
amounts required as a reserve to provide for payment of any applicable taxes  or
other  governmental charges. The Trustee shall then distribute to Unitholders of
such Trust their pro  rata share of  the balance of  the Interest and  Principal
Accounts.  With such  distribution the  Unitholders shall  be furnished  a final
distribution  statement,  in   substantially  the  same   form  as  the   annual
distribution statement, of the amount distributable. At such time as the Trustee
in  its sole discretion shall determine that  any amounts held in reserve are no
longer necessary, it shall make distribution thereof to Unitholders in the  same
manner.
 
LEGAL OPINION
 
    The legality of the Units offered hereby has been passed upon by Chapman and
Cutler, 111 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603. Special counsel for the
Trusts for respective state tax matters are named in "Tax Status" for each Trust
appearing  in  Part A  of this  Prospectus.  Carter, Ledyard  & Milburn,  2 Wall
Street, New York,  New York 10005,  has acted  as counsel for  the Trustee  with
respect  to the Series, and, in the absence of a New York Trust from the Series,
as special New York tax counsel for the Series.
 
AUDITORS
 
    The "Statement  of  Condition" and  "Schedule  of Investments"  at  Date  of
Deposit  included  in Part  A of  this  Prospectus have  been audited  by Arthur
Andersen LLP, independent public  accountants, as indicated  in their report  in
Part  A  of  this Prospectus,  and  are  included herein  in  reliance  upon the
authority of said firm as experts in giving said report.
 
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
 
    Upon written or telephonic request to the Trustee, investors will receive at
no cost to  the investor supplemental  information about this  Trust, which  has
been  filed  with the  Securities  and Exchange  Commission  and is  intended to
supplement information contained in  Part A and Part  B of this Prospectus.  The
supplemental  information includes more  detailed information concerning certain
of the Bonds included in the Trusts contained in the applicable Series and  more
specific   risk  information  concerning  the   individual  state  Trusts.  This
supplement also includes  additional general information  about the Sponsor  and
the Trusts.
 
                                       23
<PAGE>
                         NUVEEN  Tax-Exempt Unit Trusts
 
   
                              PROSPECTUS -- PART B
                               SEPTEMBER 1, 1995
    
 
<TABLE>
<C>                       <S>        <C>
                 SPONSOR             John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated
                                     333 West Wacker Drive
                                     Chicago, IL 60606-1286
                                     Telephone: 312.917.7700
 
                                     Swiss Bank Tower
                                     10 East 50th Street
                                     New York, NY 10022
                                     212.207.2000
 
                 TRUSTEE             The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A.
                                     770 Broadway
                                     New York, NY 10003
                                     800.257.8787
 
           LEGAL COUNSEL             Chapman and Cutler
              TO SPONSOR             111 West Monroe Street
                                     Chicago, IL 60603
 
             INDEPENDENT             Arthur Andersen LLP
                  PUBLIC             33 West Monroe Street
             ACCOUNTANTS             Chicago, IL 60603
          FOR THE TRUSTS
</TABLE>
 
                                 --------------
 
           Except  as to  statements made herein  furnished by  the Trustee, the
Trustee  has  assumed   no  responsibility  for   the  accuracy,  adequacy   and
completeness of the information contained in this Prospectus.
 
           This  Prospectus does not contain all of the information set forth in
the registration  statement  and  exhibits  relating  thereto,  filed  with  the
Securities  and Exchange Commission, Washington,  D.C., under the Securities Act
of 1933, and to which reference is made.
 
           No  person  is  authorized  to  give  any  information  or  to   make
representations  not contained in this Prospectus or in supplemental information
or  sales  literature  prepared   by  the  Sponsor,   and  any  information   or
representation  not contained  therein must  not be  relied upon  as having been
authorized by either  the Trusts, the  Trustee or the  Sponsor. This  Prospectus
does  not constitute  an offer to  sell, or a  solicitation of an  offer to buy,
securities in any  State to any  person to whom  it is not  lawful to make  such
offer  in such state. The Trusts are registered as a Unit Investment Trust under
the Investment Company Act  of 1940. Such registration  does not imply that  the
Trusts  or any  of their  Units has  been guaranteed,  sponsored, recommended or
approved by the United States or any State or agency or officer thereof.


<PAGE>
                          NUVEEN TAX-FREE UNIT TRUSTS
 
                 ---------------------------------------------
 
                             INFORMATION SUPPLEMENT
 
   
                               NUVEEN SERIES 857
    
 
   
                This   Information  Supplement  provides  additional
            information concerning  the  structure,  operations  and
            risks  of a Nuveen Tax-Free Unit  Trust not found in the
            prospectuses for the Trusts. This Information Supplement
            is not  a prospectus  and does  not include  all of  the
            information  that a prospective investor should consider
            before investing in a Trust. This Information Supplement
            should be read  in conjunction with  the prospectus  for
            the  Trust in which an investor is considering investing
            ("Prospectus"). Copies of the Prospectus can be obtained
            by calling  or  writing  the Trustee  at  the  telephone
            number   and  address   indicated  in  Part   B  of  the
            Prospectus. This Information Supplement has been created
            to supplement information contained in the Prospectus.
    
 
   
                This Information Supplement is dated April 16, 1996.
            Capitalized terms have been defined in the Prospectus.
    
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
               --------------------------------------------------
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                           <C>
GENERAL RISK DISCLOSURE.....................................................           2
  Health Facility Obligations...............................................           2
  Housing Obligations.......................................................           2
  Single Family Mortgage Revenue Bonds......................................           2
  Federally Enhanced Obligations............................................           3
  Industrial Revenue Obligations............................................           3
  Electric Utility Obligations..............................................           3
  Transportation Facility Revenue Bonds.....................................           4
  Water and/or Sewerage Obligations.........................................           4
  University and College Revenue Obligations................................           4
  Bridge Authority and Tollroad Obligations.................................           4
  Dedicated-Tax Supported Bonds.............................................           4
  Municipal Lease Bonds.....................................................           5
  Original Issue Discount Bonds and Stripped Obligations....................           5
WHY AND HOW ARE THE BONDS INSURED?..........................................           6
ACCUMULATION PLAN...........................................................           8
INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPONSOR...............................................          10
DESCRIPTION OF RATINGS......................................................          11
HOW THE TRUST COMPARES PERFORMANCE..........................................          13
HOW TO CALCULATE YOUR ESTIMATED INCOME......................................          14
Appendix A -- Maryland Disclosure...........................................         A-1
Appendix B -- Intermediate Disclosure.......................................         B-1
Appendix C -- New York Disclosure...........................................         C-1
</TABLE>
    
 
<PAGE>
GENERAL RISK DISCLOSURE
 
    An investment in Units of any Trust should be made with an understanding  of
the  risks that such an investment may  entail. These include the ability of the
issuer, or,  if  applicable,  an  insurer, to  make  payments  of  interest  and
principal  when due, the  effects of changes in  interest rates generally, early
call provisions and the potential for changes in the tax status of the Bonds. As
set forth in the portfolio  summaries in Part A  of this Prospectus, the  Trusts
may  contain or be concentrated  in one or more of  the types of bonds discussed
below.  The  following  paragraphs  discuss  certain  circumstances  which   may
adversely  affect the  ability of issuers  of Bonds  held in the  portfolio of a
Trust to make payment of principal  and interest thereon or which may  adversely
affect  the  ratings of  such Bonds;  with respect  to Insured  Trusts, however,
because of the insurance obtained by the Sponsor or by the issuers of the Bonds,
such changes should not adversely affect an Insured Trust's receipt of principal
and interest, the Standard & Poor's AAA  or Moody's Aaa ratings of the Bonds  in
the Insured Trust portfolio, or the Standard & Poor's AAA rating of the Units of
each  such Insured Trust. For economic  risks specific to the individual Trusts,
see "Risk Factors" for each Trust.
 
    HEALTH FACILITY  OBLIGATIONS.    Some  of  the  Bonds  in  a  Trust  may  be
obligations  of issuers  whose revenues  are derived  from services  provided by
hospitals or other health care  facilities, including nursing homes. Ratings  of
bonds  issued  for health  care facilities  are  sometimes based  on feasibility
studies that contain projections of  occupancy levels, revenues and expenses.  A
facility's  gross  receipts and  net income  available for  debt service  may be
affected by future events and  conditions including, among other things,  demand
for  services, the ability of the facility  to provide the services required, an
increasing shortage of qualified nurses or a dramatic rise in nursing  salaries,
physicians'  confidence  in  the  facility,  management  capabilities,  economic
developments in  the service  area, competition  from other  similar  providers,
efforts  by  insurers  and  governmental agencies  to  limit  rates, legislation
establishing state rate-setting agencies,  expenses, government regulation,  the
cost  and possible unavailability of  malpractice insurance, and the termination
or restriction of governmental  financial assistance, including that  associated
with  Medicare, Medicaid and other similar  third party payor programs. Medicare
reimbursements are currently calculated on a prospective basis and are not based
on a provider's actual costs. Such method of reimbursement may adversely  affect
reimbursements to hospitals and other facilities for services provided under the
Medicare  program and thereby may have an  adverse effect on the ability of such
institutions to satisfy  debt service requirements.  In the event  of a  default
upon  a bond  secured by hospital  facilities, the limited  alternative uses for
such facilities may result  in the recovery upon  such collateral not  providing
sufficient funds to fully repay the bonds.
 
    Certain  hospital  bonds  provide for  redemption  at par  upon  the damage,
destruction or  condemnation of  the  hospital facilities  or in  other  special
circumstances.
 
    HOUSING  OBLIGATIONS.  Some  of the Bonds  in a Trust  may be obligations of
issuers whose  revenues are  primarily derived  from mortgage  loans to  housing
projects  for  low  to  moderate  income  families.  Such  issues  are generally
characterized by mandatory redemption at par  or, in the case of original  issue
discount  bonds, accreted  value in  the event of  economic defaults  and in the
event of a failure of the operator of a project to comply with certain covenants
as to the operation of the project. The failure of such operator to comply  with
certain  covenants related  to the tax-exempt  status of interest  on the Bonds,
such as provisions requiring that a  specified percentage of units be rented  or
available for rental to low or moderate income families, potentially could cause
interest on such Bonds to be subject to Federal income taxation from the date of
issuance of the Bonds. The ability of such issuers to make debt service payments
will   be  affected  by  events  and  conditions  affecting  financed  projects,
including, among other  things, the  achievement and  maintenance of  sufficient
occupancy  levels and adequate  rental income, employment  and income conditions
prevailing in local labor markets, increases  in taxes, utility costs and  other
operating  expenses, the managerial ability of project managers, changes in laws
and governmental regulations,  the appropriation  of subsidies,  and social  and
economic  trends affecting  the localities  in which  the projects  are located.
Occupancy of such housing projects may be adversely affected by high rent levels
and income limitations imposed under Federal and state programs.
 
    SINGLE FAMILY MORTGAGE REVENUE BONDS.  Some  of the Bonds in a Trust may  be
single  family  mortgage revenue  bonds,  which are  issued  for the  purpose of
acquiring from originating financial institutions notes secured by mortgages  on
residences located within the issuer's boundaries and owned by persons of low or
moderate  income. Mortgage loans  are generally partially  or completely prepaid
prior to  their final  maturities as  a result  of events  such as  sale of  the
mortgaged  premises, default, condemnation or casualty loss. Because these bonds
are subject to extraordinary mandatory redemption in whole or in part from  such
prepayments of mortgage loans, a substantial portion of such bonds will probably
be  redeemed prior to their scheduled maturities or even prior to their ordinary
call dates. Extraordinary mandatory redemption without premium could also result
from the  failure of  the originating  financial institutions  to make  mortgage
loans   in   sufficient   amounts   within   a   specified   time   period.  The
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
redemption price of such issues may be  more or less than the offering price  of
such  bonds. Additionally,  unusually high  rates of  default on  the underlying
mortgage loans may reduce revenues available for the payment of principal of  or
interest  on such mortgage  revenue bonds. Single  family mortgage revenue bonds
issued after December 31,  1980 were issued under  Section 103A of the  Internal
Revenue Code of 1954, as amended, or Section 143 of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986,  which Sections  contain certain requirements  relating to the  use of the
proceeds of such bonds  in order for  the interest on such  bonds to retain  its
tax-exempt  status. In  each case,  the issuer  of the  bonds has  covenanted to
comply with applicable requirements and bond  counsel to such issuer has  issued
an  opinion that  the interest on  the bonds  is exempt from  Federal income tax
under existing  laws  and regulations.  There  can  be no  assurance  that  such
continuing requirements will be satisfied; the failure to meet such requirements
could  cause interest  on the  Bonds to be  subject to  Federal income taxation,
possibly from the date of issuance of the Bonds.
 
    FEDERALLY ENHANCED  OBLIGATIONS.   Some of  the mortgages  which secure  the
various  health care or housing projects which underlie the previously discussed
Health Facility, Housing,  and Single Family  Mortgage Revenue Obligations  (the
"Obligations")  in a Trust may be  insured by the Federal Housing Administration
("FHA"). Under FHA  regulations, the  maximum insurable  mortgage amount  cannot
exceed  90%  of the  FHA's  estimated value  of  the project.  The  FHA mortgage
insurance does not constitute a guarantee of timely payment of the principal  of
and  interest on the Obligations. Payment  of mortgage insurance benefits may be
(1) less than the principal amount of Obligations outstanding or (2) delayed  if
disputes  arise as to  the amount of the  payment or if  certain notices are not
given to the FHA within  the prescribed time periods.  In addition, some of  the
previously  discussed Obligations may be secured by mortgage-backed certificates
guaranteed by the  Government National Mortgage  Association ("GNMA"), a  wholly
owned  corporate  instrumentality  of  the  United  States,  and/or  the Federal
National  Mortgage  Association  ("Fannie   Mae")  a  federally  chartered   and
stockholder-owed  corporation. GNMA and  Fannie Mae guarantee  timely payment of
principal and  interest  on the  mortgage-backed  certificates, even  where  the
underlying   mortgage  payments   are  not  made.   While  such  mortgage-backed
certificates are often pledged  to secure payment of  principal and interest  on
the  Obligations, timely payment of interest and principal on the Obligations is
not insured or guaranteed by  the United States, GNMA,  Fannie Mae or any  other
governmental  agency or  instrumentality. The  GNMA mortgage-backed certificates
constitute a general obligation  of the United States  backed by its full  faith
and  credit. The obligations of Fannie  Mae, including its obligations under the
Fannie Mae mortgage-backed securities, are obligations solely of Fannie Mae  and
are  not backed  by, or  entitled to, the  full faith  and credit  of the United
States.
 
    INDUSTRIAL REVENUE OBLIGATIONS.   Certain  of the Bonds  in a  Trust may  be
industrial  revenue bonds  ("IRBs"), including pollution  control revenue bonds,
which  are  tax-exempt  securities  issued  by  states,  municipalities,  public
authorities  or similar entities to finance  the cost of acquiring, constructing
or improving various industrial projects. These projects are usually operated by
corporate entities. Issuers are obligated only to pay amounts due on the IRBs to
the extent that funds are available from the unexpended proceeds of the IRBs  or
receipts  or revenues of the issuer under  an arrangement between the issuer and
the corporate operator of  a project. The  arrangement may be in  the form of  a
lease, installment sale agreement, conditional sale agreement or loan agreement,
but  in each case  the payments to the  issuer are designed  to be sufficient to
meet the  payments of  amounts due  on the  IRBs. Regardless  of the  structure,
payment  of IRBs is solely dependent  upon the creditworthiness of the corporate
operator of  the  project and,  if  applicable, corporate  guarantor.  Corporate
operators  or  guarantors may  be affected  by  many factors  which may  have an
adverse impact on  the credit  quality of  the particular  company or  industry.
These include cyclicality of revenues and earnings, regulatory and environmental
restrictions,  litigation  resulting  from  accidents  or environmentally-caused
illnesses, extensive competition  and financial deterioration  resulting from  a
corporate  restructuring pursuant to a leveraged buy-out, takeover or otherwise.
Such a restructuring  may result in  the operator of  a project becoming  highly
leveraged  which may have an impact on such operator's creditworthiness which in
turn would have  an adverse impact  on the  rating and/or market  value of  such
Bonds.  Further, the  possibility of  such a  restructuring may  have an adverse
impact on the market for and consequently  the value of such Bonds, even  though
no actual takeover or other action is ever contemplated or effected. The IRBs in
a  Trust may be subject to  special or extraordinary redemption provisions which
may provide for redemption  at par or,  in the case  of original issue  discount
bonds,  accreted value. The  Sponsor cannot predict the  causes or likelihood of
the redemption of IRBs in a Trust prior to the stated maturity of such Bonds.
 
    ELECTRIC UTILITY  OBLIGATIONS.    Some  of  the Bonds  in  a  Trust  may  be
obligations  of issuers  whose revenues are  primarily derived from  the sale of
electric energy. The problems  faced by such issuers  include the difficulty  in
obtaining  approval for timely  and adequate rate  increases from the applicable
public utility  commissions,  the  difficulty of  financing  large  construction
programs,  increased competition, reductions  in estimates of  future demand for
electricity in certain areas of the  country, the limitations on operations  and
increased costs and delays
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
attributable  to  environmental considerations,  the  difficulty of  the capital
market in absorbing utility debt, the difficulty in obtaining fuel at reasonable
prices and the  effect of  energy conservation. All  of such  issuers have  been
experiencing certain of these problems in varying degrees. In addition, Federal,
state  and  municipal  governmental authorities  may  from time  to  time review
existing,  and   impose  additional,   regulations  governing   the   licensing,
construction  and operation of nuclear power  plants, which may adversely affect
the ability of the issuers of certain of  the Bonds in a Trust to make  payments
of principal and/or interest on such Bonds.
 
    TRANSPORTATION  FACILITY REVENUE BONDS.  Some of the Bonds in a Trust may be
obligations of issuers which  are payable from and  secured by revenues  derived
from  the ownership and operation of airports, public transit systems and ports.
The major portion of  an airport's gross operating  income is generally  derived
from  fees received  from airlines pursuant  to use agreements  which consist of
annual payments for airport  use, occupancy of  certain terminal space,  service
fees  and  leases. Airport  operating income  may therefore  be affected  by the
ability of the airlines to meet their obligations under the use agreements.  The
air  transport industry is  experiencing significant variations  in earnings and
traffic,  due  to  increased  competition,  excess  capacity,  increased  costs,
deregulation,  traffic constraints and  other factors, and  several airlines are
experiencing severe financial difficulties.  In particular, facilities with  use
agreements involving airlines experiencing financial difficulty may experience a
reduction  in revenue due  to the possible  inability of these  airlines to meet
their use  agreement  obligations because  of  such financial  difficulties  and
possible  bankruptcy.  The Sponsor  cannot  predict what  effect  these industry
conditions may have on airport revenues  which are dependent for payment on  the
financial  condition of the  airlines and their usage  of the particular airport
facility. Bonds that are secured primarily by the revenue collected by a  public
transit  system  typically are  additionally secured  by a  pledge of  sales tax
receipts collected  at  the state  or  local  level, or  of  other  governmental
financial assistance. Transit system net revenues will be affected by variations
in  utilization,  which  in  turn  may  be  affected  by  the  degree  of  local
governmental subsidization, demographic and  population shifts, and  competition
from  other forms  of transportation;  and by  increased costs,  including costs
resulting from previous deferrals of maintenance. Port authorities derive  their
revenues  primarily from fees imposed on ships using the facilities. The rate of
utilization of such facilities may fluctuate depending on the local economy  and
on  competition from  competing forms  of transportation  such as  air, rail and
trucks.
 
    WATER AND/OR SEWERAGE  OBLIGATIONS.  Some  of the  Bonds in a  Trust may  be
obligations  of issuers whose revenues are derived from the sale of water and/or
sewerage services. Such Bonds are generally payable from user fees. The problems
of such  issuers  include  the  ability  to  obtain  timely  and  adequate  rate
increases,  population decline resulting in  decreased user fees, the difficulty
of financing  large construction  programs, the  limitations on  operations  and
increased  costs and  delays attributable  to environmental  considerations, the
increasing difficulty of obtaining or  discovering new supplies of fresh  water,
the  effect  of  conservation  programs and  the  impact  of  "no-growth" zoning
ordinances. All of such issuers have been experiencing certain of these problems
in varying degrees.
 
    UNIVERSITY AND COLLEGE REVENUE  OBLIGATIONS.  Some of  the Bonds in a  Trust
may  be obligations  of issuers  which are,  or which  govern the  operation of,
colleges and universities and  whose revenues are  derived mainly from  tuition,
dormitory  revenues,  grants and  endowments. General  problems of  such issuers
include the prospect of a declining  percentage of the population consisting  of
"college"  age  individuals,  possible  inability  to  raise  tuitions  and fees
sufficiently to cover  increased operating costs,  the uncertainty of  continued
receipt  of  Federal grants  and state  funding,  and government  legislation or
regulations which may adversely  affect the revenues or  costs of such  issuers.
All  of such issuers have been experiencing certain of these problems in varying
degrees.
 
    BRIDGE AUTHORITY AND TOLLROAD OBLIGATIONS.  Some of the Bonds in a Trust may
be obligations  of issuers  which derive  their payments  from bridge,  road  or
tunnel toll revenues. The revenues of such an issuer could be adversely affected
by  competition from toll-free vehicular bridges and roads and alternative modes
of transportation. Such revenues could also be adversely affected by a reduction
in the availability of fuel to  motorists or significant increases in the  costs
thereof.  Specifically, governmental regulations restricting the use of vehicles
in the New  York City  metropolitan area may  adversely affect  revenues of  the
Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority.
 
    DEDICATED-TAX  SUPPORTED  BONDS.   Some  of  the  Bonds in  a  Trust  may be
obligations of issuers which are payable from and secured by tax revenues from a
designated source, which revenues are pledged  to secure the bonds. The  various
types  of Bonds  described below  differ in  structure and  with respect  to the
rights of the bondholders to the underlying property. Each type of dedicated-tax
supported Bond has distinct risks, only some  of which are set forth below.  One
type  of dedicated-tax supported Bond is secured by the incremental tax received
on either real property or on  sales within a specifically defined  geographical
area;  such  tax generally  will  not provide  bondholders  with a  lien  on the
underlying property or revenues. Another type of dedicated-tax supported Bond is
secured by a special tax levied  on real property within a defined  geographical
area  in such  a manner that  the tax  is levied on  those who  benefit from the
project;  such   bonds  typically   provide  for   a  statutory   lien  on   the
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
underlying  property for unpaid  taxes. A third  type of dedicated-tax supported
Bond may be secured by a tax levied upon the manufacture, sale or consumption of
commodities or upon the license to pursue certain occupations or upon  corporate
privileges  within a taxing jurisdiction. As to any of these types of Bonds, the
ability of  the  designated  revenues  to satisfy  the  interest  and  principal
payments  on such  bonds may be  affected by  changes in the  local economy, the
financial success of the  enterprise responsible for the  payment of the  taxes,
the  value of  any property on  which taxes may  be assessed and  the ability to
collect such  taxes in  a timely  fashion. Each  of these  factors will  have  a
different affect on each distinct type of dedicated-tax supported bonds.
 
    MUNICIPAL LEASE BONDS.  Some of the Bonds in a Trust may be obligations that
are  secured  by lease  payments  of a  governmental  entity. Such  payments are
normally subject to  annual budget  appropriations of  the leasing  governmental
entity.  A governmental  entity that enters  into such a  lease agreement cannot
obligate future  governments to  appropriate  for and  make lease  payments  but
covenants  to take such action as is necessary to include any lease payments due
in its budgets and to make the appropriations therefor. A governmental  entity's
failure to appropriate for and to make payments under its lease obligation could
result  in insufficient funds  available for payment  of the obligations secured
thereby.
 
    ORIGINAL ISSUE  DISCOUNT BONDS  AND STRIPPED  OBLIGATIONS.   Certain of  the
Bonds  in a Trust may be original  issue discount bonds. These Bonds were issued
with nominal  interest rates  less than  the rates  then offered  by  comparable
securities  and as a consequence  were originally sold at  a discount from their
face, or par, values. This original  issue discount, the difference between  the
initial  purchase price and face value, is deemed under current law to accrue on
a daily basis and the accrued  portion is treated as tax-exempt interest  income
for  federal income tax purposes. On sale  or redemption, gain, if any, realized
in excess of the earned  portion of original issue  discount will be taxable  as
capital  gain. See "What is the Tax Status of Unitholders". The current value of
an original issue discount bond reflects the present value of its face amount at
maturity. In a stable interest rate environment, the market value of an original
issue discount bond would  tend to increase  more slowly in  early years and  in
greater increments as the bond approached maturity.
 
    Certain  of the original issue discount bonds  in a Trust may be zero coupon
bonds. Zero coupon bonds do not provide for the payment of any current interest;
the buyer receives only the right to receive a final payment of the face  amount
of  the bond at its maturity. The effect of  owning a zero coupon bond is that a
fixed yield is earned not only on  the original investment but also, in  effect,
on  all  discount  earned  during  the life  of  the  obligation.  This implicit
reinvestment of earnings at the same rate eliminates the risk of being unable to
reinvest the income on such obligation at a rate as high as the implicit  yield,
but  at the same time also eliminates the holder's ability to reinvest at higher
rates in  the  future.  For  this  reason, zero  coupon  bonds  are  subject  to
substantially  greater  price  fluctuations during  periods  of  changing market
interest rates  than are  securities  of comparable  quality that  pay  interest
currently.
 
    Original  issue discount bonds, including zero  coupon bonds, may be subject
to redemption at prices  based on the  issue price plus  the amount of  original
issue   discount  accreted  to  redemption   (the  "accreted  value")  plus,  if
applicable, some premium.  Pursuant to  such call provisions  an original  issue
discount  bond may be called prior to its maturity date at a price less than its
face value. See the  "Schedules of Investments" for  more information about  the
call provisions of portfolio Bonds.
 
    Certain of the Bonds in a Trust may be Stripped Obligations, which represent
evidences  of ownership  with respect  to either  the principal  amount of  or a
payment of interest on a tax-exempt  obligation. An obligation is "stripped"  by
depositing  it with  a custodian, which  then effects a  separation in ownership
between the bond and any interest payment which has not yet become payable,  and
issues evidences of ownership with respect to such constituent parts. A Stripped
Obligation  therefore has economic characteristics similar to zero coupon bonds,
as described above.
 
    Each Stripped Obligation has  been purchased at a  discount from the  amount
payable  at maturity. With respect to each Unitholder, the Internal Revenue Code
treats as "original issue discount" that portion of the discount which  produces
a yield to maturity (as of the date of purchase of the Unitholder's Units) equal
to  the lower of the coupon rate of interest on the underlying obligation or the
yield to maturity on the basis of  the purchase price of the Unitholder's  Units
which  is allocable to  each Stripped Obligation.  Original issue discount which
accrues with respect to a Stripped Obligation will be exempt from Federal income
taxation to the  same extent  as interest  on the  underlying obligations.  (See
"WHAT IS THE TAX STATUS OF UNITHOLDERS?" in Part B of this Prospectus.)
 
    Unitholders  should consult their own tax advisers with respect to the state
and local tax consequences of owning  original issue discount bonds or  Stripped
Obligations.  Under applicable  provisions governing determination  of state and
local taxes, interest on original  issue discount bonds or Stripped  Obligations
may  be deemed to  be received in  the year of  accrual even though  there is no
corresponding cash payment.
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
WHY AND HOW ARE THE BONDS INSURED?
 
INSURANCE ON BONDS
 
   
INSURED TRUSTS--The Insurer's policy unconditionally and irrevocably  guarantees
the  full and complete payment required to be made by or on behalf of the Issuer
to the Paying Agent or its successor of an amount equal to (i) the principal  of
(either  at the stated maturity  or by an advancement  of maturity pursuant to a
mandatory sinking fund  payment) and  interest on,  the Bonds  as such  payments
shall  become due  but shall not  be so  paid (except that  in the  event of any
acceleration of  the  due date  of  such principal  by  reason of  mandatory  or
optional  redemption or acceleration resulting  from default or otherwise, other
than any advancement of maturity pursuant  to a mandatory sinking fund  payment,
the  payments guaranteed by the  Insurer's policy shall be  made in such amounts
and at such times as  such payments of principal would  have been due had  there
not  been any such acceleration); and (ii) the reimbursement of any such payment
which is subsequently removed from  any owner of the  Bonds purusant to a  final
judgment  by a court of competent  jurisdiction that such payment constitutes an
avoidable preference  to  such  owner  within  the  meaning  of  any  applicable
bandruptcy law (a "Preference").
    
 
   
    The  Insurer's policy does not insure against loss of any prepayment premium
which may at any time be payable with respect to any Bond. The Insurer's  policy
does  not, under any circumstance, insure against loss relating to: (i) optional
or mandatory redemptions (other than  mandatory sinking fund redemptions);  (ii)
any  payments to be made on an accelerated basis; (iii) payments of the purchase
price of Bonds upon tender by an owner thereof; or (iv) any Preference  relating
to  (i) through (iii) above.  The Insurer's policy also  does not insure against
nonpayment of  principal  of  or  interest  on  the  Bonds  resulting  from  the
insolvency,  negligence or any other act or  omission of the Paying Agent or any
other paying agewnt for the Bonds.
    
 
   
    Upon receipt of  telephonic notice,  such notice  subsequently confirmed  in
writing  by registered or certified  mail, or upon receipt  of written notice by
registered or certified mail, by the Insurer from the Paying Agent or any  owner
of  a Bond the  payment of an  insured amount for  which is then  due, that such
required payment has not been made, the Insurer on the due date of such  payment
or within one business day after receipt of notice of such nonpayment, whichever
is later, will make a deposit of funds, in an account with State Street Bank and
Trust Company, N.A., in New York, New York, or its successor, sufficient for the
payment  of any such  insured amounts which  are then due.  Upon presentment and
surrender of such Bonds or presentment of  such other proof of ownership of  the
Bonds,  together with any appropriate instruments  of assignment to evidence the
assignment of the insured amounts due on  the Bonds as are paid by the  Insurer,
and  appropriate instruments to  effect the appointment of  the Insurer as agent
for such owners  of the  Bonds in  any legal  proceeding related  to payment  of
insured  amounts on the Bonds, such instruments  being in a form satisfactory to
State Street bank and Trust Company,  N.A. State Street Bank and Trust  Company,
N.A.  shall disclose to such  owners or the Paying  Agent payment of the insured
amounts due on  such Bonds, less  any amount held  by the Paying  Agent for  the
payment of such insured amounts and legally available therefor.
    
 
   
    The   Insurer,  formerly   known  as  Municipal   Bond  Investors  Assurance
Corporation, is the  principal operating subsidiary  of MBIA, Inc.,  a New  York
Stock Exchange listed company. MBIA Inc. is not obligated to pay the debts of or
claims  against the Insurer. The  Insurer is domiciled in  the State of New York
and licensed to  do business in  all 50  states, the District  of Columbia,  the
Commonwealth  of Puerto Rico, the Commonwealth  of the Northern Mariana Islands,
the Virgin Islands of the United States  and the Territory of Guam. The  Insurer
has one European branch in the Republic of France.
    
 
   
    As  of December  31, 1995  the Insurer had  admitted assets  of $3.8 billion
(audited), total liabilities of  $2.5 billion (audited),  and total capital  and
surplus  of  $1.3  billion  (audited) determined  in  accordance  with statutory
accounting  practices   prescribed   or  permitted   by   insurance   regulatory
authorities.  As of December 31,  1994, the Insurer had  admitted assets of $3.4
billion (audited),  total  liabilities  of $2.3  billion  (audited),  and  total
capital  and surplus  of $1.1  billion (audited)  determined in  accordance with
statutory accounting practices prescribed  or permitted by insurance  regulatory
authorities. All information regarding the Insurer, a wholly owned subsidiary of
MBIA  Inc., including the financial statements of the Insurer for the year ended
December 31, 1995,  prepared in  accordance with  generally accepted  accounting
principles, included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of MBIA Inc. for the year
ended  December 31, 1995 is hereby  incorporated by reference into this Official
Statement and shall be deemed to be a part hereof. Any statement contained in  a
document  incorporated by reference  herein shall be  modified or superceded for
purposes of this  Official Statement to  the extent that  a statement  contained
herein or in any other subsequently filed document which also is incorporated by
reference  herein  modifies  or  supercedes  such  statement.  Any  statement so
modified or superceded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superceded,
to constitute a part of this Official Statement.
    
 
   
    Furthermore, copies of the Insurer's year end financial statements  prepared
in  accordance  with  statutory  accounting  practices  are  available  from the
Insurer.  A  copy  of  the  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  of  MBIA,  Inc.   is
    
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
   
available  from  the Insurere  or the  Securities  and Exchange  Commission. The
address of the Insurer is 113 King Street, Armonk, New York 10504.
    
 
   
    Moody's Investors Service ("Moody's") rates the claims paying ability of the
Insurer "Aaa".
    
 
   
    Standard & Poor's Ratings Service, a division of the McGraw Hill  Companies,
Inc. ("Standard & Poor's") rates the claims paying ability of the Insurer "AAA".
    
 
   
    Fitch  Investors  Service,  L.P., rates  the  claims paying  ability  of the
Insurer "AAA".
    
 
   
    Each rating of the Insurer should be evaluated independently. No application
has been made to any other rating  agency in order to obtain additional  ratings
on  the  Bonds.  The  ratings reflect  the  respective  rating  agency's current
assessment of the creditworthiness of the Insurer and its ability to pay  claims
on  its policies of insurance. Any further explanation as to the significance of
the above ratings may be obtained only from the applicable rating agency.
    
 
   
    The above ratings are  not recommendations to buy,  sell or hold the  Bonds,
and  such ratings may  be subject to revision  or withdrawal at  any time by the
rating agencies. Any downward revision or  withdrawal of either or both  ratings
may  have an adverse effect  on the market price of  the Bonds. The Insurer does
not guaranty the market price of the Bonds nor does it guaranty that the ratings
on the Bonds will not be revised or withdrawn.
    
 
TRADITIONAL TRUSTS--Insurance guaranteeing the timely payment, when due, of  all
principal  and interest on  certain Bonds in  a Traditional Trust  may have been
obtained by the Sponsor, issuer or underwriter of the particular Bonds  involved
or  by another party. Such insurance,  which provides coverage substantially the
same as  that obtained  with respect  to Bonds  in Insured  Trusts as  described
above,  is effective so long as the  insured Bond is outstanding and the insurer
remains in business. Insurance  relates only to the  particular Bond and not  to
the Units offered hereby or to their market value. Insured Bonds have received a
rating  of "Aaa" by Moody's  Investors Service, Inc. and/or  "AAA" by Standard &
Poor's Corporation in recognition of such insurance.
 
    If a Bond in a Traditional Trust is insured, the Schedule of Investments  in
Part  A of  this Prospectus  will identify the  insurer. Such  insurance will be
provided by  Financial  Guaranty  Insurance Company  ("FGIC"),  AMBAC  Indemnity
Corporation  ("AMBAC"), Bond Investors Guaranty  Insurance Company, now known as
MBIA Corp. of  Illinois ("BIG"),  Capital Guaranty  Insurance Company  ("CGIC"),
Financial Security Assurance, Inc. ("FSA"), Municipal Bond Insurance Association
(the "Association"), MBIA Insurance Corporation ("MBIA") or Connie Lee Insurance
Company  ("ConnieLee"). The Sponsor to date  has purchased and presently intends
to purchase insurance for Bonds in Traditional Trusts exclusively from MBIA (see
the preceding disclosure  regarding MBIA). There  can be no  assurance that  any
insurer  listed therein  will be  able to satisfy  its commitments  in the event
claims are made in the future. However, Standard & Poor's Corporation has  rated
the  claims-paying ability of each insurer  "AAA," and Moody's Investors Service
has rated  all bonds  insured by  each such  insurer, except  ConnieLee,  "Aaa."
Moody's Investor's Service gives no ratings for bonds insured by ConnieLee.
 
    Because  any such insurance will  be effective so long  as the insured Bonds
are outstanding, such insurance  will be taken into  account in determining  the
market  value  of  such Bonds  and  therefore  some value  attributable  to such
insurance will be included in the value of the Units of the Trust that  includes
such  Bonds. The insurance does not, however,  guarantee the market value of the
Bonds or of the Units.
 
ACCUMULATION PLAN
 
The Sponsor, John Nuveen & Co.  Incorporated, is also the principal  underwriter
of  the  Nuveen Municipal  Bond Fund,  Inc. (the  "Bond Fund"),  Nuveen Tax-Free
Reserves, Inc. ("Tax-Free Reserves"), Nuveen California Tax-Free Fund, Inc. (the
"California Fund"),  Nuveen Tax-Free  Bond Fund,  Inc. ("Tax-Free  Bond  Fund"),
Nuveen  Insured Tax-Free  Bond Fund, Inc.  (the "Insured Bond  Fund") and Nuveen
Tax-Free Money  Market Fund,  Inc.  (the "Money  Market  Fund") and  the  Nuveen
Multistate  Tax-Free  Trust  (the  "Multistate  Trust").  Each  of  these  funds
(together, the  "Accumulation Funds")  is  an open-end,  diversified  management
investment   company  into  which  Unitholders  may  choose  to  reinvest  Trust
distributions automatically,  without any  sales  charge. (Reinvestment  in  the
California  Fund is available only to  Unitholders who are California residents.
Reinvestment in the State Portfolios of the Tax-Free Bond Fund, the Insured Bond
Fund, the  Money Market  Fund and  the  Multistate Trust  is available  only  to
Unitholders  who  are residents  of  the states  for  which such  portfolios are
named.) Unitholders may  reinvest both interest  and principal distributions  or
principal  distributions only. Each Accumulation  Fund has investment objectives
which differ in  certain respects from  those of  the Trusts and  may invest  in
securities which would not be eligible for deposit in the Trusts. The investment
adviser  to  each Accumulation  Fund is  Nuveen  Advisory Corp.,  a wholly-owned
subsidiary of  the  Sponsor. The  following  is  a general  description  of  the
investment  objectives  and  policies  of each  Accumulation  Fund.  For  a more
detailed description, Unitholders should read the prospectus of the Accumulation
Fund in which they are interested.
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
THE BOND FUND
 
    The Bond  Fund has  the  objective of  providing,  through investment  in  a
professionally  managed portfolio of long-term municipal  bonds, as high a level
of current interest income exempt from Federal income tax as is consistent  with
preservation  of capital. The Bond Fund  may include in its portfolio tax-exempt
bonds rated Baa or BBB or better by Moody's or Standard & Poor's, unrated  bonds
which,  in the  opinion of the  investment adviser,  have credit characteristics
equivalent  to  bonds  rated  Baa  or  BBB  or  better,  and  certain  temporary
investments,  including securities the interest income from which may be subject
to Federal income tax.
 
TAX-FREE RESERVES
 
    Tax-Free Reserves is a  "money market" fund that  includes in its  portfolio
only  obligations  maturing  within  one  year  from  the  date  of acquisition,
maintains an average maturity of all investments of 120 days or less, values its
portfolio at amortized cost and seeks to maintain a net asset value of $1.00 per
share. It provides checkwriting and expedited wire redemption privileges for its
shareholders.  Tax-Free  Reserves  has  the  objective  of  providing,   through
investment  in  a professionally  managed portfolio  of high  quality short-term
municipal obligations, as high  a level of current  interest income exempt  from
Federal  income  tax  as is  consistent  with  preservation of  capital  and the
maintenance of  liquidity.  Tax- Free  Reserves  may include  in  its  portfolio
municipal obligations rated Aaa, Aa, MIG-1, VMIG-1 or Prime-1 by Moody's or AAA,
AA, SP-1 or A-1 by Standard & Poor's, unrated municipal obligations that, in the
opinion  of the  investment adviser,  have credit  characteristics equivalent to
obligations  rated  as  above,  tax-exempt   obligations  backed  by  the   U.S.
Government, and temporary investments that may be subject to Federal income tax.
 
THE CALIFORNIA FUND
 
    The  California Fund has  the objective of  providing, through investment in
professionally managed portfolios of California municipal obligations, as high a
level of current interest income exempt from both Federal and California  income
taxes as is consistent with the investment policies of each of the portfolios of
the  California Fund  and with  preservation of  capital. Each  portfolio of the
California Fund may include  temporary investments that may  be subject to  tax.
California Unitholders may reinvest in one of three portfolios of the California
Fund:  The Nuveen California Tax-Free Value  Fund, the Nuveen California Insured
Tax-Free Value Fund and the Nuveen California Tax-Free Money Market Fund.
 
   
    The Nuveen California  Tax-Free Value  Fund invests  primarily in  long-term
investment  grade California  tax-exempt bonds  (I.E., bonds  rated in  the four
highest categories by  Moody's or Standard  & Poor's or,  if unrated, that  have
equivalent credit characteristics). The Nuveen California Insured Tax-Free Value
Fund  invests primarily in the same type of investments as the Nuveen California
Tax-Free Value Fund,  each of  which is  covered by  insurance guaranteeing  the
timely  payment of  principal and  interest or  is backed  by a  deposit of U.S.
Government securities.
    
 
    The Nuveen  California  Tax-Free  Money Market  Fund  invests  primarily  in
high-quality  short term California tax-  exempt money market instruments (I.E.,
obligations rated in the two highest categories by Moody's or Standard &  Poor's
or,  if unrated,  that have  equivalent credit  characteristics). This portfolio
will include  only  obligations  maturing  within one  year  from  the  date  of
acquisition, will maintain an average maturity of all investments of 120 days or
less, will value its portfolio at amortized cost and will seek to maintain a net
asset value of $1.00 per share. The Nuveen California Tax-Free Money Market Fund
provides for an expedited wire redemption privilege.
 
THE TAX-FREE BOND FUND
 
    The  Tax-Free Bond Fund consists of  the Nuveen Massachusetts Tax-Free Value
Fund, the Nuveen New  York Tax-Free Value Fund,  the Nuveen Ohio Tax-Free  Value
Fund,  and the Nuveen New  Jersey Tax-Free Value Fund,  which are each available
for reinvestment to Unitholders  who are residents of  the state for which  such
portfolio  is  named. The  Tax-Free Bond  Fund has  the objective  of providing,
through investment in a professionally managed portfolio of municipal bonds,  as
high  a level of current interest income exempt both from Federal income tax and
from the  income  tax  imposed  by  each  portfolio's  designated  state  as  is
consistent  with preservation of capital. The  Tax-Free Bond Fund may include in
each of its  portfolios tax-exempt  bonds rated Baa  or BBB  or better;  unrated
bonds   which,  in   the  opinion  of   the  investment   adviser,  have  credit
characteristics equivalent to  bonds rated  Baa or  BBB or  better; and  certain
temporary  investments, including securities the  interest income from which may
be subject to Federal and state income tax.
 
THE INSURED BOND FUND
 
    The Insured Bond Fund  consists of the Nuveen  Insured Municipal Bond  Fund,
the  Nuveen Massachusetts  Insured Tax-Free Value  Fund and the  Nuveen New York
Insured Tax-Free  Value  Fund, which  are  each available  for  reinvestment  to
Unitholders.  (The Massachusetts and  New York Portfolios  are available only to
those Unitholders
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
who are residents of the  state for which the  portfolio is named.) The  Insured
Bond  Fund has the objective of  providing, through investment in professionally
managed portfolios  of municipal  bonds, as  high a  level of  current  interest
income  exempt from both Federal income tax and, in the case of designated state
portfolios, from the income tax imposed by each portfolio's designated state, as
is consistent with preservation of capital. The Insured Bond Fund may include in
each of its portfolios the same type  of investments as the Tax-Free Bond  Fund,
each  of  which  is covered  by  insurance  guaranteeing the  timely  payment of
principal and interest or is backed by a deposit of U.S. Government securities.
 
THE MONEY MARKET FUND
 
    The Money Market Fund  consists of the  Nuveen Massachusetts Tax-Free  Money
Market  Fund and the Nuveen New York  Tax-Free Money Market Fund, which are each
available for reinvestment  to Unitholders who  are residents of  the state  for
which  such portfolio is named. The Money Market Fund includes in its portfolios
only obligations  maturing  within  one  year  from  the  date  of  acquisition,
maintains  an average  maturity of  120 days or  less, values  its portfolios at
amortized cost and seeks to maintain a  net asset value of $1.00 per share.  The
Money  Market  Fund  has  the  objective  of  providing,  through  investment in
professionally  managed  portfolios   of  high   quality  short-term   municipal
obligations, as high a level of current interest income exempt both from Federal
income  tax and from the income tax imposed by each portfolio's designated state
as is consistent with stability of  principal and the maintenance of  liquidity.
The  Money  Market  Fund  may  include  in  each  of  its  portfolios  municipal
obligations rated Aaa, Aa, MIG-1, MIG- 2, VMIG-1, VMIG-2, Prime 1 or Prime 2  by
Moody's  or  AAA, AA,  SP-1,  SP-2, A-1  or A-2  by  Standard &  Poor's; unrated
municipal obligations  that, in  the  opinion of  the investment  adviser,  have
credit  characteristics equivalent to obligations  rated as above; and temporary
investments that may be subject to Federal and state income tax.
 
THE MULTISTATE TRUST
 
    The Multistate Trust consists of the Nuveen Arizona Tax-Free Value Fund, the
Nuveen Florida Tax-Free Value Fund, the Nuveen Maryland Tax-Free Value Fund, the
Nuveen Michigan Tax-Free Value Fund, the Nuveen New Jersey Tax-Free Value  Fund,
the  Nuveen Pennsylvania  Tax-Free Value Fund  and the Nuveen  Virginia Tax Free
Value Fund, which  are each available  for reinvestment to  Unitholders who  are
residents  of the state for which such  portfolio is named. The Multistate Trust
has the objective of providing,  through investment in a professionally  managed
portfolio  of municipal bonds, as high a level of current interest income exempt
from both regular Federal  income tax and the  applicable state personal  income
tax  as is  consistent with  preservation of  capital. The  Multistate Trust may
include in  each of  its portfolios  tax-exempt bonds  rated "Baa"  or "BBB"  or
better,  unrated bonds  which, in  the opinion  of the  investment advisor, have
credit characteristics  equivalent to  bonds  rated "baa"  or "BBB"  or  better,
limited  to  no more  than 20%  of  the Multistate  Trust's assets,  and certain
temporary investments that may be subject to Federal and state income tax.
 
    Each person who purchases Units of a  Trust may become a participant in  the
Accumulation  Plan and elect  to have his  or her distributions  on Units of the
Trust invested directly in shares of one of the Accumulation Funds.  Reinvesting
Unitholders   may  select  any  interest  distribution  plan.  Thereafter,  each
distribution  of  interest  income  or  principal  on  the  participant's  Units
(principal  only in  the case of  a Unitholder  who has chosen  to reinvest only
principal distributions) will, on the applicable distribution date, or the  next
day  on which the New  York Stock Exchange is  normally open ("business day") if
the distribution  date is  not  a business  day,  automatically be  received  by
Shareholder  Services, Inc., transfer agent for  each of the Accumulation Funds,
on behalf of such participant  and applied on that  date to purchase shares  (or
fractions  thereof)  of  the Accumulation  Fund  chosen  at net  asset  value as
computed as of 4:00 p.m. eastern time on each such date. All distributions  will
be  reinvested  in the  Accumulation Fund  chosen  and no  part thereof  will be
retained in a  separate account. These  purchases will be  made without a  sales
charge.
 
INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPONSOR
 
John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated, the Sponsor and Underwriter, was founded in 1898
and  is  the oldest  and  largest investment  banking  firm specializing  in the
underwriting and distribution of tax-exempt securities and maintains the largest
research department in the investment  banking community devoted exclusively  to
the  analysis of municipal securities. In  1961 the Sponsor began sponsoring the
Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust  and, since this  time, it has  issued more than  $30
billion  in tax-exempt unit trusts, including over $8 billion in insured trusts.
The Sponsor is  also principal underwriter  of the Nuveen  Municipal Bond  Fund,
Inc.,  the Nuveen  Tax-Free Money Market  Fund, Inc.,  Nuveen Tax-Free Reserves,
Inc., Nuveen California Tax-Free  Fund, Inc., Nuveen  Tax-Free Bond Fund,  Inc.,
Nuveen Insured Tax-Free Bond Fund, Inc. and Nuveen Tax-Exempt Money Market Fund,
Inc.,  all  registered open-end  management investment  companies, and  acted as
co-managing underwriter of Nuveen Municipal Value Fund, Inc., Nuveen  California
Municipal  Value Fund, Inc., Nuveen New  York Municipal Value Fund, Inc., Nuveen
Municipal Income  Fund, Inc.,  Nuveen California  Municipal Income  Fund,  Inc.,
Nuveen New York Municipal Income
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
Fund,  Inc., Nuveen Premium Income Municipal Fund, Inc., Nuveen Performance Plus
Municipal Fund, Inc., Nuveen California  Performance Plus Municipal Fund,  Inc.,
Nuveen  New  York  Performance  Plus  Municipal  Fund,  Inc.,  Nuveen  Municipal
Advantage Fund, Inc.,  Nuveen Municipal  Market Opportunity  Fund, Inc.,  Nuveen
California  Municipal Market Opportunity  Fund, Inc., Nuveen  New York Municipal
Market Opportunity Fund, Inc., Nuveen  Investment Quality Municipal Fund,  Inc.,
Nuveen  California  Investment Quality  Municipal  Fund, Inc.,  Nuveen  New York
Investment Quality Municipal Fund, Inc., Nuveen Insured Quality Municipal  Fund,
Inc.,  Nuveen  Florida Investment  Quality  Municipal Fund,  Nuveen Pennsylvania
Investment  Quality  Municipal  Fund,  Nuveen  New  Jersey  Investment   Quality
Municipal Fund, Inc., and the Nuveen Select Quality Municipal Fund, Inc., Nuveen
California  Quality  Municipal  Fund,  Inc.,  Nuveen  New  York  Select  Quality
Municipal Fund, Inc., Nuveen Quality Income Municipal Fund, Inc., Nuveen Insured
Municipal Opportunity Fund, Inc., Nuveen Florida Quality Income Municipal  Fund,
Nuveen  Michigan Quality Income Municipal Fund,  Inc., Nuveen New Jersey Quality
Income Municipal Fund, Inc.,  Nuveen Ohio Quality  Income Municipal Fund,  Inc.,
Nuveen  Pennsylvania Quality Income Municipal  Fund, Nuveen Texas Quality Income
Municipal Fund, Nuveen  California Quality Income  Municipal Fund, Inc.,  Nuveen
New  York Quality Income Municipal Fund,  Inc., Nuveen Premier Insured Municipal
Income Fund, Inc., Nuveen  Select Tax Free Income  Portfolio, Nuveen Select  Tax
Free  Income  Portfolio  2,  Nuveen Insured  California  Select  Tax-Free Income
Portfolio, Nuveen  Insured New  York Select  Tax-Free Income  Portfolio,  Nuveen
Premium  Income Municipal Fund 2, Inc.,  Nuveen Select Tax Free Income Portfolio
3, Nuveen Select  Maturities Municipal Fund,  Nuveen Insured California  Premium
Income Municipal Fund, Inc., Nuveen Arizona Premium Income Municipal Fund, Inc.,
Nuveen  Insured  Premium Income  Municipal  Fund, Inc.,  Nuveen  Insured Florida
Premium Income Municipal  Fund, Nuveen Michigan  Premium Income Municipal  Fund,
Inc.,  Nuveen New Jersey Premium Income Municipal Fund, Inc., Nuveen Insured New
York Premium Income Municipal Fund,  Inc., Nuveen Ohio Premium Income  Municipal
Fund,  Inc.,  Nuveen Pennsylvania  Premium Income  Municipal Fund,  Nuveen Texas
Premium Income Municipal  Fund, Nuveen  Premium Income Municipal  Fund 4,  Inc.,
Nuveen  Pennsylvania  Premium Income  Municipal Fund  2, Nuveen  Insured Florida
Premium Income Municipal Fund 2, Nuveen Maryland Premium Income Municipal  Fund,
Nuveen  Virginia  Premium Income  Municipal  Fund, Nuveen  Massachusetts Premium
Income Municipal Fund, Nuveen Insured  California Premium Income Municipal  Fund
2,  Inc., Nuveen Insured  New York Premium  Income Municipal Fund  2, Nuveen New
Jersey Premium  Income  Municipal  Fund  2,  Nuveen  Washington  Premium  Income
Municipal  Fund, Nuveen Michigan Premium Income Municipal Fund 2, Nuveen Georgia
Premium Income Municipal  Fund, Nuveen Missouri  Premium Income Municipal  Fund,
Nuveen  Connecticut Premium Income Municipal Fund, Nuveen North Carolina Premium
Income Municipal Fund, Nuveen New Jersey Premium Income Municipal Fund 3, Nuveen
Florida Premium Income Municipal Fund, Nuveen New York Premium Income  Municipal
Fund,  Nuveen  California  Premium Income  Municipal  Fund,  Nuveen Pennsylvania
Premium Income Municipal Fund 3, Nuveen Maryland Income Municipal Fund 2, Nuveen
Virginia Premium Income Municipal Fund  2, Nuveen Ohio Premium Income  Municipal
Fund  2,  Nuveen  Insured Premium  Income  Municipal Fund  2,  Nuveen California
Premium Income Municipal Fund 2, all registered closed-end management investment
companies.  These  registered  open-end  and  closed-end  investment   companies
currently  have  approximately  $32.8  billion  in  tax-exempt  securities under
management. Nationwide, more than 1,000,000 individual investors have  purchased
Nuveen's  tax exempt trusts and funds.  The present corporation was organized in
1967 as  a  wholly-owned subsidiary  of  Nuveen Corporation,  successor  to  the
original  John  Nuveen  & Co.  founded  in  1898 as  a  sole  proprietorship and
incorporated in  1953.  In  1974,  John  Nuveen  &  Co.  Incorporated  became  a
wholly-owned  subsidiary of The  St. Paul Companies,  Inc., a financial services
management company  located in  St. Paul,  Minnesota. On  May 19,  1992,  common
shares  comprising a  minority interest  in The  John Nuveen  Company ("JNC"), a
newly organized corporation which holds all  of the shares of Nuveen, were  sold
to  the  general  public in  an  initial  public offering.  St.  Paul  retains a
controlling interest in  JNC with over  70% of  JNC's shares. The  Sponsor is  a
member  of  the  National  Association  of  Securities  Dealers,  Inc.  and  the
Securities Industry Association and has its principal offices located in Chicago
(333 W. Wacker Drive) and New York  (Swiss Bank Tower, 10 East 50th Street).  It
maintains 14 regional offices.
 
    To help advisers and investors better understand and more efficiently use an
investment  in the Trust  to reach their investment  goals, the Trust's sponsor,
John Nuveen &  Co. Incorporated,  may advertise and  create specific  investment
programs  and  systems.  For  example, such  activities  may  include presenting
information on how to use  an investment in the  Trust, alone or in  combination
with  an investment in other mutual funds or unit investment trusts sponsored by
Nuveen, to accumulate  assets for  future education needs  or periodic  payments
such  as  insurance  premiums.  The  Trust's  sponsor  may  produce  software or
additional sales literature to promote the advantages of using the Trust to meet
these and other specific investor needs.
 
    The  Sponsor  offers  a  program   of  advertising  support  to   registered
broker-dealer  firms, banks and bank affiliates ("Firms") that sell Trust Units.
Under this program, the  Sponsor will pay  or reimburse the Firm  for up to  one
half  of specified media costs incurred in the placement of advertisements which
jointly feature the Firm and
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
the Nuveen Trusts. Reimbursements to the Firm will be based on the number of the
Firm's registered representatives  who have  sold Trust Units  during the  prior
calendar  year according to  an established schedule.  Reimbursements under this
program will be made by the Sponsor and not by the Trusts.
 
DESCRIPTION OF RATINGS*
 
    STANDARD & POOR'S CORPORATION.  A  description of the applicable Standard  &
Poor's Corporation rating symbols and their meanings follows:
 
    A  Standard & Poor's rating is  a current assessment of the creditworthiness
of an obligor with  respect to a specific  debt obligation. This assessment  may
take into consideration obligors such as guarantors, insurers or lessees.
 
    The  rating is not  a recommendation to  purchase, sell or  hold a security,
inasmuch as  it  does not  comment  as to  market  price or  suitability  for  a
particular investor.
 
    The  ratings are  based on  current information  furnished by  the issuer or
obtained by Standard & Poor's from other sources it considers reliable. Standard
& Poor's does not  perform an audit  in connection with any  rating and may,  on
occasion,  rely on unaudited financial information.  The ratings may be changed,
suspended or withdrawn  as a result  of changes in,  or unavailability of,  such
information, or for other circumstances.
 
    The ratings are based, in varying degrees, on the following considerations:
 
     I.  Likelihood  of default--capacity and  willingness of the  obligor as to
         the timely payment of interest and repayment of principal in accordance
         with the terms of the obligation;
 
     II.  Nature of and provisions of the obligation;
 
    III.  Protection afforded by,  and relative position  of, the obligation  in
          the  event of  bankruptcy, reorganization or  other arrangements under
          the laws of bankruptcy and other laws affecting creditors' rights.
 
    AAA--This is the  highest rating  assigned by Standard  & Poor's  to a  debt
obligation. Capacity to pay interest and repay principal is extremely strong.
 
    AA--Bonds  rated AA have  a very strong  capacity to pay  interest and repay
principal, and differ from the highest rated issues only in small degree.
 
    A--Bonds rated A have a strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal,
although they are somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in
circumstances and economic conditions than bonds in higher rated categories.
 
    BBB--Bonds rated BBB  are regarded  as having  an adequate  capacity to  pay
interest  and repay principal. Whereas they normally exhibit adequate protection
parameters, adverse  economic  conditions  or changing  circumstances  are  more
likely  to lead to a  weakened capacity to pay  interest and repay principal for
bonds in this category than for bonds in the higher rated categories.
 
    PLUS (+) OR MINUS (-): The ratings from "AA" to "BB" may be modified by  the
addition  of a  plus or minus  sign to  show relative standing  within the major
rating categories.
 
    PROVISIONAL  RATINGS:  The   letter  "p"  indicates   that  the  rating   is
provisional.  A  provisional rating  assumes  the successful  completion  of the
project being financed by  the issuance of the  bonds being rated and  indicates
that  payment of debt service requirements is largely or entirely dependent upon
the successful and timely completion of the project. This rating, however, while
addressing credit  quality subsequent  to completion  of the  project, makes  no
comment  on the  likelihood of,  or the  risk of  default upon  failure of, such
completion. Accordingly,  the investor  should exercise  his own  judgment  with
respect to such likelihood and risk.
 
    NOTE  RATINGS:  A  Standard  & Poor's  note  rating  reflects  the liquidity
concerns and market access risks unique to  notes. Notes due in 3 years or  less
will  likely receive  a note  rating. Notes  maturing beyond  3 years  will most
likely receive a long-term debt rating.
 
    Note rating symbols are as follows:
 
        SP-1  Very strong  or strong  capacity to  pay principal  and  interest.
              Those   issues   determined   to   possess   overwhelming   safety
              characteristics will be given a plus (+) designation.
 
        SP-2  Satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest.
 
RATINGS OF INSURED TRUST UNITS
 
- ----------
*As published by the rating companies.
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
    A Standard  & Poor's  rating on  the units  of an  insured investment  trust
(hereinafter  referred to  collectively as  "units" and  "trusts") is  a current
assessment of  creditworthiness with  respect  to the  investment held  by  such
trust.  This assessment takes  into consideration the  financial capacity of the
issuers and of any guarantors, insurers,  lessees or mortgagors with respect  to
such investments. The assessment, however, does not take into account the extent
to  which  trust expenses  or  portfolio asset  sales  for less  than  the trust
purchase price  will  reduce payment  to  the  unitholder of  the  interest  and
principal  required to be paid on the  portfolio assets. In addition, the rating
is not a recommendation to purchase, sell or hold units, inasmuch as the  rating
does not comment as to market price of the units or suitability for a particular
investor.
 
    Units rated "AAA" are composed exclusively of assets that are rated "AAA" by
Standard  &  Poor's and/or  certain  short-term investments.  Standard  & Poor's
defines its  AAA  rating for  such  assets as  the  highest rating  assigned  by
Standard  & Poor's  to a  debt obligation.  Capacity to  pay interest  and repay
principal is very strong.  However, unit ratings may  be subject to revision  or
withdrawal  at any time by Standard & Poor's and each rating should be evaluated
independently of any other rating.
 
    MOODY'S INVESTORS  SERVICE, INC.    A brief  description of  the  applicable
Moody's Investors Service, Inc. rating symbols and their meanings follows:
 
    Aaa--Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged to be the best quality. They carry
the  smallest degree of investment  risk and are generally  referred to as "gilt
edge." Interest payments are protected by a large or by an exceptionally  stable
margin and principal is secure. While the various protective elements are likely
to  change, such changes  as can be  visualized are most  unlikely to impair the
fundamentally strong position of such issues. Their safety is so absolute  that,
with  the  occasional  exception  of oversupply  in  a  few  specific instances,
characteristically, their  market  value  is affected  solely  by  money  market
fluctuations.
 
    Aa--Bonds  which  are rated  Aa  are judged  to be  of  high quality  by all
standards. Together with the Aaa group they comprise what are generally known as
high grade bonds. They are  rated lower than the  best bonds because margins  of
protection  may  not  be  as  large as  in  Aaa  securities  or  fluctuations of
protective elements may be of greater  amplitude or there may be other  elements
present  which  make the  long-term  risks appear  somewhat  larger than  in Aaa
securities. Their  market value  is virtually  immune to  all but  money  market
influences,  with  the  occasional exception  of  oversupply in  a  few specific
instances.
 
    A--Bonds which are rated A possess many favorable investment attributes  and
are  to be considered as upper medium grade obligations. Factors giving security
to principal and interest are considered  adequate, but elements may be  present
which  suggest a susceptibility to impairment sometime in the future. The market
value of A-rated bonds may be influenced to some degree by economic  performance
during  a sustained period of depressed business conditions, but, during periods
of normalcy,  A-rated  bonds  frequently  move  in  parallel  with  Aaa  and  Aa
obligations,  with  the occasional  exception of  oversupply  in a  few specific
instances.
 
    Moody's bond rating  symbols may  contain numerical modifiers  of a  generic
rating  classification. The modifier 1 indicates that the bond ranks at the high
end of  its category;  the modifier  2 indicates  a mid-range  ranking; and  the
modifier 3 indicates that the issue ranks in the lower end of its generic rating
category.
 
    Baa--Bonds  which are rated Baa are  considered as medium grade obligations,
i.e., they are neither  highly protected nor  poorly secured. Interest  payments
and  principal security appear  adequate for the  present but certain protective
elements may be lacking or may  be characteristically unreliable over any  great
length  of time. Such  bonds lack outstanding  investment characteristics and in
fact have speculative  characteristics as  well. The market  value of  Baa-rated
bonds  is more  sensitive to changes  in economic circumstances,  and aside from
occasional speculative factors applying to some bonds of this class, Baa  market
valuations  move in parallel  with Aaa, Aa  and A obligations  during periods of
economic normalcy, except in instances of oversupply.
 
    Con. (--)--Bonds for which the security depends upon the completion of  some
act  or the  fulfillment of  some condition  are rated  conditionally. These are
bonds secured by (a)  earnings of projects under  construction, (b) earnings  of
projects  unseasoned  in  operation  experience, (c)  rentals  which  begin when
facilities are completed, or (d) payments to which some other limiting condition
attaches. Parenthetical rating denotes  probable credit stature upon  completion
of construction or elimination of basis of condition.
 
    NOTE RATINGS:
 
    MIG 1--  This  designation denotes  best  quality. There  is  present strong
           protection by established cash  flows, superior liquidity support  or
           demonstrated broad-based access to the market for refinancing.
 
    MIG 2--  This designation  denotes high  quality. Margins  of protection are
           ample although not so large as in the preceding group.
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
HOW THE TRUST COMPARES PERFORMANCE
 
    The Sponsor may compare the estimated returns of the Trust with the  returns
or  yields  of  other  tax-free  and taxable  investments,  often  on  a taxable
equivalent basis. In addition, the Sponsor  from time to time may quote  various
performance  measures and  studies in  order to  compare the  historical returns
available from an investment  in municipal securities  with investments in  both
tax-free and taxable securities.
 
    In  September 1995, Nuveen  Research prepared one  such study which compared
the after-tax value  of $100,000  initially invested  in 1975  in various  asset
classes  including  municipal  bonds,  treasury bonds  and  corporate  bonds. As
indicated in the chart  provided below, the 20-year  study shows that  municipal
bonds  significantly outperformed corporate and  treasury bonds once the effects
of taxes were  factored in.  In fact, over  the 20-year  period, municipal  bond
returns in dollars were more than double those of treasury bonds.
 
                 AFTER-TAX VALUE OF $100,000 INVESTED IN 1975*
 
    The  graph appearing  on this  page of  the Information  Supplement compares
after-tax total returns  of $100,000  initially in 1975  in each  of the  Lehman
Brothers MuniBond Index, Long-Term Treasury Index and Long-Term Corporate Index.
As  indicated in the graph,  such an investment in  the Lehman Brothers MuniBond
Index, Long-Term  Treasury  Index  and  Long-Term  Corporate  Index  would  have
appreciated  to $448,740,  $267,668, and  $304,049, respectively  at the  end of
1994. The  graph  assumes all  proceeds  of  investment are  reinvested  at  the
respective  index rates at the time of reinvestment and also assumes that 20% of
the assets in each category are turned over annually and proceeds are reinvested
in the respective indexes. The tax rates assumed to generate the after-tax total
returns were based upon the income  and capital gain rates applicable each  year
from  1975-1994 for an investor who earned the inflation-adjusted equivalents of
$400,000 in 1994. In addition, treasury returns were "grossed up" an assumed  5%
to  take into account the Treasuries' exemption from state income tax. The graph
is for  illustrative  purposes  only,  and does  not  represent  the  return  or
performance  of any Nuveen  Tax-Free Unit Trust  and is not  intended to predict
future results.
 
    * The  graph compares  after-tax  total returns  using the  Lehman  Brothers
MuniBond  Index,  Long-Term Treasury  Index and  Long-Term Corporate  Index. The
graph assumes all proceeds of investment are reinvested at the respective  index
rates  at the time  of reinvestment and also  assumes that 20%  of the assets in
each category  are turned  over  annually and  proceeds  are reinvested  in  the
respective  indexes.  The  tax rates  assumed  to generate  the  after-tax total
returns were based upon the income  and capital gain rates applicable each  year
from  1975-1994 for an investor who earned the inflation-adjusted equivalents of
$100,000 in 1994. In addition, treasury returns were "grossed up" an assumed  5%
to  take into account the Treasuries' exemption from state income tax. The graph
is for  illustrative  purposes  only,  and does  not  represent  the  return  or
performance  of any Nuveen  Tax-Free Unit Trust  and is not  intended to predict
future results.
 
    A comparison  of  the  estimated  returns of  the  Trust  and  the  historic
performance  of  municipal  bonds  to  the  returns  and  performance  of  other
investments is  one  element  to  consider  in  making  an  informed  investment
decision.  Taxable investments have investment  characteristics that differ from
those of the Trust.  U.S. Government bonds are  long-term investments backed  by
the  full faith  and credit of  the U.S.  Government and are  subject to federal
income tax  but are  exempt from  state  income taxes.  Bank CDs  are  generally
short-term  FDIC insured investments, which pay fixed principal and interest but
are subject to fluctuating rollover rates. Both bank CDs and corporate bonds are
generally subject to both federal and state income taxes. Money market funds are
short term  investments with  stable net  asset values,  fluctuating yields  and
special features that enhance liquidity.
 
HOW TO CALCULATE YOUR ESTIMATED INCOME
 
    The examples provided below illustrate how to calculate the estimated annual
income  generated by a hypothetical $10,000 investment in each respective Trust.
The illustrations assume that the  investment was made on  the day prior to  the
date  of deposit  by an investor  electing the monthly  distribution plan. These
hypothetical
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
examples are  for illustrative  purposes only  and not  intended to  reflect  or
predict the results of any actual investment.
 
<TABLE>
<S>                              <C>        <C>                              <C>        <C>
EXAMPLE OF HOW TO CALCULATE YOUR ESTIMATED INCOME:
 
    MARYLAND TRADITIONAL TRUST 314
 
    $10,000                       DIVIDED  BY $100.48                        =          99.522
    Investment                              Offering price and                          # of units purchased
    (as of 04/15/96)                        accrued interest
 
    99.522                       X          $5.3354                          =          $530.99
    # of units purchased                    Annual income per unit                      annual income
                                            (monthly plan)
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<S>                              <C>        <C>                              <C>        <C>
EXAMPLE OF HOW TO CALCULATE YOUR ESTIMATED INCOME:
 
    INTERMEDIATE INSURED TRUST 84
 
    $10,000                       DIVIDED  BY $101.62                        =          98.405
    Investment                              Offering price and                          # of units purchased
    (as of 04/15/96)                        accrued interest
 
    98.405                       X          $4.7168                          =          $464.16
    # of units purchased                    Annual income per unit                      annual income
                                            (monthly plan)
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<S>                              <C>        <C>                              <C>        <C>
EXAMPLE OF HOW TO CALCULATE YOUR ESTIMATED INCOME:
 
    NEW YORK INSURED TRUST 249
 
    $10,000                       DIVIDED  BY $101.90                        =          98.135
    Investment                              Offering price and                          # of units purchased
    (as of 04/15/96)                        accrued interest
 
    98.135                       X          $5.5000                          =          $539.74
    # of units purchased                    Annual income per unit                      annual income
                                            (monthly plan)
</TABLE>
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
                                   APPENDIX A
                              MARYLAND DISCLOSURE
 
ECONOMIC FACTORS--MARYLAND
 
    Some of the significant financial considerations relating to the investments
of  the Maryland  Traditional Trust  are summarized  below. This  information is
derived principally from official statements and preliminary official statements
released on or before May 13,  1992, relating to issues of Maryland  obligations
and does not purport to be a complete description.
 
    The  State's total expenditures  for the fiscal years  ending June 30, 1990,
June 30,  1991 and  June 30,  1992 were  $11.019, $11.304  and $11.657  billion,
respectively.  As of January 13, 1993,  it was estimated that total expenditures
for fiscal 1993 would be $11.897 billion. The State's General Fund, representing
approximately 55%-60% of each year's total budget, had a surplus on a  budgetary
basis  of $57 million in fiscal year 1990, $55 thousand in fiscal year 1991, and
a deficit of $56 million in fiscal 1992. The Governor of Maryland reduced fiscal
1993 appropriations by $56 million to offset the fiscal 1992 deficit. The  State
Constitution mandates a balanced budget.
 
    The  1993 fiscal year budget was enacted  in April 1992 which, together with
legislation enacted in 1992,  involved the transfer of  certain funds, new  fees
and  taxes, and alteration of certain statutory State expenditure programs. When
the 1993 budget was enacted, it was  estimated that the General Fund surplus  at
June  30, 1993 would be  approximately $10 million on  a budgetary basis. During
the final months of fiscal year 1992 and the initial months of fiscal year 1993,
collections of State revenues were below the levels estimated at the time of the
adoption of the 1993  budget. The Governor proposed  a cost containment plan  to
address  this revenue  shortfall and  to provide  reserves to  finance potential
deficiency appropriations.  On September  30, 1992,  the Board  of Public  Works
approved  the Governor's proposal to reduce  General Fund appropriations by $168
million. The Board  of Public  Works also  approved the  Governor's proposal  to
reduce  the special fund appropriations for  the Department of Transportation by
$30 million.  Legislation was  introduced at  the 1993  session of  the  General
Assembly  to  transfer this  $30 million  to the  General Fund,  as well  as $10
million from various other special funds. In a special session held in November,
1992, the  General Assembly  enacted  legislation reducing  State aid  to  local
governments  by  $147 million.  In addition,  other  elements of  the governor's
original cost  containment plan  are  in the  process  of being  implemented  or
revised.
 
    The  public indebtedness  of Maryland  and its  instrumentalities is divided
into three  basic types.  The  State issues  general  obligation bonds,  to  the
payment  of which the State ad valorem  property tax is exclusively pledged, for
capital improvements and for various State-sponsored projects. The Department of
Transportation  of  Maryland  issues  limited,  special  obligation  bonds   for
transportation purposes payable primarily from specific, fixed-rate excise taxes
and  other revenues  related mainly  to highway  use. Certain  authorities issue
obligations payable solely  from specific non-tax  enterprise fund revenues  and
for  which  the  State  has  no liability  and  has  given  no  moral obligation
assurance.
 
    According to the most recent available ratings, general obligation bonds  of
the  State of Maryland are rated "Aaa" by Moody's and "AAA" by Standard & Poor's
Corporation, as  are those  of  Baltimore County,  a separate  political  entity
surrounding  Baltimore  City.  General obligation  bonds  of  Montgomery County,
located in the suburbs of Washington, D.C., are rated "Aaa" by Moody's and "AAA"
by Standard & Poor's  Corporation. General obligation  bonds of Prince  George's
County,  the second largest metropolitan county, which is also in the suburbs of
Washington, D.C.,  are rated  "A1" by  Moody's and  "AA-" by  Standard &  Poor's
Corporation.  The general obligation bonds of  those other counties of the State
that are rated  by Moody's carry  an "A" rating  or better except  for those  of
Allegany  County,  which  are rated  "Baa".  The most  populous  municipality in
Maryland is Baltimore City, the general obligaton bonds of which are rated  "A1"
by  Moody's and "A" by  Standard & Poor's Corporation.  The majority of Maryland
Health and Higher  Education Authority  and State  Department of  Transportation
revenue bond issues have received an "A" rating or better from Moody's.
 
    While  the ratings and other factors  mentioned above indicate that Maryland
and its principal subdivisions  and agencies are addressing  the effects of  the
economic recession and, overall, are in satisfactory economic health, there can,
of  course, be  no assurance  that this  will continue  or that  particular bond
issues may not be adversely  affected by changes in  state or local economic  or
political conditions.
 
MARYLAND TAXABLE ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN TABLE
 
    The  following tables show the approximate taxable estimated current returns
for individuals  that are  equivalent to  tax-exempt estimated  current  returns
under  combined Federal,  state and local  taxes, using  published 1996 marginal
Federal tax rates and marginal state and local tax rates currently available and
scheduled to  be in  effect*. The  tables incorporate  increased tax  rates  for
higher-income taxpayers that were included in the Revenue
 
                                      A-1
<PAGE>
Reconciliation  Act of  1993. The table  assumes that federal  taxable income is
equal to state and county income subject to tax and for cases in which more than
one  state  rate  falls  within  a  Federal  bracket,  the  highest  state  rate
corresponding  to the  highest income within  that Federal bracket  is used. The
combined state, local and Federal tax brackets shown reflect the fact that state
tax payments are currently deductible for  Federal tax purposes. The table  does
not  reflect any taxes other than personal income taxes and does not reflect any
local taxes, other than  the assumed county income  tax noted below. The  tables
illustrate  what you  would have  to earn  on taxable  investments to  equal the
tax-exempt estimated current return  for your income  tax bracket. A  taxpayer's
marginal  tax rate is affected by both his taxable income and his adjusted gross
income. Locate  your adjusted  gross  and your  taxable  income (which  is  your
adjusted  gross income  reduced by any  deductions and  exemptions), then locate
your tax  bracket based  on  joint or  single tax  filing.  Read across  to  the
equivalent taxable estimated current return you would need to match the tax-free
income.
 
 COMBINED MARGINAL TAX RATES FOR JOINT TAXPAYERS WITH FOUR PERSONAL EXEMPTIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  FEDERAL      COMBINED
    FEDERAL      ADJUSTED       STATE*,
    TAXABLE        GROSS       LOCAL AND                    TAX-FREE ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN
    INCOME        INCOME        FEDERAL       --------------------------------------------------------------
   (1,000'S)     (1,000'S)     TAX RATE1      4.50%   4.75%   5.00%   5.25%   5.50%   5.75%   6.00%   6.25%
 ------------- -------------  -----------     ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------
 <S>           <C>            <C>             <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
 $     0- 40.1 $    0-117.95      21.5   %     5.73    6.05    6.37    6.69    7.01    7.32    7.64    7.96
    40.1- 96.9      0-117.95      33.5         6.77    7.14    7.52    7.89    8.27    8.65    9.02    9.40
               117.95-176.95      34.5         6.87    7.25    7.63    8.02    8.40    8.78    9.16    9.54
    96.9-147.7      0-117.95      36.0         7.03    7.42    7.81    8.20    8.59    8.98    9.38    9.77
               117.95-176.95      37.0         7.14    7.54    7.94    8.33    8.73    9.13    9.52    9.92
               176.95-299.45      39.5         7.44    7.85    8.26    8.68    9.09    9.50    9.92   10.33
  147.7-263.75 117.95-176.95      42.0         7.76    8.19    8.62    9.05    9.48    9.91   10.34   10.78
               176.95-299.45      44.5         8.11    8.56    9.01    9.46    9.91   10.36   10.81   11.26
                 Over 299.45      42.0   2     7.76    8.19    8.62    9.05    9.48    9.91   10.34   10.78
   Over 263.75 176.95-299.45      48.5         8.74    9.22    9.71   10.19   10.68   11.17   11.65   12.14
                 Over 299.45      45.5   3     8.26    8.72    9.17    9.63   10.09   10.55   11.01   11.47
</TABLE>
 
  COMBINED MARGINAL TAX RATES FOR SINGLE TAXPAYERS WITH ONE PERSONAL EXEMPTION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  FEDERAL      COMBINED
    FEDERAL      ADJUSTED       STATE*,
    TAXABLE        GROSS       LOCAL AND                    TAX-FREE ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN
    INCOME        INCOME        FEDERAL       --------------------------------------------------------------
   (1,000'S)     (1,000'S)     TAX RATE1      4.50%   4.75%   5.00%   5.25%   5.50%   5.75%   6.00%   6.25%
 ------------- -------------  -----------     ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------
 <S>           <C>            <C>             <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
 $    0- 24.00 $    0-117.95      21.5         5.73    6.05    6.37    6.69    7.01    7.32    7.64    7.96
  24.00- 58.15      0-117.95      33.5         6.77    7.14    7.52    7.89    8.27    8.65    9.02    9.40
  58.15-121.30      0-117.95      36.0         7.03    7.42    7.81    8.20    8.59    8.98    9.38    9.77
               117.95-240.45      38.0         7.26    7.66    8.06    8.47    8.87    9.27    9.68   10.08
 121.30-263.75 117.95-240.45      42.5         7.83    8.26    8.70    9.13    9.57   10.00   10.43   10.87
                 Over 240.45      42.0   2     7.76    8.19    8.62    9.05    9.48    9.91   10.34   10.78
   Over 263.75   Over 240.45      45.5   3     8.26    8.72    9.17    9.63   10.09   10.55   11.01   11.47
</TABLE>
 
    *  These tables approximate the effect  of the exemption of distributions of
tax-exempt income from  the Maryland Trust  from county taxes,  assuming a  rate
equal  to 50%  of the  applicable Maryland  state income  tax rate.  The maximum
county income tax  rate allowed under  state law  is 60% of  the Maryland  state
rate,  and counties may impose a  county tax at a rate  that is less than 60% of
the Maryland state rate.  Maryland local income taxes  imposed by most  counties
are equal to 50%-60% of the state income tax liability.
 
      1  The table reflects the effect of the limitations on itemized deductions
and the  deduction for  personal exemptions.  They were  designed to  phase  out
certain  benefits  of  these  deductions  for  higher  income  taxpayers.  These
limitations, in effect, raise the current maximum marginal combined tax rate  to
approximately  48.34 percent for taxpayers filing a joint return and entitled to
four personal exemptions and to approximately 45.36 percent for taxpayers filing
a single return entitled to only  one personal exemption. These limitations  are
subject  to certain maximums,  which depend on the  number of exemptions claimed
and the total  amount of the  taxpayer's itemized deductions.  For example,  the
limitation  on itemized deductions will  not cause a taxpayer  to lose more than
80% of his allowable itemized deductions, with certain exceptions.
 
      2 Combined Federal tax  rate reverts to  40.80% after the  80% cap on  the
limitation on itemized deductions has been met.
 
      3  Combined Federal tax  rate reverts to  44.13% after the  80% cap on the
limitation on itemized deductions has been met.
 
                                      A-2
<PAGE>
                                   APPENDIX B
                            INTERMEDIATE DISCLOSURE
 
NATIONALLY DIVERSIFIED TRUST TAXABLE ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN TABLE
(INTERMEDIATE INSURED TRUST)
 
    The  following tables show the approximate taxable estimated current returns
for individuals  that are  equivalent to  tax-exempt estimated  current  returns
under  published  1996  marginal  Federal  tax  rates.  The  tables  incorporate
increased tax  rates for  higher-income tax  payers that  were included  in  the
Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1993. The tables illustrate what you would have to
earn on taxable investments to equal the tax-exempt estimated current return for
your  income tax bracket. A taxpayer's marginal tax rate is affected by both his
taxable income and his adjusted gross income. Locate your adjusted gross  income
and  your taxable  income (which  is your adjusted  gross income  reduced by any
deductions and  exemptions), then  locate your  tax bracket  based on  joint  or
single  tax  filing. Read  across to  the  equivalent taxable  estimated current
return you would need to match the tax-free income.
 
  MARGINAL FEDERAL TAX RATES FOR JOINT TAXPAYERS WITH FOUR PERSONAL EXEMPTIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  FEDERAL
    FEDERAL      ADJUSTED
    TAXABLE        GROSS                                    TAX-FREE ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN
    INCOME        INCOME        FEDERAL       --------------------------------------------------------------
   (1,000'S)     (1,000'S)     TAX RATE1      3.75%   4.00%   4.25%   4.50%   4.75%   5.00%   5.25%   5.50%
 ------------- -------------  -----------     ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------
 <S>           <C>            <C>             <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
 $     0- 40.1 $    0-117.95      15.0   %     4.41    4.71    5.00    5.29    5.59    5.88    6.18    6.47
    40.1- 96.9      0-117.95      28.0         5.21    5.56    5.90    6.25    6.60    6.94    7.29    7.64
               117.95-176.95      29.0         5.28    5.63    5.99    6.34    6.69    7.04    7.39    7.75
    96.9-147.7      0-117.95      31.0         5.43    5.80    6.16    6.52    6.88    7.25    7.61    7.97
               117.95-176.95      32.0         5.51    5.88    6.25    6.62    6.99    7.35    7.72    8.09
               176.95-299.45      34.5         5.73    6.11    6.49    6.87    7.25    7.63    8.02    8.40
  147.7-263.75 117.95-176.95      37.0         5.95    6.35    6.75    7.14    7.54    7.94    8.33    8.73
               176.95-299.45      40.0         6.25    6.67    7.08    7.50    7.92    8.33    8.75    9.17
                 Over 299.45      37.0   2     5.95    6.35    6.75    7.14    7.54    7.94    8.33    8.73
   Over 263.75 176.95-299.45      44.0         6.70    7.14    7.59    8.04    8.48    8.93    9.38    9.82
                 Over 299.45      41.0   3     6.36    6.78    7.20    7.63    8.05    8.47    8.90    9.32
</TABLE>
 
  MARGINAL FEDERAL TAX RATES FOR SINGLE TAXPAYERS WITH ONE PERSONAL EXEMPTION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  FEDERAL
    FEDERAL      ADJUSTED
    TAXABLE        GROSS                                    TAX-FREE ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN
    INCOME        INCOME        FEDERAL       --------------------------------------------------------------
   (1,000'S)     (1,000'S)     TAX RATE1      3.75%   4.00%   4.25%   4.50%   4.75%   5.00%   5.25%   5.50%
 ------------- -------------  -----------     ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------
 <S>           <C>            <C>             <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
 $    0- 24.00 $    0-117.95      15.0   %     4.41    4.71    5.00    5.29    5.59    5.88    6.18    6.47
  24.00- 58.15      0-117.95      28.0         5.21    5.56    5.90    6.25    6.60    6.94    7.29    7.64
  58.15-121.30      0-117.95      31.0         5.43    5.80    6.16    6.52    6.88    7.25    7.61    7.97
               117.95-240.45      32.5         5.56    5.93    6.30    6.67    7.04    7.41    7.78    8.15
 121.30-263.75 117.95-240.45      38.0         6.05    6.45    6.85    7.26    7.66    8.06    8.47    8.87
                 Over 240.45      37.0   2     5.95    6.35    6.75    7.14    7.54    7.94    8.33    8.73
   Over 263.75   Over 240.45      41.0   3     6.36    6.78    7.20    7.63    8.05    8.47    8.90    9.32
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------
 
      1 The table reflects the effect of the limitations on itemized  deductions
and  the  deduction for  personal exemptions.  They were  designed to  phase out
certain  benefits  of  these  deductions  for  higher  income  taxpayers.  These
limitations,  in effect, raise the current  maximum marginal Federal tax rate to
approximately 44.0 percent for taxpayers filing  a joint return and entitled  to
four  personal exemptions and to approximately 41.0 percent for taxpayers filing
a single return entitled to only  one personal exemption. These limitations  are
subject  to certain maximums,  which depend on the  number of exemptions claimed
and the total  amount of the  taxpayer's itemized deductions.  For example,  the
limitation  on itemized deductions will  not cause a taxpayer  to lose more than
80% of his allowable itemized deductions, with certain exceptions.
 
      2 Federal tax rate reverts to 36.0% after the 80% cap on the limitation on
itemized deductions has been met.
 
      3 Federal tax rate reverts to 39.6% after the 80% cap on the limitation on
itemized deductions has been met.
 
                                      B-1
<PAGE>
                                   APPENDIX C
                              NEW YORK DISCLOSURE
 
ECONOMIC FACTORS--NEW YORK
 
    The  Portfolio of the New York Traditional Trust includes obligations issued
by New York State (the "State"), by its various public bodies (the  "Agencies"),
and/or  by other entities  located within the  State, including the  City of New
York (the "City").
 
    Some of the more significant events and conditions relating to the financial
situation in New York are summarized  below. This section provides only a  brief
summary of the complex factors affecting the financial situation in New York and
is  derived  from  sources that  are  generally  available to  investors  and is
believed to  be  accurate.  It is  based  in  part on  Official  Statements  and
prospectuses issued by, and on other information reported by the State, the City
and the Agencies in connection with the issuance of their respective securities.
 
    There  can  be no  assurance that  current or  future statewide  or regional
economic difficulties, and  the resulting  impact on State  or local  government
finances  generally,  will not  adversely affect  the market  value of  New York
Municipal Obligations  held in  the portfolio  of the  Trust or  the ability  of
particular  obligors to make timely payments of debt service on (or relating to)
those obligations.
 
    (1) THE STATE: The State has historically been one of the wealthiest  states
in  the nation. For  decades, however, the  State economy has  grown more slowly
than that  of the  nation as  a whole,  gradually eroding  the State's  relative
economic  affluence.  Statewide,  urban  centers  have  experienced  significant
changes involving migration of the more affluent to the suburbs and an influx of
generally less affluent residents. Regionally,  the older Northeast cities  have
suffered because of the relative success that the South and the West have had in
attracting  people  and  business.  The  City  has  also  had  to  face  greater
competition  as  other  major  cities  have  developed  financial  and  business
capabilities  which  make  them  less  dependent  on  the  specialized  services
traditionally available almost exclusively in the City.
 
    The State has  for many years  had a very  high state and  local tax  burden
relative to other states. The burden of State and local taxation, in combination
with  the many other causes of regional economic dislocation, has contributed to
the decisions of  some businesses and  individuals to relocate  outside, or  not
locate within, the State.
 
    SLOWDOWN  OF REGIONAL ECONOMY.  A national recession  commenced in mid-1990.
The downturn  continued  throughout the  State's  1990-91 fiscal  year  and  was
followed  by a period of weak economic growth during the 1991 calendar year. For
calendar year 1992,  the national economy  continued to recover,  although at  a
rate  below all  post-war recoveries. For  calendar year 1993,  the economy grew
faster than in 1992,  but still at  a very moderate rate,  as compared to  other
recoveries.  Moderate economic growth continued in calendar year 1994. The State
has projected the rate of economic growth  to slow within New York during  1995,
as  the expansion of  the national economy  moderates. Economic recovery started
considerably later in the State than in the nation as a whole due in part to the
significant retrenchment  in  the  banking and  financial  services  industries,
downsizing  by several major corporations, cutbacks  in defense spending, and an
oversupply of office buildings.  Many uncertainties exist  in forecasts of  both
the  national and State economies  and there can be  no assurance that the State
economy will perform at  a level sufficient to  meet the State's projections  of
receipts and disbursements.
 
    1995-96  FISCAL YEAR.   The Governor issued a  proposed Executive Budget for
the 1995-96  fiscal year  (the "Proposed  Budget") on  February 1,  1995,  which
projected  a  balanced  general fund  and  receipts and  disbursements  of $32.5
billion and  $32.4  billion,  respectively.  As  of  May  29,  1995,  the  State
legislature  had  not yet  enacted,  nor had  the  Governor and  the legislature
reached an agreement on, the budget for the 1995-96 fiscal year which  commenced
on April 1, 1995. The delay in the enactment of the budget may negatively affect
certain proposed actions and reduce projected savings.
 
    The  Proposed Budget and the 1995-96  Financial Plan provide for the closing
of  a  projected  $4.7  billion  budget  gap  in  the  1995-96  fiscal  year  by
cost-containment  savings in social welfare  programs, savings from State agency
restructurings, freezing  the level  of some  categories of  local aid  and  new
revenue measures.
 
    The  State's proposed budget and the 1995-96 Plan may be impacted negatively
by uncertainties relating to  the economy and  tax collections, although  recent
signs  of improvement in the national economy could lead to short-term increases
in State receipts.
 
    1994-1995 FISCAL YEAR.   The State Legislature  enacted the State's  1994-95
fiscal year budget on June 7, 1994, more than two months after the start of that
fiscal  year. As of February  1, 1995, the updated  1994-95 State Financial Plan
(the "Plan") projected total  general fund receipts  and disbursements of  $33.3
billion and $33.5 billion, respectively, representing reductions in receipts and
disbursements of $1 billion and $743 million,
 
                                      C-1
<PAGE>
respectively,  from  the  amount  set  forth in  the  1994-95  budget.  The Plan
projected for a General Fund balance of approximately $157 million at the  close
of the 1994-95 fiscal year.
 
    1993-94  FISCAL  YEAR.   The State  ended  the 1993-94  fiscal year  with an
operating surplus of approximately $1.0 billion.
 
    FUTURE FISCAL YEARS. There can be no assurance that the State will not  face
substantial  potential budget  gaps in the  future resulting  from a significant
disparity between tax revenues  projected from a  lower recurring receipts  base
and  the  spending required  to maintain  State programs  at current  levels. To
address  any  potential  budgetary  imbalance,  the  State  may  need  to   take
significant actions to align recurring receipts and disbursements.
 
    INDEBTEDNESS.  As of  March 31,  1994, the  total amount  of long-term State
general obligation debt authorized but unissued stood at $2.0 billion. As of the
same date, the State had approximately $5.4 billion in general obligation  bonds
including $224 million of Bond Anticipation Notes outstanding.
 
    The  State  originally projected  that its  borrowings for  capital purposes
during the State's 1994-95 fiscal year would consist of $374 million in  general
obligation  bonds  and  bond  anticipation notes  and  $140  million  in general
obligation commercial paper. The Legislature  has authorized the issuance of  up
to $69 million in certificates of participation in pools of leases for equipment
and  real property to be utilized by State agencies. Through March 15, 1995, the
State had  issued in  excess of  $590 million  of its  general obligation  bonds
(including  $430  million  of refunding  bonds).  The projections  of  the State
regarding its borrowings  for any fiscal  year are subject  to change if  actual
receipts fall short of State projections or if other circumstances require.
 
    In  June  1990,  legislation  was  enacted  creating  the  "New  York  Local
Government  Assistance  Corporation"  ("LGAC"),  a  public  benefit  corporation
empowered  to  issue long-term  obligations to  fund  certain payments  to local
governments traditionally funded through the State's annual seasonal  borrowing.
As  of March 31, 1994, LGAC has issued its bonds to provide net proceeds of $4.5
billion. The LGAC was authorized to provide net proceeds of $315 million, during
the State's 1994-95 fiscal year. The LGAC issued $347 million of bonds on  March
1, 1995 providing the authorized net proceeds.
 
    Financing  of capital programs  by other public authorities  of the State is
also  obtained   from   lease-purchase  and   contractual-obligation   financing
arrangements,  the debt service for which  is paid from State appropriations. As
of March 31, 1994, there were $16.6 billion of such other financing arrangements
outstanding and additional financings of  this nature by public authorities  are
projected  to total  $2.4 billion during  the 1994-95 fiscal  year. In addition,
certain agencies had issued and outstanding approximately $7.3 billion of "moral
obligation financings" as of March 31, 1994, which are to be repaid from project
revenues. While there has never been a  default on moral obligation debt of  the
State, the State would be required to make up any shortfall in debt service.
 
    RATINGS.   The $850 million in TRANS issued  by the State in April 1993 were
rated SP-1-Plus by S&P and MIG-1 by Moody's which represent the highest  ratings
given  by such agencies and the first time the State's TRANS have received these
ratings since  its May  1989 TRANS  issuance. Both  agencies cited  the  State's
improved  fiscal position as a significant factor  in the upgrading of the April
1993 TRANS.
 
    Moody's rating  of  the State's  general  obligation  bonds stood  at  A  on
February  28, 1994,  and S&P's  rating stood  at A-  with a  positive outlook on
February 28, 1994,  an improvement  from S&P's  stable outlook  from April  1993
through  February 1994  and negative  outlook prior  to April  1993. Previously,
Moody's lowered its rating to A on June 6, 1990, its rating having been A1 since
May 27, 1986. S&P  lowered its rating from  A to A- on  January 13, 1992.  S&P's
previous ratings were A from March 1990 to January 1992, AA- from August 1987 to
March 1990 and A+ from November 1982 to August 1987.
 
    Moody's  maintained  its  A  rating  and  S&P  continued  its  A-  rating in
connection with the State's issuance of  $537 million of its general  obligation
bonds in March 1995.
 
    (2)  THE CITY  AND THE  MUNICIPAL ASSISTANCE  CORPORATION ("MAC"):  The City
accounts for approximately 40%  of the State's  population and personal  income,
and the City's financial health affects the State in numerous ways.
 
    In  response to the City's fiscal crisis in 1975, the State took a number of
steps to assist the City in returning to fiscal stability. Among other  actions,
the State Legislature (i) created MAC to assist with long-term financing for the
City's  short-term debt and  other cash requirements and  (ii) created the State
Financial Control Board (the "Control Board")  to review and approve the  City's
budgets  and City four-year  financial plans (the financial  plans also apply to
certain City-related public agencies (the "Covered Organizations")).
 
    In  recent  years,  the  rate  of   economic  growth  in  the  City   slowed
substantially  as the City's economy entered a recession. While by some measures
the City's economy  may have begun  to recover, a  number of factors,  including
poor  performance  by the  City's financial  services  companies, may  prevent a
significant improvement in the City's economy and may in fact negatively  impact
upon  the  City's  finances  by  reducing  tax  receipts.  The  City Comptroller
 
                                      C-2
<PAGE>
has issued reports concluding  that the recession of  the City's economy may  be
ending,  but there is little prospect of any significant improvement in the near
term.
 
    FISCAL YEAR 1996 AND  THE 1995-1998 FINANCIAL PLAN.   On February 14,  1995,
the  Mayor released his  preliminary $30.5 billion budget  for fiscal year 1996,
which included $2.7 billion of deficit reduction measures. The Mayor is  seeking
a  $1.2 billion reduction in mandated welfare and Medicaid expenditures from the
State, a $569 million reduction in  expenditures by city agencies and the  Board
of  Education budget, $600  million in personnel  related savings partly through
the elimination of 15,000 jobs within 18 months, and other measures.
 
    The 1995-1998  Financial  Plan (the  "Plan"),  which was  submitted  to  the
Control  Board on February 23,  1995, projected budget gaps  of $3.2 billion and
$3.8 billion for fiscal years 1997 and 1998, respectively. The City  Comptroller
warned  on March 7, 1995 that the budget gap for fiscal year 1996 could increase
by $500 million to as much as $3.2 billion. The Control Board reported on  March
17,  1995 that the proposed budget for  fiscal year 1996 relies heavily on risky
assumptions such as $600  million in savings to  be negotiated with City  unions
and $1.4 billion in savings dependent on State legislative approval.
 
    The  City successfully  negotiated concessions  with a  number of  unions in
order to ensure that the fiscal year 1995 budget remained in balance. The  Mayor
has indicated that to avoid additional lay-offs, higher than the number referred
to above, reductions will be necessary in the benefit plans of City employees to
close the budget gaps for fiscal years 1996 and thereafter. Union leadership has
publicly opposed such "givebacks". With respect to fiscal year 1995 the City was
also  successful in obtaining additional funds  and relief from certain mandated
expenditures from the State for  various programs, including Medicaid.  However,
the  amount of gap closing measures requiring State action set forth in the Plan
is well in excess of proposed assistance to the City outlined in the  Governor's
Proposed Budget.
 
    The  Mayor has directed City agencies to identify an additional $300 million
in cuts for fiscal  year 1996 because  of anticipated shortfalls  of as much  as
$500  million in State aid and budgetary actions. An extended delay by the State
in adopting its  1995-96 fiscal  year budget  would negatively  impact upon  the
City's  financial condition  and ability to  close budget gaps  for fiscal years
1996 and thereafter.
 
    Given the foregoing factors,  there can be no  assurance that the City  will
continue  to maintain  a balanced  budget, or  that it  can maintain  a balanced
budget without additional tax or other  revenue increases or reductions in  City
services, which could adversely affect the City's economic base.
 
    Pursuant  to State law, the City prepares a four-year annual financial plan,
which is reviewed and revised on a quarterly basis and which includes the City's
capital, revenue and  expense projections. The  City is required  to submit  its
financial  plans to review bodies, including the Control Board. If the City were
to experience certain adverse financial circumstances, including the  occurrence
or  the  substantial likelihood  and imminence  of the  occurrence of  an annual
operating deficit of more than $100 million or the loss of access to the  public
credit   markets  to   satisfy  the   City's  capital   and  seasonal  financial
requirements, the  Control Board  would be  required by  State law  to  exercise
certain  powers,  including prior  approval  of City  financial  plans, proposed
borrowings and certain contracts.
 
    The City depends  on the  State for  State aid both  to enable  the City  to
balance  its budget and to meet its  cash requirements. If the State experiences
revenue shortfalls  or  spending increases  beyond  its projections  during  its
1995-96  fiscal  year or  subsequent years,  such  developments could  result in
reductions in projected  State aid to  the City.  In addition, there  can be  no
assurance  that State  budgets in  the 1996-97  or future  fiscal years  will be
adopted by the April  1 statutory deadline  and that there  will not be  adverse
effects  on the City's cash flow and additional City expenditures as a result of
such delays.
 
    The City projections set forth in the Plan are based on various  assumptions
and  contingencies which are uncertain and which may not materialize. Changes in
major assumptions could significantly affect  the City's ability to balance  its
budget  as required by State law and to  meet its annual cash flow and financing
requirements. Such  assumptions  and contingencies  include  the timing  of  any
regional and local economic recovery, the absence of wage increases in excess of
the  increases assumed  in its financial  plan, employment  growth, provision of
State and Federal aid and mandate  relief, State legislative approval of  future
State budgets, levels of education expenditures as may be required by State law,
adoption  of future City budgets  by the New York  City Council, and approval by
the Governor or the State Legislature and the cooperation of MAC with respect to
various other actions proposed in the Plan.
 
    The City's ability to maintain a  balanced operating budget is dependant  on
whether  it  can implement  necessary service  and personnel  reduction programs
successfully. As discussed above, the City must identify additional  expenditure
reductions  and revenue sources to achieve balanced operating budgets for fiscal
years 1996
 
                                      C-3
<PAGE>
and thereafter. Any such  proposed expenditure reductions  will be difficult  to
implement  because  of their  size  and the  substantial  expenditure reductions
already imposed on City operations in the past two years.
 
    Attaining a balanced  budget is also  dependent upon the  City's ability  to
market  its securities  successfully in  the public  credit markets.  The City's
financing program  for  fiscal  years 1995  through  1998  contemplates  capital
spending  of $16.4  billion, which  will be  financed through  issuance of $10.7
billion of  general obligation  bonds and  the balance  through Water  Authority
Revenue  Bonds  and  Covered  Organization  obligations,  and  will  be utilized
primarily to reconstruct and rehabilitate the City's infrastructure and physical
assets and  to make  capital investments.  A significant  portion of  such  bond
financing  is used to reimburse the City's general fund for capital expenditures
already incurred.  In addition,  the City  issues revenue  and tax  anticipation
notes  to  finance  its seasonal  working  capital requirements.  The  terms and
success of projected  public sales of  City general obligation  bonds and  notes
will  be subject to prevailing market conditions at the time of the sale, and no
assurance can be given that the credit markets will absorb the projected amounts
of public bond and note sales.  In addition, future developments concerning  the
City  and public  discussion of such  developments, the  City's future financial
needs and  other issues  may  affect the  market  for outstanding  City  general
obligation  bonds  and  notes. If  the  City  were unable  to  sell  its general
obligation bonds  and notes,  it would  be prevented  from meeting  its  planned
operating and capital expenditures.
 
    FISCAL YEAR 1995.  New York City adopted its fiscal year 1995 budget on June
21,  1994, which provided for spending of  $31.6 billion and closed a budget gap
of $2.3 billion.  However, following adoption  of the fiscal  year 1995  budget,
additional  unexpected  budget  gaps totaling  approximately  $2.0  billion were
identified. The widening of  the budget gap for  fiscal year 1995 resulted  from
shortfalls  in tax revenues  and State and  federal aid. The  Mayor and the City
Council were unable to reach agreement on additional cuts proposed by the  Mayor
in October 1994. The City Council passed its own budget cut proposal in November
1994.  The Mayor vetoed the City Council  version, the City Council overrode his
veto and the Mayor implemented his original plan. A state court held in December
1994 that  neither budget  cut proposal  could be  implemented. The  Mayor  then
elected not to spend certain funds in order to keep the budget in balance.
 
    FISCAL  YEARS  1990  THROUGH 1994.    The City  achieved  balanced operating
results as reported in  accordance with GAAP for  its fiscal years 1990  through
1994.  The City was  required to close  substantial budget gaps  in these fiscal
years to maintain balanced operating results.
 
    The City is a defendant in a significant number of lawsuits. Such litigation
includes, but is not limited to,  actions commenced and claims asserted  against
the  City arising out  of alleged constitutional  violations, torts, breaches of
contracts, and other violations of  law and condemnation proceedings. While  the
ultimate  outcome and fiscal impact,  if any, on the  proceedings and claims are
not currently predictable, adverse determinations in certain of them might  have
a  material adverse effect  upon the City's  ability to carry  out its financial
plan. As of June 30, 1994, the City estimated its potential future liability  to
be $2.6 billion.
 
    On  January  30, 1995,  Robert L.  Schulz and  other defendants  commenced a
federal district court action seeking among other matters to cancel the issuance
on January 31, 1995 of $659 million of City bonds. While the federal courts have
rejected requests for  temporary restraining orders  and expedited appeals,  the
case  is still pending. The City has indicated that it believes the action to be
without merit as it relates to the City, but there can be no assurance as to the
outcome of the litigation and an adverse  ruling or the granting of a  permanent
injunction  would have a  negative impact on the  City's financial condition and
its ability to fund its operations.
 
    RATINGS.  As of the  date of this prospectus,  Moody's rating of the  City's
general  obligation  bonds stood  at Baa1  and  S&P's rating  stood at  BBB+. On
February 11, 1991,  Moody's had  lowered its rating  from A.  S&P's lowered  its
rating  from A-  on July  10, 1995  after placing  the City  on "negative credit
watch" in January 1995.
 
    On March 13, 1995,  Moody's confirmed its Baa1  rating in connection with  a
scheduled  March  1995 sale  of $795  million of  the City's  general obligation
bonds.
 
    In dropping  the City's  rating in  July 1995,  S&P's cited  the  "sluggish"
economy  and the poor  outlook for job growth,  as well as  the continued use of
"one-time measures" to close budget gaps. The lowered rating could increase  the
City's borrowing costs by forcing it to offer higher interest rates on its bonds
thereby adding further pressures to the City's budget problems. In addition, the
lowered  rating may prevent certain  institutional investors from purchasing the
City's bonds reducing demand  for future offerings, which  could also force  the
City to increase interest rates on its bonds.
 
    On  October 12, 1993, Moody's increased its rating of the City's issuance of
$650 million of Tax  Anticipation Notes ("TANs") to  MIG-1 from MIG-2. Prior  to
that  date, on May 9,  1990, Moody's revised downward  its rating on outstanding
City revenue anticipation notes from MIG-1  to MIG-2 and rated the $900  million
Notes then being
 
                                      C-4
<PAGE>
sold  MIG-2. S&P's rating of the October  1993 TANS issue increased to SP-1 from
SP-2. Prior to that date, on April 29, 1991, S&P revised downward its rating  on
City revenue anticipation notes from SP-1 to SP-2.
 
    As  of December 31, 1994, the City  and MAC had, respectively, $22.5 billion
and $4.1 billion of outstanding net long-term indebtedness.
 
    (3) THE STATE AGENCIES: Certain Agencies of the State have faced substantial
financial difficulties which could adversely affect the ability of such Agencies
to make payments  of interest  on, and  principal amounts  of, their  respective
bonds.  The  difficulties  have in  certain  instances caused  the  State (under
so-called  "moral  obligation"  provisions   which  are  non-binding   statutory
provisions  for State  appropriations to  maintain various  debt service reserve
funds) to appropriate funds on behalf of the Agencies. Moreover, it is  expected
that  the  problems  faced by  these  Agencies  will continue  and  will require
increasing amounts of State assistance in future years. Failure of the State  to
appropriate  necessary amounts or to take  other action to permit those Agencies
having financial  difficulties  to meet  their  obligations could  result  in  a
default by one or more of the Agencies. Such default, if it were to occur, would
be  likely to have a  significant adverse effect on  investor confidence in, and
therefore the  market  price of,  obligations  of the  defaulting  Agencies.  In
addition,  any default in payment on any  general obligation of any Agency whose
bonds contain a moral obligation provision could constitute a failure of certain
conditions that must be satisfied in connection with Federal guarantees of  City
and  MAC obligations  and could thus  jeopardize the  City's long-term financing
plans.
 
    As of  September 30,  1993,  the State  reported  that there  were  eighteen
Agencies that each had outstanding debt of $100 million or more and an aggregate
of  $63.5  billion  of  outstanding debt,  some  of  which  was state-supported,
state-related debt.
 
    (4) STATE LITIGATION: The State is a defendant in numerous legal proceedings
pertaining to  matters incidental  to the  performance of  routine  governmental
operations.  Such litigation  includes, but is  not limited  to, claims asserted
against the State  arising from  alleged torts, alleged  breaches of  contracts,
condemnation proceedings and other alleged violations of State and Federal laws.
Included in the State's outstanding litigation are a number of cases challenging
the  constitutionality  or  the  adequacy  and  effectiveness  of  a  variety of
significant social  welfare  programs  primarily involving  the  State's  mental
hygiene  programs. Adverse judgments in these  matters generally could result in
injunctive relief coupled with prospective  changes in patient care which  could
require substantial increased financing of the litigated programs in the future.
 
    The  State  is  also engaged  in  a  variety of  claims  wherein significant
monetary damages are sought. Actions  commenced by several Indian nations  claim
that  significant amounts of land were unconstitutionally taken from the Indians
in violation  of  various treaties  and  agreements during  the  eighteenth  and
nineteenth  centuries. The claimants seek  recovery of approximately six million
acres of land as well as compensatory and punitive damages.
 
    The  State  has   entered  into  a   settlement  agreement  with   Delaware,
Massachusetts  and all other parties with respect  to STATE OF DELAWARE V. STATE
OF NEW  YORK,  an action  by  Delaware and  other  states to  recover  unclaimed
property  from New York-based brokers, which has escheated to the State pursuant
to its ABANDONED  PROPERTY LAW. Annual  payments under this  settlement will  be
made  through the  State's 2002-03  fiscal year  in amounts  not exceeding $48.4
million in any fiscal year subsequent to the State's 1994-95 fiscal year.
 
    In SCHULZ V.  STATE OF  NEW YORK, commenced  May 24,  1993 ("SCHULZ  1993"),
petitioners have challenged the constitutionality of mass transportation bonding
programs   of  the  New  York  State  Thruway  Authority  and  the  Metropolitan
Transportation Authority. On  May 24,  1993, the Supreme  Court, Albany  County,
temporarily enjoined the State from implementing those bonding programs.
 
    Petitioners in SCHULZ asserted that issuance of bonds by the two Authorities
is  subject to approval  by statewide referendum. By  decision dated October 21,
1993, the  Appellate  Division, Third  Department,  affirmed the  order  of  the
Supreme  Court, Albany County, granting the State's motion for summary judgment,
dismissing the complaint and vacating  the temporary restraining order. On  June
30,  1994, the Court of Appeals, the State's highest court, upheld the decisions
of the Supreme Court  and Appellate Division in  SCHULZ, Plaintiffs' motion  for
reargument  was denied by  the Court of  Appeals on September  1, 1994 and their
writ of certiorari to the U.S. Supreme Court was denied on January 23, 1995.
 
    Adverse developments in the foregoing  proceedings or new proceedings  could
adversely affect the financial condition of the State in the future.
 
    (5)  OTHER MUNICIPALITIES: Certain  localities in addition  to New York City
could  have  financial  problems  leading  to  requests  for  additional   State
assistance.  The potential impact on the State  of such actions by localities is
not included in projections  of State receipts and  expenditures in the  State's
1994-95 fiscal years.
 
                                      C-5
<PAGE>
    Fiscal  difficulties experienced by the City of Yonkers ("Yonkers") resulted
in the creation  of the Financial  Control Board  for the City  of Yonkers  (the
"Yonkers  Board")  by the  State  in 1984.  The  Yonkers Board  is  charged with
oversight of the fiscal affairs of Yonkers. Future actions taken by the Governor
or the State Legislature to assist  Yonkers could result in allocation of  State
resources in amounts that cannot yet be determined.
 
    Municipalities  and school districts have  engaged in substantial short-term
and long-term borrowings. In 1992, the  total indebtedness of all localities  in
the  State was approximately $35.2  billion, of which $19.5  billion was debt of
New York  City (excluding  $5.9 billion  in MAC  debt). State  law requires  the
Comptroller  to review and make recommendations  concerning the budgets of those
local government units other than New York City authorized by State law to issue
debt to  finance deficits  during  the period  that  such deficit  financing  is
outstanding.   Seventeen  localities  had  outstanding  indebtedness  for  state
financing at the close of their fiscal year ending in 1992.
 
    Certain proposed Federal  expenditure reductions  could reduce,  or in  some
cases  eliminate, Federal funding  of some local  programs and accordingly might
impose substantial increased expenditure requirements on affected localities. If
the State, New York City or any of the Agencies were to suffer serious financial
difficulties jeopardizing their respective access to the public credit  markets,
the  marketability of  notes and  bonds issued  by localities  within the State,
including notes  or bonds  in the  New York  Insured Trust,  could be  adversely
affected. Localities also face anticipated and potential problems resulting from
certain  pending litigation, judicial decisions, and long-range economic trends.
The longer-range potential  problems of declining  urban population,  increasing
expenditures,  and other economic  trends could adversely  affect localities and
require increasing State assistance in the future.
 
    (6) OTHER ISSUERS OF NEW YORK  MUNICIPAL OBLIGATIONS. There are a number  of
other  agencies, instrumentalities and political  subdivisions of the State that
issue Municipal Obligations, some  of which may  be conduit revenue  obligations
payable  from payments  from private  borrowers. These  entities are  subject to
various economic  risks  and  uncertainties,  and  the  credit  quality  of  the
securities  issued  by them  may vary  considerably from  the credit  quality of
obligations backed by the full faith and credit of the State.
 
                                      C-6
<PAGE>
NEW YORK TAXABLE ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN TABLE
 
    The following tables show the approximate taxable estimated current  returns
for  individuals  that are  equivalent to  tax-exempt estimated  current returns
under combined Federal and  state taxes, using  published 1996 marginal  Federal
tax  rates and marginal state tax rates  currently available and scheduled to be
in  effect.  The  tables  incorporate  increased  tax  rates  for  higher-income
taxpayers  that were  included in  the Revenue  Reconciliation Act  of 1993. The
table assumes that federal  taxable income is equal  to state income subject  to
tax,  and for  cases in which  more than one  state rate falls  within a Federal
bracket, the highest state rate corresponding to the highest income within  that
Federal  bracket  is used.  The combined  state and  Federal tax  brackets shown
reflect the fact that  state tax payments are  currently deductible for  Federal
tax  purposes. The table does  not reflect any local  taxes, other than New York
City, or any taxes other than personal income taxes. The tables illustrate  what
you  would have to earn on taxable investments to equal the tax-exempt estimated
current return for your  income tax bracket. A  taxpayer's marginal tax rate  is
affected  by both his taxable income and  his adjusted gross income. Locate your
adjusted gross and  your taxable  income (which  is your  adjusted gross  income
reduced by any deductions and exemptions), then locate your tax bracket based on
joint  or single  tax filing.  Read across  to the  equivalent taxable estimated
current return you would need to match the tax-free income.
 
I.  COMBINED FEDERAL AND NEW YORK STATE INCOME TAXES
 
 COMBINED MARGINAL TAX RATES FOR JOINT TAXPAYERS WITH FOUR PERSONAL EXEMPTIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  FEDERAL
    FEDERAL      ADJUSTED      COMBINED
    TAXABLE        GROSS       STATE AND                    TAX-FREE ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN
    INCOME        INCOME        FEDERAL       --------------------------------------------------------------
   (1,000'S)     (1,000'S)     TAX RATE1      4.75%   5.00%   5.25%   5.50%   5.75%   6.00%   6.25%   6.50%
 ------------- -------------  -----------     ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------
 <S>           <C>            <C>             <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
 $     0- 40.1 $    0-100.00     21.0    %     6.01    6.33    6.65    6.96    7.28    7.59    7.91    8.23
               100.00-117.95     22.0          6.09    6.41    6.73    7.05    7.37    7.69    8.01    8.33
    40.1- 96.9      0-100.00     33.0          7.09    7.46    7.84    8.21    8.58    8.96    9.33    9.70
               100.00-117.95     34.0          7.20    7.58    7.95    8.33    8.71    9.09    9.47    9.85
               117.95-150.00     35.0          7.31    7.69    8.08    8.46    8.85    9.23    9.62   10.00
                150.0-176.95     34.0          7.20    7.58    7.95    8.33    8.71    9.09    9.47    9.85
    96.9-147.7      0-100.00     36.0          7.42    7.81    8.20    8.59    8.98    9.38    9.77   10.16
                100.0-117.95     36.5          7.48    7.87    8.27    8.66    9.06    9.45    9.84   10.24
               117.95-150.00     37.5          7.60    8.00    8.40    8.80    9.20    9.60   10.00   10.40
               150.00-176.95     37.0          7.54    7.94    8.33    8.73    9.13    9.52    9.92   10.32
               176.95-299.45     39.5          7.85    8.26    8.68    9.09    9.50    9.92   10.33   10.74
  147.7-263.75 117.95-150.00     42.5          8.26    8.70    9.13    9.57   10.00   10.43   10.87   11.30
               150.00-176.95     41.5          8.12    8.55    8.97    9.40    9.83   10.26   10.68   11.11
               176.95-299.45     44.5          8.56    9.01    9.46    9.91   10.36   10.81   11.26   11.71
                 Over 299.45     41.5    2     8.12    8.55    8.97    9.40    9.83   10.26   10.68   11.11
   Over 263.75 176.95-299.45     48.0          9.13    9.62   10.10   10.58   11.06   11.54   12.02   12.50
                 Over 299.45     45.0    3     8.64    9.09    9.55   10.00   10.45   10.91   11.36   11.82
</TABLE>
 
  COMBINED MARGINAL TAX RATES FOR SINGLE TAXPAYERS WITH ONE PERSONAL EXEMPTION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  FEDERAL
    FEDERAL      ADJUSTED      COMBINED
    TAXABLE        GROSS       STATE AND                    TAX-FREE ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN
    INCOME        INCOME        FEDERAL       --------------------------------------------------------------
   (1,000'S)     (1,000'S)     TAX RATE1      4.75%   5.00%   5.25%   5.50%   5.75%   6.00%   6.25%   6.50%
 ------------- -------------  -----------     ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------
 <S>           <C>            <C>             <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
 $     0- 24.0 $    0-100.00     21.0    %     6.01    6.33    6.65    6.96    7.28    7.59    7.91    8.23
               100.00-117.95     21.5          6.05    6.37    6.69    7.01    7.32    7.64    7.96    8.28
   24.0- 58.15      0-100.00     33.0          7.09    7.46    7.84    8.21    8.58    8.96    9.33    9.70
               100.00-117.95     33.5          7.14    7.52    7.89    8.27    8.65    9.02    9.40    9.77
   58.15-121.3      0-100.00     36.0          7.42    7.81    8.20    8.59    8.98    9.38    9.77   10.16
               100.00-117.95     36.5          7.48    7.87    8.27    8.66    9.06    9.45    9.84   10.24
               117.95-150.00     38.0          7.66    8.06    8.47    8.87    9.27    9.68   10.08   10.48
               150.00-240.45     37.5          7.60    8.00    8.40    8.80    9.20    9.60   10.00   10.40
  121.3-263.75 117.95-150.00     42.5          8.26    8.70    9.13    9.57   10.00   10.43   10.87   11.30
               150.00-240.45     42.5          8.26    8.70    9.13    9.57   10.00   10.43   10.87   11.30
                 Over 240.45     41.5    2     8.12    8.55    8.97    9.40    9.83   10.26   10.68   11.11
   Over 263.75   Over 240.45     45.0    3     8.64    9.09    9.55   10.00   10.45   10.91   11.36   11.82
</TABLE>
 
                                      C-7
<PAGE>
II. COMBINED FEDERAL, NEW YORK STATE AND NEW YORK CITY INCOME TAXES
 
 COMBINED MARGINAL TAX RATES FOR JOINT TAXPAYERS WITH FOUR PERSONAL EXEMPTIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  FEDERAL      COMBINED
    FEDERAL      ADJUSTED       STATE,
    TAXABLE        GROSS         LOCAL                      TAX-FREE ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN
    INCOME        INCOME      AND FEDERAL     --------------------------------------------------------------
   (1,000'S)     (1,000'S)     TAX RATE1      4.75%   5.00%   5.25%   5.50%   5.75%   6.00%   6.25%   6.50%
 ------------- -------------  -----------     ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------
 <S>           <C>            <C>             <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
 $     0- 40.1 $    0-100.00     25.0    %     6.33    6.67    7.00    7.33    7.67    8.00    8.33    8.67
               100.00-117.95     25.5          6.38    6.71    7.05    7.38    7.72    8.05    8.39    8.72
    40.1- 96.9      0-100.00     36.5          7.48    7.87    8.27    8.66    9.06    9.45    9.84   10.24
               100.00-117.95     37.0          7.54    7.94    8.33    8.73    9.13    9.52    9.92   10.32
               117.95-150.00     38.0          7.66    8.06    8.47    8.87    9.27    9.68   10.08   10.48
                150.0-176.95     37.5          7.60    8.00    8.40    8.80    9.20    9.60   10.00   10.40
    96.9-147.7      0-100.00     39.0          7.79    8.20    8.61    9.02    9.43    9.84   10.25   10.66
                100.0-117.95     39.5          7.85    8.26    8.68    9.09    9.50    9.92   10.33   10.74
               117.95-150.00     41.0          8.05    8.47    8.90    9.32    9.75   10.17   10.59   11.02
               150.00-176.95     40.0          7.92    8.33    8.75    9.17    9.58   10.00   10.42   10.83
               176.95-299.45     42.5          8.26    8.70    9.13    9.57   10.00   10.43   10.87   11.30
  147.7-263.75 117.95-150.00     45.0          8.64    9.09    9.55   10.00   10.45   10.91   11.36   11.82
               150.00-176.95     44.5          8.56    9.01    9.46    9.91   10.36   10.81   11.26   11.71
               176.95-299.45     47.0          8.96    9.43    9.91   10.38   10.85   11.32   11.79   12.26
                 Over 299.45     44.5    2     8.56    9.01    9.46    9.91   10.36   10.81   11.26   11.71
   Over 263.75 176.95-299.45     50.5          9.60   10.10   10.61   11.11   11.62   12.12   12.63   13.13
                 Over 299.45     48.0    3     9.13    9.62   10.10   10.58   11.06   11.54   12.02   12.50
</TABLE>
 
  COMBINED MARGINAL TAX RATES FOR SINGLE TAXPAYERS WITH ONE PERSONAL EXEMPTION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  FEDERAL      COMBINED
    FEDERAL      ADJUSTED       STATE,
    TAXABLE        GROSS         LOCAL                      TAX-FREE ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN
    INCOME        INCOME      AND FEDERAL     --------------------------------------------------------------
   (1,000'S)     (1,000'S)     TAX RATE1      4.75%   5.00%   5.25%   5.50%   5.75%   6.00%   6.25%   6.50%
 ------------- -------------  -----------     ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------
 <S>           <C>            <C>             <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
 $     0- 24.0 $    0-100.00     25.0    %     6.33    6.67    7.00    7.33    7.67    8.00    8.33    8.67
               100.00-117.95     25.0          6.33    6.67    7.00    7.33    7.67    8.00    8.33    8.67
   24.0- 58.15      0-100.00     36.5          7.48    7.87    8.27    8.66    9.06    9.45    9.84   10.24
               100.00-117.95     36.5          7.48    7.87    8.27    8.66    9.06    9.45    9.84   10.24
   58.15-121.3      0-100.00     39.0          7.79    8.20    8.61    9.02    9.43    9.84   10.25   10.66
               100.00-117.95     39.5          7.85    8.26    8.68    9.09    9.50    9.92   10.33   10.74
               117.95-150.00     41.0          8.05    8.47    8.90    9.32    9.75   10.17   10.59   11.02
               150.00-240.45     40.5          7.98    8.40    8.82    9.24    9.66   10.08   10.50   10.92
  121.3-263.75 117.95-150.00     45.5          8.72    9.17    9.63   10.09   10.55   11.01   11.47   11.93
               150.00-240.45     45.0          8.64    9.09    9.55   10.00   10.45   10.91   11.36   11.82
                 Over 240.45     44.5    2     8.56    9.01    9.46    9.91   10.36   10.81   11.26   11.71
   Over 263.75   Over 240.45     48.0    3     9.13    9.62   10.10   10.58   11.06   11.54   12.02   12.50
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------
 
      1 The table  reflects the effect  of the federal  limitations on  itemized
deductions  (and  the corresponding  state limitations)  and the  deductions for
personal exemptions. They were designed to  phase out certain benefits of  these
deductions  for higher income taxpayers. These limitations, in effect, raise the
marginal combined tax rate to approximately 48.13 percent for taxpayers filing a
joint return and entitled to four personal exemptions and to approximately 45.14
percent for  taxpayers filing  a single  return entitled  to only  one  personal
exemption. These limitations, in effect raise the marginal combined State, local
and Federal tax rate to approximately 50.70 percent for taxpayers filing a joint
return  and  entitled to  four personal  exemptions  and to  approximately 47.85
percent, for taxpayers  filing a  single return  entitled to  only one  personal
exemption.  These limitations are  subject to certain  maximums, which depend on
the number of exemptions claimed and the total amount of the taxpayer's itemized
deductions. For example, the limitation on itemized deductions will not cause  a
taxpayer  to  lose more  than 80%  of  his allowable  Federal or  state itemized
deductions, with certain exceptions. The table also reflects the New York  State
supplemental  income tax based  upon a taxpayer's New  York State taxable income
and New York State  adjusted gross income. This  supplemental tax results in  an
increased  marginal state income  tax rate to  the extent a  taxpayer's New York
State adjusted gross income ranges  between $100,000 and $150,000. Although  the
table  does reflect  the effect of  the state limitation  on itemized deductions
that corresponds  to the  federal  limitation, it  does not  reflect  additional
limitations  under which a New  York taxpayer could lose  up to an additional 50
percent of his otherwise  allowable itemized deductions,  because the affect  of
this  limitation  varies  according to  the  particular amount  of  his itemized
deductions. The application of this limit any  result in a higher tax rate  than
indicated in the table for joint taxpayers with a New York adjusted gross income
of  $150,000 to $200,000 or $475,000 to  $525,000 or single taxpayers with a New
York adjusted gross income of $100,000 to $150,000 or $475,000 to $525,000.  The
table  assumes  that a  taxpayer's  New York  adjusted  gross income  equals his
Federal adjusted  gross income.  The table  does not  reflect the  treatment  of
various  state and city tax credits that could affect the tax rate of particular
New York taxpayers.
 
      2 Combined state and Federal tax rate reverts to 40.56% after the 80% caps
on the limitation on itemized deductions has been met. Combined state, local and
Federal tax  rate reverts  to 43.41%  after the  80% cap  on the  limitation  on
itemized deductions has been met.
 
      3 Combined state and Federal tax rate reverts to 43.90% after the 80% caps
on the limitation on itemized deductions has been met. Combined state, local and
federal  tax  rate reverts  to 46.60%  after the  80% cap  on the  limitation on
itemized deductions has been met.
 
                                      C-8
<PAGE>
STATEMENT OF DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ELECTRONIC FILING AND PRINTED DOCUMENT.
 
    Pursuant  to Rule 499(c) (7) under the Securities Act of 1933 and Rule 20-11
under the Investment  Company Act  of 1940, Registrant  hereby identifies  those
differences  in the foregoing document between the electronic format in which it
is filed and the printed form in which it will be circulated:
 
    (1)  The printed and distributed prospectus may be paged differently because
the printed document may contain a different amount of information on each  page
from that contained in the electronic transmission.
 
    (2)   In the  printed document, footnote  symbols may include  a "dagger" or
multiple "dagger". The  "dagger" symbol is  represented as #  in the  electronic
document.
 
    (3)  The printed and distributed prospectus will not contain the preliminary
prospectus legend included at the beginning of the first prospectus page.
<PAGE>
                       CONTENTS OF REGISTRATION STATEMENT
 
A.  BONDING ARRANGEMENTS OF DEPOSITOR:
 
    The  Depositor has obtained the following Stockbrokers Blanket Bonds for its
officers, directors and employees:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                       <C>
    INSURER/POLICY NO.                                                       AMOUNT
    United Pacific Insurance Co.                                          $ 10,000,000
    Reliance Insurance Company
    B 74 92 20
    Aetna Casualty and Surety                                             $ 10,000,000
    08 F10618BCA
    St. Paul Insurance Co.                                                $  6,000,000
    400 HC 1051
</TABLE>
 
B.  THIS AMENDMENT OF REGISTRATION STATEMENT COMPRISES THE FOLLOWING PAPERS AND
DOCUMENTS:
 
                                The facing sheet
 
                           The cross-reference sheet
 
                                 The Prospectus
 
                                 The signatures
 
                         Consents of Independent Public
                      Accountants and Counsel as indicated
 
                         Exhibits as listed on page S-5
 
C.  EXPLANATORY NOTE:
 
    This Amendment  No.  1  to  the  Registration  Statement  contains  multiple
separate  prospectuses.  Each  prospectus  will  relate  to  an  individual unit
investment trust and  will consist  of a  Part A, a  Part B  and an  Information
Supplement.  Each  prospectus  will  be  identical  will  the  exception  of the
respective Part A which will contain the financial information specific to  such
underlying unit investment trust.
 
D.  UNDERTAKINGS:
 
    1.   With the  exception of the  information included in  the state specific
appendices to the  Information Supplement,  which will vary  depending upon  the
make-up  of a  Fund or  updated to  reflect current  events, any  amendment to a
Fund's Information Supplement will be subject to the review of the staff of  the
Securities and Exchange Commission prior to distribution; and
 
    2.   The Information  Supplement to the  Trust will not  include third party
financial information.
 
                                      S-1
<PAGE>
                                   SIGNATURES
 
   
    The Registrant, Nuveen  Tax-Free Unit  Trust, Series  857 hereby  identifies
Series  401, 507, 512, 515, 517, 519, 723,  814 and 823 of the Nuveen Tax-Exempt
Unit Trust (the former name of the  Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust) for purposes  of
the representations required by Rule 487 and represents the following:
    
 
    (1)    that the  portfolio  securities deposited  in  the series  as  to the
securities of which  this Registration Statement  is being filed  do not  differ
materially in type or quality from those deposited in such previous series;
 
    (2)  that, except to the extent necessary to identify the specific portfolio
securities deposited in, and to provide essential financial information for, the
series  with respect to  the securities of which  this Registration Statement is
being filed,  this  Registration Statement  does  not contain  disclosures  that
differ  in  any  material  respect  from  those  contained  in  the registration
statements for  such  previous  series  as  to  which  the  effective  date  was
determined by the Commission or the staff; and
 
    (3)  that it has complied with Rule 460 under the Securities Act of 1933.
 
   
    Pursuant  to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant,
Nuveen Tax-Free  Unit  Trust, Series  857  has  duly caused  this  Amendment  of
Registration  Statement to be signed on  its behalf by the undersigned thereunto
duly authorized in the City of Chicago and State of Illinois on April 16, 1996.
    
 
   
                                          NUVEEN TAX-FREE UNIT TRUST, SERIES 857
                                                             (Registrant)
    
 
                                          By JOHN NUVEEN & CO. INCORPORATED
                                                             (Depositor)
 
                                          By:  Anna R. Kucinskis
                                          --------------------------------------
                                                             Vice President
 
                                          Attest:  Morrison C. Warren
                                          --------------------------------------
                                                             Assistant Secretary
 
                                      S-2
<PAGE>
    Pursuant to the requirements of the  Securities Act of 1933, this  Amendment
of  Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
          SIGNATURE                        TITLE*                 DATE
<S>                            <C>                              <C>        <C>
Richard J. Franke              Chairman, Board of Directors         )
                               Chief Executive Officer and          )
                               Director                             )
                                                                    )
Donald E. Sveen                President, Chief Operating           )
                               Officer and Director                 )
                                                                    )
                                                                    )
Anthony T. Dean                Executive Vice President             )
                               and Director                         )           Larry Woods Martin
                                                                    )           Attorney-In-Fact**
                                                                    )
Timothy T. Schwertfeger        Executive Vice President             )
                               and Director                         )
                                                                    )             April 16, 1996
                                                                    )
John P. Amboian                Chief Financial Officer and          )
                               Executive Vice President             )
                                                                    )
                                                                    )
O. Walter Renfftlen            Vice President and Controller        )
                               (Principal Accounting Officer)       )
                                                                    )
                                                                    )
</TABLE>
    
 
- --------------
 
* The  titles  of the  persons  named herein  represent  their capacity  in  and
relationship to John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated, the Depositor.
 
**  The powers  of attorney  were filed  on Form  SE for  Messrs. Franke, Sveen,
Renfftlen,  Dean  and  Schwertfeger  with  the  Amendment  to  the  Registration
Statement  on  Form S-6  of Nuveen  Tax-Free  Unit Trust,  Series 671  (File No.
33-49175). The Power of Attorney for Messr. Amboian was filed with the Amendment
to the Registration statement on Form S-6 of Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust,  Series
823 (File No. 33-62325).
 
                                      S-3
<PAGE>
   
857
    
 
                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
    The  consent of Arthur Andersen LLP to the use of its name in the Prospectus
included in the Registration Statement is filed by this amendment as Exhibit 4.4
to the Registratin Statement.
 
                         CONSENT OF CHAPMAN AND CUTLER
 
    The consent of Chapman and Cutler to  the use of its name in the  Prospectus
included  in the  Registration Statement is  contained in its  opinions filed by
this amendment as Exhibits 3.1 and 3.2 to the Registration Statement.
 
                            CONSENT OF STATE COUNSEL
 
    The consents of special counsel to the Fund for state tax matters to the use
of their names  in the  Prospectus included  in the  Registration Statement  are
contained  in  their opinions  filed by  this  amendment as  Exhibit 3.3  to the
Registration Statement.
 
                         CONSENT OF STANDARD & POOR'S,
                    A DIVISION OF THE MCGRAW-HILL COMPANIES
 
    The consent of Standard & Poor's,  a Division of The McGraw-Hill  Companies,
to  the use of its name in the Prospectus included in the Registration Statement
is filed by this amendment as Exhibit 4.1 to the Registration Statement.
 
                    CONSENT OF KENNY S&P EVALUATION SERVICES
 
    The consent of Kenny S&P Evaluation Services  to the use of its name in  the
Prospectus  included in the Registration Statement is filed by this amendment as
Exhibit 4.2 to the Registration Statement.
 
                      CONSENT OF CARTER, LEDYARD & MILBURN
 
    The consent of  Carter, Ledyard  & Milburn  to the use  of its  name in  the
Prospectus  included in the Registration Statement is filed by this amendment as
Exhibit 4.3 to the Registration Statement.
 
                                      S-4
<PAGE>
                                LIST OF EXHIBITS
 
<TABLE>
<S>         <C>
1.1(a)      Copy of Standard Terms and Conditions of Trust between John Nuveen & Co.  Incorporated,
            Depositor,  and The Chase Manhattan Bank (National Association), Trustee (as Exibit 1.1
            (a) to the Sponsor's Registration Statement on  Form S-6 relating to Series 823 of  the
            Fund (file No. 33-62325) and incorporated herein by reference).
1.1(b)      Trust Indenture and Agreement.
2.1         Copy  of  Certificate  of  Ownership (Included  in  Exhibit  1.1(a) on  pages  2  to 8,
            inclusive, and incorporated herein by reference).
3.1         Opinion of counsel as to legality of securities being registered.
3.2         Opinion of counsel as to Federal income tax status of securities being registered.
3.3         Opinions of special state counsel  to the Fund for state  tax matters as to income  tax
            status  to residents of the respective states of the units of the respective trusts and
            consents to the use of their names in the Prospectus.
4.1         Consent of Standard & Poor's, a Division of The McGraw-Hill Companies.
4.2         Consent of Kenny S&P Evaluation Services.
4.3         Consent of Carter, Ledyard & Milburn.
4.4         Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP
6.1         List of Directors and Officers of Depositor and other related information (incorporated
            by reference to Form S-6  [File No. 33-62325] filed on  September 7, 1995 on behalf  of
            Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust, Series 823).
</TABLE>
 
                                      S-5

<PAGE>
   
EXHIBIT 1.1(B)
NUVEEN TAX-FREE UNIT TRUST SERIES 857
TRUST INDENTURE AND AGREEMENT
DATED APRIL 16, 1996
    
 
    This  Trust  Indenture  and  Agreement  by and  between  John  Nuveen  & Co.
Incorporated, as Depositor and The Chase Manhattan Bank (National  Association),
as  Trustee,  sets  forth  certain provisions  in  full  and  incorporates other
provisions by reference to the document entitled 'Standard Terms and  Conditions
of  Trust  for Nuveen  Tax-Free  Unit Trust  Series  823 and  subsequent Series,
effective September 7, 1995' (herein  called the 'Standard Terms and  Conditions
of  Trust'), and such provisions as are set forth in full and such provisions as
are incorporated by  reference constitute  a single  instrument. All  references
herein  to Articles and  Sections are to  Articles and Sections  of the Standard
Terms and Conditions of Trust.
 
    Witnesseth That:
 
    In consideration  of  the  promises  and of  the  mutual  agreements  herein
contained, the Depositor and the Trustee, agree as follows:
 
PART I
 
    Standard  Terms and Conditions of Trust Subject to the Provisions of Part II
hereof, all the  provisions contained in  the Standard Terms  and Conditions  of
Trust are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety and shall be deemed
to  be a part of this instrument as fully  and to the same extent as though said
provisions had been set forth in full in this instrument.
 
PART II
 
    Special Terms  and  Conditions of  Trust  The following  special  terms  and
conditions are hereby agreed to:
 
    (a)   The Bonds defined in Section  1.01(1) listed in Schedule A hereto have
been deposited in trust under this Trust Indenture and Agreement.
 
    (b)  The fractional  undivided interest in and  ownership of the Trust  Fund
represented  by each  Unit for  a Trust on  the Initial  Date of  Deposit is the
amount set  forth  under  the  captions  "Essential  Information  --  Fractional
Undivided Interest in the Trust per Unit" in the Prospectus.
 
    (c)   The number of Units  created of each Trust are  as set forth under the
caption "Essential Information --  Number of Units" in  the Prospectus for  each
Trust.
 
    (d)   Notwithstanding  anything to  the contrary  in the  Standard Terms and
Conditions of Trust, the phrase "Nuveen  Tax-Exempt Unit Trust" shall be  hereby
replaced with the phrase "Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust."
<PAGE>
   
    In  Witness Whereof, John  Nuveen & Co. Incorporated,  has caused this Trust
Indenture and Agreement for Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust Series 857 to be executed
by its  President, one  of its  Vice Presidents  or one  of its  Assistant  Vice
Presidents  and its  corporate seal  to be  hereto affixed  and attested  by its
Secretary or  its Assistant  Secretary and  The Chase  Manhattan Bank  (National
Association) has caused this Trust Indenture and Agreement to be executed by one
of  its Vice Presidents or  Second Vice Presidents and  its corporate seal to be
hereto affixed and attested to by one of its Assistant Treasurers; all as of the
day, month and year first above written.
    
 
John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated,
Depositor
By Larry Woods Martin
Authorized Officer
(Seal)
Attest:
By Morrison C. Warren
                   Assistant Secretary
 
The Chase Manhattan Bank (National Association), Trustee
By Timothy Kelley
Second Vice President
(Seal)
Attest:
By Joseph Lyons
                   Assistant Treasurer
 
   
Schedule A to the Trust Indenture and Agreement Securities Initially Deposited
in Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust Series 857
    
 
(Note:  Incorporated herein and made a part hereof is the "Schedule of
Investments" as set forth for each Trust in the Prospectus.)

<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 3.1
 
(ON CHAPMAN AND CUTLER LETTERHEAD)
 
   
April 16, 1996
    
 
John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated
333 W. Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60606
 
   
RE:  Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust, Series 857
    
 
Gentlemen:
 
   
    We  have served  as counsel  for you, as  depositor of  Nuveen Tax-Free Unit
Trust, Series 857 (hereinafter  referred to as the  "Fund"), in connection  with
the  issuance  under the  Trust Indenture  and Agreement  dated the  date hereof
between John Nuveen &  Co. Incorporated, as Depositor,  and The Chase  Manhattan
Bank  (National  Association),  as  Trustee, of  Units  of  fractional undivided
interest in the one or more Trusts of said Fund (hereinafter referred to as  the
"Units").
    
 
    In  connection  therewith,  we  have  examined  such  pertinent  records and
documents and matters of law as we  have deemed necessary in order to enable  us
to express the opinions hereinafter set forth.
 
    Based upon the foregoing, we are of the opinion that:
 
    1.   The execution and delivery of the Trust Indenture and Agreement and the
establishment of  book  entry  positions  and  the  execution  and  issuance  of
certificates  evidencing the  Units in  the Trusts  of the  Fund have  been duly
authorized; and
 
    2.  The book entry positions and certificates positions evidencing the Units
in the Trusts of the Fund when  duly executed and delivered or duly  established
by  the Depositor  and the Trustee  in accordance with  the aforementioned Trust
Indenture and Agreement, will constitute  valid and binding obligations of  such
Trusts and the Depositor in accordance with the terms thereof.
 
   
    We  hereby  consent to  the  filing of  this opinion  as  an exhibit  to the
Registration Statement (File No.  333-01825) relating to  the Units referred  to
above  and to  the use  of our  name and to  the reference  to our  firm in said
Registration Statement and in the related Prospectus.
    
 
Respectfully submitted,
 
CHAPMAN AND CUTLER

<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 4.4
 
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
    As  independent  public accountants,  we hereby  consent to  the use  of our
report and to  all references to  our Firm included  in or made  a part of  this
Registration Statement.
 
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
 
Chicago, Illinois
 
   
April 16, 1996
    

<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 4.2
 
(On J. J. Kenny Co., Inc. Letterhead)
 
   
April 16, 1996
    
 
John Nuveen & Company
333 West Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
 
   
Re:  Nuveen Tax Free Unit Trust, Series 857
    
 
Gentlemen:
 
   
    We  have  examined the  registration statement  File  No. 333-01825  for the
above-captioned trust. We hereby acknowledge that Kenny S&P Evaluation Services,
a division of J. J. Kenny Co., Inc. is currently acting as the evaluator for the
trust. We  hereby  consent to  the  use in  the  Registration Statement  of  the
reference  to Kenny S&P Evaluation Services, a division of J. J. Kenny Co., Inc.
as evaluator.
    
 
    In  addition,  we  hereby  confirm   that  the  ratings  indicated  in   the
Registration  Statement for the respective  bonds comprising the trust portfolio
are the ratings currently indicated in our KENNYBASE database.
 
    You are hereby authorized to file a copy of this letter with the  Securities
and Exchange Commission.
 
Sincerely,
 
Frank A. Ciccotto

<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 4.1
 
(ON STANDARD & POOR'S, A DIVISION OF THE MCGRAW-HILL COMPANIES LETTERHEAD)
 
   
April 16, 1996
    
 
   
John Nuveen & Company
333 West Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60606
Re:  NUVEEN TAX FREE UNIT TRUST, SERIES 857
    
 
   
    This  is in  response to  your requests  regarding the  above-captioned fund
which consists of  separate underlying insured  and traditional unit  investment
trusts, SEC file # 333-01825.
    
 
INSURED TRUSTS.
 
    With  respect  to  the  insured  trusts  we  have  reviewed  the information
presented to us and have  assigned a "AAA" rating to  the units of each  insured
trust  and a "AAA" rating to the securities contained in each insured trust. The
ratings are direct  reflections of the  portfolio of each  insured trust,  which
will  be composed  soley of securities  covered by bond  insurance policies that
insure against  default  in  the  payment  of  principal  and  interest  on  the
securities  contained  in  each  insured  trust  for  as  long  as  they  remain
outstanding. We understand that  the bonds described in  the prospectus are  the
same  as those in  the attatched list.  Since such policies  have been issued by
MBIA which has been assigned  a "AAA" claims paying  ability rating by S&P,  S&P
has  assigned a "AAA" to the  units of each insured trust  and a "AAA" rating to
the securities contained in each trust.
 
    You have permission to use the name of Standard & Poor's, a Division of  The
McGraw-Hill  Companies  and the  above-assigned rating  in connection  with your
dissemination of information relating to the insured trusts provided that it  is
understood that the ratings are not "market" ratings nor recommendations to buy,
hold  or sell the units of the insured trusts or the securities contained in the
insured trusts. Further, it should be understood the rating on the units of each
insured trust  does  not take  into  account the  extent  to which  the  trust's
expenses  or portfolio asset  sales for less  than the principal  required to be
paid on the portfolio assets. S&P reserves the right to advise its own  clients,
subscribers,  and the public of  the ratings. S&P relies  on the sponsor and its
counsel, accountants, and other experts for the accuracy and completeness of the
information submitted in connection with the ratings. S&P does not independently
verify the truth or accuracy of any such information.
 
    This letter evidences  our consent  to the  use of  the name  of Standard  &
Poor's,  a Division of  The McGraw-Hill Companies in  connection with the rating
assigned to the  units of each  insured trust in  the registration statement  or
prospectus relating to the units and the trusts. However, this letter should not
be  construed  as a  consent  by us,  within  the meaning  of  section 7  of the
Securities Act of 1933,  to the use  of Standard and Poor's,  a Division of  The
McGraw-Hill  Companies in connection with the ratings assigned to the securities
contained in the insured  trusts. You are  hereby authorized to  file a copy  of
this letter with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
    Please  be certain to send us three  copies of your final prospectus as soon
as it becomes  available. Should we  not receive them  within a reasonable  time
after the closing or should they not conform to certification received by us, we
reserve the right to nullify the ratings.
<PAGE>
TRADITIONAL TRUSTS.
 
    With   respect  to  the  traditional   unit  investment  trusts  within  the
above-captioned fund, we have  reviewed the information presented  to us and  we
hereby confirm that the ratings indicated in the prospectus as being assigned by
Standard  & Poor's,  a Division of  The McGraw-Hill Companies  to the securities
contained in each traditional trust of such fund are, according to our  records,
the  ratings  currently  assigned  by  Standard  &  Poor's,  a  Division  of The
McGraw-Hill Companies to such securities. You understand that Standard & Poor's,
a Division  of The  McGraw-Hill Companies  has not  consented to,  and will  not
consent to, being named as 'expert' under the federal securities laws, including
and without limitation, Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933, with respect to
the ratings on any securities contained in any of the traditional trusts.
 
    Please  note that  the "AAA"  rating assigned to  the units  of each insured
trust does not apply to the units of any of the traditional trusts.
 
                                          STANDARD & POOR'S, A DIVISION
                                          OF THE MCGRAW-HILL COMPANIES
 
                                          Sanford Bragg

<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 3.2
 
(ON CHAPMAN AND CUTLER LETTERHEAD)
 
   
April 16, 1996
    
 
John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated
333 W. Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60606
 
   
RE:  Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust, Series 857
    
 
Gentlemen:
 
   
    We  have served  as counsel  for you, as  Depositor of  Nuveen Tax-Free Unit
Trust, Series 857 (the "Fund") in  connection with the issuance under the  Trust
Indenture  and  Agreement,  dated the  date  hereof  between John  Nuveen  & Co.
Incorporated, as Depositor, and The Chase Manhattan Bank (National Association),
as Trustee,  of  Units  of  fractional  undivided  interest  (the  "Units"),  as
evidenced by a book entry position or certificate, if requested by the purchaser
of Units, in the one or more Trusts of said Fund.
    
 
   
    We  have also  served as  counsel for  you in  connection with  all previous
Series of the Nuveen  Tax-Free Unit Trust and  as such have previously  examined
such  pertinent  records and  documents and  matters  of law  as we  have deemed
necessary, including (but  not limited  to) the Trust  Indenture and  Agreements
with  respect to those series. We have  also examined such pertinent records and
documents and matters  of law  as we have  deemed necessary  including (but  not
limited  to) the Trust Indenture and  Agreement relating to Nuveen Tax-Free Unit
Trust, Series 857.
    
 
    We have concluded that  the Trust Indenture and  Agreement for the Fund  and
its counterpart in each of the prior issues of Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust are in
all material respects substantially identical.
 
    Based  upon the foregoing, and upon such matters of law as we consider to be
applicable we are of the opinion that, under existing federal income law:
 
    (i)  For  Federal income tax  purposes, each of  the Trusts will  not be  an
association  taxable as a corporation but will  be governed by the provisions of
Subchapter J (relating to  Trusts) of Chapter 1,  Internal Revenue Code of  1986
(the "Code").
 
    (ii)   Each Unitholder will be considered as owning a pro rata share of each
asset of the respective Trust of the  Fund in the proportion that the number  of
Units  of such Trust held by him bears  to the total number of outstanding Units
of such Trust. Under Subpart E, Subchapter J of Chapter 1 of the Code, income of
each Trust  will  be  treated  as  income of  each  Unitholder  thereof  in  the
proportion described and an item of Trust income will have the same character in
the  hands  of a  Unitholder  as it  would  have in  the  hands of  the Trustee.
Accordingly, to the extent that the income  of a Trust consists of interest  and
original  issue discount excludable  from gross income under  Section 103 of the
Code,  such  income  will  be  excludable  from  Federal  gross  income  of  the
Unitholder,  except in the case of a Unitholder  who is a substantial user (or a
person related to  such user)  of a facility  financed through  issuance of  any
industrial  development  bonds or  certain private  activity  bonds held  by the
Trust. In the case of such Unitholder  who is a substantial user (and no  other)
interest  received with  respect to  his Units  attributable to  such industrial
development bonds or  such private  activity bonds  is includable  in his  gross
income.  In the case of certain corporations,  interest on the Bonds is included
in computing the alternative minimum tax pursuant to Sections 56(c) of the Code,
the enviromental tax (the "Superfund Tax") imposed by Sections 59A of the  Code,
and  the branch profits tax  imposed by Section 884 of  the Code with respect to
U.S. branches of foreign corporations.
 
    (iii)  Gain or loss  will be recognized to  a Unitholder upon redemption  or
sale  of his Units. Such  gain or loss is measured  by comparing the proceeds of
such  redemption  or  sale  with  the  adjusted  basis  of  such  Units.  Before
adjustment, such basis would normally be cost if the Unitholder had acquired his
Units  by purchase,  plus his aliquot  share of  advances by the  Trustee to the
Trust to pay interest on Bonds delivered after the Unitholder's settlement  date
to the extent that such interest accrued on the Bonds during the period from the
Unitholder's  settlement date to the date such Bonds are delivered to the Trust,
but only to the extent that such advances are to be repaid to the Trustee out of
interest received by  the Fund  with respect to  such Bonds.  In addition,  such
basis  will be increased by  both the Unitholder's aliquot  share of the accrued
original issue  discount  (and market  discount,  if the  Unitholder  elects  to
include   market   discount  in   income  as   it   accrues)  with   respect  to
<PAGE>
each Bond held by the  Trust with respect to which  there was an original  issue
discount  at the time  the Bond was  issued (or which  was purchased with market
discount) and reduced  by the annual  amortization of bond  premium, if any,  on
Bonds held by the Trust.
 
    (iv)   If the Trustee disposes of a Trust asset (whether by sale, payment on
maturity, redemption or otherwise), gain or loss is recognized to the Unitholder
and the amount thereof is measured  by comparing the Unitholder's aliquot  share
of  the total proceeds  from the transaction  with his basis  for his fractional
interest in the asset disposed of. Such basis is ascertained by apportioning the
tax basis for his Units among each of the Trust assets (as of the date on  which
his  Units were acquired) ratably according to  their values as of the valuation
date nearest the date on which he purchased such Units. A Unitholder's basis  in
his  Units and of his fractional interest in each Trust asset must be reduced by
the amount of his aliquot  share of interest received by  the Trust, if any,  on
Bonds  delivered after the Unitholder's settlement  date to the extent that such
interest accrued on the Bonds during the period from the Unitholder's settlement
date to the date such Bonds are delivered  to the Trust, must be reduced by  the
annual  amortization of bond  premium, if any,  on Bonds held  by the Trust; and
must be increased by the Unitholder's  share of accrued original issue  discount
(and  market discount,  if the Unitholder  elects to include  market discount in
income as it accrues) with respect to each Bond which, at the time the Bond  was
issued,  had  original  issue  discount  (or  which  was  purchased  with market
discount).
 
    (v)  In the case of any Bond held by the Trust where the "stated  redemption
price  at maturity"  exceeds the  "issue price,"  such excess  shall be original
issue discount. With respect to each Unitholder, upon the purchase of his  Units
subsequent  to  the  original  issuance  of  Bonds  held  by  the  Trust Section
1272(a)(7) of the Code provides for  a reduction in the accrued "daily  portion"
of  such original issue discount  upon the purchase of  a Bond subsequent to the
Bond's original issue, under certain circumstances. In the case of any Bond held
by the Trust the interest on which is excludable from gross income under Section
103 of the Code, any original issue discount which accrues with respect  thereto
will  be treated as interest which is excludable from gross income under Section
103 of the Code.
 
    (vi)  In the  case of Trusts for  which MBIA Insurance Corporation  ("MBIA")
insurance  with respect to each of the Bonds deposited therein has been obtained
by the Depositor or the issuer or underwriter of the Bonds, we have examined the
form of MBIA's policy  or several policies of  insurance (the "Policies")  which
have  been delivered to the Trustee. Assuming issuance of Policies in such form,
in our  opinion, any  amounts  paid under  said Policies  representing  maturing
interest  on defaulted obligations  held by the Trustee  will be excludable from
Federal gross income if,  and to the  same extent as,  such interest would  have
been  so excludable if paid in normal  course by the respective issuer, provided
that, at  the  time such  policies  are purchased,  the  amounts paid  for  such
policies   are  reasonable,   customary  and  consistent   with  the  reasonable
expectation that the issuer of the bonds, rather than the insurer, will pay debt
service on the bonds. Paragraph (ii)  of this opinion is accordingly  applicable
to Policy proceeds representing maturing interest.
 
    Sections  1288 and 1272 of the Code provide a complex set of rules governing
the accrual of original issue discount. These rules provide that original  issue
discount  accrues either on  the basis of  a constant compound  interest rate or
ratably over the term of the Bond, depending on the date the Bond was issued. In
addition, special  rules apply  if the  purchase  price of  a Bond  exceeds  the
original issue price plus the amount of original issue discount which would have
previously  accrued based upon its issue price (its "adjusted issue price"). The
application of these rules will also vary depending on the value of the bond  on
the  date a Unitholder acquires his Units, and the price the Unitholder pays for
his Units.
 
    Because the Trusts do  not include any "private  activity bonds" within  the
meaning  of Section 57(a)(5) of the Code issued on or after August 8, 1986, none
of the  Trust  Fund's  interest income  shall  be  treated as  an  item  of  tax
preference   when  computing  the  alternative  minimum  tax.  In  the  case  of
corporations,  for  taxable  years  beginning  after  December  31,  1986,   the
alter-native  minimum tax  and the Superfund  Tax depend  upon the corporation's
alternative minimum taxable income ("AMTI"), which is the corporation's  taxable
income with certain adjustments.
 
    Pursuant  to Section 56(c) of the Code,  one of the adjustment items used in
computing AMTI  and  the  Superfund  Tax  of a  corporation  (other  than  an  S
Corporation,  Regulated  Investment  Company, Real  Estate  Investment  Trust or
REMIC) for tax years beginning in 1989 is  an amount equal to 75% of the  excess
of  such corporation's "adjusted  current earnings" over an  amount equal to its
AMTI
<PAGE>
(before such  adjustment  item  and  the  alternative  tax  net  operating  loss
deduction).  "Adjusted  current  earnings"  includes  all  tax-exempt  interest,
including interest on  all Bonds  in the  Trust, and  tax-exempt original  issue
discount.
 
    Effective  for tax returns filed after  December 31, 1987, all taxpayers are
required to disclose to  the Internal Revenue Service  the amount of  tax-exempt
interest earned during the year.
 
    Section  265 of the  Code provides for  a reduction in  each taxable year of
100% of the otherwise deductible interest on indebtedness incurred or  continued
by  financial institutions, to  which either Section  585 or Section  593 of the
Code applies, to  purchase or carry  obligations acquired after  August 7,  1986
(with  certain exceptions), the interest on  which is exempt from Federal income
taxes for such taxable year. Under  rules prescribed by Section 265, the  amount
of  interest otherwise deductible by such  financial institutions in any taxable
year which is deemed to be attributable to tax-exempt obligations acquired after
August 7, 1986  will be the  amount that bears  the same ratio  to the  interest
deduction  otherwise allowable (determined without regard to Section 265) to the
taxpayer for the taxable year as  the taxpayer's average adjusted basis  (within
the  meaning of Section 1016) of tax-exempt obligations acquired after August 7,
1986, bears  to such  average adjusted  basis for  all assets  of the  taxpayer,
unless  such financial institution can  otherwise establish under regulations to
be prescribed  by the  Secretary of  the  Treasury, the  amount of  interest  on
indebtedness  incurred or  continued to purchase  or carry  such obligations. On
December 7,  1995 the  U.S. Treasury  Department released  proposed  legislation
that,  if adopted, would generally extend the financial institution rules to all
corporations, effective for obligations acquired after the date of announcement.
 
    We also call  attention to the  fact that,  under Section 265  of the  Code,
interest on indebtedness incurred or continued to purchase or carry Units is not
deductible  for Federal  income tax purposes.  Under rules used  by the Internal
Revenue Service for determining when borrowed funds are con-sidered used for the
purpose of purchasing or carrying particular  assets, the purchase of Units  may
be  considered to have  been made with  borrowed funds even  though the borrowed
funds are not directly traceable to the purchase of Units. However, these  rules
generally   do  not  apply  to  interest   paid  on  indebtedness  incurred  for
expenditures of a  personal nature such  as a mortgage  incurred to purchase  or
improve a personal residence.
 
    "The Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1993" (the "Tax Act") subjects tax-exempt
bonds  to the market  discount rules of  the Code effective  for bonds purchased
after April 30,  1993. In general,  market discount  is the amount  (if any)  by
which  the stated  redemption price at  maturity exceeds  an investor's purchase
price (except to  the extent that  such difference, if  any, is attributable  to
original issue discount not yet accrued) subject to a statutory de minimis rule.
Market discount can arise based on the price a Trust pays for Bonds or the price
a  Unitholder pays for his or her Units.  Under the Tax Act, accretion of market
discount is taxable as ordinary income; under prior law, the accretion had  been
treated  as capital gain.  Market discount that  accretes while a  Trust holds a
Bond would be recognized  as ordinary income by  the Unitholders when  principal
payments  are received on the Bond, upon  sale or at redemption (including early
redemption), or  upon the  sale or  redemption of  his or  her Units,  unless  a
Unitholder elects to include market discount in taxable income as it accrues.
 
   
    We  hereby  consent to  the  filing of  this opinion  as  an exhibit  to the
Registration Statement (File No.  333-01825) relating to  the Units referred  to
above  and to  the use  of our  name and to  the reference  to our  firm in said
Registration Statement and in the related Prospectus.
    
 
Respectfully submitted,
 
CHAPMAN AND CUTLER

<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 3.3
 
(ON VENABLE, BAETJER AND HOWARD LETTERHEAD)
 
   
APRIL 16, 1996
    
 
   
Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust, Series 857
Maryland Traditional Trust 314
John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated
333 West Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60606
    
 
Attn:  James J. Wesolowski, Esquire
      Vice President, General Counsel
      and Secretary
 
   
Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A.,
as Trustee of Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust -- Series 857
Maryland Traditional Trust 314
770 Broadway
New York, New York 10003
    
 
Gentlemen:
 
   
    We  have acted as special Maryland counsel to the Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust
- -- Series 857 (the "Fund") with respect to the issuance by the Fund of units  of
fractional  undivided  interest in  the  Fund (the  "Units")  as described  in a
certain Registration Statement (No. 333-01825) on Form S-6 under the  Securities
Act  of  1933, as  amended  (the "Registration  Statement").  The Fund  has been
organized under a  Trust Indenture  and Agreement dated  as of  the date  hereof
between  John Nuveen  & Co. Incorporated  (the "Depositor")  and Chase Manhattan
Bank, N.A. (the "Trustee"). The Fund will issue the Units in several Trusts, one
of which is the Maryland Traditional Trust 314 (the "Trust"). The Units will  be
purchased  by  various investors  (the "Unitholders").  Each  Unit of  the Trust
represents a fractional undivided  interest in the principal  and net income  of
the  Trust in  the ratio of  ten Units for  each $1,000 principal  amount of the
obligations initially acquired by the Trust. Each trust will be administered  as
a  distinct entity with seperate  certificates, investments, expenses, books and
records.
    
 
    The assets of the Trust will consist of interest-bearing obligations  issued
by  or  on behalf  of  the State  of  Maryland, its  political  subdivisions and
authorities and, provided the interest thereon  is exempt from State income  tax
under  the laws or  treaties of the  United States, obligations  issued by or on
behalf of the territories or possessions of the United States, including  Puerto
Rico,  the  Virgin  Islands  and  Guam,  and  their  political  subdivisions and
authorities (the "Bonds").(N.1)  Distributions of the  interest received by  the
Trust will be made semi-annually unless the Unitholder elects otherwise.
 
    You  have requested our opinion as to  the application of Maryland state and
local taxes to the Trust and the Unitholders. In rendering our opinion, we  have
assumed  (i) that  the interest on  all Bonds in  the Trust will  be exempt from
Federal income tax  (N.2) and (ii)  that the  Bonds have been  issued in  strict
compliance  with all requirements of Maryland law and, where applicable, Federal
or territorial law. Furthermore, in rendering our opinion, we have relied on the
opinion of Messrs. Chapman and Cutler, of even date herewith, that:
 
    (i)--The Trust will not be taxable as an association but will be governed by
the provisions of Subchapter J (relating to trusts) of Chapter 1 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 (the "Code");
 
    (ii)--Each Unitholder will be considered the owner of a pro rata portion  of
the  Trust and  will be subject  to Federal  income tax on  the income therefrom
under the provisions of Subpart E of Subchapter J of Chapter 1 of the Code;
 
    (iii)--The Trust, itself, will not be subject to Federal income taxes;
 
    (iv)--For Federal income tax purposes, each  item of Trust income will  have
the same character in the hands of a Unitholder as it would have in the hands of
the Trustee. Accordingly, to the extent that the income of the Trust consists of
interest  excludable from Federal  gross income, such  income will be excludable
from Federal gross income of the Unitholder;
 
    (v)--For Federal income tax  purposes, each Unitholder  will have a  taxable
event  upon the redemption or sale of his  Unit. Gain or loss will be determined
by comparing the  proceeds of such  a redemption or  sale with the  Unitholder's
adjusted basis for the Unit. Before adjustment, this basis would be cost, if the
Unitholder  had purchased  his Units.  For Federal  income tax  purposes, if the
Trustee disposes of a Trust asset (whether by sale,
<PAGE>
payment on maturity, retirement or otherwise), gain or loss will result to  each
Unitholder;  such gain or loss  is to be computed  by measuring the Unitholder's
aliquot share of the total proceeds  from the transaction against his basis  for
his fractional interest in the asset disposed of (such basis being determined by
apportioning  the basis for  his Units among  all of the  Trust's assets ratably
according to their values as of the valuation date nearest the date on which  he
purchased  his Units). A Unitholder's  basis in his Units  and the basis for his
fractional interest in each  Trust asset must  be reduced by  the amount of  his
aliquot  share  of  interest received,  if  any,  on Bonds  delivered  after the
Unitholder's settlement date  to the extent  that such interest  accrued on  the
Bonds  during the period from the Unitholder's  settlement date to the date such
Bonds are delivered to the Trust  and must be reduced annually for  amortization
of premiums, if any, on obligations held by the Trust.
 
    Based  upon the  foregoing, we  are of the  opinion, for  Maryland State and
local tax purposes, that:
 
    (1)--The Trust  will  not be  recognized  as  an association  taxable  as  a
corporation,  and the income of  the Trust will be treated  as the income of the
Unitholders.
 
    (2)--Interest received by the Trust on obligations of the State of  Maryland
or its political subdivisions and authorities, or of territories and possessions
of  the United States (to the extent federal law exempts interest on obligations
of territories or possessions of the United States from state taxation) will  be
exempt  from  Maryland  state  and  local  income  taxes  when  allocated  to an
individual Unitholder of the Trust.
 
    (3)--Interest or profit realized from a sale or exchange of bonds issued  by
the  State of  Maryland or  one of its  political subdivisions  derived from the
Trust by a  financial institution, as  defined in Section  8-101(c) of the  Tax-
General  Article  of the  Annotated Code  of  Maryland, will  be subject  to the
Maryland state franchise  tax on  financial institutions, except  to the  extent
such  interest is expressly exempt from the  Maryland state franchise tax by the
statutes which authorize  the isuance of  such Bonds (See  Section 8-204 of  the
Tax-General Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland).
 
    (4)--A  Unitholder will not be subject to Maryland state or local income tax
with respect to gain realized when Bonds held in the Trust are sold, redeemed or
paid at maturity, except with respect to gain realized upon a sale,  redemption,
or payment at maturity of such Bonds as are issued by or on behalf of the United
States'   territories   or   possessions,  their   political   subdivisions  and
authorities; such gain will equal the  proceeds of sale, redemption or  payment,
less the tax basis of the Bond (adjusted to reflect (a) the amortization of Bond
premium  or discount, and  (b) the deposit  in the Trust  after the Unitholder's
settlement date of Bonds with accrued interest).
 
    (5)--Gain realized  by  a Unitholder  from  the redemption,  sale  or  other
disposition  of a Unit will be subject to Maryland state income tax and Maryland
local income  tax except  in the  case  of individual  Unitholders who  are  not
Maryland residents.
 
    (6)--Maryland  presently imposes  an income tax  on items  of tax preference
with reference to such items as defined in the Code. For taxable years beginning
after December  31,  1986,  interest  paid on  certain  private  activity  bonds
constitutes  a  tax preference  pursuant  to Section  57  (a) (5)  of  the Code.
Accordingly, if the Maryland Series holds such bonds, 50% of the interest  would
be  taxable  by  Maryland  under  the provisions  of  Section  10-205(f)  of the
Tax-General Article of the  Annotated Code of Maryland,  subject to a  threshold
amount.
 
    (7)--Interest on indebtedness incurred or continued (directly or indirectly)
by  a Unitholder to purchase or carry Units  in the Trust will not be deductible
for Maryland State or local income tax purposes.
 
    (8)--Trust Units will be subject to Maryland inheritance and estate tax only
if held by Maryland residents.
 
    (9)--Neither the  Bonds  nor the  Units  will  be subject  to  the  Maryland
personal property tax, sales tax or use tax.
 
    This  letter is not to  be construed as a  prediction of a favorable outcome
with respect to any issue for which  no favorable prediction is made herein,  or
as  a guaranty of any tax result, or as offering an assurance or guaranty that a
Maryland state or local taxing authority might not differ with our  conclusions,
or  raise other questions or  issues upon audit, or that  such action may not be
judicially sustained.
 
    We have not examined any of the Bonds  to be deposited in the Fund and  held
by  the Trust,  and express no  opinion as to  whether the interest  on any such
Bonds would in fact be tax-exempt if directly received by a Unitholder; nor have
we made any review of the proceedings  relating to the issuance of the Bonds  or
the  basis for the bond counsel opinions  or the opinions of Messrs. Chapman and
Cutler referred to herein.
 
    We hereby  consent to  the  filing of  this opinion  as  an exhibit  to  the
Registration  Statement and  to the reference  to our firm  in such Registration
Statement and  the  Preliminary  Prospectus included  therein.  In  giving  such
consent,  we do  not thereby admit  that we  are within the  category of persons
whose consent  is required  by  Section 7  of the  Securities  Act of  1933,  as
amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder.
- ----------
 
(N.1)It is understood that, from time to time, some uninvested cash may be held
in the Trust.
<PAGE>
(N.2)Section 2.01 of the Indenture provides that the Depositor may deposit
delivery statements relating to contracts for the purchase of Bonds (rather than
actual Bonds) into the Trust. We understand that, should any such contract to
purchase Bonds fail, the Depositor intends to pay to all Unitholders an amount
equivalent to the interest that would have been paid to such Unitholders had the
contract not failed. Such amount will constitute taxable income for Federal
income tax purposes.
 
Very truly yours,
 
VENABLE, BAETJER AND HOWARD

<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 3.3
 
(ON EDWARDS & ANGELL LETTERHEAD)
 
   
APRIL 16, 1996
    
 
   
Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust,
Series 857
In care of John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated
333 West Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
    
 
Attention of James J. Wesolowski, Esq.
Vice President, General Counsel
and Secretary
 
   
The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A.,
as Trustee of Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust,
Series 857
770 Broadway
New York, NY 10003
    
 
Re:--New York Insured Trust 249
 
Dear Sirs:
 
   
    We  have acted as  special counsel, with  respect to New  York State and New
York City tax matters,  to the above Trusts(s)  ("New York Trust(s)") of  Nuveen
Tax-Free Unit Trust, Series 857 (the "Fund") concerning a Registration Statement
(No.  333-01825) on Form S-6  under the Securities Act  of 1933, as amended (the
"Registration Statement"), covering the  issuance by the  New York Trusts(s)  of
units of fractional undivided interest in the New York Trust(s)( "Units").
    
 
    We  have not been furnished with a copy of the Registration Statement or the
prospectus, which  is a  part of  the Registration  Statement, relating  to  the
issuance  by the  New York  Trust(s) of  the Units.  However, John  Nuveen & Co.
Incorporated has authorized us to assume that the proposed offer and sale of the
Units will  be carried  out in  that same  manner and  upon the  same terms  and
conditions  as that described in  the prospectus for the  Nuveen Tax Exempt Unit
Trust, Insured Series 193, dated May 19,  1989, which we were furnished and  did
examine.  In the case of a  Fund which contains a New  York Insured Trust or New
York Intermediate  Insured  Trust, we  also  were not  furnished  the  Insurance
Agreement   (the  "Policy")  between  the  Municipal  Bond  Investors  Assurance
Corporation (the "Insurer"), the Depositor and the Trustee. However, John Nuveen
& Co.  Incorporated  has  authorized  us  to assume  that  the  Policy  will  be
implemented  at the closing of the Trust and be in substance and form materially
similiar to the Policy applicable to New  York Insured Trust 108, which we  were
furnished and did examine.
 
    We have not been furnished with a copy of the Opinion of Chapman & Cutler on
the   Federal  Tax  status  of  the  Fund,  its  constituent  Trusts  and  their
Unitholders. However, John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated has authorized us to assume
that such Opinion will be in substance and form materially similar to that which
was issued in connection with Nuveen  Tax Exempt Unit Trust, Insured Series  193
dated May 19, 1989, which we were furnished and did examine.
 
    Based on the foregoing, we are of the opinion that, for purposes of New York
State and New York City franchise taxes, a New York Trust will be a trust not an
association  taxable as  a corporation;  the proposed  activities of  a New York
Trust will not constitute doing business within the meaning of section 208.1  of
the New York Tax Law or section R46-3.0 of the N.Y.C. Administrative Code; a New
York  Trust will not be subject to New York State or New York City franchise tax
imposed on business corporations; a  New York Trust will  not be subject to  the
unincorporated  business income tax imposed by Article 23 of the N.Y. Tax Law or
Chapter 46, Title S of the N.Y.C.  Administrative Code; and the income of a  New
York Trust will be treated as income of the Unitholders.
 
    We  are further of the opinion  that, under existing laws and administration
of the affairs of the New York Trust(s):
 
    (A)--Interest  on  obligations  issued  by  New  York  State,  a   political
subdivision thereof, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana
Islands, or other possessions of the United States within the meaning of Section
103(c)  of the Internal Revenue Code  of 1986, as amended, ("Obligations") which
would be exempt  from New York  State or New  York City personal  income tax  if
directly received by a Unitholder, will retain its status as tax-exempt interest
when received by a New York Trust and distributed to such Unitholder;
<PAGE>
    (B)--Interest  (less amortizable  premium, if any)  derived from  a New York
Trust by a Unitholder who is a resident of New York State (or New York City)  in
respect  of Obligations issued by states other than New York (or their political
subdivisions) will be  subject to  New York State  (or New  York City)  personal
income tax;
 
    (C)--A  Unitholder who is  a resident of  New York State  (or New York City)
will be subject to New  York State (or New York  City) personal income tax  with
respect  to gains realized when Obligations  held in the Unitholder's respective
New York Trust are sold, redeemed or  paid at maturity or when the  Unitholder's
Units  are  sold  or  redeemed;  such gain  will  equal  the  proceeds  of sale,
redemption or payment less the tax basis of the Obligation or Unit (adjusted  to
reflect (a) the amortization of premium or discount (if any) on Obligations held
by  the New York Trust, (b) accrued original issue discount with respect to each
Obligation which, at  the time  the Obligation  was issued,  had original  issue
discount,  and (c) the deposit  of Obligations with accrued  interest in the New
York Trust after the Unitholder's settlement date);
 
    (D)--Interest or gain from a New York  Trust derived by a Unitholder who  is
not  a resident of New York State (or New  York City) will not be subject to New
York State (or New York City) personal income tax, unless the Units are property
employed in a business, trade, profession  or occupation carried on in New  York
State (or New York City);
 
    (E)--In  the  case of  a New  York  Insured Trust  or New  York Intermediate
Insured Trust, amounts paid under the Policies representing maturing interest on
defaulted Obligations held by the Trustee  in the Trust will be excludable  from
New  York State and  New York City  income if, and  to the same  extent as, such
interest would have been excludable if paid by the respective issuer; and
 
    (F)--Amounts distributable from a  New York Trust which  are, pursuant to  a
Unitholder's  election, automatically reinvested in  Nuveen Municipal Bond Fund,
Inc. will  be treated  as if  actually  distributed to  and reinvested  by  such
Unitholder.
 
    Because  of the requirement that tax cost  basis be adjusted as discussed in
(C) above, under some circumstances a  Unitholder may realize taxable gain  when
his  Units are sold or redeemed for an amount equal to or less than his original
cost.
 
    Although interest  on  Obligations  issued  by  New  York  (or  a  political
subdivision  thereof) would generally be exempt from New York State and New York
City tax, a special limitation may apply with respect to private activity  bonds
which  are not qualified  bonds within the  meaning of section  103(b)(1) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986,  as amended. The interest  on such bonds, to  the
extent  received by a Unitholder who is  a "substantial user" (or person related
to such user) of the facilities financed by such bonds, will not be exempt  from
New  York State and New York City tax for any period during which such bonds are
beneficially held by such "substantial user" or "related person".
 
    As an additional matter, if borrowed funds  are used to purchase Units in  a
New  York Trust, all (or part) of the  interest on such indebtedness will not be
deductible for New York State  and New York City  tax purposes. The purchase  of
Units  may be considered to have been  made with borrowed funds even though such
funds are not directly traceable to the purchase of Units in any New York Trust.
 
    We are further of the opinion that,  for purposes of the New York State  and
New  York City franchise  tax on corporations, Unitholders  which are subject to
such tax will be required to include in their entire net income any interest  or
gains  distributed to them in  respect of obligations of  any state or political
subdivision  thereof,  including  New  York.  No  opinion  is  rendered  on  the
includability  in entire net income of  interest distributed to such Unitholders
in respect of obligations issued by  Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam,  the
Northern  Mariana Islands or  other possessions of the  United States within the
meaning of Section 103(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
 
    The foregoing opinions  are based  upon present provisions  of Federal,  New
York  State and  New York City  law, administrative  interpretations thereof and
court decisions.
 
    In  connection  with  this  offering,  we  have  not  examined  any  of  the
obligations  to be deposited  in the New  York Trust(s), and  express no opinion
whether the interest on any such  obligations is, in fact, exempt from  Federal,
New York State, or New York City income taxation, or that such interest would be
tax-exempt  under Federal,  New York  State, or  New York  City law  if directly
received by  a  Unitholder, nor  have  we made  any  review of  the  proceedings
relating to the issuance of any such obligations.
 
    We  hereby  consent to  the  filing of  this opinion  as  an exhibit  to the
Registration Statement and  to the reference  to our firm  in such  Registration
Statement and the Prospectus included therein.
 
Very truly yours,
 
EDWARDS & ANGELL

<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 4.3
 
(ON CARTER LEDYARD & MILBURN LETTERHEAD)
 
   
April 16, 1996
    
 
   
Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust, Series 857
c/o John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated,
as Depositor of Nuveen Tax-Free Unit
Trust, Series 857
333 W. Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60606
    
 
   
RE:  Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust, Series 857
    
 
Dear Sirs:
 
   
    We  hereby consent to the  reference to our firm  under the caption "What is
the Tax  Status  of Unitholders?"  in  the Registration  Statement  and  related
Prospectus  of Nuveen  Tax-Free Unit Trust,  Series 857 for  the registration of
units of fractional undivided  interest in the Fund  in the aggregate  principal
amount as set forth in the Closing Memorandum dated today's date.
    
 
Very truly yours,
 
CARTER, LEDYARD & MILBURN

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the Maryland
Traditional  Trust 314 which  is incorporated in the  Prospectus dated April 16,
1996 and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such prospectus.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER>                     001
<NAME>                        Maryland Traditional
 
       
<S>                                                <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                                      OTHER
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                                               MAR-31-1997
<PERIOD-END>                                                    MAR-31-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                                             3,329,725
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                                            3,343,040
<RECEIVABLES>                                                        31,208
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                                            0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                                      0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                                    3,379,348
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                                                  0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                                                   0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                                            31,208
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                                                  31,208
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                                           0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                                                  0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                                                35,000
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                                     0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                                                 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                                                    0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                                                   0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                                                  0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                                                  0
<NET-ASSETS>                                                      3,343,040
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                                         0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                                         0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                                            0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                                            0
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                                                   0
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                                                  0
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                                                 0
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                                                     0
<EQUALIZATION>                                                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                                                 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                                                  0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                                     0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                                                   0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                                               0
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                                       0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                                                    0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                                                   0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                                                 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                                                   0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                                                0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                                        0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                                           0
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                                                      0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                                                 95.52
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                                           0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                                                   0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                                      0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                                                 0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                                      0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                                                       0
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                                           0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                                                    0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                                      0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
This   schedule  contains  summary  financial  information  extracted  from  the
Intermediate Insured  Trust 84  which is  incorporated in  the Prospectus  dated
April  16,  1996  and  is  qualified  in  its  entirety  by  reference  to  such
prospectus.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER>                     002
<NAME>                        Intermediate Insured
 
       
<S>                                                <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                                      OTHER
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                                               MAR-31-1997
<PERIOD-END>                                                    MAR-31-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                                             4,858,556
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                                            4,880,780
<RECEIVABLES>                                                        46,983
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                                            0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                                      0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                                    4,935,863
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                                                  0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                                                   0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                                            46,983
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                                                  46,983
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                                           0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                                                  0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                                                50,000
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                                     0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                                                 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                                                    0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                                                   0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                                                  0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                                                  0
<NET-ASSETS>                                                      4,880,780
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                                         0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                                         0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                                            0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                                            0
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                                                   0
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                                                  0
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                                                 0
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                                                     0
<EQUALIZATION>                                                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                                                 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                                                  0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                                     0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                                                   0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                                               0
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                                       0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                                                    0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                                                   0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                                                 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                                                   0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                                                0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                                        0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                                           0
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                                                      0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                                                 97.62
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                                           0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                                                   0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                                      0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                                                 0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                                      0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                                                       0
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                                           0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                                                    0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                                      0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the New York
Insured  Trust 249 which is incorporated in  the Prospectus dated April 16, 1996
and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such prospectus.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER>                     003
<NAME>                        New York Insured
 
       
<S>                                                <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                                      OTHER
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                                               MAR-31-1997
<PERIOD-END>                                                    MAR-31-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                                             4,819,418
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                                            4,842,853
<RECEIVABLES>                                                        91,974
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                                            0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                                      0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                                    4,942,327
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                                                  0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                                                   0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                                            91,974
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                                                  91,974
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                                           0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                                                  0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                                                50,000
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                                     0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                                                 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                                                    0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                                                   0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                                                  0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                                                  0
<NET-ASSETS>                                                      4,842,853
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                                         0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                                         0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                                            0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                                            0
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                                                   0
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                                                  0
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                                                 0
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                                                     0
<EQUALIZATION>                                                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                                                 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                                                  0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                                     0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                                                   0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                                               0
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                                       0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                                                    0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                                                   0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                                                 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                                                   0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                                                0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                                        0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                                           0
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                                                      0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                                                 96.86
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                                           0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                                                   0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                                      0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                                                 0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                                      0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                                                       0
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                                           0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                                                    0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                                      0
        

</TABLE>

<PAGE>
MEMORANDUM
 
   
NUVEEN TAX-FREE UNIT TRUST, SERIES 857
                           FILE NO. 333-01825
    
 
   
    The  Prospectus  and  the  Indenture  filed  with  Amendment  No.  1  of the
Registration Statement  on Form  S-6 have  been revised  to reflect  information
regarding  the execution of the Indenture and  the deposit of bonds on April 16,
1996, and to  set forth  certain statistical  data based  thereon. In  addition,
there  are a number of other changes  from the Prospectus as originally filed to
which reference is  made, including  the increase  in the  size of  the Fund,  a
corresponding  increase in the  number of Units  and a change  in the individual
trusts constituting the Fund.  All references to the  Units, prices and  related
statistical  data will  apply to each  trust of  the Fund and  the Units thereof
individually.
    
 
    Except for such updating, an effort has been made to set forth below each of
the changes and also to reflect  the same by marking the Prospectus  transmitted
with  the Amendment. Also, differences between  the Final Prospectus relating to
the previous  series  of  the  Nuveen Tax-Exempt  Unit  Trust  and  the  subject
Prospectus have been indicated.
 
FORM S-6
 
FACING SHEET. The file number is now shown.
 
THE PROSPECTUS
 
    PART  A-PAGE  2.--The "Estimated  Long-Term  Return" and  "Estimated Current
Return" to Unitholders under each Trust under each of the distribution plans are
stated.
 
    PART A-PAGES 1 - 2.--Essential information for each of the Trusts, including
applicable footnotes, has been completed for this Series.
 
    PART A-PAGES 1 - 2.--The date of the Indenture has been inserted in  Section
1 along with the size and number of Units of each of the Trusts.
 
    PART A-PAGES 1 - 6 et seq.--The following information for each Trust appears
on the pages relating to such trust:
 
       The  estimated daily accrual of interest  under the plans of distribution
       for each of the Trusts
 
       Data regarding the composition of the portfolio of each Trust
 
       Disclosure  regarding  the  states'  economic  and  legislative   matters
       relevant to investors of state trusts
 
       Concentrations of issues by purpose in each Trust
 
       The  approximate percentage of  the bonds in the  portfolio of each Trust
       acquired  in  distributions  where  the  Sponsor  was  either  the   sole
       underwriter or manager or member of the underwriting syndicate
 
       The percentage of "when issued" bonds in the portfolio of each Trust
 
       The schedule of investments for each Trust, including the notes thereto
 
       Descriptions of the opinions of the special tax counsel for state trusts
 
       The  Record Dates and  Distribution Dates for  interest distributions for
       each Trust
 
       The statements of condition  for each Trust  and the accountant's  report
       with regard thereto.
 
       The amount of the Trustee's Fee
 
CHAPMAN AND CUTLER
 
Chicago, Illinois
 
   
April 16, 1996
    


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