NUVEEN TAX EXEMPT UNIT TRUST SERIES 777
487, 1995-01-05
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<PAGE>


                                                      File No. 33-56805
                                                      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

A.  Exact name of Trust:     NUVEEN TAX-EXEMPT UNIT TRUST, SERIES 777

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:  Daniel C. Bird, Jr.
                             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 (date) pursuant to paragraph (b)

- -----
- -----    60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)

- -----
- -----    on (date) 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.
______
          Check box if it is proposed that this filing will become effective
  X       on 01/05/95 at 1:30 p.m. pursuant to Rule 487.
______



<PAGE>
   
                                JANUARY 5, 1995
                             SUBJECT TO COMPLETION
 
NUVEEN  Tax-Exempt Unit Trusts
             PROSPECTUS
            Series 777
             January 5, 1995
    
INTEREST  INCOME TO THE  TRUSTS 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.
 
   
THE NUVEEN  TAX-EXEMPT  UNIT TRUST,  SERIES  777 consists  of  three  underlying
separate  unit  investment  trusts  designated as  National  Insured  Trust 287,
Colorado Insured Trust  55 and Georgia  Insured Trust 42.  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 SCHEDULES  OF INVESTMENTS), the interest  on
which  is, in the  opinion of bond  counsel to the  issuers, exempt from Federal
income tax under existing law. In addition, the interest on Bonds in each  State
Trust  is, in  the opinion of  bond counsel  to the issuers  of the obligations,
exempt from  such  State's  income  taxes,  if  any.  All  obligations  in  each
Traditional  Trust are rated in the category  "A" or better by Standard & Poor's
Corporation or  Moody's Investors  Service, Inc.  on the  Date of  Deposit.  All
obligations  in each Insured Trust are covered by policies of insurance obtained
from the Municipal Bond Investors Assurance 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 Investors Service,  Inc. and  the Bonds in  the Insured  Trusts and  the
Units  of each such Trust  have received a rating of  "AAA" by Standard & Poor's
Corporation. INSURANCE RELATES ONLY TO THE  BONDS IN THE INSURED TRUSTS AND  NOT
TO THE UNITS OFFERED HEREBY OR TO THEIR MARKET VALUE. (See Section 5.)
    
 
THE  OBJECTIVES of the Trusts are  tax-exempt income and conservation of capital
through a diversified  investment in tax-exempt  Bonds. (SEE SECTIONS  2, 3  AND
11.)  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  the
Trusts' objectives will be achieved. (SEE PAGE A-1.)
 
DISTRIBUTIONS  of interest  received by  each Trust  will be  made semi-annually
unless the Unitholder elects to receive them monthly or quarterly. (SEE  SECTION
13.)  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 PAGE 3 AND
SECTION 9.)
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 SECTION 6.)  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 five  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 SECTION 6.)
 
A UNITHOLDER MAY REDEEM UNITS at the office of the Trustee, United States  Trust
Company of New York, 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  SECTION 19.)  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 SECTION 7.)
RETAIN THIS PROSPECTUS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
 
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                                             SECTION         PAGE
<C>   <S>                                              <C>        <C>
      SPECIFIC TRUST MATTERS
      National Insured Trust 287                              3         8-11
      Colorado Insured Trust 55                               3        12-19
      Georgia Insured Trust 42                                3        20-27
      GENERAL MATTERS
      Accrued Interest                                        8         A-17
      Accumulation Plan                                      14         A-24
      Bonds, How Selected                                     3            7
      Bonds, Initial Determination of Offering Price         10         A-19
      Bonds, Limited Right of Substitution                    4          A-7
      Bond Ratings                                            3         8-27
      Bonds, Removal from Trust                              21         A-33
      Call Provisions of Portfolio Bonds                   3, 4     8-27,A-8
      Capital Gains Taxability                               11         A-19
      Dealer Discount                                        17         A-29
      Description of Units of Trust                           1            5
      Distributions to Unitholders                           13         A-23
      Distribution Payment Dates                          3, 13   8-27, A-23
      Distribution of Units to the Public                    17         A-29
      Essential Information Regarding the Trusts             --            4
      Estimated Long Term Return and Estimated Current
      Return                                                  9      3, A-18
      Evaluation                                             16         A-28
      Expenses to Fund                                       12         A-22
      Insurance on Bonds in the Insured Trusts                5         A-10
      Insurance on Certain Bonds in the Traditional
      Trusts                                                  5         A-12
      Interest Income to Trust                                3         8-27
      Investments, Schedules of                               3         8-27
      Legality of Units                                      24         A-37
      Limitations on Liabilities of Sponsor and Trustee       22        A-34
      Market for Units                                        7         A-16
      Minimum Transaction                                    17         A-29
      Objectives of the Trusts                                2            6
      Optional Distribution Plan                             13         A-23
      Other Information                                      24         A-36
      Ownership and Transfer of Units                        18         A-30
      Public Offering Price of Units                          6         A-13
      Quantity Purchases                                      6         A-13
      Record Dates                                           13         A-23
      Ratings, Description of                                24         A-38
      Redemption of Units by Trustee                         19         A-31
      Reports to Unitholders                                 15         A-28
      Repurchase of Units by Sponsor                         20         A-33
      Risk Factors                                            3          A-1
      Sales Charge                                            6         A-13
      Sponsor, Information About                             23         A-35
      State Tax Status                                        3         8-27
      Successor Trustees and Sponsors                        22         A-34
      Tax Status of Unitholders                              11         A-19
      Trustee, Information About                             22         A-34
      Trust Indenture, Amendment and Termination             24         A-36
      Unit Value                                             16         A-28
</TABLE>
 
                  2
<PAGE>
                          ESTIMATED LONG TERM RETURNS
                                      AND
                    ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURNS FOR THE TRUSTS
 
Following  are the  Estimated Long Term  and Estimated Current  Returns for each
Trust on the  business day  prior to  the Date  of Deposit,  under the  monthly,
quarterly and semi-annual plans of distribution (SEE SECTION 3):
 
                          ESTIMATED LONG TERM RETURNS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
                                                ----------------------------------------
                    TRUST                       MONTHLY      QUARTERLY      SEMI-ANNUAL
  <S>                                           <C>          <C>            <C>
  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  National Insured Trust 287...............      6.22%         6.25%           6.27%
  Colorado Insured Trust 55................      6.03%         6.07%           6.09%
  Georgia Insured Trust 42.................      6.04%         6.08%           6.10%
</TABLE>
 
                           ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURNS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
                                                ----------------------------------------
                    TRUST                       MONTHLY      QUARTERLY      SEMI-ANNUAL
  <S>                                           <C>          <C>            <C>
  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  National Insured Trust 287...............      6.17%         6.20%           6.22%
  Colorado Insured Trust 55................      5.89%         5.92%           5.94%
  Georgia Insured Trust 42.................      6.02%         6.06%           6.08%
</TABLE>
 
    The  Estimated Long Term Return for each Trust is a measure of the return to
the investor 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 to
a  specified date of any premium over  or discount from the par (maturity) value
in the bond's  purchase price. In  calculating 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. Once the average portfolio yield is  computed,
this  figure is then reduced to reflect estimated expenses and the effect of the
maximum sales  charge paid  by investors.  The Estimated  Long Term  Return  and
Estimated  Current Return calculations do 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 Trust
may experience expenses and  portfolio changes different  from those assumed  in
the  calculation of Estimated Long  Term Return. There thus  can be no assurance
that the Estimated  Current Returns or  the Estimated Long  Term Returns  quoted
herein will be realized in the future. 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. For more  information,
see Section 9. 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.
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
   
                 ESSENTIAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE TRUSTS ON
                                JANUARY 4, 1995+
    
           Sponsor and Evaluator...... John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated
           Trustee........... United States Trust Company of New York
                  -------------------------------------------
 
The  income, expense and distribution data  set forth below have been calculated
for  Unitholders   receiving   MONTHLY   distributions.   Unitholders   choosing
distributions  quarterly or  semi-annually will receive  slightly higher returns
because of the lower Trustee's fees and expenses under such plans. (SEE  SECTION
3 FOR DATA RELATING TO THESE PLANS.)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       NATIONAL            COLORADO             GEORGIA
                                                        INSURED             INSURED             INSURED
                                                       TRUST 287           TRUST 55            TRUST 42
<S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                 <C>
                                                    ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
Principal Amount of Bonds in Trust................  $   10,000,000      $    3,500,000      $    3,500,000
Number of Units...................................         100,000              35,000              35,000
Fractional Undivided Interest in Trust Per Unit...       1/100,000            1/35,000            1/35,000
Public Offering Price--Less than 500 Units
    Aggregate Offering Price of Bonds in Trust....  $    9,609,035      $    3,308,620      $    3,363,990
    Divided by Number of Units....................  $        96.09      $        94.53      $        96.11
    Plus Sales Charge*............................  $         4.95      $         4.87      $         4.95
    Public Offering Price Per Unit(1).............  $       101.04      $        99.40      $       101.06
Redemption Price Per Unit (exclusive of accrued
  interest).......................................  $        95.60      $        94.10      $        95.59
Sponsor's Initial Repurchase Price Per Unit
  (exclusive of accrued interest).................  $        96.09      $        94.53      $        96.11
Excess of Public Offering Price Per Unit over
  Redemption Price Per Unit.......................  $         5.44      $         5.30      $         5.47
Excess of Public Offering Price Per Unit over
  Sponsor's Repurchase Price Per Unit.............  $         4.95      $         4.87      $         4.95
Calculation of Estimated Net Annual Interest
  Income Per Unit
    Annual Interest Income(2).....................  $       6.4650      $       6.0786      $       6.3357
    Less Estimated Annual Expense.................  $        .2316      $        .2270      $        .2472
                                                    ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
    Estimated Net Annual Interest Income(3).......  $       6.2334      $       5.8516      $       6.0885
Daily Rate of Accrual Per Unit....................  $       .01731      $       .01625      $       .01691
Estimated Current Return(4).......................           6.17%               5.89%               6.02%
Estimated Long Term Return(4).....................           6.22%               6.03%               6.04%
 
<FN>
- ----------
Evaluations  for purpose of sale,  purchase or redemption of  Units are made as of  4 p.m. Eastern time  on the business day next
following receipt of an order by the Sponsor or Trustee. (See Section 6.)
 + The business day prior to the Date of Deposit.
 * National and State, 5.152%;  Long Intermediate, 4.439%; Intermediate, 4.058%;  Short Intermediate, 3.093%; Short Term,  2.564%
   (4.9%, 4.25%, 3.9%, 3.0% and 2.5% of the Public Offering Prices, respectively.)
(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 five 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 Trusts  and, accordingly, for  Units purchased on  the Date of
    Deposit, the following  amounts of accrued  interest to  the Settlement Date  will be  added to the  Public Offering  Prices:
    National Insured Trust--$.12, Colorado Insured Trust--$.11 and Georgia Insured Trust--$.12. (See Section 8.)
(2)  Assumes delivery of  all Bonds. (See Section  4.) Interest income does  not include accretion of  original issue discount on
    "zero coupon" Bonds, Stripped Obligations or other original issue discount Bonds. (See "General Trust Information" in Section
    3.)
(3) The amount and timing of interest distributions from each Trust under the various plans of distribution are shown in  Section
    3.
(4)  Estimated Long Term Return  for each 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 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 page 3 and Section 9.
</TABLE>
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
                   ESSENTIAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE TRUSTS
                                  (CONTINUED)
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                         <C>
Record Dates............................................................See Section 13
Distribution Dates......................................................See Section 13
Minimum Principal Distribution..........................................$0.10 Per Unit
Date Trusts Established................................................January 5, 1995
Settlement Date.......................................................January 12, 1995
Mandatory Termination Date..............................................See Section 24
Minimum Value of Each Trust.............................................See Section 24
Sponsor's Annual Evaluation Fee.............$0.17 per $1,000 principal amount of Bonds
Trustee's Annual Fees:
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
                                                ------------------------------------------
                    TRUST                        MONTHLY       QUARTERLY      SEMI-ANNUAL
  -----------------------------------------     ----------     ----------     ------------
  <S>                                           <C>            <C>            <C>
  National Insured Trust 287...............     $  1.8712      $  1.5512      $   1.3612
  Colorado Insured Trust 55................        1.6389         1.3189          1.1289
  Georgia Insured Trust 42.................        1.8410         1.5210          1.3310
  ------------
  * Each Trustee 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.
</TABLE>
 
                          ---------------------------
 
THE NUVEEN TAX-EXEMPT UNIT TRUST
   
SERIES 777
    
 
   
1.  WHAT IS THE NUVEEN TAX-EXEMPT UNIT TRUST, SERIES 777?
    
 
   
Series  777 of the 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.  This  Series  consists  of  three
underlying separate unit investment trusts,  combined under one trust  indenture
and  agreement, designated National Insured Trust 287, Colorado Insured Trust 55
and Georgia Insured Trust  42. The various 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." THERE ARE NO TRADITIONAL TRUSTS  IN
THIS  SERIES. This Series  was created under the  laws of the  State of New York
pursuant to  a  Trust  Indenture  and  Agreement  dated  January  5,  1995  (the
"Indenture")  between John Nuveen & Co.  Incorporated (the "Sponsor") and United
States Trust Company of New York (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) in the  principal amount of  $17,000,000 (the "Bonds"),
which initially constitute the underlying securities of the
    
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
   
Trusts. Bonds  may  include  fixed rate  obligations  with  regularly  scheduled
interest  payments, zero coupon bonds  and stripped obligations, which represent
evidences of ownership interests with respect to either a principal payment or a
payment of interest  on a  tax-exempt obligation  ("Stripped Obligations").  See
"SUMMARY OF PORTFOLIOS" and "GENERAL TRUST INFORMATION" for a discussion of zero
coupon  bonds  and Stripped  Obligations. The  following principal  amounts were
deposited in each Trust: $10,000,000  in the National Insured Trust,  $3,500,000
in  the Colorado Insured Trust and $3,500,000 in the Georgia Insured Trust. 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  "Schedules of Investments"  and
Section  4. 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 Section 4.
    
 
    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 Section  5.) 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 for 100,000 Units
of the National Insured  Trust, 35,000 Units of  the Colorado Insured Trust  and
35,000 Units of the Georgia Insured Trust, which together represent ownership of
the  entire Series, 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 of 10 Units for each $1,000 principal value of
Bonds  initially deposited  in such  Trust. Only  Units of  the National Insured
Trust are  offered  for  sale  to Virginia  and  Washington  residents  by  this
Prospectus.
    
 
2.  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. Bonds in any State Trust have been issued
primarily  by  or on  behalf of  the State  for  which such  Trust is  named and
counties, municipalities, authorities  and political  subdivisions thereof,  the
interest  on which Bonds is, in the opinion of bond counsel, exempt from Federal
and certain state income tax and  intangibles taxes, if any, for purchasers  who
qualify  as residents of that State.  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 Municipal Bond
Investors  Assurance  Corporation,  and  as  a  result  of  such  insurance  the
obligations in the Insured Trusts are rated "Aaa" by Moody's Investors  Service,
Inc. and "AAA" by Standard & Poor's Corporation. (SEE SECTION 5) 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  Corporation  or  Moody's  Investors
Service,  Inc.  (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. (SEE
SECTION 3.) The  portfolios of National  and State Trusts  consist of  long-term
(approximately 15 to 40 year maturities) obligations; those of Long Intermediate
Trusts  consist  of  intermediate to  long  term  (approximately 11  to  19 year
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
maturities) obligations; those  of Intermediate Trusts  consist of  intermediate
term  (approximately  5  to  15 year  maturities)  obligations;  those  of Short
Intermediate Trusts consist of short to intermediate term (approximately 3 to  7
year  maturities) obligations; and  those of Short Term  Trusts consist of short
term (approximately 1 to 5 year maturities) obligations. 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 this Prospectus.
 
    Each Trust consists  of fixed-rate  municipal debt  obligations. Because  of
this  an investment in a Trust should be made with an understanding of the risks
which an investment in such debt obligations may entail, including the risk that
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. During the past decade, there have been substantial fluctuations
in  interest  rates, and,  accordingly, in  the value  of debt  obligations. The
Sponsor cannot predict whether such fluctuations will recur.
 
3.  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 Section  2
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 Municipal Bond Investors Assurance Corporation insurance on such
Bonds.
 
    In  order for Bonds in the Insured  Trusts to be eligible for Municipal Bond
Investors Assurance Corporation insurance, they must have credit characteristics
which, in the opinion of the  insurer, would qualify them as "investment  grade"
obligations.  Insurance is not a  substitute for the basic  credit of an issuer,
but supplements the existing credit  and provides additional security  therefor.
(SEE SECTION 5.)
 
    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. Under the Indenture,  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.
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
   
NATIONAL INSURED TRUST 287
    
   
    The  Portfolio  of  National Insured  Trust  287  consists of  12  long term
(approximately 15 to 40 year maturities) obligations issued by entities  located
in  9 states. One Bond in the Trust  is a general obligation of the governmental
entity issuing it and is backed by the taxing power thereof. Eleven Bonds in the
Trust 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 these  Bonds are divided  as follows:  Dedicated-Tax
Supported  Revenue,  3; College  and  University Revenue,  1;  Electrical System
Revenue, 2; Health Care Facility Revenue, 2; Transportation Facility Revenue, 1;
Municipal Lease Revenue, 1; Water and/or Sewer  Revenue, 1. All of the Bonds  in
the Trust, as insured, are rated AAA by Standard & Poor's Corporation and Aaa by
Moody's  Investors Service, Inc.  Twenty-two percent of  the principal amount of
Bonds in  the Trust  consists of  issues of  entities located  in the  State  of
Illinois;  such  concentration may  involve more  risk than  if such  Bonds were
issued by issuers located in several states.
    
 
   
    At the Date of Deposit,  the average maturity of  the Bonds in the  National
Insured  Trust is 27.3  years. The average maturity  of the Bonds  in a Trust is
calculated based upon the stated maturities of the Bonds in such 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 the Bonds in a Trust may  increase or decrease from time to time as
Bonds mature or are called or sold.
    
 
    Approximately 21% of  the aggregate  principal amount  of the  Bonds in  the
Trust  consists of obligations  of issuers whose  revenues are primarily derived
from the sale of electric energy.
 
    Approximately 25% of  the aggregate  principal amount  of the  Bonds in  the
Trust  consists of obligations supported by tax revenues specifically pledged to
secure the obligations.
 
    Approximately 20% of  the aggregate  principal amount  of the  Bonds in  the
Trust  consists of obligations  of issuers whose  revenues are primarily derived
from services provided by hospitals or other health care facilities.
 
    For a discussion of  the risks associated with  investments in the bonds  of
various issuers, see "General Trust Information" in this section.
 
   
    The  Sponsor entered into contracts to acquire the Bonds on January 4, 1995.
The following summarizes certain information about the Bonds as of the  business
day prior to the Date of Deposit:
    
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TRUSTEE'S
                                                               DETERMINATION OF OFFERING PRICE AND
   COST TO    PROFIT (OR LOSS)   ANNUAL INTEREST   BID PRICE              THE BID PRICE
   SPONSOR       TO SPONSOR      INCOME TO TRUST    OF BONDS       (AS % OF PRINCIPAL AMOUNT)
  ----------  -----------------  ----------------  ----------  -----------------------------------
  <S>         <C>                <C>               <C>         <C>
  $9,572,237       $36,798           $646,500      $9,559,704                 .49%
</TABLE>
 
   
    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.  An  underwriter  or  underwriting
syndicate purchases bonds  from the issuer  on a negotiated  or competitive  bid
basis  as principal with  the motive of  marketing such bonds  to investors at a
profit. The Sponsor participated as either the sole underwriter or manager or as
a member of the syndicates which were the original underwriters of 10.9% of  the
aggregate principal amount of the Bonds.
    
 
    Unitholders  may elect  to have  interest distributions  made on  a monthly,
quarterly or semi-annual basis. The interest on the Bonds initially deposited in
the National Insured
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
   
Trust, less estimated expenses,  is estimated to accrue  at the rate of  $.01745
per  Unit per day under  the semi-annual plan of  distribution, $.01740 per Unit
per day under the quarterly  plan of distribution and  $.01731 per Unit per  day
under  the monthly plan  of distribution. 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.
    
 
    Details  of interest  distributions per Unit  of the  National Insured 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
NATIONAL INSURED TRUST                                            1995                               PER YEAR
<S>                                     <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>        <C>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  --------------
Record Date*..........................        2/1            5/1            8/1           11/1
Distribution Date.....................       2/15           5/15           8/15          11/15
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monthly Distribution Plan.............  $   .4500(1)                                              $  6.2334
                                                        --------  $.5193 every month  --------
Quarterly Distribution Plan...........  $   .4500(1)   $  1.5660(2)   $  1.5660      $  1.5660    $  6.2654
Semi-Annual Distribution Plan.........  $   .4500(1)   $  1.5705(3)                  $  3.1410    $  6.2844
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<FN>
 *  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.
(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) Regular 3-month distribution.
(3)  The second distribution  under the semi-annual distribution  plan represents a  3-month distribution; subsequent semi-annual
    distributions will be regular 6-month distributions.
</TABLE>
 
    The accrual amounts set forth above, and  in turn 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.
 
TAX STATUS--NATIONAL INSURED TRUST
 
    For a discussion  of the  tax status of  income earned  on National  Insured
Trust Units, see Section 11.
 
NATIONALLY DIVERSIFIED TRUST TAXABLE ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN TABLE
(NATIONAL TRADITIONAL TRUST)
 
    The  following tables show the approximate taxable estimated current returns
for individuals  that are  equivalent to  tax-exempt estimated  current  returns
under  published  1995  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.
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
  MARGINAL FEDERAL TAX RATES FOR JOINT TAXPAYERS WITH FOUR PERSONAL EXEMPTIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  FEDERAL
    FEDERAL      ADJUSTED
    TAXABLE        GROSS                                   TAX-EXEMPT ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN
    INCOME        INCOME        FEDERAL       --------------------------------------------------------------
   (1,000'S)     (1,000'S)     TAX RATE1      5.75%   6.00%   6.25%   6.50%   6.75%   7.00%   7.25%   7.50%
 ------------- -------------  -----------     ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------
 <S>           <C>            <C>             <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
 $     0- 39.0 $     0-114.7      15.0   %     6.76    7.06    7.35    7.65    7.94    8.24    8.53    8.82
    39.0- 94.3       0-114.7      28.0         7.99    8.33    8.68    9.03    9.38    9.72   10.07   10.42
                 114.7-172.1      29.0         8.10    8.45    8.80    9.15    9.51    9.86   10.21   10.56
    94.3-143.6       0-114.7      31.0         8.33    8.70    9.06    9.42    9.78   10.14   10.51   10.87
                 114.7-172.1      32.0         8.46    8.82    9.19    9.56    9.93   10.29   10.66   11.03
                 172.1-294.6      34.5         8.78    9.16    9.54    9.92   10.31   10.69   11.07   11.45
   143.6-256.5   114.7-172.1      37.0         9.13    9.52    9.92   10.32   10.71   11.11   11.51   11.90
                 172.1-294.6      40.0         9.58   10.00   10.42   10.83   11.25   11.67   12.08   12.50
                  Over 294.6      37.0   2     9.13    9.52    9.92   10.32   10.71   11.11   11.51   11.90
    Over 256.5   172.1-294.6      44.0        10.27   10.71   11.16   11.61   12.05   12.50   12.95   13.39
                  Over 294.6      41.0   3     9.75   10.17   10.59   11.02   11.44   11.86   12.29   12.71
</TABLE>
 
  MARGINAL FEDERAL TAX RATES FOR SINGLE TAXPAYERS WITH ONE PERSONAL EXEMPTION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  FEDERAL
    FEDERAL      ADJUSTED
    TAXABLE        GROSS                                   TAX-EXEMPT ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN
    INCOME        INCOME        FEDERAL       --------------------------------------------------------------
   (1,000'S)     (1,000'S)     TAX RATE1      5.75%   6.00%   6.25%   6.50%   6.75%   7.00%   7.25%   7.50%
 ------------- -------------  -----------     ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------
 <S>           <C>            <C>             <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
 $     0- 23.4 $     0-114.7      15.0   %     6.76    7.06    7.35    7.65    7.94    8.24    8.53    8.82
    23.4- 56.6       0-114.7      28.0         7.99    8.33    8.68    9.03    9.38    9.72   10.07   10.42
    56.6-118.0       0-114.7      31.0         8.33    8.70    9.06    9.42    9.78   10.14   10.51   10.87
                 114.7-237.2      32.5         8.52    8.89    9.26    9.63   10.00   10.37   10.74   11.11
   118.0-256.5   114.7-237.2      38.0         9.27    9.68   10.08   10.48   10.89   11.29   11.69   12.10
                  Over 237.2      37.0   2     9.13    9.52    9.92   10.32   10.71   11.11   11.51   11.90
    Over 256.5    Over 237.2      41.0   3     9.75   10.17   10.59   11.02   11.44   11.86   12.29   12.71
<FN>
- ------------------
      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.
</TABLE>
 
    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
the 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 Trust  are
described more fully elsewhere in this Prospectus.
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
   
NUVEEN TAX-EXEMPT UNIT TRUST
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS AT DATE OF DEPOSIT
JANUARY 5, 1995
NATIONAL INSURED TRUST 287
(SERIES 777)
    
 
<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(4)
<C>          <C> <S>                                              <C>                <C>         <C>        <C>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 1,000,000      State Public Works Board of the State of            2004 at 102        AAA         Aaa     $     1,015,930
                   California, Lease Revenue Bonds (Department
                   of Corrections), 1994 Series A (California
                   State Prison-Monterey County (Soledad II)),
                   7.00% Due 11/1/19.
    500,000      City of Chicago (Illinois), Wastewater              2005 at 102        AAA         Aaa             473,240
                   Transmission Revenue Bonds, Series 1994,
                   6.375% Due 1/1/24.
    750,000      Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority          2003 at 102        AAA         Aaa             715,943
                   (Illinois), McCormick Place Expansion Project
                   Bonds, Series 1992A, 6.50% Due 6/15/27.
  1,000,000      Regional Transportation Authority (Cook,            2004 at 102        AAA         Aaa           1,023,450
                   DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will
                   Counties, Illinois), General Obligation
                   Bonds, Series 1994C, 7.10% Due 6/1/25.
    500,000      Whitley County Middle School Building               2004 at 102        AAA         Aaa             472,425
                   Corporation, First Mortgage Bonds, Series
                   1994, Columbia City, Indiana, 6.25% Due
                   7/15/15. (General Obligation Bonds.)
  1,000,000      Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government           2004 at 102        AAA         Aaa           1,000,000
                   (Kentucky), Governmental Project Revenue
                   Bonds, Series 1994 (University of Kentucky
                   Alumni Association, Inc. Commonwealth Library
                   Project), 6.75% Due 11/1/24.
  1,000,000      The Pollution Control Financing Authority of        2004 at 102        AAA         Aaa             979,740
                   Salem County (New Jersey), Pollution Control
                   Revenue Refunding Bonds, 1994 Series D
                   (Public Service Electric and Gas Company
                   Project), 6.55% Due 10/1/29.
    375,000      Metropolitan Transportation Authority, New        2004 at 101 1/2      AAA         Aaa             363,068
                   York, Commuter Facilities Revenue Bonds,
                   Series 1994A, 6.50% Due 7/1/24.
    785,000      Pennsylvania Intergovernmental Cooperation          2003 at 100        AAA         Aaa             689,583
                   Authority, Special Tax Revenue Bonds (City of
                   Philadelphia Funding Program), Series of
                   1993, 5.60% Due 6/15/15.
  1,000,000      Harris County Health Facilities (Texas),            2004 at 101        AAA         Aaa             945,920
                   Development Corporation Hospital Revenue
                   Bonds (Hermann Hospital), Series 1994, 6.375%
                   Due 10/1/24.
  1,000,000      Bexar County (Texas), Health Facilities             2004 at 102        AAA         Aaa             993,960
                   Development Corporation, Hospital Revenue
                   Bonds (Baptist Memorial Hospital System
                   Project), Series 1994, 6.75% Due 8/15/19.
  1,090,000      Washington Public Power Supply System, Nuclear      2003 at 102        AAA         Aaa             935,776
                   Project No. 1 Refunding Revenue Bonds, Series
                   1993B, 5.60% Due 7/1/15.
- -----------                                                                                                 ---------------
$10,000,000                                                                                                 $     9,609,035
- -----------                                                                                                 ---------------
- -----------                                                                                                 ---------------
</TABLE>
 
See Notes to Schedules of Investments, page 28.
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
   
COLORADO INSURED TRUST 55
    
 
   
    The  Portfolio of Colorado Insured Trust 55 consists of 6 obligations issued
by entities located in Colorado and  one obligation issued by an entity  located
in  the  Territory  of  Puerto  Rico.  Three  Bonds  in  the  Trust  are general
obligations of the  governmental entities  issuing them  and are  backed by  the
taxing  powers thereof. Four Bonds in the  Trust 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 these
Bonds are divided  as follows: College  and University Revenue,  1; Health  Care
Facility  Revenue, 2;  Water and/or Sewer  Revenue, 1.  All of the  Bonds in the
Trust, as insured, are  rated AAA by  Standard & Poor's  Corporation and Aaa  by
Moody's Investors Service, Inc.
    
 
   
    At  the Date of Deposit,  the average maturity of  the Bonds in the Colorado
Insured Trust is 20.8  years. The average  maturity of the Bonds  in a Trust  is
calculated based upon the stated maturities of the Bonds in such 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 the Bonds in a Trust may  increase or decrease from time to time  as
Bonds mature or are called or sold.
    
 
    Approximately  29% of  the aggregate  principal amount  of the  Bonds in the
Trust consists of obligations  of issuers whose  revenues are primarily  derived
from services provided by hospitals or other health care facilities.
 
    For  a discussion of the  risks associated with investments  in the bonds of
various issuers, see "General Trust Information" in this section.
 
   
    The Sponsor entered into contracts to  acquire the Bonds between January  3,
1995 and January 4, 1995. The following summarizes certain information about the
Bonds as of the business day prior to the Date of Deposit:
    
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TRUSTEE'S
                                                               DETERMINATION OF OFFERING PRICE AND
   COST TO    PROFIT (OR LOSS)   ANNUAL INTEREST   BID PRICE              THE BID PRICE
   SPONSOR       TO SPONSOR      INCOME TO TRUST    OF BONDS       (AS % OF PRINCIPAL AMOUNT)
  ----------  -----------------  ----------------  ----------  -----------------------------------
  <S>         <C>                <C>               <C>         <C>
  $3,292,188       $16,432           $212,750      $3,293,620                 .43%
</TABLE>
 
    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.  An  underwriter  or  underwriting
syndicate purchases bonds  from the issuer  on a negotiated  or competitive  bid
basis  as principal with  the motive of  marketing such bonds  to investors at a
profit. 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.
 
   
    Unitholders may  elect to  have interest  distributions made  on a  monthly,
quarterly or semi-annual basis. The interest on the Bonds initially deposited in
the  Colorado Insured Trust, less estimated  expenses, is estimated to accrue at
the rate of $.01639 per Unit per day under the semi-annual plan of distribution,
$.01634 per Unit per  day under the quarterly  plan of distribution and  $.01625
per  Unit per day under the monthly plan of distribution. 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.
    
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
    Details of interest  distributions per  Unit of the  Colorado Insured  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
COLORADO INSURED TRUST                                            1995                               PER YEAR
<S>                                     <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>        <C>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  --------------
Record Date*..........................        2/1            5/1            8/1           11/1
Distribution Date.....................       2/15           5/15           8/15          11/15
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monthly Distribution Plan.............  $   .4225(1)                                              $  5.8516
                                                        --------  $.4875 every month  --------
Quarterly Distribution Plan...........  $   .4225(1)   $  1.4706(2)   $  1.4706      $  1.4706    $  5.8836
Semi-Annual Distribution Plan.........  $   .4225(1)   $  1.4751(3)                  $  2.9502    $  5.9026
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<FN>
 * 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.
(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) Regular 3-month distribution.
(3) The second distribution  under the semi-annual  distribution plan represents a  3-month distribution; subsequent  semi-annual
    distributions will be regular 6-month distributions.
</TABLE>
 
    The  accrual amounts set forth above, and  in turn 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.
 
TAX STATUS--COLORADO INSURED TRUST
 
    For  a discussion  of the  Federal tax status  of income  earned on Colorado
Insured Trust Units, see Section 11.
 
    In the opinion of Sherman &  Howard L.L.C., special Colorado counsel to  the
Series, under existing law:
 
        A  Colorado Insured Trust will consist  of obligations which were issued
    by the State  of Colorado  or its political  subdivisions or  by the  United
    States or possessions of the United States including Puerto Rico, the Virgin
    Islands and Guam ("Colorado Bonds").
 
        Because  Colorado income tax  law is based  upon the Federal  law and in
    light of the opinion  of Chapman and Cutler,  the Colorado Insured Trust  is
    not  an association taxable as a corporation for purposes of Colorado income
    taxation.
 
        With respect  to  Colorado  Unitholders, in  view  of  the  relationship
    between  Federal  and  Colorado  tax computations  described  above  and the
    opinion of Chapman and Cutler referred to above:
 
        Each Colorado Unitholder will be treated as owning a share of each asset
    of the  Colorado Insured  Trust for  Colorado income  tax purposes,  in  the
    proportion  that the number of Units of such  Trust held by him bears to the
    total number of  outstanding Units of  the Colorado Insured  Trust, and  the
    income of the Colorado Insured Trust will therefore be treated as the income
    of each Colorado Unitholder under Colorado law in the proportion described.
 
        Interest  on Colorado Bonds that would not be subject to Colorado income
    tax or Colorado  alternative minimum tax  when paid directly  to a  Colorado
    Unitholder will not be subject to Colorado income tax or alternative minimum
    tax when received by the
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
    Colorado  Insured Trust and attributed to  such Colorado Unitholder and when
    distributed to such Colorado Unitholder.
 
        Any proceeds paid under an insurance policy issued to the issuer of  the
    Colorado  Bonds involved, to the Depositor  prior to deposit of the Colorado
    Bonds in the Colorado Insured Trust, or to the Colorado Insured Trust, which
    proceeds represent maturing interest on  defaulted Colorado Bonds and  which
    proceeds  would not be subject to Colorado income tax or alternative minimum
    tax when  paid directly  to a  Colorado Unitholder  will not  be subject  to
    Colorado  income and alternative  minimum tax when  received by the Colorado
    Insured  Trust  and  attributed  to   such  Colorado  Unitholder  and   when
    distributed to such Colorado Unitholder.
 
        Each  Colorado Unitholder will realize gain  or loss taxable in Colorado
    when the Colorado  Insured Trust  disposes of  a Colorado  Bond (whether  by
    sale,  exchange, redemption  or payment  at maturity)  or when  the Colorado
    Unitholder redeems or sells Units at a price that differs from original cost
    as adjusted for  amortization of bond  discount or premium  and other  basis
    adjustments (including any basis reduction that may be required to reflect a
    Colorado  Unitholder's share of interest, if any, accruing on Colorado Bonds
    during the interval  between the Colorado  Unitholder's settlement date  and
    the date such Colorado Bonds are delivered to the Colorado Insured Trust, if
    later).
 
        Tax cost reduction requirements relating to amortization of bond premium
    may, under some circumstances, result in Colorado Unitholders realizing gain
    taxable  in Colorado  when their  Units are sold  or redeemed  for an amount
    equal to or less than their original cost.
 
        If  interest  on  indebtedness  incurred  or  continued  by  a  Colorado
    Unitholder to purchase Units in the Colorado Insured Trust is not deductible
    for  Federal income  tax purposes,  it will  not be  deductible for Colorado
    income tax purposes.
 
ECONOMIC FACTORS--COLORADO
 
    RESTRICTIONS  ON  APPROPRIATIONS  AND  REVENUES.    The  State  Constitution
requires  that expenditures  for any  fiscal year  not exceed  revenues for such
fiscal year.  By statute,  the amount  of General  Fund revenues  available  for
appropriation  is  based  upon  revenue  estimates  which,  together  with other
available resources,  must exceed  annual appropriations  by the  amount of  the
unappropriated   reserve  (the  "Unappropriated  Reserve").  The  Unappropriated
Reserve requirement for fiscal years 1991, 1992 and 1993 was set at 3% of  total
appropriations  from the General Fund. For fiscal years 1994 and thereafter, the
Unappropriated  Reserve  retirement   is  set   at  4%.  In   addition  to   the
Unappropriated  Reserve, a constitutional amendment  approved by Colorado voters
in 1992  requires the  State and  each  local government  to reserve  a  certain
percentage  of  its fiscal  year spending  (excluding  bonded debt  service) for
emergency use (the "Emergency Reserve"). The minimum Emergency Reserve is set at
2% for  1994  and  3% for  1995  and  later  years. For  fiscal  year  1992  and
thereafter, General Fund appropriations are also limited by statute to an amount
equal  to  the  cost  of performing  certain  required  reappraisals  of taxable
property plus an  amount equal to  the lesser  of (i) five  percent of  Colorado
personal  income or (ii) 106%  of the total General  Fund appropriations for the
previous fiscal  year. This  restriction  does not  apply  to any  General  Fund
appropriations  which are  required as a  result of  a new federal  law, a final
state or federal court order or moneys derived from the increase in the rate  or
amount  of any tax or  fee approved by a majority  of the registered electors of
the State voting at any general
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
election. In  addition,  the  statutory  limit on  the  level  of  General  Fund
appropriations may be exceeded for a given fiscal year upon the declaration of a
State fiscal emergency by the State General Assembly.
 
    The  1992 fiscal year ending General  Fund balance was $133.3 million, which
was $49.1 million over the  Unappropriated Reserve requirement. The 1993  fiscal
year  ending General Fund balance was $326.6 million, or $196.7 million over the
required Unappropriated Reserve and Emergency  Reserve. Based on June 20,  1994,
estimates,  the 1994 fiscal year  ending General Fund balance  is expected to be
$337.7 million, or $224.3 million  over the required Unappropriated Reserve  and
Emergency Reserve.
 
    On  November 3, 1992, voters in Colorado approved a constitutional amendment
(the "Amendment") which,  in general,  became effective December  31, 1992,  and
could  restrict  the ability  of  the State  and  local governments  to increase
revenues and impose  taxes. The  Amendment applies to  the State  and all  local
governments, including home rule entities ("Districts"). Enterprises, defined as
government-owned  businesses  authorized to  issue  revenue bonds  and receiving
under 10%  of  annual  revenue in  grants  from  all Colorado  state  and  local
governments combined, are excluded from the provisions of the Amendment.
 
    The  provisions  of  the Amendment  are  unclear and  will  probably require
judicial interpretation. Among other provisions, beginning November 4, 1992, the
Amendment requires voter approval prior to  tax increases, creation of debt,  or
mill levy or valuation for assessment ratio increases. The Amendment also limits
increases  in  government  spending  and  property  tax  revenues  to  specified
percentages. The Amendment requires that District property tax revenues yield no
more than  the prior  year's  revenues adjusted  for inflation,  voter  approved
changes  and (except with  regard to school districts)  local growth in property
values according to a formula set  forth in the Amendment. School districts  are
allowed  to adjust tax levies for changes in student enrollment. Pursuant to the
Amendment, local government spending is to be limited by the same formula as the
limitation  for  property  tax  revenues.  The  Amendment  limits  increases  in
expenditures  from the State  General Fund and program  revenues (cash funds) to
the growth in inflation  plus the percentage change  in State population in  the
prior  calendar  year. The  bases for  initial spending  and revenue  limits are
fiscal year 1992 spending and 1991  property taxes collected in 1992. The  bases
for spending and revenue limits for fiscal year 1994 and later years will be the
prior  fiscal year's spending and property taxes collected in the prior calendar
year. Debt service  changes, reductions and  voter-approved revenue changes  are
excluded  from  the  calculation  bases. The  Amendment  also  prohibits  new or
increased real property transfer  tax rates, new State  real property taxes  and
local District income taxes.
 
    Litigation concerning several issues relating to the Amendment is pending in
the  Colorado  courts. The  litigation deals  with  three principal  issues: (i)
whether Districts  can increase  mill  levies to  pay  debt service  on  general
obligation  bonds without  obtaining voter  approval; (ii)  whether a multi-year
lease-purchase agreement subject to annual appropriations is an obligation which
requires voter approval  prior to  execution of  the agreement;  and (iii)  what
constitutes  an  "enterprise"  which  is excluded  from  the  provisions  of the
Amendment. In September, 1994,  the Colorado Supreme  Court held that  Districts
can  increase mill levies to pay debt service on general obligation bonds issued
after the  effective  date of  the  Amendment; litigation  regarding  mill  levy
increases to pay general obligation bonds issued prior to the Amendment is still
pending. Various cases addressing the remaining issues are
 
                                       15
<PAGE>
at  different stages  in the  trial and appellate  process. The  outcome of such
litigation cannot be predicted at this time.
 
    According to the COLORADO ECONOMIC PERSPECTIVE, FOURTH QUARTER, FY  1993-94,
JUNE  20,  1994  (the  "Economic  Report"),  inflation  for  1992  was  3.8% and
population grew  at  the  rate  of 2.8%  in  Colorado.  Accordingly,  under  the
Amendment,  increases in State expenditures during  the 1994 fiscal year will be
limited to 6.6% over  expenditures during the 1993  fiscal year. The  limitation
for  the 1995 fiscal year is projected  to be 7.1%, based on projected inflation
of 4.2% for 1993 and projected population  growth of 2.9% during 1993. The  1993
fiscal  year is the base year for calculating the limitation for the 1994 fiscal
year. For the 1993 fiscal year, General Fund revenues totalled $3,443.3  million
and  program revenues (cash funds) totalled $1,617.6 million, resulting in total
estimated base revenues of  $5,060.9 million. Expenditures  for the 1994  fiscal
year,  therefore, cannot exceed $5,394.9 million.  However, the 1994 fiscal year
General Fund and program revenues (cash funds) are projected to be only $5,242.8
million, or $152.1  million less  than expenditures allowed  under the  spending
limitation.
 
    There  is also a statutory restriction on  the amount of annual increases in
taxes that  the  various  taxing  jurisdictions in  Colorado  can  levy  without
electoral  approval.  This restriction  does not  apply to  taxes levied  to pay
general obligation debt.
 
    STATE FINANCES.    As  the  State  experienced  revenue  shortfalls  in  the
mid-1980s,  it adopted various  measures, including impoundment  of funds by the
Governor, reduction  of  appropriations by  the  General Assembly,  a  temporary
increase  in the  sales tax, deferral  of certain tax  reductions and inter-fund
borrowings. On a GAAP basis, the State had unrestricted General Fund balances at
June 30 of approximately $100.3 million  in fiscal year 1988, $134.4 million  in
fiscal  year 1989, $116.6 million  in fiscal year 1990,  $16.3 million in fiscal
year 1991, $133.3 million in fiscal year 1992, and $326.6 million in fiscal year
1993. The fiscal year 1994 unrestricted General Fund ending balance is currently
projected to be $337.7 million.
 
    For fiscal year 1993, the  following tax categories generated the  following
percentages  of the  State's $3,443.3  million total  gross receipts: individual
income taxes represented 51.1% of gross  fiscal year 1993 receipts; sales,  use,
and other excise taxes represented 31.3% of gross fiscal year 1993 receipts; and
corporate  income taxes represented 4.0% of gross fiscal year 1993 receipts. The
final  budget  for  fiscal   year  1994  projects   General  Fund  revenues   of
approximately  $3,570.8  million  and appropriations  of  approximately $3,556.8
million. The percentages of  General Fund revenue generated  by type of tax  for
fiscal year 1994 are not expected to be significantly different from fiscal year
1993 percentages.
 
    STATE  DEBT.  Under its constitution, the State of Colorado is not permitted
to issue general obligation bonds  secured by the full  faith and credit of  the
State.  However,  certain  agencies  and  instrumentalities  of  the  State  are
authorized to  issue  bonds  secured  by revenues  from  specific  projects  and
activities.  The State enters into certain  lease transactions which are subject
to annual  renewal  at the  option  of the  State.  In addition,  the  State  is
authorized  to issue  short-term revenue anticipation  notes. Local governmental
units in the State are also  authorized to incur indebtedness. The major  source
of  financing for such  local government indebtedness is  an ad valorem property
tax. In addition, in order to finance public projects, local governments in  the
State  can  issue  revenue bonds  payable  from  the revenues  of  a  utility or
enterprise or from the  proceeds of an excise  tax, or assessment bonds  payable
from  special assessments.  Colorado local  governments can  also finance public
 
                                       16
<PAGE>
projects through leases which are subject to annual appropriation at the  option
of   the  local  government.  Local  governments  in  Colorado  also  issue  tax
anticipation notes. The Amendment requires prior voter approval for the creation
of any  multiple fiscal  year  debt or  other financial  obligation  whatsoever,
except for refundings at a lower rate or obligations of an enterprise.
 
    STATE  ECONOMY.  Based on data published by the State of Colorado, Office of
State Planning and Budgeting  as presented in the  Economic Report, over 50%  of
non-agricultural  employment in Colorado in 1993  was concentrated in the retail
and wholesale trade and service sectors, reflecting the importance of tourism to
the State's economy and of Denver as a regional economic and transportation hub.
The government  and  manufacturing sectors  followed  as the  fourth  and  fifth
largest  employment sectors in  the State, representing  approximately 17.8% and
11.3%, respectively, of non-agricultural  employment in the  State in 1993.  The
Office  of Planning and  Budgeting projects similar  concentrations for 1994 and
1995.
 
    According to the  Economic Report, the  unemployment rate improved  slightly
from  an average  of 5.9% during  1992 to  5.2% during 1993.  Total retail sales
increased by 9.7% during 1993. Colorado continued to surpass the job growth rate
of the U.S.,  with a  3.4% rate  of growth projected  for Colorado  in 1994,  as
compared with 2.2% for the nation as a whole. However, the rate of job growth in
Colorado is expected to decline in 1995, primarily due to the completion in 1994
of  large public  works projects,  such as  Denver International  Airport, Coors
Baseball Field, and the Denver Public Library renovation project.
 
    Personal income rose 7.6% in Colorado  during 1992 and 5.5% in 1991.  During
1993,  personal income  rose 7.4%  in Colorado,  as compared  with 4.7%  for the
nation as a whole.
 
    Economic conditions  in  the State  may  have continuing  effects  on  other
governmental  units within the State (including issuers of the Colorado Bonds in
the Colorado Insured Trust),  which, to varying  degrees, have also  experienced
reduced revenues as a result of recessionary conditions and other factors.
 
COLORADO 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 1995 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.  For
cases  in which more than one state  bracket falls within a Federal bracket, the
highest state bracket is combined with  the Federal bracket. The combined  state
and  Federal tax  brackets shown  reflect the fact  that state  tax payments are
currently deductible for Federal  tax purposes. 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.
 
                                       17
<PAGE>
 COMBINED MARGINAL TAX RATES FOR JOINT TAXPAYERS WITH FOUR PERSONAL EXEMPTIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  FEDERAL
    FEDERAL      ADJUSTED      COMBINED
    TAXABLE        GROSS       STATE AND                   TAX-EXEMPT ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN
    INCOME        INCOME        FEDERAL       --------------------------------------------------------------
   (1,000'S)     (1,000'S)     TAX RATE1      5.25%   5.50%   5.75%   6.00%   6.25%   6.50%   6.75%   7.00%
 ------------- -------------  -----------     ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------
 <S>           <C>            <C>             <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
 $     0- 39.0 $     0-114.7      19.5   %     6.52    6.83    7.14    7.45    7.76    8.07    8.39    8.70
    39.0- 94.3       0-114.7      31.5         7.66    8.03    8.39    8.76    9.12    9.49    9.85   10.22
                 114.7-172.1      32.5         7.78    8.15    8.52    8.89    9.26    9.63   10.00   10.37
    94.3-143.6       0-114.7      34.5         8.02    8.40    8.78    9.16    9.54    9.92   10.31   10.69
                 114.7-172.1      35.5         8.14    8.53    8.91    9.30    9.69   10.08   10.47   10.85
                 172.1-294.6      37.5         8.40    8.80    9.20    9.60   10.00   10.40   10.80   11.20
   143.6-256.5   114.7-172.1      40.0         8.75    9.17    9.58   10.00   10.42   10.83   11.25   11.67
                 172.1-294.6      43.0         9.21    9.65   10.09   10.53   10.96   11.40   11.84   12.28
                  Over 294.6      40.0   2     8.75    9.17    9.58   10.00   10.42   10.83   11.25   11.67
    Over 256.5   172.1-294.6      47.0         9.91   10.38   10.85   11.32   11.79   12.26   12.74   13.21
                  Over 294.6      44.0   3     9.38    9.82   10.27   10.71   11.16   11.61   12.05   12.50
</TABLE>
 
  COMBINED MARGINAL TAX RATES FOR SINGLE TAXPAYERS WITH ONE PERSONAL EXEMPTION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  FEDERAL
    FEDERAL      ADJUSTED      COMBINED
    TAXABLE        GROSS       STATE AND                   TAX-EXEMPT ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN
    INCOME        INCOME        FEDERAL       --------------------------------------------------------------
   (1,000'S)     (1,000'S)     TAX RATE1      5.25%   5.50%   5.75%   6.00%   6.25%   6.50%   6.75%   7.00%
 ------------- -------------  -----------     ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------
 <S>           <C>            <C>             <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
 $     0- 23.4 $     0-114.7      19.5   %     6.52    6.83    7.14    7.45    7.76    8.07    8.39    8.70
    23.4- 56.6       0-114.7      31.5         7.66    8.03    8.39    8.76    9.12    9.49    9.85   10.22
    56.6-118.0       0-114.7      34.5         8.02    8.40    8.78    9.16    9.54    9.92   10.31   10.69
                 114.7-237.2      36.0         8.20    8.59    8.98    9.38    9.77   10.16   10.55   10.94
   118.0-256.5   114.7-237.2      41.0         8.90    9.32    9.75   10.17   10.59   11.02   11.44   11.86
                  Over 237.2      40.0   2     8.75    9.17    9.58   10.00   10.42   10.83   11.25   11.67
    Over 256.5    Over 237.2      44.0   3     9.38    9.82   10.27   10.71   11.16   11.61   12.05   12.50
<FN>
- ------------------
 
      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.
</TABLE>
 
    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
the 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 Trust  are
described more fully elsewhere in this Prospectus.
 
                                       18
<PAGE>
   
NUVEEN TAX-EXEMPT UNIT TRUST
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS AT DATE OF DEPOSIT
JANUARY 5, 1995
COLORADO INSURED TRUST 55
(SERIES 777)
    
 
<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(4)
<C>          <C> <S>                                              <C>                <C>         <C>        <C>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$   500,000      Board of Trustees of the State Colleges in          2004 at 101        AAA         Aaa     $       451,165
                   Colorado, Adams State College Project, Series
                   A 1994, 5.70% Due 5/15/14.
    500,000      Colorado Health Facilities Authority, Hospital      2003 at 102        AAA         Aaa             464,220
                   Revenue Bonds (North Colorado Medical
                   Center), Series 1993, 5.95% Due 5/15/12.
    500,000      Colorado Health Facilities Authority, Refunding     2003 at 102        AAA         Aaa             410,310
                   Revenue Bonds (Rose Medical Center Project),
                   Series 1993, 5.00% Due 8/15/13.
    500,000      Douglas County School District, Number RE.1,        2004 at 101        AAA         Aaa             497,085
                   Douglas and Elbert Counties, Colorado,
                   General Obligation Improvement Bonds, Series
                   1994A, 6.50% Due 12/15/16.
    500,000      El Paso County School District No. 12-Cheyenne      2005 at 100        AAA         Aaa             505,650
                   Mountain, El Paso County, Colorado, General
                   Obligation Improvement Bonds, Series 1994,
                   6.65% Due 9/15/14.
    500,000      City of Westminster, Colorado, Water and            2004 at 100        AAA         Aaa             483,405
                   Wastewater Utility Enterprise, Water and
                   Wastewater Revenue Bonds, Series 1994, 6.25%
                   Due 12/1/14.
    500,000      Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Public Improvement   2004 at 101 1/2      AAA         Aaa             496,785
                   Bonds of 1994 (General Obligation Bonds),
                   6.50% Due 7/1/23.
- -----------                                                                                                 ---------------
$ 3,500,000                                                                                                 $     3,308,620
- -----------                                                                                                 ---------------
- -----------                                                                                                 ---------------
</TABLE>
 
See Notes to Schedules of Investments, page 28.
 
                                       19
<PAGE>
   
GEORGIA INSURED TRUST 42
    
 
   
    The  Portfolio of Georgia Insured Trust  42 consists of 6 obligations issued
by entities located in Georgia and one obligation issued by an entity located in
the Territory of Puerto Rico. Four Bonds in the Trust are general obligations of
the governmental  entities issuing  them and  are backed  by the  taxing  powers
thereof.  Three Bonds in the Trust 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 these Bonds are divided
as  follows: Dedicated-Tax Supported Revenue, 2; Combination Utility Revenue, 1.
All of the Bonds in  the Trust, as insured, are  rated AAA by Standard &  Poor's
Corporation and Aaa by Moody's Investors Service, Inc.
    
 
   
    At  the Date of  Deposit, the average  maturity of the  Bonds in the Georgia
Insured Trust is 27.0  years. The average  maturity of the Bonds  in a Trust  is
calculated based upon the stated maturities of the Bonds in such 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 the Bonds in a Trust may  increase or decrease from time to time  as
Bonds mature or are called or sold.
    
 
   
    Approximately  14.3% of the  aggregate principal amount of  the Bonds in the
Trust (accounting for approximately 12.7% of the aggregate offering price of the
Bonds)   are    original   issue    discount   bonds.    See   "GENERAL    TRUST
INFORMATION--ORIGINAL  ISSUE  DISCOUNT  BONDS AND  STRIPPED  OBLIGATIONS"  for a
discussion of the  characteristics of  such bonds  and of  the risks  associated
therewith.
    
 
    Approximately  29% of  the aggregate  principal amount  of the  Bonds in the
Trust consists of obligations supported by tax revenues specifically pledged  to
secure the obligations.
 
    For  a discussion of the  risks associated with investments  in the bonds of
various issuers, see "General Trust Information" in this section.
 
   
    The Sponsor entered into contracts to acquire the Bonds between December 30,
1994 and January 4, 1995. The following summarizes certain information about the
Bonds as of the business day prior to the Date of Deposit:
    
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TRUSTEE'S
                                                               DETERMINATION OF OFFERING PRICE AND
   COST TO    PROFIT (OR LOSS)   ANNUAL INTEREST   BID PRICE              THE BID PRICE
   SPONSOR       TO SPONSOR      INCOME TO TRUST    OF BONDS       (AS % OF PRINCIPAL AMOUNT)
  ----------  -----------------  ----------------  ----------  -----------------------------------
  <S>         <C>                <C>               <C>         <C>
  $3,343,032       $20,958           $221,750      $3,345,865                 .52%
</TABLE>
 
    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.  An  underwriter  or   underwriting
syndicate  purchases bonds  from the issuer  on a negotiated  or competitive bid
basis as principal with  the motive of  marketing such bonds  to investors at  a
profit.  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.
 
   
    Unitholders  may elect  to have  interest distributions  made on  a monthly,
quarterly or semi-annual basis. The interest on the Bonds initially deposited in
the Georgia Insured Trust,  less estimated expenses, is  estimated to accrue  at
the rate of $.01705 per Unit per day under the semi-annual plan of distribution,
$.01700  per Unit per day  under the quarterly plan  of distribution and $.01691
per Unit per day under the monthly plan of distribution. It is anticipated  that
the    amount   of   interest    to   be   distributed    per   Unit   in   each
    
 
                                       20
<PAGE>
year under each plan  of distribution will initially  be substantially equal  to
the Estimated Net Annual Interest Income per Unit for that plan.
 
    Details  of interest  distributions per  Unit of  the Georgia  Insured 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
GEORGIA INSURED TRUST                                             1995                               PER YEAR
<S>                                     <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>        <C>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  --------------
Record Date*..........................        2/1            5/1            8/1           11/1
Distribution Date.....................       2/15           5/15           8/15          11/15
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monthly Distribution Plan.............  $   .4396(1)                                              $  6.0885
                                                        --------  $.5073 every month  --------
Quarterly Distribution Plan...........  $   .4396(1)   $  1.5300(2)   $  1.5300      $  1.5300    $  6.1205
Semi-Annual Distribution Plan.........  $   .4396(1)   $  1.5345(3)                  $  3.0690    $  6.1395
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<FN>
 *  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.
(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) Regular 3-month distribution.
(3)  The second distribution  under the semi-annual distribution  plan represents a  3-month distribution; subsequent semi-annual
    distributions will be regular 6-month distributions.
</TABLE>
 
    The accrual amounts set forth above, and  in turn 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.
 
TAX STATUS--GEORGIA INSURED TRUST
 
    For a  discussion of  the Federal  tax status  of income  earned on  Georgia
Insured Trust Units, see Section 11.
 
    In  the opinion of Chapman and Cutler, counsel to the Sponsor under existing
law:
 
        For Georgia income  tax purposes, the  Georgia Insured Trust  is not  an
    association  taxable as a corporation, and the income of the Georgia Insured
    Trust will be  treated as  the income of  the Unitholders.  Interest on  the
    Georgia  Bonds which is exempt from Georgia  income tax when received by the
    Georgia Insured Trust, and which would be exempt from Georgia income tax  if
    received  directly by  a Unitholder,  will retain  its status  as tax-exempt
    interest when distributed by the Georgia  Insured Trust and received by  the
    Unitholders.
 
        If  the Trustee disposes  of a Georgia Bond  (whether by sale, exchange,
    payment on maturity, retirement or otherwise) or if a Unitholder redeems  or
    sells  his  Unit, the  Unitholder will  recognize gain  or loss  for Georgia
    income tax purposes to the same extent that gain or loss would be recognized
    for federal income tax purposes (except in the case of Georgia Bonds  issued
    before  March  11, 1987  issued with  original issue  discount owned  by the
    Georgia Insured Trust  in which  case gain or  loss for  Georgia income  tax
    purposes  would be determined by accruing  said original issue discount on a
    ratable basis). Due  to the  amortization of  bond premium  and other  basis
    adjustments  required by the Internal Revenue Code, a Unitholder, under some
    circumstances, may realize taxable  gain when his or  her Units are sold  or
    redeemed for an amount equal to their original cost.
 
        Because  obligations  or evidences  of  debt of  Georgia,  its political
    subdivisions and public institutions and  bonds issued by the Government  of
    Puerto Rico are exempt from
 
                                       21
<PAGE>
    the  Georgia intangible personal property tax, the Trust will not be subject
    to such tax as the result of holding such obligations, evidences of debt  or
    bonds.   Although   there   currently   is   no   published   administrative
    interpretation or opinion of  the Attorney General  of Georgia dealing  with
    the  status of bonds  issued by a  political subdivision of  Puerto Rico, we
    have in  the past  been advised  orally by  representatives of  the  Georgia
    Department  of Revenue that such bonds  would also be considered exempt from
    such tax.  Based  on  that  advice,  and  in  the  absence  of  a  published
    administrative  interpretation to the  contrary, we are  of the opinion that
    the Trust would not be  subject to such tax as  the result of holding  bonds
    issued by a political subdivision of Puerto Rico.
 
        Amounts paid by the Insurer under an insurance policy or policies issued
    to  the Trust, if any, with respect to  the Georgia Bonds in the Trust which
    represent maturing interest  on defaulted  obligations held  by the  Trustee
    will  be  exempt from  State income  taxes if,  and to  the extent  as, such
    interest would have been so  exempt if paid by  the issuer of the  defaulted
    obligations  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 obligations, rather  than
    the insurer, will pay debt service on the obligations.
 
        We  express no opinion regarding whether  a Unitholder's ownership of an
    interest in the Trust is subject to the Georgia intangible personal property
    tax. Although the  application of the  Georgia intangible personal  property
    tax  to  the  ownership  of  the Units  by  the  Unitholders  is  not clear,
    representatives of  the  Georgia Department  of  Revenue have  in  the  past
    advised  us orally  that, for purposes  of the intangible  property tax, the
    Department considers a Unitholder's ownership of an interest in the Trust as
    a whole  to  be taxable  intangible  property separate  from  any  ownership
    interest in the underlying tax-exempt Georgia Bonds.
 
        Neither the Georgia Bonds nor the Units will be subject to Georgia sales
    or use tax.
 
ECONOMIC FACTORS--GEORGIA
 
    The  following brief summary regarding the  economy of Georgia is based upon
information drawn from publicly available  sources and is included for  purposes
of  providing information about general economic  conditions that may or may not
affect issuers of  the Georgia  obligations. The Sponsor  has not  independently
verified any of the information contained in such publicly available documents.
 
    CONSTITUTIONAL   CONSIDERATIONS.    The  Georgia  Constitution  permits  the
issuance by  the State  of general  obligation debt  and of  certain  guaranteed
revenue  debt. The State  may incur guaranteed revenue  debt by guaranteeing the
payment of  certain revenue  obligations  issued by  an instrumentality  of  the
State.   The  Georgia  Constitution  prohibits  the  incurring  of  any  general
obligation debt or guaranteed revenue debt if the highest aggregate annual  debt
service  requirement for the then current year or any subsequent fiscal year for
outstanding general obligation debt and  guaranteed revenue debt, including  the
proposed debt, exceed 10 percent of the total revenue receipts, less refunds, of
the  State treasury in the  fiscal year immediately preceding  the year in which
any such debt is to be incurred.
 
    The Georgia Constitution  also permits  the State  to incur  public debt  to
supply a temporary deficit in the State treasury in any fiscal year created by a
delay  in collecting the taxes  of that year. Such debt  must not exceed, in the
aggregate, 5% of the total revenue receipts, less refunds, of the State treasury
in the  fiscal  year  immediately preceding  the  year  in which  such  debt  is
incurred.  The debt  incurred must be  repaid on or  before the last  day of the
fiscal
 
                                       22
<PAGE>
year in which it is to be incurred out of the taxes levied for that fiscal year.
No such debt may  be incurred in  any fiscal year if  there is then  outstanding
unpaid  debt  from any  previous  fiscal year  which  was incurred  to  supply a
temporary deficit  in the  State  treasury. No  such  short-term debt  has  been
incurred  under  this  provision  since  the  inception  of  the  constitutional
authority referred to in this paragraph.
 
    Virtually all of the  issues of long-term debt  obligations issued by or  on
behalf  of the State of Georgia and counties, municipalities and other political
subdivisions and public authorities thereof are required by law to be  validated
and confirmed in a judicial proceeding prior to issuance. The legal effect of an
approved  validation in Georgia  is to render incontestable  the validity of the
pertinent bond issue and the security therefor.
 
    THE STATE AND ITS ECONOMY.   The State operates  on a fiscal year  beginning
July 1 and ending June 30. Thus, the 1994 fiscal year ended June 30, 1994. Based
on  data from  the Georgia  Department of  Revenue, receipts  of the  State from
income tax and sales tax for the 1992 fiscal year comprised approximately  48.8%
and  37.5%, respectively, of the total State  tax revenues. Such data shows that
total  State  treasury  receipts   for  the  1992   fiscal  year  increased   by
approximately 2.16% over such collections in the 1991 fiscal year. The estimated
1993 fiscal year figures indicate that receipts of the State from income tax and
sales  tax  for the  1993  fiscal year  comprised  approximately 48.1%  and 38%,
respectively, of the total State tax revenues. Total estimated State tax revenue
collections for the 1993 fiscal year indicate an increase of approximately 9.89%
over such collections in  the 1992 fiscal year.  The estimated 1994 fiscal  year
figures  indicate that receipts of  the State from income  tax and sales tax for
the 1994 fiscal year will comprise approximately 48.8% and 37.9%,  respectively,
of  the total State tax revenues.  Total estimated State tax revenue collections
for the 1994 fiscal year indicate  an increase of approximately 9.56% over  such
collections in the 1993 fiscal year.
 
    Georgia  experienced an economic  slowdown in the  late 1980s that continued
into 1992. The 1991 fiscal year ended  with a balanced budget, but only  because
the  State had borrowed approximately $90  million from surpluses maintained for
special uses. In light  of weaker than expected  monthly revenue collections  in
May  and June of 1991, Georgia lawmakers,  in a special legislative session, cut
budgeted expenditures for the  1992 fiscal year by  $415 million. Georgia  ended
its  1992 fiscal year, however, with strong monthly revenue collections. For the
last four  months of  fiscal year  1992, Georgia's  revenues were  more than  6%
higher  than revenues  reported one  year earlier for  the same  time period. By
year-end, revenue collections  fell only 0.1%  short of that  expected to  cover
1992  expenditures. This shortfall was  made up from funds  allocated to but not
used by state agencies.  The authorized 1993 fiscal  year budget consists of  an
$8.3  billion  spending  plan  and approximately  $750  million  in  new general
obligation debt. On  March 23, 1993,  the Georgia General  Assembly approved  an
$8.9  billion budget for  the 1994 fiscal year  which includes authorization for
$792 million of general obligation borrowing.
 
    Although the  20-county  Atlanta  metropolitan  region  continues  to  drive
economic  expansion in Georgia,  the region's core  city faces growing problems.
Atlanta has lost  population since  1970, has  become poorer,  and the  business
sector  has stagnated. In contrast to  Atlanta's problems, the expanding economy
and widening tax base of  the metropolitan area as a  whole continues to be  the
driving force in the state's expansion.
 
    The  Georgia economy has  performed relatively well  during recent years and
generally has expanded at a rate  greater than the national average during  that
period.  However, growth  in 1988  through 1992  slowed somewhat  and was modest
compared to the pace of the early
 
                                       23
<PAGE>
   
1980's. Georgia's economy, however, has made a robust recovery through the  1993
and 1994 fiscal years. The 1992 annual average unemployment rate for Georgia was
6.9%  as compared to the 1992 national annual average unemployment rate of 7.4%.
The 1993 annual average  unemployment rate for Georgia  was 5.7% as compared  to
the 1993 national annual average unemployment rate of 6.7%. Throughout 1994, the
monthly  unemployment rate  for Georgia  (not seasonally  adjusted) has remained
below the national average monthly unemployment rate (not seasonally  adjusted).
In  August and  September 1994, Georgia's  unemployment rate was  5.1% and 5.3%,
respectively, as compared to the national average unemployment rate of 5.9%  and
5.6%, respectively.
    
   
    In  July, 1994, widespread  flooding in central  and southern Georgia caused
extensive damage and destruction of farmland, private residences, businesses and
local and state government facilities. As of July 12, 1994, Governor Zell Miller
refused to estimate the  dollar value of the  damage but other sources  estimate
that  damage could exceed  $300 million. Thirty-one  counties have been declared
federal disaster areas. Moody's Investors Service, Inc. and Standard and  Poor's
Corporation  are observing the  situation in Georgia,  but neither rating agency
has expressed any immediate credit concerns.
    
 
    BOND RATINGS.   Currently,  Moody's Investors  Service, Inc.  rates  Georgia
general  obligation bonds Aaa and Standard & Poor's Corporation rates such bonds
AA+.
 
    LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.  Georgia is  involved in certain legal proceedings  that,
if  decided against the State, may require  the State to make significant future
expenditures or may substantially impair revenues.
 
    Three suits have been filed against the State of Georgia seeking refunds  of
liquor  taxes under O.C.G.A. Section 48-2-35,  in light of BACCHUS IMPORTS, LTD.
V. DIAS,  468 U.S.  263 (1984)  under Georgia's  pre-BACCHUS statute.  In  JAMES
B.BEAM DISTILLING CO. V. STATE, 501 U.S. 529 (decided June 20, 1991) the Supreme
Court  indicated that  BACCHUS was  retroactive, but  only within  the bounds of
State statutes of  limitations and  procedural bars,  and left  State courts  to
determine  any remedy in light  of reliance interests, equitable considerations,
and other defenses. Georgia's statute of limitations in O.C.G.A. Section 48-2-35
has run on all pre-BACCHUS claims for refund except five pending claims  seeking
31.7 million dollars in tax plus interest. On remand, the Fulton County Superior
Court  has ruled  that procedural  bars and other  defenses bar  any recovery by
taxpayers on Beam's claims for refund.  The Georgia Supreme Court has  affirmed,
and  Beam  has  petitioned  the  United  States  Supreme  Court  for  a  writ of
certiorari.
 
    Two additional suits have  been filed with the  State of Georgia by  foreign
producers  of  alcoholic beverages  seeking $96  million  in refunds  of alcohol
import taxes imposed under O.C.G.A. Section 3-4-60. These claims constitute  99%
of all such taxes paid during the preceding three years.
 
    In  BOARD  OF  PUBLIC  EDUCATION FOR  SAVANNAH/CHATHAM  COUNTY  V.  STATE OF
GEORGIA, the local school board claimed that the State should finance the  major
portion of the costs of its desegregation program. The Savannah Board originally
requested  restitution in  the amount of  $30 million, but  the Federal District
Court set forth a formula which would  require a State payment in the amount  of
approximately  $6  million.  Both sides  have  moved for  reconsideration.  In a
similar case,  a Federal  district court  held that  the State  of Georgia  must
reimburse  DeKalb County's school system for $24.6 million that was spent to bus
students as part of  an effort to  integrate schools between  1977 and 1992.  In
addition,  the court ruled that Georgia  must pay for the county's desegregation
busing costs since 1992. School officials estimate those expenses at $9 million.
 
                                       24
<PAGE>
   
    On December  6, 1994  the Supreme  Court  ruled in  REICH V.  COLLINS,  that
Georgia had employed a "bait-and-switch" scheme to tax federal pension income in
the  State and then to deny retirees' requests  for a tax refund. The Court left
it up  to  the  Georgia  Supreme Court  to  provide  retirees  with  "meaningful
backward-looking relief." Governor Zell Miller tentatively agreed that the State
would  pay such retirees  $108 million. The State  potentially owes another $100
million to those federal retirees who did not apply for a refund by the  State's
April  1992 deadline.  The Chairman of  the Georgia  State Senate Appropriations
Committee said  that the  Georgia budget  could absorb  the impact  of the  $108
million settlement.
    
   
    The  foregoing information does  not purport to be  a complete or exhaustive
description of  all conditions  to which  the issuers  of Bonds  in the  Georgia
Insured  Trust are subject. Many factors including national economic, social and
environmental policies and conditions, which are  not within the control of  the
issuers  of Bonds could affect or could  have an adverse impact on the financial
condition of the State and  various agencies and political subdivisions  located
in  the State.  Since Georgia  Bonds in  the Georgia  Insured Trust  (other than
general obligation bonds issued by the  State) are payable from revenue  derived
from  a specific source or authority, the  impact of a pronounced decline in the
national economy  or difficulties  in significant  industries within  the  State
could  result in a decrease in the  amount of revenues realized from such source
or by such  authority and thus  adversely affect the  ability of the  respective
issuers  of  the Georgia  Bonds in  the Georgia  Insured Trust  to pay  the debt
service requirements  on the  Georgia Bonds.  Similarly, such  adverse  economic
developments  could result in a  decrease in tax revenues  realized by the State
and thus could adversely affect the ability of the State to pay the debt service
requirements of  any Georgia  general obligation  bonds in  the Georgia  Insured
Trust.
    
 
GEORGIA 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 1995 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.  For
cases  in which more than one state  bracket falls within a Federal bracket, the
highest state bracket is combined with  the Federal bracket. The combined  state
and  Federal tax  brackets shown  reflect the fact  that state  tax payments are
currently deductible for Federal  tax purposes. 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.
 
                                       25
<PAGE>
 COMBINED MARGINAL TAX RATES FOR JOINT TAXPAYERS WITH FOUR PERSONAL EXEMPTIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  FEDERAL
    FEDERAL      ADJUSTED      COMBINED
    TAXABLE        GROSS       STATE AND                   TAX-EXEMPT ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN
    INCOME        INCOME        FEDERAL       --------------------------------------------------------------
   (1,000'S)     (1,000'S)     TAX RATE1      5.50%   5.75%   6.00%   6.25%   6.50%   6.75%   7.00%   7.25%
 ------------- -------------  -----------     ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------
 <S>           <C>            <C>             <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
 $     0- 39.0 $     0-114.7      20.0   %     6.88    7.19    7.50    7.81    8.13    8.44    8.75    9.06
    39.0- 94.3       0-114.7      32.5         8.15    8.52    8.89    9.26    9.63   10.00   10.37   10.74
                 114.7-172.1      33.0         8.21    8.58    8.96    9.33    9.70   10.07   10.45   10.82
    94.3-143.6       0-114.7      35.0         8.46    8.85    9.23    9.62   10.00   10.38   10.77   11.15
                 114.7-172.1      36.0         8.59    8.98    9.38    9.77   10.16   10.55   10.94   11.33
                 172.1-294.6      38.5         8.94    9.35    9.76   10.16   10.57   10.98   11.38   11.79
   143.6-256.5   114.7-172.1      41.0         9.32    9.75   10.17   10.59   11.02   11.44   11.86   12.29
                 172.1-294.6      43.5         9.73   10.18   10.62   11.06   11.50   11.95   12.39   12.83
                  Over 294.6      41.0   2     9.32    9.75   10.17   10.59   11.02   11.44   11.86   12.29
    Over 256.5   172.1-294.6      47.5        10.48   10.95   11.43   11.90   12.38   12.86   13.33   13.81
                  Over 294.6      44.5   3     9.91   10.36   10.81   11.26   11.71   12.16   12.61   13.06
</TABLE>
 
  COMBINED MARGINAL TAX RATES FOR SINGLE TAXPAYERS WITH ONE PERSONAL EXEMPTION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  FEDERAL
    FEDERAL      ADJUSTED      COMBINED
    TAXABLE        GROSS       STATE AND                   TAX-EXEMPT ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN
    INCOME        INCOME        FEDERAL       --------------------------------------------------------------
   (1,000'S)     (1,000'S)     TAX RATE1      5.50%   5.75%   6.00%   6.25%   6.50%   6.75%   7.00%   7.25%
 ------------- -------------  -----------     ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------
 <S>           <C>            <C>             <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
 $     0- 23.4 $     0-114.7      20.0         6.88    7.19    7.50    7.81    8.13    8.44    8.75    9.06
    23.4- 56.6       0-114.7      32.5         8.15    8.52    8.89    9.26    9.63   10.00   10.37   10.74
    56.6-118.0       0-114.7      35.0         8.46    8.85    9.23    9.62   10.00   10.38   10.77   11.15
                 114.7-237.2      36.5         8.66    9.06    9.45    9.84   10.24   10.63   11.02   11.42
   118.0-256.5   114.7-237.2      41.5         9.40    9.83   10.26   10.68   11.11   11.54   11.97   12.39
                  Over 237.2      41.0   2     9.32    9.75   10.17   10.59   11.02   11.44   11.86   12.29
    Over 256.5    Over 237.2      44.5   3     9.91   10.36   10.81   11.26   11.71   12.16   12.61   13.06
<FN>
- ------------------
      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.
</TABLE>
 
    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
the 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 Trust  are
described more fully elsewhere in this Prospectus.
 
                                       26
<PAGE>
   
NUVEEN TAX-EXEMPT UNIT TRUST
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS AT DATE OF DEPOSIT
JANUARY 5, 1995
GEORGIA INSURED TRUST 42
(SERIES 777)
    
 
<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(4)
<C>          <C> <S>                                              <C>                <C>         <C>        <C>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$   500,000      Chatham County School District (Georgia),           2003 at 102        AAA         Aaa     $       505,605
                   General Obligation School Bonds, Series 1994,
                   6.75% Due 8/1/18.
    500,000      Cobb-Marietta Coliseum and Exhibit Hall          No Optional Call      AAA         Aaa             432,535
                   Authority (Georgia), Revenue Refunding Bonds,
                   Series 1993, 5.625% Due 10/1/26.
    500,000      City of Cordele (Georgia), Combined Public          2004 at 102        AAA         Aaa             485,350
                   Utility Revenue Refunding and Improvement
                   Bonds, Series 1994, 6.375% Due 11/1/24.
    500,000      The Fulton-DeKalb Hospital Authority (Georgia),     2003 at 102        AAA         Aaa             427,695
                   Revenue Refunding Certificates, Series 1993,
                   5.50% Due 1/1/20. (Original issue discount
                   bonds delivered on or about June 15, 1993 at
                   a price of 94.499% of principal
                   amount.)(General Obligation Bonds.)
    500,000      Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority        2004 at 102        AAA         Aaa             511,940
                   (Georgia), Sales Tax Revenue Bonds, Second
                   Indenture Series, Series 1994A, 6.90% Due
                   7/1/20.
    500,000      Downtown Smyrna Development Authority               2005 at 102        AAA         Aaa             504,080
                   (Georgia), Revenue Bonds, Series 1994, 6.70%
                   Due 2/1/20. (General Obligation Bonds.)
    500,000      Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Public Improvement   2004 at 101 1/2      AAA         Aaa             496,785
                   Bonds of 1994 (General Obligation Bonds),
                   6.50% Due 7/1/23.
- -----------                                                                                                 ---------------
$ 3,500,000                                                                                                 $     3,363,990
- -----------                                                                                                 ---------------
- -----------                                                                                                 ---------------
</TABLE>
 
See Notes to Schedules of Investments, page 28.
 
                                       27
<PAGE>
NOTES TO SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS
 
    (1) Contracts,  which  are  "when-issued"  or  "regular  way"  contracts  or
        contracts having delivery dates beyond the normal settlement date,  have
        been  deposited with the Trustee on the Date of Deposit. The performance
        of such contracts is secured by an irrevocable letter of credit,  issued
        by  a major commercial bank, which  has been deposited with the Trustee.
        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 right, title and interest in and to such 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;  for
        example,  if bond proceeds are not able  to be used as contemplated, the
        project is condemned or sold, or the project is destroyed and  insurance
        proceeds  are used to  redeem the bonds.  Single family mortgage revenue
        bonds and housing authority bonds are  most likely to be called  subject
        to  such provisions, but other bonds may have similar call features. See
        Section 4 and "General Trust Information" in this Section.
 
        The Trustee's determination of the offering prices of Bonds in the  Fund
        may  be  greater or  less than  the  amounts that  may be  received upon
        redemption or  maturity  of  such Bonds.  Subject  to  rules  concerning
        amortization  of bond  premium and of  original issue  discount, gain or
        loss realized  by  the Trustee  on  disposition  of any  Bonds  will  be
        recognized  as taxable capital gain or loss by Unitholders. (See Section
        4.)
 
    (3) See "Description  of  Ratings" herein.  All  the Bonds  in  the  Insured
        Trusts,  as insured by the  Insurer, are rated AAA  by Standard & Poor's
        Corporation and Aaa by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. (See Section 5.)
 
    (4) As determined by Kenny S&P Evaluation Services on behalf of the  Trustee
        as  of the close of  business on the business  day preceding the Date of
        Deposit. The prices as determined by Kenny S&P Evaluation Services  have
        been rounded to the nearest dollar.
 
                                       28
<PAGE>
                    REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
   
     TO  THE  BOARD OF  DIRECTORS  OF JOHN  NUVEEN  & CO.  INCORPORATED AND
     UNITHOLDERS OF NUVEEN TAX-EXEMPT UNIT TRUST, SERIES 777:
    
 
   
       We have audited  the accompanying  statements of  condition and  the
     related  schedules of investments at date  of deposit (included in the
     prospectus  herein)  of  Nuveen  Tax-Exempt  Unit  Trust,  Series  777
     (comprising  National Insured Trust 287, Colorado Insured Trust 55 and
     Georgia Insured  Trust 42),  as of  January 5,  1995. These  financial
     statements  are the responsibility of  the Sponsor. Our responsibility
     is to express an  opinion on these financial  statements based on  our
     audits.
    
 
       We  conducted  our  audits  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 statements  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  audits  provide   a
     reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
   
       In  our  opinion,  the  statements  of  condition  and  the  related
     schedules of investments at date of deposit referred to above  present
     fairly,  in all material  respects, the financial  position of each of
     the trusts constituting the Nuveen  Tax-Exempt Unit Trust, Series  777
     as   of  January  5,  1995,  in  conformity  with  generally  accepted
     accounting principles.
    
 
                                                        ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
 
   
     Chicago, Illinois,
     January 5, 1995.
    
 
                                       29
<PAGE>
                            Statements of Condition
 
   
                    NUVEEN TAX-EXEMPT UNIT TRUST, SERIES 777
    
 
   
(National Insured Trust 287, Colorado Insured Trust 55 and Georgia Insured Trust
                                      42)
    
   
                             AS OF JANUARY 5, 1995
    
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             NATIONAL            COLORADO             GEORGIA
                                              INSURED             INSURED             INSURED
    TRUST PROPERTY                           TRUST 287           TRUST 55            TRUST 42
<S>                                       <C>                 <C>                 <C>
                                          ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
Sponsor's contracts to purchase
 Tax-Exempt Bonds, backed by an
 irrevocable letter of credit(1)(2).....  $     9,609,035     $     3,308,620     $     3,363,990
Accrued interest to January 5, 1995 on
  underlying Bonds(1)...................           96,026              38,189              28,693
                                          ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
            Total.......................  $     9,705,061     $     3,346,809     $     3,392,683
                                          ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
                                          ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
   LIABILITY AND INTEREST OF UNITHOLDERS
LIABILITY:
    Accrued interest to January 5, 1995
      on underlying Bonds(3)............  $        96,026     $        38,189     $        28,693
                                          ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
INTEREST OF UNITHOLDERS:
    Units of fractional undivided
      interest outstanding (National
      Insured Trust 287-- 100,000;
      Colorado Insured Trust 55--35,000;
      Georgia Insured Trust 42--35,000)
      Cost to investors(4)..............  $    10,104,092     $     3,479,080     $     3,537,303
        Less: Gross underwriting
          commission(5).................         (495,057)           (170,460)           (173,313)
                                          ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
    Net amount applicable to
      investors.........................  $     9,609,035     $     3,308,620     $     3,363,990
                                          ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
            Total.......................  $     9,705,061     $     3,346,809     $     3,392,683
                                          ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
                                          ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
<FN>
(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.
    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 "Schedules of Investments" herein,
    and their aggregate cost to the Trusts are the same. Such offering prices were determined by Kenny S&P Evaluation Services as
    of the close of business on the business day prior to the Date of Deposit. (See Section 10.) Insurance coverage providing for
    the timely payment, when due, of all principal  of and interest on the Bonds in  the Insured Trusts 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) Representing, as set forth in Section 8, advancement by the Trustee of an amount equal to the accrued Bond interest as of the
    Date of Deposit from the later of the last payment date on the Bonds or the date of issuance thereof.
(4) Aggregate Public Offering Price (exclusive of accrued interest) computed as set forth under Section 6.
(5) The gross underwriting commission has been calculated on the assumption that the Units offered by this prospectus are sold in
    single transactions involving less than $50,000 or 500 Units. At this level, the sales charge is 4.90% of the Public Offering
    Price  in the case of National and State Trusts, 4.25% thereof in  the case of Long Intermediate Trusts, 3.90% in the case of
    Intermediate Trusts, 3.00% in the  case of Short Intermediate Trusts  and 2.50% in the case  of Short Term Trusts. In  single
    transactions involving 500 Units or more, the sales charge is reduced. (See Section 6.)
</TABLE>
 
                                       30
<PAGE>
GENERAL TRUST INFORMATION
 
    RISK FACTORS.
 
    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 above,  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  "Economic
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
 
                                      A-1
<PAGE>
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 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
 
                                      A-2
<PAGE>
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
 
                                      A-3
<PAGE>
future demand for electricity in certain  areas of the country, the  limitations
on  operations  and increased  costs  and delays  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
 
                                      A-4
<PAGE>
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 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
 
                                      A-5
<PAGE>
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
Section 11, " What Is The Tax Status of Unitholders".)
 
    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
 
                                      A-6
<PAGE>
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.
 
4.  COMPOSITION OF TRUSTS
 
Each  Trust initially consists  of delivery statements  relating to contracts to
purchase Bonds (or of such Bonds) as are listed under "Schedules of Investments"
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 the 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. Normally,
"regular way"  contracts are  settled and  the Bonds  delivered to  the  Trustee
within  a relatively  short period  of time.  However, 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 does not believe it  is likely, one or more of the  issuers
of such Bonds might decide not to proceed with such offerings. 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 herein 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 herein (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 Regarding the Trusts."
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
Schedules of Investments.
 
    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. The Replacement Bonds must be purchased 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 (i)  must
satisfy  the criteria previously described for  Bonds originally included in the
Trust and, with respect  to Bonds purchased  for a State  Trust, shall have  the
benefit of an exemption from state taxation of interest to an extent equal to or
greater  than that of  the Bonds they  replace, (ii) must  have a fixed maturity
date after the date of purchase of  not less than approximately 15 years in  the
case  of National or State Trusts, approximately 11  years in the case of a Long
Intermediate Trust, approximately 5 years in  the case of Intermediate or  State
Intermediate  Trusts, approximately 3 years in  the case of a Short Intermediate
Trust and
 
                                      A-7
<PAGE>
approximately 1 year in the case of a  Short Term Trust, but not later than  the
maturity date of the Failed Bonds, (iii) must be acquired at a cost to the Trust
equal  to the cost of the same principal  amount of Bonds provided in the failed
contract and have  a current  return and  yield to  maturity not  less than  the
current  return and yield to maturity of the  Failed Bonds and (iv) 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; i.e., the Trust will have  no
managerial power to take advantage of market variation to improve a Unitholder's
investment.
 
    To  the extent the right of  limited substitution described in the preceding
paragraph shall not  be utilized  to acquire  Replacement Bonds  for the  entire
principal amount of Failed Bonds, 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 "Schedules of  Investments" and in most
cases pursuant to sinking fund, special or extraordinary redemption  provisions.
A  bond  subject to  optional  call is  one which  is  subject to  redemption or
refunding prior to maturity at the option of the issuer. A refunding is a method
by which a bond issue is redeemed, at  or before maturity, by the proceeds of  a
new  bond  issue. A  bond subject  to sinking  fund redemption  is one  which is
subject to  partial call  from time  to time  from a  fund accumulated  for  the
scheduled  retirement of  a portion  of an issue  prior to  maturity. Special or
extraordinary redemption  provisions may  provide  for redemption  of all  or  a
portion  of an  issue upon  the occurrence  of certain  circumstances related to
defaults or unanticipated changes  in circumstances. Events  that may permit  or
require  the special or extraordinary redemption of bonds include, among others:
substantial damage to or  destruction of the project  for which the proceeds  of
the  bonds were used; exercise by a local, state or federal governmental unit of
its power of eminent domain to take all or substantially all of the project  for
which  the  proceeds of  the bonds  were  used; a  final determination  that the
interest on the bonds  is taxable; changes in  the economic availability of  raw
materials,  operating supplies or  facilities or technological  or other changes
which render the operation of  the project for which  the proceeds of the  bonds
were  used uneconomical; changes in law  or an administrative or judicial decree
which render the performance  of the agreement under  which the proceeds of  the
bonds  were made  available to  finance the  project impossible  or which create
unreasonable burdens or which impose  excessive liabilities, such as taxes,  not
imposed  on the date the bonds are issued on the issuer of the bonds or the user
of the  proceeds  of the  bonds;  an  administrative or  judicial  decree  which
requires  the cessation of a  substantial part of the  operations of the project
financed with the proceeds of the bonds;
 
                                      A-8
<PAGE>
an overestimate of the costs of the project to be financed with the proceeds  of
the  bonds resulting in excess proceeds which may be applied to redeem bonds; or
an underestimate of  a source of  funds securing the  bonds resulting in  excess
funds which may be applied to redeem bonds. The Sponsor is unable to predict all
of  the circumstances which may result in  such redemption of an issue of Bonds.
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. Redemption pursuant to optional call provisions  is
more  likely to  occur, and  redemption pursuant to  sinking fund  or special or
extraordinary redemption provisions may occur,  when the Bonds have an  offering
side  evaluation which  represents a  premium over  par. Redemption  pursuant to
optional call provisions  may be,  and redemption  pursuant to  sinking fund  or
special or extraordinary redemption provisions is likely to be, at a price equal
to the par value of the bonds without any premium (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 Sections  11 and 13  and the "Schedules  of
Investments.")
 
    CERTAIN  TAX  MATTERS;  LITIGATION.   Certain  of  the Bonds  in  each Trust
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.
 
                                      A-9
<PAGE>
5.  WHY AND HOW ARE THE BONDS INSURED?
 
INSURANCE ON BONDS IN INSURED TRUSTS
 
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 Bonds  from  the Municipal  Bond Investors
Assurance Corporation (the "Insurer"). Some of  the Bonds in each 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 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). The  Insurer will  be  responsible for  such payments,  less  any
amounts  received by the holders or owners of the Bonds from any trustee for the
bond issuers or  from any other  sources other than  the Insurer. The  Insurer's
policies  relating to small  industrial development bonds  and pollution control
revenue bonds also guarantee the full and complete payments required to be  made
by  or on behalf  of an issuer  of Bonds pursuant  to the terms  of the Bonds if
there occurs an event which results in the loss of the tax-exempt status of  the
interest  on such Bonds,  including principal, interest  or premium payments, if
any, as and when thereby required. The Insurer has indicated that its  insurance
policies  do not insure the payment of  principal or interest on bonds which are
not required to be paid by the issuer thereof because the bonds were not validly
issued; as  indicated  under  "What  is the  Tax  Status  of  Unitholders?"  the
respective  issuing authorities have received  opinions of bond counsel relating
to the valid issuance of each of the Bonds in the Insured Trusts. The  Insurer's
policy  also does not insure against non-payment  of principal of or interest on
the Bonds resulting from the insolvency, negligence or any other act or omission
of the trustee or other paying agent for the Bonds. The policy is not covered by
the Property/ Casualty Insurance  Security Fund specified in  Article 76 of  the
New  York  Insurance Law.  The policies  are  non-cancellable and  the insurance
premiums have been fully paid on or prior to the Date of Deposit, either by  the
Sponsor or, if a policy has been obtained by a Bond issuer, by such issuer.
 
    Upon  notification from  the trustee  for any bond  issuer or  any holder or
owner of the Bonds or coupons that such trustee or paying agent has insufficient
funds to pay any  principal or interest  in full when due,  the Insurer will  be
obligated  to deposit funds  promptly with State Street  Bank and Trust Company,
N.A., New York, New York, as fiscal  agent for the Insurer, sufficient to  fully
cover the deficit. If notice of nonpayment is received on or after the due date,
the  Insurer will provide for payment  within one business day following receipt
of the notice. Upon payment  by the Insurer of  any Bonds, coupons, or  interest
payments,  the Insurer shall succeed  to the rights of  the owner of such Bonds,
coupons or interest payments with respect thereto.
 
    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 and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
 
                                      A-10
<PAGE>
    As  of December  31, 1993  the Insurer had  admitted assets  of $3.1 billion
(audited), total liabilities of  $2.1 billion (audited),  and total capital  and
surplus  of  $978  million  (audited) determined  in  accordance  with statutory
accounting  practices   prescribed   or  permitted   by   insurance   regulatory
authorities.  As of September 30, 1994, the  Insurer had admitted assets of $3.3
billion (unaudited), total  liabilities of $2.2  billion (unaudited), and  total
capital  and surplus of  $1.1 billion (unaudited)  determined in accordance with
statutory accounting practices prescribed  or permitted by insurance  regulatory
authorities.  Copies of the Insurer's year  end financial statements prepared in
accordance with statutory accounting practices  are available from the  Insurer.
The address of the Insurer is 113 King Street, Armonk, New York 10504.
 
    Each  insurance company comprising the Association will be severally and not
jointly obligated  under  the Association  policy  in the  following  respective
percentages:  The  AEtna  Casualty  and  Surety  Company,  33%;  Fireman's  Fund
Insurance Company, 30%;  The Travelers Indemnity  Company, 15%; AEtna  Insurance
Company  (now  known  as CIGNA  Property  and  Casualty Company),  12%;  and The
Continental Insurance Company, 10%.  As a several  obligor, each such  insurance
company  will be  obligated only to  the extent  of its percentage  of any claim
under the  Association  policy and  will  not be  obligated  to pay  any  unpaid
obligation  of any  other member  of the  Association. Each  insurance company's
participation is backed by all of its assets. However, each insurance company is
a multiline insurer involved in several lines of insurance other than  municipal
bond  insurance, and the assets of each insurance company also secure all of its
other insurance policy and surety bond obligations.
 
    The following table sets forth certain unaudited financial information  with
respect  to  the  five  insurance  companies  comprising  the  Association.  The
statistics, which have been furnished by the Association, are as reported by the
insurance  companies  to  the  New  York  State  Insurance  Department  and  are
determined in accordance with statutory accounting principles. No representation
is  made herein as to the accuracy or  adequacy of such information or as to the
absence of material adverse changes in  such information subsequent to the  date
thereof.  In addition,  these numbers  are subject to  revision by  the New York
State Insurance Department which, if revised, could either increase or  decrease
the amounts.
 
                      MUNICIPAL BOND INSURANCE ASSOCIATION
      FIVE MEMBER COMPANIES ASSETS AND POLICYHOLDERS' SURPLUS (UNAUDITED)
                              AS OF JUNE 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......................  $    10,169,558  $     8,299,548   $  1,870,010
Fireman's Fund Insurance Company.........................        6,751,350        4,893,824      1,857,526
The Travelers Indemnity Company..........................       10,246,669        8,486,034      1,760,635
CIGNA Property and Casualty Company (formerly AEtna
  Insurance Company).....................................        4,992,242        4,924,356         67,886
The Continental Insurance Company........................        2,712,535        2,351,467        361,068
                                                           ---------------  ---------------  --------------
        Total............................................  $    34,872,354  $    28,955,229   $  5,917,125
                                                           ---------------  ---------------  --------------
                                                           ---------------  ---------------  --------------
</TABLE>
 
    Standard   &  Poor's  Corporation  rates  all  new  issues  insured  by  the
Association "AAA" Prime Grade.
 
    Moody's Investors Service rates all  bond issues insured by the  Association
"Aaa"  and  short term  loans  "MIG 1",  both designated  to  be of  the highest
quality.
 
                                      A-11
<PAGE>
    Each such rating should be evaluated  independently of any other rating.  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 Association 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.
 
    Moody's Investors Service rates all bond issues insured by the Insurer "Aaa"
and short-term loans "MIG 1," both designated to be of the highest quality.
 
    Standard & Poor's  Ratings Group,  a division  of McGraw  Hill ("Standard  &
Poor's") rates all new issues insured by the Insurer "AAA" Prime Grade."
 
    The  Moody's Investors  Service rating  of the  Insurer should  be evaluated
independently of the  Standard & Poor's  Corporation rating of  the Insurer.  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  (See  "Description  of
Ratings.")  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.
 
    Because  the insurance on the  Bonds 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.
 
INSURANCE ON CERTAIN BONDS IN 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
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"),  Municipal  Bond  Investors  Assurance  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
 
                                      A-12
<PAGE>
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.
 
6.  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
Trustee) plus a sales charge of 5.152%  of the aggregate offering prices in  the
case  of National and State  Trusts, 4.439% of the  aggregate offering prices in
the case of Long Intermediate Trusts, 4.058% of the aggregate offering prices in
the case of Intermediate Trusts, 3.093% of the aggregate offering prices in  the
case of Short Intermediate Trusts and 2.564% of the aggregate offering prices in
the  case of Short  Term Trusts, 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. This  computation produces a gross underwriting
profit equal to 4.90% of the Public  Offering Price in the case of National  and
State  Trusts,  4.25%  of  the  Public  Offering  Price  in  the  case  of  Long
Intermediate Trusts,  3.90%  of  the  Public  Offering  Price  in  the  case  of
Intermediate  Trusts, 3.00% of  the Public Offering  Price in the  case of Short
Intermediate Trusts and 2.50% of the Public Offering Price in the case of  Short
Term Trusts.
 
    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 described herein in
the primary offering period  or units of any  other series of Nuveen  Tax-Exempt
Unit  Trusts in the primary 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 table
based on the amount of intended  aggregate purchases as expressed in the  letter
of  intent. 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 United States Trust
Company of New York 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
 
                                      A-13
<PAGE>
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      LONG INTERMEDIATE
                                                               TRUSTS                  TRUSTS           INTERMEDIATE TRUSTS
                                                       ----------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------
<S>                                                    <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>
                                                         PERCENT     PERCENT     PERCENT     PERCENT     PERCENT     PERCENT
                                                           OF        OF NET        OF        OF NET        OF        OF NET
                                                        OFFERING     AMOUNT     OFFERING     AMOUNT     OFFERING     AMOUNT
                  NUMBER OF UNITS*                        PRICE     INVESTED      PRICE     INVESTED      PRICE     INVESTED
- -----------------------------------------------------  -----------  ---------  -----------  ---------  -----------  ---------
Less than 500........................................        4.90%      5.152%       4.25%      4.439%       3.90%      4.058%
500 but less than 1,000..............................        4.75       4.987        4.15       4.330        3.70       3.842
1,000 but less than 2,500............................        4.50       4.712        3.85       4.004        3.50       3.627
2,500 but less than 5,000............................        4.25       4.439        3.60       3.734        3.25       3.359
5,000 but less than 10,000...........................        3.50       3.627        3.35       3.466        3.00       3.093
10,000 but less than 25,000..........................        3.00       3.093        3.00       3.093        2.75       2.828
25,000 but less than 50,000..........................        2.50       2.564        2.50       2.564        2.50       2.564
50,000 or more.......................................        2.00       2.041        2.00       2.041        2.00       2.041
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         SHORT INTERMEDIATE
                                                               TRUSTS            SHORT TERM TRUSTS
                                                       ----------------------  ----------------------
<S>                                                    <C>          <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, adjusting  the total to  reflect the amount  of any cash  held in  or
advanced  to the principal account  of the Trust and  dividing the result by the
number of Units then outstanding. For  purposes of this calculation, Bonds  will
be  deemed to mature on  their stated maturity dates  unless: (a) the Bonds have
been called for redemption or funds or securities have been placed in escrow  to
redeem  them on  an earlier  call date, in  which case  such call  date shall be
deemed to be the date upon which they mature; or (b) such Bonds are subject to a
"mandatory put," in which case such mandatory put date shall be deemed to be the
date upon  which  they  mature.  Any assumptions  regarding  maturity  made  for
purposes  of  determining the  appropriate  sales charge  in  no way  predict or
guarantee the actual remaining life of a given 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. In  the course  of regularly
appraising the  value  of Bonds  in  each Trust,  the  Sponsor will  attempt  to
estimate  the date on which a Trust's value  will fall below the 20% level based
on anticipated bond events over a five year period, including maturities, escrow
calls and  current  calls or  refundings,  assuming certain  market  rates.  The
Sponsor  intends from time to time to recommend that certain Trusts whose values
 
                                      A-14
<PAGE>
have fallen or are anticipated to fall  below the 20% level be terminated  based
on  certain criteria which  could adversely affect  the Trust's diversification.
Once the Sponsor has determined that a  Trust's value has or may fall below  the
20%  level within a five-year period, for purposes of computing the sales charge
using the table set forth below, the maturity of each bond in such Trust will be
deemed to be the earlier of the estimated termination date of the Trust, or  the
actual  date used  when pricing the  bond under  Municipal Securities Rulemaking
Board rules and interpretations issued thereunder.
 
    The effect of this method of sales charge calculation will be that different
sales charge rates will  be applied to  the various Bonds  in a Trust  portfolio
based  upon  the maturities  of  such Bonds,  in  accordance with  the following
schedule. 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>
                                            $50,000     $100,000     $250,000     $500,000     $1,000,000     $2,500,000
                                UNDER         TO           TO           TO           TO            TO             TO
YEARS TO MATURITY              $50,000      $99,999     $249,999     $499,999     $999,999     $2,499,999     $4,999,999
- ---------------------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------  -------------
Less than 1................           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%
2 but less than 3..........       2.041        1.937        1.833        1.729        1.626         1.420          1.225
3 but less than 4..........       2.564        2.433        2.302        2.175        2.041         1.781          1.546
4 but less than 5..........       3.093        2.961        2.828        2.617        2.459         2.175          1.883
5 but less than 7..........       3.627        3.433        3.239        3.093        2.881         2.460          2.165
7 but less than 10.........       4.167        3.951        3.734        3.520        3.239         2.828          2.489
10 but less than 13........       4.712        4.467        4.221        4.004        3.788         3.253          2.842
13 but less than 16........       5.263        4.988        4.712        4.439        4.167         3.627          3.169
16 or more.................       5.820        5.542        5.263        4.987        4.603         4.004          3.500
 
<CAPTION>
 
<S>                          <C>
 
                              $5,000,000
YEARS TO MATURITY               OR MORE
- ---------------------------  -------------
Less than 1................            0
1 but less than 2..........         .750%
2 but less than 3..........        1.030
3 but less than 4..........        1.310
4 but less than 5..........        1.590
5 but less than 7..........        1.870
7 but less than 10.........        2.150
10 but less than 13........        2.430
13 but less than 16........        2.710
16 or more.................        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). For purposes of illustration, the sales charge on a Trust  consisting
entirely  of Bonds maturing  in 13 to  16 years would  be 5% (5.263%  of the net
amount invested); that on a Trust consisting entirely of Bonds maturing in  five
to  seven years would be 3.5% (3.627% of the net amount invested); and that on a
Trust consisting entirely of Bonds maturing in three to four years would be 2.5%
(2.564% 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.
 
    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.
 
    As  more fully set forth  in Section 8, accrued  interest from the preceding
Record Date to, but not including, the settlement date of the transaction  (five
business  days after  purchase) will  be added to  the Public  Offering Price to
determine the purchase price of Units.
 
                                      A-15
<PAGE>
    The above graduated sales charges 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 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
Section 17)  by  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, and by 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.  Notwithstanding anything to
the contrary in this Prospectus, investors and bank trust departments purchasing
Units through this program will not receive sales charge reductions for quantity
purchases.
 
    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 approximately 1% to 2% more than the
BID prices of such Bonds  in the case of  National, Long Intermediate and  State
Trusts,  3/4%  to 1  1/2% in  the  case of  Intermediate and  Short Intermediate
Trusts, and  1/2% to  3/4% in  the case  of Short  Term Trusts.  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 Section 16.)
 
7.  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
 
                                      A-16
<PAGE>
change  at  any time,  which  are based  upon  the BID  prices  of Bonds  in the
respective portfolios of the Trusts. If the supply of Units of any of the Trusts
of this Series exceeds  demand, or for some  other business reason, the  Sponsor
may discontinue purchases of Units of such Trust at such prices. UNITHOLDERS WHO
WISH  TO DISPOSE OF THEIR UNITS SHOULD INQUIRE OF THE TRUSTEE OR THEIR BROKER AS
TO THE  CURRENT  REDEMPTION PRICE  (SEE  SECTION  19). 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 (five business days after purchase) as the Trustee
can complete the mechanics of registration. Normally, Certificates, if any,  are
mailed  by  the  Trustee 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 Section 19.)
 
    Each Unit  of each  respective Trust  initially offered  by this  Prospectus
represents  that fractional  undivided interest  in such  Trust as  is set forth
under "Essential Information Regarding the Trusts." 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.
 
8.  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.  Interest
accrues  to the  benefit of Unitholders  commencing with the  settlement date of
their purchase transaction.
 
    Accrued interest does not include accrual of original issue discount on zero
coupon bonds, Stripped Obligations or other original issue discount bonds.  (See
"Summary  of Portfolios--General Trust Information" and  "What Is The Tax Status
of Unitholders.")
 
    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, when the
Sponsor sells Units of a  Trust, the amount of accrued  interest to be added  to
the  Public Offering Price to determine the  purchase price of the Units of such
Trust purchased by an investor will include only accrued interest from the  Date
of  Deposit to,  but not  including, the  date of  settlement of  the investor's
purchase (five 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
 
                                      A-17
<PAGE>
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 Sections  3 and 13.) As  Bonds
mature,  or are redeemed or sold, the  accrued interest applicable to such bonds
is collected and subsequently distributed  to Unitholders. Unitholders who  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 fifth business day
following the date of sale or tender.
 
9.  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  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  to a
specified date of any premium over or discount from the par (maturity) value  in
the  bond's  purchase  price. In  calculating  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. Once the average portfolio yield is computed,
this figure is then reduced to reflect estimated expenses and the effect of  the
maximum  sales  charge  paid  by  investors.  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 Trust
may experience expenses and  portfolio changes different  from those assumed  in
the calculation of Estimated Long Term
 
                                      A-18
<PAGE>
Return.  There thus can  be no assurance  that the Estimated  Current Returns or
Estimated Long Term  Returns quoted  herein will be  realized in  the future.  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  "AMENDMENT AND
TERMINATION OF  INDENTURE." 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.
 
    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 Regarding
the Trusts" and Sections 4 and 11.)
 
    For a statement of the Net Annual Interest Income per Unit under the monthly
plan of  distribution,  and Estimated  Long  Term Yield  and  Estimated  Current
Returns based on the Public Offering Prices of the Trusts in this Series, all as
of  the day prior to  the Date of Deposit,  see "Essential Information Regarding
the Trusts."
 
10.  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  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 evaluated
the Bonds as so insured. (See Section 5).
 
    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 Section  3.) 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.
 
11.  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
"Summary of  Portfolios--  Tax Status"  for  the respective  State  Trust.  (See
Sections  2 and 3.)  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.
 
                                      A-19
<PAGE>
    Taxpayers  must  disclose  on  their  Federal  tax  returns  the  amount  of
tax-exempt  interest  earned  during  the  year.  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  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.
 
    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
        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
 
                                      A-20
<PAGE>
        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 Section 3.
 
    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 redemption of Units in a Trust  by a Unitholder would result in each  of
the  remaining Unitholders of said Trust owning a greater proportionate interest
in the remaining assets  of said Trust. Although  present law does not  directly
address  this matter, it  would appear reasonable  that a remaining Unitholder's
tax basis in  his Units would  include his proportionate  share of any  proceeds
received by the Trust on the sale of bonds which were not distributed to him but
were  instead used by  the Trust to redeem  Units and that his  tax basis in the
remaining assets of the  Trust would accordingly be  increased by such share  of
proceeds, based on the relative fair market value of the remaining assets of the
Trust as of the date of such redemption.
 
    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. The  accrual of  tax-exempt original  issue discount  on zero  coupon
bonds  and other original issue discount bonds will result in an increase in the
Unitholder's basis in  such obligations and,  accordingly, in his  basis in  his
Units.
 
    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). 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 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.
 
    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,
 
                                      A-21
<PAGE>
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.
 
    In  general,  each  issue of  bonds  in  the Trusts  is  subject  to certain
post-issuance requirements which must  be met in order  for the interest on  the
Bonds to be and remain exempt from Federal income taxation. Bond counsel to each
issuer generally has opined that, assuming continuing compliance by such issuers
with  certain covenants, interest on such Bonds  will continue to be exempt from
Federal income taxation (other than with respect to the application to corporate
Unitholders of the alternative  minimum tax or the  Superfund Tax, as  discussed
below).
 
    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.
 
    For taxpayers  other  than corporations,  net  capital gains  are  presently
subject  to a maximum tax  rate of 28 percent. However,  it should be noted that
legislative proposals are introduced from time to time that affect tax rates and
could affect relative differences at which ordinary income and capital gains are
taxed.
 
    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 SECTION  3, 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.
 
12.  WHAT ARE NORMAL TRUST OPERATING EXPENSES?
 
No  annual advisory fee is charged the  Trusts by the Sponsor. The Sponsor does,
however, receive a fee  of $0.17 per  annum per $1,000  principal amount of  the
underlying  Bonds  in each  Trust  for regularly  evaluating  the Bonds  and for
maintaining surveillance over the portfolio. (See Section 16.)
 
                                      A-22
<PAGE>
    The Trustee receives for ordinary recurring services an annual fee for  each
plan  of  distribution for  each Trust  as set  forth in  "Essential Information
Regarding the Trusts."  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" 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.
 
    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.
 
    The Sponsor has borne all costs of creating and establishing the Trusts. The
following  are 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.
 
13.  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
 
                                      A-23
<PAGE>
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.
 
    Details  of distributions  per Unit  of each  Trust under  the various plans
based upon estimated Net Annual Interest Income at the Date of Deposit are shown
in the tables appearing  in Section 3. The  amount of the regular  distributions
will  remain the same so long as each  Trust portfolio remains the same and fees
and expenses remain the same, and will generally change when Bonds are redeemed,
mature or are sold or when fees and expenses increase or decrease.
 
    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  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 Section 18.) If no notice is received in proper form by the
Trustee,  the Unitholder  will be  deemed to have  elected to  continue the same
plan.
 
    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.
 
    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.
 
                                      A-24
<PAGE>
    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. (See Section 19.)
 
    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.
 
14.  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.
 
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
 
                                      A-25
<PAGE>
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 Special  Bond
Portfolio, 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 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
 
                                      A-26
<PAGE>
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.
 
                                      A-27
<PAGE>
    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 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.
 
15.  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 and, if any, 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.
 
16.  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
 
                                      A-28
<PAGE>
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.
 
17.  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, and  Units of State  Trusts
only in the state for which the Trust is named and selected other states.
 
    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.
 
    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  Section 7.  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 Section 6, and adjusted to
 
                                      A-29
<PAGE>
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 Section 6).
 
    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 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.
 
    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.
 
18.  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
 
                                      A-30
<PAGE>
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.
 
    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 corporate  trust office in New  York
City, 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.
 
    The indemnification protects the  Trustee, Sponsor, and  Trust from risk  if
the original Certificate is presented for transfer or redemption by a person who
purchased  it  in good  faith,  for value  and without  notice  of any  fraud or
irregularity.
 
    This indemnification  must  be  in the  form  of  an Open  Penalty  Bond  of
Indemnification.  The premium for such  an indemnity bond may  vary from time to
time, 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.
 
19.  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  corporate trust office in New York City (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 in  Section  18 above,  and  (3) payment  of  applicable  governmental
charges,
 
                                      A-31
<PAGE>
if  any. Certificates  should be  sent only by  registered or  certified mail to
minimize the possibility of  their being lost  or stolen. In  order to effect  a
redemption  of Units  evidenced by a  Certificate, a Unitholder  must tender the
Certificate to  the  Trustee  or  provide  satisfactory  indemnity  required  in
connection  with lost,  stolen or  destroyed Certificates  (See Section  18). 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.  If the
telephone redemption request is  received prior to 4:00  p.m. eastern time,  the
Unitholder  will be  entitled to receive  for each Unit  tendered the Redemption
Price as determined above.  A telephone redemption  request received after  4:00
p.m. eastern time will be treated as having been received the following business
day. The redemption proceeds will be mailed within seven calendar days following
the  telephone redemption  request. Telephone  redemptions are  limited to 1,000
Units or less. 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 seventh calendar day following the date of tender, or if the seventh
calendar day is not a business day, on the first business day prior thereto, 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  fifth  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. Such  value will vary  with market  and credit conditions,
including changes in  interest rate  levels. Unitholders should  check with  the
Trustee  or  their broker  to determine  the  Redemption Price  before tendering
Units.
 
    While the Trustee has the power to determine Redemption Price when Units are
tendered, the authority has  by practice been delegated  by the Trustee to  John
Nuveen  & Co.  Incorporated, which  determines the  Redemption Price  on a daily
basis.
 
    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 Section 21.) Units so redeemed shall be cancelled.
 
                                      A-32
<PAGE>
    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% to  2% of
principal amount in the case of  Bonds in National, Long Intermediate and  State
Trusts,  3/4%  to  1  1/2% in  the  case  of Bonds  in  Intermediate,  and Short
Intermediate Trusts and 1/2% to 3/4% in the case of Bonds in Short Term  Trusts.
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 difference between the aggregate offering prices of the
Bonds in each Trust  and the aggregate  bid prices thereof  on the business  day
prior  to  the Date  of Deposit  is shown  in the  discussion of  specific trust
matters.
 
    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 31% 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."
 
20.  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 Section 19.) 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.
 
    The  Public Offering  Price upon  resale of any  Units thus  acquired by the
Sponsor will be  calculated in accordance  with the procedure  described in  the
then currently effective prospectus relating to such Units. Any profit resulting
from  the resale of  such Units will  belong to the  Sponsor which likewise will
bear any loss resulting from a  lower Public Offering Price or Redemption  Price
subsequent to its acquisition of such Units.
 
                                      A-33
<PAGE>
21.  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  the "Schedules  of Investments"  and "General  Trust Information"
under Section 3 for a discussion of call provisions of portfolio Bonds.
 
    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.
 
    In  connection with its determination  as to the sale  or liquidation of any
Bonds, the Sponsor  will consider the  Bond's then current  rating, but  because
such  ratings are the opinions of the rating agencies as to the quality of Bonds
they undertake to rate and not  absolute standards of quality, the Sponsor  will
exercise its independent judgment as to Bond creditworthiness.
 
    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 Section 4 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.
 
22.  INFORMATION ABOUT THE TRUSTEE
 
The Trustee is United States Trust Company of New York, with its principal place
of  business at 114 West 47th Street, New York, New York 10036 and its corporate
trust office at  770 Broadway,  New York, New  York 10003.  United States  Trust
Company  of New York, established in  1853, has, since its organization, engaged
primarily in the  management of trust  and agency accounts  for individuals  and
corporations. The Trustee is a member of the New York Clearing House Association
and  is subject to supervision and examination by the Superintendent of Banks of
the State of New York, the  Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the  Board
of  Governors of the Federal Reserve System.  In connection with the storage and
handling of  certain Bonds  deposited in  the Trusts,  the Trustee  may use  the
services of The
 
                                      A-34
<PAGE>
Depository  Trust Company. These services would include safekeeping of the Bonds
and coupon-clipping,  computer book-entry  transfer and  institutional  delivery
services.  The  Depository  Trust Company  is  a limited  purpose  trust company
organized under  the Banking  Law of  the State  of New  York, a  member of  the
Federal  Reserve System  and a clearing  agency registered  under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934.
 
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.
 
    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.
 
23.  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
 
                                      A-35
<PAGE>
insured trusts.  The  Sponsor  is  also  principal  underwriter  of  the  Nuveen
Municipal Bond Fund, Inc., the Nuveen Tax-Exempt 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-Free
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 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
 
                                      A-36
<PAGE>
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.
 
24.  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 Section 4 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 Regarding the Trusts.") 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
registration books of the Trust maintained by the
 
                                      A-37
<PAGE>
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
under Section 3. 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 Statements of Condition and Schedules of Investments at Date of  Deposit
included   in  this  Prospectus  have  been  audited  by  Arthur  Andersen  LLP,
independent public accountants, as indicated in their report in this Prospectus,
and are included herein in reliance upon  the authority of said firm as  experts
in giving said report.
 
                                      A-38
<PAGE>
                            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.
 
- ----------
*As published by the rating companies.
 
                                      A-39
<PAGE>
    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.
 
    A  Standard  &  Poor's  Corporation'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
 
                                      A-40
<PAGE>
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.
 
                                      A-41
<PAGE>
                      (THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK)
 
                                      A-42
<PAGE>
                      (THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK)
 
                                      A-43
<PAGE>
                      (THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK)
 
                                      A-44
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<C>                <S>        <C>
           NUVEEN             Tax-Exempt Unit Trusts
 
                           PROSPECTUS
                           170,000 Units
                           National Insured Trust 287
                           Colorado Insured Trust 55
                           Georgia Insured Trust 42
</TABLE>
 
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<C>                 <S>        <C>
            NUVEEN             Tax-Exempt Unit Trusts
 
           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             United States Trust Company
                               of New York
                               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 supplementary 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.
 
   
   777
    
WARNING: THE EDGAR SYSTEM ENCOUNTERED ERROR(S) WHILE PROCESSING THIS SCHEDULE.

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the National
Insured  Trust 287 which is incorporated in the Prospectus dated January 5, 1995
and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such prospectus.
</LEGEND>
 
       
<S>                                                <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                                      OTHER
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                                               Dec-31-1995
<PERIOD-END>                                                    Dec-31-1995
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                                             9,572,237
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                                            9,609,035
<RECEIVABLES>                                                        96,026
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                                            0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                                      0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                                    9,705,061
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                                                  0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                                                   0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                                            96,026
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                                                  96,026
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                                           0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                                                  0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                                               100,000
<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>                                                      9,609,035
<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>                                                 96.09
<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>
WARNING: THE EDGAR SYSTEM ENCOUNTERED ERROR(S) WHILE PROCESSING THIS SCHEDULE.

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the Colorado
Insured  Trust 55 which is incorporated in  the Prospectus dated January 5, 1995
and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such prospectus.
</LEGEND>
 
       
<S>                                                <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                                      OTHER
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                                               Dec-31-1995
<PERIOD-END>                                                    Dec-31-1995
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                                             3,292,188
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                                            3,308,620
<RECEIVABLES>                                                        38,189
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                                            0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                                      0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                                    3,346,809
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                                                  0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                                                   0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                                            38,189
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                                                  38,189
<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>                                                      3,308,620
<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>                                                 94.53
<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 Georgia
Insured Trust 42 which is incorporated  in the Prospectus dated January 5,  1995
and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such prospectus.
</LEGEND>
 
       
<S>                                                <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                                      OTHER
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                                               Dec-31-1995
<PERIOD-END>                                                    Dec-31-1995
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                                             3,343,032
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                                            3,363,990
<RECEIVABLES>                                                        28,693
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                                            0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                                      0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                                    3,392,683
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                                                  0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                                                   0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                                            28,693
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                                                  28,693
<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>                                                      3,363,990
<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>                                                 96.11
<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>

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) On the cover page, in the index and on the last page of the printed
document, solid vertical bars will appear.
   (3) In the printed document, footnote symbols may include a "dagger" or
multiple "dagger".  The "dagger" symbol is represented as # in the electronic
document.
   (4) 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:

    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

B.  This amendment of Registration Statement comprises the following papers 
and documents:

              The facing sheet
              The Prospectus

              The signatures

              Consents of Independent Public
              Accountants and Counsel as indicated

              Exhibits as listed on page S-5


<PAGE>

                                   SIGNATURES

    The Registrant, Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit Trust, Series 777 hereby
identifies Series 401, 507, 512, 515, 517, 519 and 723 of the Nuveen 
Tax-Exempt 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-Exempt Unit Trust, Series 777 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 01/05/95.

 
                                NUVEEN TAX-EXEMPT UNIT TRUST, SERIES 777
                                (Registrant)

                                By JOHN NUVEEN & CO. INCORPORATED
                                (Depositor)


                       
                                By: Larry Woods Martin
                                    _________________________________
                                    Vice President


                        
                           Attest:  Morrison C. Warren
                                    __________________________________
                                    Assistant Secretary


<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:


    SIGNATURE                     TITLE*                       DATE

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      ) Larry Woods Martin
                        and Director                  ) Attorney-In-Fact**
                                                      )
Timothy T. Schwertfeger Executive Vice President      )
                        and Director                  )

O. Walter Renfftlen     Vice President and Controller )
                        (Principal Accounting Officer))
                                                      )
                                                      )01/05/95
___________________

*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-Exempt Unit Trust, 
Series 671 (File No. 33-49175). 



<PAGE>

777

                   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
01/05/95


                         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 CORPORATION

    The consent of Standard + Poor's Corporation 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.

<PAGE>

                                LIST OF EXHIBITS


1.1 (a)  Copy of Trust Indenture and Agreement between John Nuveen &
         Co. Incorporated, Depositor, and United States Trust Company of
         New York, Trustee (as Exibit 1.1 (a) to the Sponsor's Registration
         Statement on Form S-6 relating to Series 723 of the Fund (file No.
         33-52527) and incorporated herein by reference).

1.1 (b)  Schedules to the 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 Corporation.

4.2      Consent of Kenny S+P Evaluation Services.

4.3      Consent of Carter, Ledyard & Milburn.

                                                                      
<PAGE>                                                                        
                                                                              
Exhibit 1.1(b)                                                                
                                                                              
                                                                              
                                                                              
                                                                              
                                 SCHEDULE A                                   
                                                                              
                                                                              
Series 777                                           January 5, 1995          
                                                                              
Item 1.  This Indenture relates to the Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit Trust           
         Series 777.                                                          
                                                                              
Item 2.  The date of this Indenture is January 5, 1995.                       
                                                                              
Item 3.  Series 777 shall initially contain Trusts as follows:                
                                                                              
         (a)   National Insured Trust 287                                     
         (b)   Colorado Insured Trust 55                                      
         (c)   Georgia Insured Trust 42                                       
                                                                              
                                                                              
Item 4.  Each Trust shall initially consist of the following number of Units: 
                                                                              
         (a)   National Insured Trust                  100,000 Units          
         (b)   Colorado Insured Trust                   35,000 Units          
         (c)   Georgia Insured Trust                    35,000 Units          
                                                                              
                                                                              
Item 5.  (a) The amount of the second distribution from the Interest          
             Account of the respective Trusts will be as follows:             
                                                                              
         ( 1)  National Insured Trust                  $ .4500 per Unit       
         ( 2)  Colorado Insured Trust                  $ .4225 per Unit       
         ( 3)  Georgia Insured Trust                   $ .4396 per Unit       
                                                                              
         (b) The date of the second distribution from the Interest Account    
             of the respective Trusts will be as follows:                     
                                                                              
         ( 1)  National Insured Trust                  February 15, 1995      
         ( 2)  Colorado Insured Trust                  February 15, 1995      
         ( 3)  Georgia Insured Trust                   February 15, 1995      
                                                                              
         (c) The record date for the second distribution from the             
             Interest Account of the respective Trusts will be as             
             follows:                                                         
                                                                              
         ( 1)  National Insured Trust                  February 1, 1995       
         ( 2)  Colorado Insured Trust                  February 1, 1995       
         ( 3)  Georgia Insured Trust                   February 1, 1995       
                                                                              
                                                                              
         PAGE 2                                                               
                                                                              
                                                                              
Item 6.  Record dates for subsequent semi-annual distributions from the       
         Interest Account for each of the respective Trusts will be the 1st   
         day of May and November of each year.                                
                                                                              
                                                                              
Item 7.  (a) Record date for distibution from the Principal Account of each   
             of the respective Trusts will be the first day of May and        
             November of each year.                                           
                                                                              
         (b) The first record date for distributions from the Principal       
             Account of each of the respective Trusts will be                 
             May 1, 1995.                                                     
                                                                              
                                                                              
Item 8.  The Trust shall in no event continue beyond the end of the calendar  
         year preceding the fiftieth anniversary of the execution of this     
         Indenture 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 and beyond the end of  
         the calendar year preceding the tenth anniversary of its execution   
         for Short Intermediate and Short Term Trusts.                        
                                                                              
                                                                              
Item 9.  Quarterly distributions from the Interest Account of the respective  
         Trusts will be computed as of the 1st day of February, May, August,  
         and November.                                                        
                                                                              
                                                                              
Item 10. Certain deductions from the Interest Account by the Trustee          
         will commence as follows:                                            
                                                                              
         (a)   National Insured Trust                  February 1, 1995       
         (b)   Colorado Insured Trust                  February 1, 1995       
         (c)   Georgia Insured Trust                   February 1, 1995       
                                                                              
Item 11. (a)  For services performed prior to the date indicated in           
              Item 5(c) of this Schedule A, the Trustee shall be paid at      
              the following annual rates per $1,000 of principal amount       
              of Bonds:                                                       
                                                                              
         ( 1)  National Insured Trust                  $1.8712                
         ( 2)  Colorado Insured Trust                  $1.6389                
         ( 3)  Georgia Insured Trust                   $1.841                 
                                                                              
         (b)  For services performed on or after the date indicated in        
              Item 5(c) of this Schedule A, the Trustee shall be paid at      
              the following annual rates per $1,000 of principal amount       
              of Bonds:                                                       
                                                                              
         ( 1)  National Insured Trust                                         
                                                                              
               Monthly Plan of Distribution                  $1.8712          
               Quarterly Plan of Distribution                $1.5512          
               Semi-Annual Plan of Distribution              $1.3612          
                                                                              
         ( 2)  Colorado Insured Trust                                         
                                                                              
               Monthly Plan of Distribution                  $1.6389          
               Quarterly Plan of Distribution                $1.3189          
               Semi-Annual Plan of Distribution              $1.1289          
                                                                              
         ( 3)  Georgia Insured Trust                                          
                                                                              
               Monthly Plan of Distribution                  $1.841           
               Quarterly Plan of Distribution                $1.521           
               Semi-Annual Plan of Distribution              $1.331           
                                                                              
                                                                              
                                                                              
                            ADDITIONAL SCHEDULES                              
                                                                              
                                                                              
                         BONDS INITIALLY DEPOSITED                            
                                                                              
                  NUVEEN TAX-EXEMPT UNIT TRUST SERIES 777                     
                                                                              
                                                                              
                                                                              
                                                                              
Incorporated herein and made a part hereof as indicated below are the         
following annual rates per $1,000 of principal amount of Bonds:               
corresponding portions of the 'Schedules of Investments at Date of Deposit'   
contained in the Prospectus dated the Date of Deposit and relating to the     
above-named Series:                                                           
                                                                              
         Schedule B:  National Insured Trust 287                              
         Schedule C:  Colorado Insured Trust 55                               
         Schedule D:  Georgia Insured Trust 42                                


<PAGE>

EXHIBIT 3.1

(ON CHAPMAN AND CUTLER LETTERHEAD)

01/05/95


John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated
333 W. Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois  60606

RE:  Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit Trust, Series 777

Gentlemen:

    We have served as counsel for you, as depositor of Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit
Trust, Series 777 (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 United 
States Trust Company of New York, 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. 33-56805) 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 3.2

(ON CHAPMAN AND CUTLER LETTERHEAD)

01/05/95

John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated
333 W. Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois  60606
RE:  Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit Trust, Series 777

Gentlemen:

    We have served as counsel for you, as Depositor of Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit
Trust, Series 777 (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 United States Trust Company of New York, 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-Exempt 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-Exempt Unit Trust, Series 777.

    We have concluded that the Trust Indenture and Agreement for the Fund and
its counterpart in each of the prior issues of Nuveen Tax-Exempt 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
taxable as an association 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 Fund 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 and original issue
discount 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(f) and 56(g)
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 repect 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 issued discount with
respect to each Bond held by the Trust with respect to which there was an
original issue discount and reduced by the annual amortization of bond
premium, if any, on Bonds held by the Trust.

<PAGE>

    (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 Fund, 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 with respect to each Bond which, at the time
the Bond was issued, had original issue 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 any Bond which matures within one year of the date
issued, the accrual of tax-exempt original issue discount will generally be
computed daily on a ratable basis unless the Unitholder elects to accrue such
discount under a constant yield method, compounded daily.

    (vii)  In the case of any Bond which does not mature within one year
after the date issued, tax-exempt original issue discount will accrue
daily, computed generally under a constant yield method, compounded
semiannually (with straight line interpolation between compounding dates).

    (viii)  In the case of Trusts for which Municipal Bond Investors Assurance
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 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.
<PAGE>

    Because the Trusts do not include any "specified 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) is an amount equal to 50% of the excess of such
corporation's "adjusted net book income" over an amount equal to its AMTI
(before such adjustment item and the alternative tax net operating
loss deduction).  For taxable years beginning after 1989, such adjustment item
will be 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 operating net operating loss deduction) pursuant to
Section 56(g) of the Code.  Both "adjusted net book income" and "adjusted
current earnings" include 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 generally 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, 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.

<PAGE>

    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 by taxpayers other than certain financial institutions, as referred to
above, 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).  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. 33-56805) 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 SHERMAN & HOWARD L.L.C. LETTERHEAD)

01/05/95


Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit Trust,
Series 777
c/o United States Trust Company of
New York, Trustee
770 Broadway
New York, New York  10003

RE:  
    Colorado Insured Trust 55

Ladies and Gentlemen:

    We have acted as special counsel to the Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit Trust, 
Series 777 (the "Fund") with respect to certain applications of the
income tax law of the State of Colorado to the above captioned Trust(s)
created as part of the Fund (the "Colorado Trust(s)") and to the holders of
certificates or registered holders of book entry positions evidencing
ownership of fractional undivided interest ("Units") in the Colorado Trust(s)
who are residents of the State of Colorado ("Colorado Unitholders").

    In this connection, we have examined the form of an opinion of Chapman and
Cutler, counsel for John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated, the Depositor, to be dated
today, as to the federal tax status of the several constituent trusts of the
Fund and the holders of Units, including the Colorado Trust(s) and the
Colorado Unitholders. Chapman and Cutler has advised us that its opinion, as
executed and delivered, will be in all material respects identical to such
form.  We have also examined such pertinent materials and matters of law as
we deemed necessary in order to enable us to express the opinions hereinafter
set forth.

    It is our understanding that a Colorado Trust will consist of
obligations which were issued by the State of Colorado or its political
subdivisions or by the United States or possessions of the United States,
including Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Guam ("Bonds").  The following
opinion assumes that the Colorado Trust(s) will have no income other than
(i) interest income on the Bonds, (ii) insurance proceeds, if any, referred
to in paragraph (3) below, and (iii) gain on the disposition of such Bonds.

    Based on the foregoing and, with your permission, in reliance upon the
opinion of Chapman and Cutler referred to above, it is our opinion that
application of existing Colorado income tax law would be as follows:

    The Chapman and Cutler opinion concludes that each trust, including the
Colorado Trust(s), will be governed by the provisions  of subchapter J of
chapter 1, Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the "Code").  Although there are no
Colorado income tax statutes similar to subchapter J of chapter 1 of the Code,
the Colorado statutory provisions generally operate to reach the same result
that is reached under the federal system.  The income, deduction, and credit
items directly reportable by the "owner" of a trust under the federal rules
are also directly reportable by that same person under Colorado rules.
Conversely, items of income, deduction, and credit not reportable for federal
purposes typically are not reported for Colorado purposes.  For resident
individuals, estates, and trusts, Colorado law imposes a tax on federal
taxable income, as defined in the Code, with specific modifications. For
corporations, a tax is imposed on net income derived from sources within
Colorado.  A corporation's net income is defined as federal taxable income,
again with certain modifications. There are two modifications relevent to
this opinion. First, interest income less amortization of premium on
obligations of any state or any politcal subdivision thereof must be added
to federal taxable income; however, interest income on obligations of the
State of Colorado or a political subdivision thereof which are issued on or
after May 1, 1980 is specifically excluded from this modification.  Interest
income on obligations of the State of Colorado or a political subdivision
thereof which were issued before May 1, 1980 is also excluded from this
modification to the extent that such interest is specifically exempt from
income taxation under the laws of the State of Colorado authorizing the
issuance of such obligations.  The second relevent modification is that
interest income on obligations of the United States and its possessions is
subtracted from federal taxable income to the extent it was included in
federal taxable income.

    Colorado also imposes on individuals, estates, and trusts an alternative
minimum tax based on the federal alternative minimum taxable income determined
pursuant to Section 55 of the Code.  As with the modifications to federal
taxable income pertaining to interest income on Colorado exempt obligations,
interest income on obligations of the State of Colorado and political
sudivisions thereof which are issued on or after May 1, 1980, or which were
issued prior to May 1, 1980 but have interest specifically exempt from income
taxation under the Colorado laws authorizing the issuance of such obligations,
is not included in the modification that otherwise requires that interest
income from obligations of states or political subdivisions thereof be added
to federal alternative minimum taxable income.  Furthermore, interest income
on obligations of the United States and its possessions is subtracted from
federal alternative minimum taxable income.

    Because Colorado income tax law is based upon the federal law and in light
of the opinion of Chapman and Cutler, the Colorado Trust(s) will not be
association(s) taxable as  corporation(s) for purposes of Colorado income
taxation.

<PAGE>

    With respect to Colorado Unitholders, in view of the relationship
between federal and Colorado tax computations described above and the opinion 
of Chapman and Cutler referred to above:

    1.   Each Colorado Unitholder will be treated as owning a share of
         each asset of the Colorado Unitholder's respective Colorado Trust for
         Colorado income tax purposes, in the proportion that the number of
         Units of such Colorado Trust held by the Unitholder bears to the
         total number of outstanding Units of the Colorado Trust, and the
         income of the Colorado Trust will therefore be treated as the income
         of each Colorado Unitholder under Colorado law in the proportion
         described;

    2.   Interest on Bonds that would not be included in the base subject to
         Colorado income tax or Colorado alternative minimum tax when paid
         directly to a Colorado Unitholder will not be included in the base
         subject to Colorado income tax or alternative minimum tax when
         received by a Colorado Trust and attributed to such Colorado
         Unitholder and when distributed to such Colorado Unitholder;

    3.   Proceeds paid under an insurance policy, if any, issued to the issuer
         of the Bonds involved, to the Depositor prior to deposit of the Bonds
         in a Colorado Trust, or to a Colorado Trust, which proceeds
         represent maturing interest on defaulted Bonds and which proceeds
         would not be included in the base subject to Colorado income tax or
         Colorado alternative minimum tax when paid directly to a Colorado
         Unitholder will not be included in the base subject to Colorado
         income and alternative minimum tax when received by a Colorado
         Trust and attributed to such Colorado Unitholder and when
         distributed to such Colorado Unitholder;

    4.   Each Colorado Unitholder will realize gain or loss taxable
         in Colorado when the Colorado Unitholder's respective Colorado
         Trust disposes of a Bond (whether by sale, exchange, redemption,
         or payment at maturity) or when the Colorado Unitholder redeems or
         sells Units at a price that differs from original cost as adjusted
         for amortization of bond discount or premium and other basis
         adjustments (including any basis reduction that may be required to
         reflect a Colorado Unitholder's share of interest, if any, accruing
         on Bonds during the interval between the Colorado Unitholder's
         settlement date and the date such Bonds are delivered to the Colorado
         Trust, if later);

    5.   Tax cost reduction requirements relating to amortization of bond
         premium may, under some circumstances, result in Colorado
         Unitholders realizing gain taxable in Colorado when their
         Units are sold or redeemed for an amount equal to or less than their
         original cost; and
 
    6.   If interest on indebtedness incurred or continued by a Colorado
         Unitholder to purchase Units in the Colorado Trust is not
         deductible for federal income tax purposes, it will not be
         deductible for Colorado income tax purposes.


    We have not examined any of the Bonds to be deposited in the Colorado
Trusts(s) and express no opinion as to whether the interest (or, if appli-
cable, insurance proceeds representing interest) on any such Bonds would in
fact be included in the base subject to Colorado income tax or Colorado
alternative minimum tax if directly received by a Colorado Unitholder.

    We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement (File No. 33-56805) relating to the Units referred
to above and to the use of our name and the reference to our firm in such
Registration Statement, and in the related Prospectus, under the "Tax Status"
heading for each Colorado Trust in the Fund.  In addition, we authorize United
States Trust Company of ew York to rely upon this opinion in its capacity
as Trustee of the Fund.

Very truly yours,


SHERMAM & HOWARD L.L.C.

<PAGE>

EXHIBIT 3.3


(ON CHAPMAN & CUTLER LETTERHEAD)

01/05/95


Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit Trust,
Series 777
c/o John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated
333 West Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois  60606

United States Trust Company of New York,
   as Trustee for Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit
   Trust, Series 777
770 Broadway
New York, New York  10003

          Re:   
               Georgia Insured Trust 42
Gentlemen:

         We have acted as counsel to Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit Trust, Series
777, with respect to certain matters preliminary to the issuance and sale
of units of interest therein (the "Units") pursuant to a Trust Indenture and
Agreement, dated as of the date hereof (the "Indenture"), between John
Nuveen & Co. Incorporated, as depositor (the "Depositor"), and United States
Trust Company of New York, as trustee (the "Trustee").  The Units represent
fractional undivided interests in the principal of and net income on
obligations deposited in one of several separate trusts including the
above-captioned trust (the "Trust"), will be evidenced by a certificate
(the "Certificate") and will be sold to various investors (the "Unitholders").
Each separate trust will be administered as a distinct entity with
separate 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 Georgia (the "State") or counties,
municipalities, authorities or political subdivisions thereof (the "Georgia
Bonds") or by the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico or its political subdivisions
(the "Puerto Rico Bonds") (collectively, the "Bonds").  Distributions of
interest on the Bonds received by the Trust will be made semi-annually unless
a Unitholder elects to receive them monthly or quarterly.

         Although we express no opinion with respect therto, in rendering the
opinion expressed herein, we have assumed that the Bonds were validly issued
by the State of Georgia or its instrumentalities or municipalities and the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or its instrumentalities or municipalities, as
the case may be.


PAGE END

<PAGE>

         Based on the foregoing, and review and consideration of existing
State laws, it is our opinion, and we herewith advise you, as follows:

    1.  For purposes of income taxation by the State of Georgia or any
of its counties or municipalities:

         (a)  The Trust is not an association taxable as a corporation and
each Unitholder of the Trust will be treated as the owner of a pro-rata
portion of the Trust, and the income of the Trust will therefore be treated
as the income of the Unitholder;

         (b)  Interest on the Georgia Bonds and the Puerto Rico Bonds
which is excludable from gross income for federal income tax purposes
when received by the Trust will be exempt from Georgia income taxation
and therefore will not be includible in the income of the Unitholder
for income tax purposes when distributed by the Trust and received by
the Unitholder;

         (c)  Each Unitholder of the Trust will recognize gain or
loss for income tax purposes if the Trustee disposes of a bond
(whether by sale, exchange, payment on maturity, retirement or other-
wise) or if the Unitholder redeems or sells Units of the Trust
to the extent that such transaction results in a recognized gain or
loss for federal income tax purposes;

         (d)  Due to the amortization of bond premium and the basis adjust-
ments required by the Internal Revenue Code, a Unitholder, under some
circumstances, may realize taxable gain when his or her Units are sold or
redeemed prior to the maturity of Bonds held by the Trust for an amount
equal to such Units' original cost;

         (e)  In the case of Georgia Bonds issued before March 11, 1987
with original issue discount the amount of gain or loss recognized for
income tax purposes upon such sale or redemption of Bonds or
Units may differ from the amount recognized for federal income tax purposes
because original issue discount on such Bonds will accrue on ratable basis
under Georgia law;

         (f)  Interest on indebtedness incurred by a Unitholder to
purchase or carry Units of the Trust and Trustee fees and related expenses
incurred by the Trust which are not deductible for federal income tax
purposes are also not deductible under Georgia law;

    2.  Units of the Trust are not subject to sales or use taxation by
the State of Georgia or any political subdivision thereof;

    3.  Georgia Bonds and Bonds issued by the Government of Puerto Rico are
not subject to intangible personal property  taxation by the State of
Georgia or any political subdivision thereof and although there is currently
no published administrative interpretation or opinion of the Attorney General
of Georgia dealing with the status of bonds issued by a political subdivision
of Puerto Rico, we have in the past, been advised orally by representatives
of the Georgia Department of Revenue that such bonds would also be considered
exempt from such tax;

    4.  No opinion is expressed regarding whether Units of the Trust
are subject to intangilble personal property taxation by the State of
Georgia, however, according to discussions with the Georgia Department of
Revenue, it is the Department's view that Units of the Trust would be
subject to such tax;

    5.  Georgia Bonds and Puerto Rico Bonds are not subject to sales or
use taxation by the State of Georgia or any political subdivision thereof;



    6.  In the case of Trusts for which an insurance policy or policies with
respect to the payment of principal and interest on the Georgia Bonds and
Puerto Rico Bonds has been obtained by the Depositor, any proceeds paid under
such policy or policies issued to the Trust, if any, with respect to the Bonds
in the Trust which represent maturing interest on defaulted obligations held
by the Trustee will be exempt from State income taxes if, and to the same ex-
tent as, such interest would have been so exempt if paid by the issurer of the
defaulted obligations 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 1(b) of this opinion 
is accordingly applicable to policy proceeds representing maturing interest.

          We have not examined any of the Bonds to be deposited and held in
the Trust or the proceedings for the issuance thereof or the opinions of bond
counsel with respect thereto, and therefore express no opinion as to the
exemption from State income taxes of interest on the Bonds if received
directly by a Unitholder.

          We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement (No. 33-56805) filed pursuant to the Securities Act of
1933, as amended (the "Act"), with respect to the registration of the sale of
the Units by Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit Trust, Series 777, and to the 
references 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 persons whose consent is required by Section 7 of the Act, or the 
rules and regulations thereunder.

Very truly yours,



Chapman & Cutler



<PAGE>

EXHIBIT 4.1

(ON STANDARD & POOR'S CORPORATION LETTERHEAD)

01/05/95

John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated
333 W. Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL  60606

RE: Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit Trust, Series 777

Gentlemen:

    This is in response to your requests regarding the above-
captioned fund which consists of separate underlying unit investment trusts
(the "trusts"), SEC file # 33-56805.

    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 solely 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 attached 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' rating to
the units of each insured trust and a 'AAA' rating to the securities contained
in each insured trust.

    You have permission to use the name of Standard & Poor's Corporation 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 trust's purchase price
will reduce payment to the unit holders of the interest and 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 Corporation 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 the name of Standard & Poor's Corporation 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
amount of time after the closing or should they not conform to the
certification received by us, we reserve the right to nullify the ratings.

Very truly yours,

STANDARD & POOR'S CORPORATION


 By Vincent S. Orgo



<PAGE>

EXHIBIT 4.2

(On J. J. Kenny Co., Inc., Letterhead)

01/05/95

John Nuveen & Company
333 West Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606-1286

RE:  Nuveen Tax Exempt Unit Trust, Series 777

Gentlemen:

      We have examined Registration Statement File No. 33-56805 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,


 Donald H. Totter
 



<PAGE>

                                   MEMORANDUM

                 Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit Trust, Series 777
                               File No. 33-56805


    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 01/05/95,
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

     PAGE 3.       The "Estimated Long-Term Return" and "Estimated Current
Return" to Unitholders under each Trust under each of the distribution
plans are stated.

     PAGES 4 - 5.  Essential information for each of the Trusts, including
applicable footnotes, has been completed for this Series.

     PAGES 5 - 6.  The date of the Indenture has been inserted in Section 1
along with the size and number of Units of each of the Trusts.

     PAGE 8 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 distribution table for each Trust

         Taxable Equivalent Estimated Current Return Tables for residents
         of the respective jurisdictions

         The statements of condition for each Trust
         and the accountant's report with regard thereto.

         The amount of the Trustee's Fee

                             THE INDENTURE

The Schedules to the Indenture have been completed.


CHAPMAN AND CUTLER


Chicago, Illinois

01/05/95


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