1.60
0.40
= Offer Side vs. NY Close
Proof coins are specially minted coins produced by the US Mint since the mid-1800s. Single proof coins were sold to collectors, and some sets were produced for presentation to foreign dignitaries and honored individuals. The dies used to produce them are highly polished, and after each few strikings, inspected and re-polished. The planchets or blanks are also polished to eliminate any imperfections in the finished coin. The proof blanks are hand fed into the press and the finished proof coins are inspected and hand packaged individually or in sets.
In 1936, the Mint began issuing sets of 5 proof coins, cent thru half dollar, packaged separately in cellophane bags, which were stapled together and packed in a gray cardboard box. These sets were sold for $1.89. Production ceased after 1942 due to WWII, and resumed in 1950. In 1955, the Mint began packaging some Proof Sets in a ‘pliofilm’ flat pack, shipped in an envelope instead of the box, until 1965, when Special Mint Sets were sold in lieu of proof sets. Production resumed at the San Francisco Mint in 1968, now housed in a styrene hard plastic holder and bearing the “S” mintmark.
In 1983, the Mint began production of Prestige proof sets, which included a commemorative dollar and packaged in a deluxe leather-bound booklet type holder. These prestige sets sold for various prices, and were discontinued in 1998. In 1992, sets with 90% silver dimes, quarters and half dollars were made in two versions.
With the start of the 50 States Quarters Program proof sets changed once again to include the five states quarters issued for the year. The 1999-S set included the usual cent, nickel, dime and half dollar, plus the five State quarters for a total of 9 pieces, which increased to 10 with the inclusion of the Sacagawea dollar in 2000. Silver issues are also made in various configurations. Starting in 2007, the proof sets will contain the Sacagawea dollar. The proof Presidential Dollars will be issued in a set by themselves in their own holders.
Uncirculated coin, or Mint, Sets have been available since 1947, and until 1958, were ‘double coin sets’ with 2 of each coin of the same quality as those made for general circulation each year. There were no sets made in 1950, 1982 and 1983. In 1965, 1966 and 1967, the Mint produced “Special Mint Sets”, with the cent thru half made to higher standards than that of general circulation coins, but not of proof quality. There were no proof sets made those three years.
At Christophers, we have most proof sets dated from the early 1950’s in stock, and mint sets from the early 1960’s. These are popular gift items for collectors and for those ‘difficult to buy for’ birthday and Christmas gift people as well. We also have ‘birthyear’ sets made up from coins in stock housed in a styrene holder, if the proof or mint set you need is not available.
