Coins - 1983 Proof
Set
For one year in 1983, the US Mint returned to the blue proof set package from the early 1970s. The 1983 proof
set contained five coins for a total of $0.91 in face value - the penny, nickel, dime, quarter and half dollar. In
1983, the Mint sold the annual proof sets for $11.00 each.
1983 Proof Set Package
Like the earlier years, the blue box contained a hard plastic lens to protect the proof coins in the set. The
upper flap of the proof set box included white script letters identifying "United States Proof Set • 1983" on the
blue background. The box dimensions are roughly 3.5 inches by 5.5 inches by 3/8 inch.
The edges and back of the 1983 blue proof set box do not include any
additional identifying marks.
The box opens by sliding the flap from under the written area. The lens slides into the box along the long
edge.
1983 Proof Set Contents and Proof Coins
Though unknown in number, a small portion of the 1983 proof sets include a dime without its "S" mint mark. Some
experts estimate the number to be less than the 3,000 to 3,500 coins that can be struck from one proof coin die.
Others say that the 1983 proof sets with "S-less" dimes are more prevalent than earlier no-S variety sets.
Regardless, the no-S variety is more valuable.
Also, in 1983, the US Mint introduced the Prestige Proof Set program. The
1983 Prestige Proof Set included the five proof coins of the regular
proof set along with a commemorative silver dollar recognizing the XXIII Olympiad in Los Angeles.
In the regular proof set like those in the early 1970s, the five coins are held in place by a black plastic
insert sandwiched between two clear pieces of plastic. One difference, however, is the script showing "United
States Proof Set" and the block letters of "PACKAGED BY US MINT." These raised letters show on the obverse side of
the proof set lens in 1983 where they were on the reverse in the early 70s.
Similarly, the raised heraldic eagle moved from the obverse to the
reverse. In addition, more detail can be seen on the version of the eagle on the 1983 proof set
lens.
1983 Proof Set Coin Specifications
The specifications for the coins in the 1983 annual Proof Set:
Denomination |
Cent |
Five Cent |
Dime |
Quarter |
Half Dollar |
Obverse
|
Lincoln
|
Jefferson
|
Roosevelt
|
Washington
|
Kennedy
|
Designed by
|
V.D. Brenner
|
Felix Schlag
|
John R. Sinnock
|
John
Flanagan
|
Gilroy
Roberts
|
Reverse
|
Lincoln Memorial
|
Montecello
|
Torch, Olive Branch, Oak Branch
|
Heraldic Eagle
|
Heraldic Eagle
|
Designed by
|
Frank
Gasparro
|
Felix Schlag
|
John R. Sinnock
|
John
Flanagan
|
Frank Gasparro
|
Composition
|
Copper Plated Zinc 2.5% Cu Balance Zn
|
25% Nickel, 75% Copper
|
Cupro-Nickel Clad, 8.33% Ni, Balance Cu
|
Cupro-Nickel Clad, 8.33% Ni, Balance Cu
|
Cupro-Nickel Clad, 8.33% Ni, Balance Cu
|
Standard
Weight
|
2.500 g
|
5.000 g
|
2.268 g
|
5.670 g
|
11.340 g
|
Standard
Diameter
|
0.750 in 19.05 mm
|
0.835 in 21.21 mm
|
0.705 in 17.91 mm
|
0.955 in
24.26 mm
|
1.205 in
30.61 mm
|
Edge
|
Plain
|
Plain
|
Reeded
|
Reeded
|
Reeded
|
In later sets, the US Mint advises, "To preserve the beauty of your Proof Set, it should be stored in a cool, dry
place."
1983 Proof Set Year Population and Cost of Living
The world population in 1983 was 4,696,609,098. This represents 68.5% of the world's population in 2010.
$100 in 1983 equals $218.93 in 2010 dollars using the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Inflation Calculator.
New houses in 1983 cost an average of $89,800 which would be $196,599 in 2010 dollars.
The average income was $15,239 per year which equals $33,363 in 2010 dollars.
Gas was $1.157 per gallon which would be $2.533 in 2010 money.
The average new car was $10,606 equivalent to $23,220 in 2010.
(Chart views into the cost of living changes throughout the Proof Set
years)
|