Coins - 1984 Mint
Set
After a two year lapse, the US Mint re-introduced the mint set in 1984 with new, colorful packaging containing
ten coins, five from Denver and five from Philadelphia. The ten coins were two of each of the Kennedy half dollar,
Washington quarter, Roosevelt dime, Jefferson nickel and Lincoln penny. The 1984 mint set included the relatively
new copper-plated zinc penny for the first time in an uncirculated coin set.
The US Mint introduced a new envelope for the 1984 mint set. The envelope included a medium brown stripe across
the top with "D" on the left and a lighter brown stripe across the bottom half with "P" at the left and "United
States Mint" in the lower right corner. Red, white and blue stripes flow from left to right across the envelope
with "1984 Uncirculated Coin Set" in the white stripe on the right.
1984 Mint Set Package
On the back of the envelope, the US Treasury Department's seal for the US Mint is centered in black print.
Similar to earlier sets, the uncirculated coins of the 1984 mint set are held in two pliofilm sleeves. The mint
set also includes an insert describing the uncirculated coins and a card helps cushion the coins in the
envelope.
1984 Mint Set Uncirculated Coins
The five coins from the Denver mint are held in the left, red-edged pliofilm sleeve along with a token. The
blue-edged sleeve holds the five coins minted in Philadelphia and a token.
The token looks much like a penny. But, the token's obverse image shows "Uncirculated" and "Denver"
around the rim with "D" in the middle for the coins minted in Denver.
Similarly, the token in the blue, Philadelphia pliofilm shows "Uncirculated" and "Philadelphia"
with "P" in the middle.
Each pliofilm contains six sealed compartments to hold each coin and the token separately. The
compartments hold the coins loosely which allows them to rotate freely.
Turning the pliofilm sleeves over allows the reverse images on the coins and the token to be
viewed.
Both tokens have the same reverse image which includes the US Mint seal.
1984 Mint Set Insert and Certificate of Authenticity
In the 1984 mint set, the US Mint added an insert.
The front of the insert includes obverse images of the five coins. At the top are the five Denver minted coins
on a medium brown background with the five Philadelphia coins shown at the bottom on the lighter brown color.
Keeping the same design as on the outer envelope, the red, white and blue stripes flow across the middle with "1984
Uncirculated Coin Set" printed in the white stripe.
The inside of insert shows pictures of the Denver and Philadelphia mint buildings and provides information about
each of the different coins in the mint set.
The back of the insert includes the detailed specifications for the five coins in the 1984 mint set.
Larger images show the contents of the insert
and provide more detail.
1984 Mint Set Coins and Metals
The coins of the 1984 Mint Set contained the following metals:
Penny: copper-plated zinc, 2.5% copper; 97.5% zinc
Nickel: 25% nickel; 75% copper
Dime: 91.67% copper; 8.33% nickel
Quarter: 91.67% copper; 8.33% nickel
Half Dollar: 91.67% copper; 8.33% nickel
Click on Mint Set Population to view the contents of the sets
through the years. Take a look at the overall Mint Set page to see how the values
compare among the sets.
1984 Mint Set Year - News about Coins and the US Mint
(note: the below links to newspapers open in a new window)
Games coin hot seller across US
The Calgary Herald - Feb 8, 1984
After much contention between public and private interests, the US Treasury Department announced that $132.5
million worth of the US Mint's Olympic coins have sold netting the two American Olympic committees $31.9 million.
That figure surpasses the amount promised by the private group, and many more months remain in the sales
program.
Last of the United States Government Morgan Silver Dollars
The Deseret News - Feb 21, 1984
This public notice announced the public auction of 1921 Morgan Silver Dollars. Though many Morgan Silver Dollars
were melted for their 90% silver content, these dollar coins are brilliant uncirculated from the last year of
mintage at the Philadelphia mint. Maximum number of coins per person is ten and will be sold on a first-come
first-serve basis. All bids must arrive or be postmarked no later than midnight, March 10, 1984. For 1-4, the
dollars are $49 each; for five coins, $47 each; for ten coins, $45 each; plus $5 per order for certified postage
and insurance.
Out of circulation - Many find they can spare the change
The Pittsburgh Press - Mar 13, 1984
The head of the House Banking committee calls the penny the "Kleenex" of the coinage system - when you need it,
it's indispensable. Many people put their pennies and other change in various containers each night. Some use
ashtrays, others shoeboxes, still others use jars or piggy banks. Per US Mint figures, less than one fourth of the
pennies remain in circulation. But, as the coinage denomination increases, more of the coins remain in circulation
at least up to the quarter with over 50% still circulating.
12 reasons why you should own the first US Olympic coins ever minted!
Schenectady Gazette - May 1, 1984
In this joint ad by the US Mint and the Olympic Organizing Committee, they include 12 reasons to buy the Olympic
coins. The first reason notes that the coins celebrate the first time in half a century the Summer Games are being
held in America. The second reason identifies this is the first time the US Mint has issued Olympic commemorative
coins.
Discovery of odd cents worth a mint
Reading Eagle - May 31, 1984
One Philadelphia coin collector is happily paying $100 to $250 each for some miscast 1983 pennies. Produced at the
US Mint in Philadelphia, the pennies have a double image on their reverse. The US Mint prefers not to release error
coins, and it's rare that they do. Because it's rare, collectors pay a premium for the error coins.
US Mint left holding nearly 3 million ounces of fizzled gold frenzy
The Deseret News - Jun 27, 1984
As gold fever hit, the US Mint produced gold medallions honoring various artists. Their efforts were intended to
compete with the Krugerrand and the Maple Leaf. But unlike the South African and Canadian coins, the medallions
were not legal tender. Whether that played a role or not, the US Mint's gold medallions are not selling.
Penny shortage over
Times Daily - Aug 6, 1984
On the 75th anniversary of the Lincoln penny, the US Mint announced that the penny shortage is over. Banks and
retailers report a comfortable inventory. This year, the Mint will reduce penny production by 300 million since the
demand has been reached.
The 1984 Mint Set Year included news of US Olympic commemorative coins, the end of the penny shortage and the
lack of acceptance of the gold medallions.
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