Coins - 1984 Proof
Set
In 1984, the US Mint introduced the purple proof set package containing five proof coins with a face value of
$0.91. The purple box and inner core of the proof set lens would be used by the Mint through 1993.
The 1984 proof set included the Lincoln cent, Jefferson nickel, Roosevelt dime, Washington quarter and Kennedy
half dollar at an original cost of $11.00 from the US Mint.
1984 Proof Set Package
The 1984 proof set used a similar design as earlier packaging in the outer box, however instead of a smooth
finish, the purple box had a textured finish. The purple color of the box is between true purple and true
burgundy.
As in earlier designs, silver script identifies the set as "United States Proof Set • 1984" on the top flap of
the purple box. The box dimensions are roughly 3.5 inches by 5.5 inches by 3/8 inch.
Unlike the earlier sets, the back of the 1984 proof set box contains a silver heraldic eagle with a banner
showing "E PLURIBUS UNUM" in his beak and an olive branch and arrows held in his talons. A shield with thirteen
bars protects the eagle's chest and above his head, a circle holds a star which consists of thirteen stars.
The proof set opens by pulling the larger purple flap from under the written edge. The lens holding the coins
slides out of the box from the long edge.
1984 Proof Set Contents and Proof Coins
In 1984, the Mint made improvements to their penny dies but the overall design did not change. The improvements
primarily helped the dies make the single strikes on the circulating coins be cleaner and clearer. Though there
were some doubled ear varieties of the Lincoln cent, they were not in the 1984 proof sets.
In 1984, the US Mint continued their Prestige Proof Set program. The
1984 Prestige Proof Set contained the five regular proof coins along with
a commemorative silver dollar showing the colliseum in Los Angeles, the host of the XXIII Olympiad.
In the regular proof set, the five coins are evenly spaced and held securely in the purple textured insert
sandwiched between the two clear pieces of plastic. "United States Proof Set" in clear script is centered below the
Kennedy half dollar. In the upper left corner, clear block letters denote "PACKAGED BY U.S. MINT."
Turning the set over, the coins' reverse designs can be easily seen through the clear plastic. Another heraldic
eagle, like the one on the proof set box, is centered above the reverse of the half dollar but in clear raised
plastic.
1984 Proof Set Coin Specifications
The specifications for the coins in the 1984 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."
1984 Proof Set Year Population and Cost of Living
The world population in 1984 was 4,776,733,167. This represents 69.7% of the world's population in 2010.
$100 in 1984 equals $209.87 in 2010 dollars using the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Inflation Calculator.
New houses in 1984 cost an average of $97,600 which would be $204,833 in 2010 dollars.
The average income was $16,135 per year which equals $33,863 in 2010 dollars.
Gas was $1.129 per gallon which would be $2.369 in 2010 money.
The average new car was $11,375 equivalent to $23,872 in 2010. (Chart views into the cost of living changes throughout the Proof Set
years)
|