Coins - 1987 Proof
Set
Like the previous year, the 1987 proof set included five coins with a face value of $0.91. The proof set was
packaged in a purple box with a cardboard insert detailing the coins' specifications. The set included the Lincoln
one cent, the Jefferson five cents, the Roosevelt ten cents, the Washington quarter dollar and the Kennedy half
dollar proof coins. In 1987, the US Mint sold the annual proof sets for $11.00 each.
1987 Proof Set Package
Textured purple card stock forms the box holding the proof coins in the 1987 proof set. Along the top flap,
silver-colored script identifies the set as "United States Proof Set • 1987." The size of the box is roughly 3.5
inches by 5.5 inches by 3/8 inch.
Looking at the other side of the proof set box, a silver heraldic eagle is centered on the purple textured
cover. The eagle holds an olive branch in his right talons and arrows in his left with a banner showing "E PLURIBUS
UNUM" in his beak. A circular design over his head holds thirteen stars in a six pointed star pattern. The shield
over the eagle's chest contains thirteen bars.
The top flap opens to allow the proof coins in their protective lens to slide out of the top edge of the proof
set box.
1987 Proof Set Contents and Proof Coins
In addition to the lens holding the proof coins, the proof set box
includes a pale purple card detailing the Proof Set Coin
Specifications.
The US Mint's procedures did not introduce any known varieties in the 1987 proof sets. The 1987
proof set coins generally have a cameo or deep cameo finished lustre. But, interestingly, the 1987 half dollar was
only released in proof sets and mint sets - not for circulation.
Also in 1987, the US Mint continued their Prestige Proof
Set program. The 1987 Prestige Proof Set contained the five
regular proof coins along with a commemorative silver dollar honoring the 200th anniversary of the US
Constitution.
In the regular proof set, the five proof coins are attractively arranged in the purple card board insert and
held in their individual circles. The proof coins lie sandwiched between two clear pieces of plastic. "United
States Proof Set" is centered beneath the Kennedy half dollar in a clear, raised script. In the upper left corner,
clear block letters state "PACKAGED BY U.S. MINT."
On the reverse side of the protective lens, the coins' individual designs are easily seen. Just above the
Kennedy half dollar and between the nickel and quarter is a clear, raised version of the heraldic eagle with the
same design as that on the proof set box.
Click on the 1987 Proof Set Coin
Specifications to view the details about the individual coins in the annual proof set.
1987 Proof Set Year Population and Cost of Living
The world population in 1987 was 5,028,295,387. This represents 73.4% of the world's population in 2010.
$100 in 1987 equals $191.95 in 2010 dollars using the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Inflation Calculator.
New houses in 1987 cost an average of $127,200 which would be $244,160 in 2010 dollars.
The average income was $18,427 per year which equals $35,370 in 2010 dollars.
Gas was $0.897 per gallon which would be $1.722 in 2010 money.
The average new car was $13,386 equivalent to $25,694 in 2010.
(Chart views into the cost of living changes throughout the Proof Set
years)
|