Coins - 1989 Mint
Set
The 1989 mint set consisted of a pale green envelope with images of the uncirculated coins on the front and ten
uncirculated coins, five from Denver and five from Philadelphia, inside. Each of the two mint locations
produced five uncirculated coins for the mint set including the Kennedy half dollar, Washington
quarter, Roosevelt dime, Jefferson nickel and Lincoln penny.
Images of the five coins and the two tokens provide insight into the contents and contrast against the pale
green of the 1989 mint set envelope. In addition, the US Mint seal and "United States Mint 1989 Uncirculated
Coin Set With D And P Mint Marks" identify the mint set.
1989 Mint Set Package
No additional design images or identifying marks adorn the back of the 1989 mint set envelope. The back
closure continues to be straight across.
The 1989 mint set contained the Denver and Philadelphia minted coins in two pliofilm sleeves and an
insert describing the mint set and the uncirculated coins. In addition, the US Mint added a separate card to
make it easy for people to order more of the 1988 mint sets.
1989 Mint Set Uncirculated Coins
The five coins from the Denver mint along with the "D" token were packaged in the red-edged pliofilm on the
left. The five coins from the Philadelphia mint with their corresponding token were included in
the blue-edged pliofilm on the right.
The mint that produced the coins is also identified by the copper-colored token in each
sleeve. The Denver token's obverse image shows "Uncirculated" and "Denver" around the rim with "D" in the
middle.
In the blue-edged pliofilm, the Philadelphia token shows "Uncirculated" and
"Philadelphia" with "P" in the middle.
The six sealed compartments keep the coins protected from each other, yet they allow the
coins to rotate freely.
Through the back side of the pliofilm sleeves, the reverse images on the coins and the tokens
show through the clear film.
Both of the identifying tokens have the same reverse image which includes the US Mint
seal.
1989 Mint Set Insert and Certificate of Authenticity
The front of the insert in the 1989 mint set includes the obverse images of the five coins and two tokens on a
dark, marbled background. On the left side, the title of the insert, "The 1989 U.S. Mint Uncirculated Set" is
printed in white over a picture of a gold and silver colored magnifying glass.
Inside the 1989 mint set's insert, the US Mint includes historical information about the early days of the
mint and provides pictures of the early Philadelphia and Denver mint buildings. In addition, they add historical
commentary about each of the five coins included in the mint set.
The back of the folded insert titled "Specifications — 1989 U.S. Mint Uncirculated
Coin Set" identifies the artists, the size, the metals and the weight of the five uncirculated coins
in the mint set.
The US Mint included a "Reorder Form" to make it easy for people to order additional 1989 mint
sets. (Note: this card is no longer valid, but it helps cushion the coins in the envelope.)
The opposite side of the card advises how to complete the order form and where to
send the form along with payment.
Larger images of the 1989 mint set insert show
the contents of the insert and the coin specifications with more detail.
1989 Mint Set Coins and Metals
The coins of the 1989 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.
1989 Mint Set Year - News about Coins and the US Mint
(note: the below links to newspapers open in a new window)
Eagle silver coin is a soaring success
The Vindicator - Jan 29, 1989
Since the US Mint began producing the American Silver Eagle coins 1986, sales have totaled an unprecedented
23,077,502 ounces. Of the total, 20,170,000 are uncirculated bullion pieces and 2,907,502 are proof versions. The
US Mint makes the silver eagles using silver mined in the US.
Quarters struck without mint marks
Reading Eagle - May 28, 1989
The US Mint inadvertently created a new item for collectors when it produced an unknown number of 1989 quarters
without a mint mark. Since 1980, the circulating quarters should have a mint mark, either a "D" or a "P," just to
the right of the ribbon in Washington's hair.
Lawmakers strike coins for Capitol restoration
The Spokesman-Review - Jun 15, 1989
For the first time since 1792, coins were struck outside of an official mint facility. Giant coin presses were
moved to a tent outside the Capitol where legislators wore white gloves as they worked to strike gold and silver
coins marking the 200th anniversary of the Congress. The US Mint will produce up to one million $5 gold coins,
three million silver dollars and four million cupronickel half dollars. The funds from the sale of the
commemorative coins will help restore the Capitol.
Mint official puts in her 2 cents about face lifts for US coins
The Modesto Bee - Jul 13, 1989
While the Treasury Department is skeptical about changing the designs of US coinage, several lawmakers and other
officials push forward with plans to change the coins. The Director of the Mint questions whether the general
American public wants any change to the coins. Recently, a Denver newspaper questioned Colorado residents and found
88% did not want any changes.
Mint stuck with unused Anthony dollars
Ocala Star-Banner - Sep 25, 1989
Ten years after the Susan B. Anthony dollar was introduced, the US Mint still has 434 million coins it cannot put
into circulation. But, the Coin Coalition claims a dollar coin is still needed, just not the Anthony dollar. They
want a same-size coin that would not require any changes to vending machines, but they also want the coin to be
different such as gold-colored and smooth-edged.
White House opposes state centennial coins
Spokane Chronicle - Oct 6, 1989
Several western states wanted commemorative coins from the US Mint to help them celebrate their centennial
anniversaries and to help fund a traveling museum. But, with the other commemorative coins already approved by
Congress, the Mint's production capabilities cannot add more coins to its schedule. Furthermore, the Director of
the Mint claims collectors cannot buy that many different coins, and if commemorative coins become commonplace,
they lose their significance.
Gold coin sales slipping
The Hour - Oct 9, 1989
The American Gold Eagle remains the best selling gold coin in the US, but its international sales fall behind the
Canadian Maple Leaf. The Director of the Mint said that gold is not as much on people's minds today as it was three
years ago. With their fears of inflation and global unrest reduced, people are not buying as
much gold.
The 1989 Mint Set Year included news of the success of the American Silver Eagle coins and the reduction in the
interest of the American Eagle gold coins.
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