Coins - 2003 Proof Set Certificate of Authenticity and Coin Specifications

The Certificate of Authenticity with the proof coin specifications for the 2003 proof set fit on a single white card folded in half and placed inside the outer box. The Director of the Mint included a message certifying the proof set, and two tables detailed the 2003 proof coins' characteristics.

The shiny surface of the outside of the folded card formed the background for the dark blue printing of the information. The shiny front of the card includes a US Mint seal centered above the title, "Certificate of Authenticity 2003 United States Mint Proof Set." The US Mint's seal has the words "TREASURY" and "UNITED STATES MINT" in the white outer ring of the seal. Within a blue inner circle, a white shield has a set of scales at the top, a chevron with thirteen stars in the middle and a key at the bottom. The back of the card lists the specifications for the regular proof coins: the cent, nickel, dime, half dollar and dollar (scroll further for the table's details).

The white matte finish inside the card includes the blue and red 50 state quarters emblem in the upper left, the Director of the Mint's message on the top half and the table of specifications for the five state quarter proof coins at the bottom.

The Director's message states:

2003 United States Mint Proof Set®
Certificate of Authenticity

The United States Mint certifies that this Proof Set of current United States coinage was produced and packaged at the United States Mint, San Francisco, California. Each coin bears the "S" mint mark of that facility.

United States proof coins are produced from carefully selected planchets, or coin blanks, that have been burnished to a high luster. The polished blanks, which are carefully handled to minimize scratches and abrasions, are struck on specially adapted coining presses. Each coin is struck at least twice to bring forth the most minute detail with remarkable clarity.

The 50 State Quarters™ Program is authorized by Public Law 105-124. The coins are created to honor each of the 50 States in the order in which they entered the Union. Their designs depict the history, geography, and the rich diversity of our national heritage.

Henrietta Holsman Fore
Director
United States Mint

Below the text, the table includes the specifications for the five state quarters in the proof set:

To preserve the beauty of your Proof Coin Set, store in a cool, dry place.

The specifications for the five regular proof coins in the 2003 proof set are in the table on the back side of the folded certificate.

2003 UNITED STATES MINT PROOF SET®SPECIFICATIONS

To preserve the beauty of your proof coin set, store in a cool, dry place.

The US Mint adds their web address for more information.

Click 2003 Proof Set to view the contents of the proof set package with its ten proof coins.