Greater Atlanta Coin Show
     2016, our 29th year
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Products showing Modern Commemorative Coins on the Greater Atlanta Coin Show's Numismatic Shoppe

Coins - Proof Sets

Proof sets provide unique enjoyment to coin enthusiasts for their beauty and their lustre.

Per the US Mint, "Proof coins, referred to as 'Master Coins' in the early days of the Mint were originally produced to 'prove the correctness of the dies.' These first pieces, struck with extra care and bearing a high polish, were reserved for the Mint’s Cabinet of Coins Collection and sometimes used for special presentations. They were first offered for sale to the public in approximately 1858 and are produced under the authority of Section 5111 (a)(3), Title 31 of the United States Code."

The US Mint's production of Proof sets grew over the years, but the number of standard proof sets minted began decreasing in recent years. This is due in part to the introduction of the proof sets highlighting the variety of coins being minted (e.g., state quarters). The chart shows the population for standard proof sets. Note that proof sets earlier than 1953 have mintages less than 100,000. Click here for proof sets population details.

Proof Sets Population Chart

In today's market, early proof sets, even those in the early to mid 1950s, can be expensive. The chart below reflects the early April 2013 proof set market values. The value of the proof sets from the early 1950s exceed $500 per set.

Proof Sets Market Prices Early April 2013

The market prices in the chart show one instance in time and are already out-of-date. Prices vary from week to week depending on people's interests coupled with supply and demand. (Click here for some chart views into the cost of living changes throughout the Proof Sets' years...interesting!)

But, sometimes the older proof sets (for example, in the 1960s) decrease in market value as a set, but the coins increase in value as raw silver prices increase. Remember, earlier proof sets contained silver in their dime, quarter and half dollar coins. Plus, some of the early Eisenhower dollar coins contained 40% silver in the collector versions. Through the years, these sets, in an unknown quantity, have been broken apart and the silver coins melted for their silver content.

In addition to breaking sets for the silver coins, other people's interests lie in rolled proof coins such as rolls of proof dimes, proof nickels, proof pennies, etc. To make those proof rolls, proof sets are broken apart, and the individual coins placed in rolls.

Though immeasurable, it would be interesting to know the current population of proof sets, by year, still in their original holders. Using the rule of supply and demand, if a proof set's population was significantly decreased wouldn't the value increase?

As a proof set, original packaging is important in helping the proof set retain and grow in value. The packaging should not be torn or broken, and no writing should be on the US Mint's certificate, box or wrapping. Also, tape and stickers should not be attached to a set or its packaging materials.

Proof sets offer an easy way for new collectors to join other numismatists in learning about coins, their historical significance and their value in the marketplace. Plus, proof sets make great gifts to commemorate birthdays and anniversaries for friends and family.

Click on the decade or a specific year to learn more about the individual US Mint Proof Sets.

1950s

 1960s

 1970s

 1980s

1990s

 2000s

 2010s

 1950

 1960

 1970

 1980

 1990

 2000

 2010

 1951

 1961

 1971

 1981

 1991

 2001

 2011

 1952

 1962

 1972

  1982

 1992

 2002

 
 1953

 1963

 1973

  1983

 1993

 2003

 
 1954

 1964

 1974

 1984

 1994

 2004

 

 1955

 1965 SMS

 1975

 1985

 1995

 2005

 

 1956

 1966 SMS

 1976,
1976 3 pc

 1986

 1996

 2006

 

 1957

 1967 SMS

 1977

 1987

 1997

 2007

 

 1958

 1968

 1978

 1988

 1998

 2008

 

 1959

 1969

 1979

 1989

 1999

 2009

 

For 1965 through 1967, the US Mint produced "Special Mint Sets" rather than separate uncirculated mint sets and proof sets. Remember, for those three years, the US Mint did not identify the mint location that produced the coins with the "D," "P" or "S" mint marks on the coins.

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