1959 United States Proof Set

1959 Proof Set

Proof Set sales in 1959 reversed the downward trend of the previous year, and jumped to a healthy 1,149,291 sets. Much of the reason for the increase can be attributed to the appearance of the new "Memorial" design on the reverse of the Lincoln Cent.

Each set contained five coins: One example each of the Lincoln Cent, Jefferson Nickel, Roosevelt Dime, Washington Quarter, and Benjamin Franklin Half Dollar.

Mintage: 1,149,291 sets

About the sets: 1959 Proof Coins are found with Brilliant, Cameo and Deep Cameo surfaces. Brilliant Proofs are the most common; Cameo Proofs of any denomination are scarce, but Deep Cameo Proofs remain extremely rare. The Half Dollar is the most difficult to locate in Deep Cameo Proof, followed by the Nickel.

Look for the rare Proof 1959 Doubled Die Obverse Quarter with doubling of the letters on "IN GOD WE TRUST". Beware of buying unopened 1959 Proof Sets. "Sealed" Sets are likely to contain substituted coins (and even non-coins). Flat packs should be examined for small tears or cracks in the pliofilm. Even a hole the size of a pin can let in oxygen or moisture, both of which will react chemically with the metal of a coin, causing unsightly spots.

Original packaging: Each coin was sealed in its own compartment between two sheets of flat pliofilm. An octagonal foil seal imprinted with "US MINT PHILADELPHIA" was placed in a sixth compartment, and the flat pack was then inserted into a mailing envelope with a card.