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Proof and Mint Sets

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The U.S. Mint began selling Mint Sets of every circulated coin issued directly to collectors beginning in 1936. These first U.S. Mint proof sets were made available to collectors, although at that time collectors had to purchase one of each coin on the same order to receive a set. By the 1950s, demand for proof coins rose dramatically from thousands of collectors to eventually hundreds of thousands of coin collectors. Eventually, commemorative coins were added in business strike and proof finishes to increase market demand. U.S. Mint marketing programs created a variety of sets, combining commemorative coins denominations and different finishes targeted directly to collectors. The result? The popularity of  U.S Proof and Mint Sets skyrocketed. Today, the annual Proof, Uncirculated, and Silver Proof sets are highly anticipated releases from the United States Mint. Keep reading to learn more about the history of U.S Proof and Mint Sets and to browse our extensive selection, so that you can find the perfect set for your collection today!

The U.S. Mint first began selling sets of each circulated coin in 1936.  By the 1950s, demand for Proof Sets rose from thousands of collectors to hundreds of thousands of collectors. The U.S. Mint then began minting commemorative coins and creating varieties of sets with commemorative coins and coins with different finishes. With these new releases, the popularity of U.S. Proof and Mint Sets continued to skyrocket.

Today, the U.S. Mint annual Proof, Uncirculated, and Silver Proof Sets are highly anticipated releases that allow collectors to secure examples of a given year's circulating coinage in proof, uncirculated, and silver proof condition. Browse our extensive catalog of both Proof and Mint Sets below: 

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Proof Ultra Cameo- “Collector’s Caviar”

The finest coins the U.S. Mint issues in terms of overall eye appeal and quality strike, are United States Mint Proof Coins. Most people think the term “proof” means the condition of the coin; however, “Proof” is a manufacturing process that produces sharp detail and brilliant mirror-like surfaces. U.S. Proof Sets are minted specifically for collectors, and have higher price points than their uncirculated counterparts. Proof coins are considered “Collector Caviar.” They exhibit shiny mirrored surfaces with sharp contrast between the image and surface, with razor-sharp details of the image and inscriptions.  A "Cameo," effect or finish, is when there is a softly frosted, detailed design (devices), which seems to float above the contrasting mirrored background (field), giving the coin a remarkable reflective 3D-type effect. In the early years of Proof minting, from 1936 until approximately 1972, Proof coins that had the desired cameo contrast where the very first few coins minted from a fresh set of polished dies, causing deeply mirrored fields with frosted devices. Older rare coin with a Cameo finish are quite rare and demand very high premiums. In the early 1970's the U.S. Mint employed new technology enabling the Mint to achieve a distinctive cameo contrast on all Proof coins.

Proof coins are specially minted for collectors, important occasions, and other numismatic purposes, and never circulated. Proof coins are issued by most countries around the world, however, U.S. Mint proof coinage among the most widely collected coins today. U.S. Mint proof coins are struck at the San Francisco, Philadelphia, and West Point Mints. Each Proof Set is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. Today, thanks to modern high-tech minting equipment and enhanced preparation processes, all proof coins have perfect mirrored surfaces with cameo contrasting frosted designs, every time. U.S. proof coins are the U.S. Mint’s finest and most beautiful coins minted, representing our Country on the world stage of numismatics. Collectors are drawn to Proof coins because of their limited mintages, numismatic rarity, exceptional coin details, and aesthetic appeal. Even at higher price points, Proof coins are always in demand.

Other U.S Mint Sets

Today, the U.S. Mint has a variety of proof sets, including very popular Silver Proof Sets such as the America the Beautiful silver proof series sets, which help launch a new generation of coin collectors. Additionally, there are many Clad Proof Coin Sets available in a variety of sizes, that is an affordable way to get started collecting Proof Coins on a budget. There are several Clad Proof Sets to choose from, including the America the Beautiful Quarter Series, the 50 State Quarters Program, and Presidential Dollars. Prestige Proof Sets are a popular choice among modern proof and Mint sets which began with the 1983 issue through the final set that was released in 1997. However, collecting all of the Prestige proof sets is a challenge due to their scarcity and value. If Proof coins are more than you want to spend, then an affordable option are the Brilliant Uncirculated Mint Coin Sets, which include all the coins produced for circulation in a specific year, minted in Brilliant Uncirculated condition, minted at both Philadelphia and Denver Mints.

U.S. Mint Proof Sets 

U.S. Mint Proof Sets contain some of the finest coins the mint issues in terms of appearance and quality. They allow collectors to secure gorgeous proof examples of a year's circulating coinage, packaged securely in United States Mint-branded packaging.

Traditional inclusions include a Lincoln Cent, Jefferson Nickel, Kennedy Half Dollar, Roosevelt Dime, Native American Dollar, and examples of any quarters issued that year. Proof Sets contain clad coinage, which means they "….have a core and outer layer made of different metals."

What Does "Proof" Mean? 

"Proof" refers to a manufacturing process that produces sharp detail, brilliant mirror-like surfaces, and sharp contrast between the image and the surface. U.S. Proof Sets are explicitly minted for collectors, important occasions, and numismatic purposes, and they are never circulated.

What Is the Difference Between Mint and Proof Coin Sets?

The critical difference between Mint Sets and Proof Sets is in their appearance due to their specific minting processes. Proof coins are easily identifiable by their sharp contrast between the mirror-like surface and the matte finish on the raised parts of the coin. Coins within Mint Sets have a more standard, flat appearance. While both offer high appeal for collectors, proof coins tend to be the most highly regarded due to their pristine finish and exhaustive inspection process.

Uncirculated Sets

Uncirculated coins are coins that have never been used in commerce. They show no wear and retain their original mint luster and sharp details. Collectors prize Uncirculated Sets for their pristine quality and historical appeal, as they provide a snapshot of a specific year's coinage in mint condition.

In recent years, Uncirculated Mint Sets have included two clad examples of circulating coinage, again in mint condition, struck at the Denver and Philadelphia Mints, respectively.

Silver Proof Sets

Silver Proof Sets are a great way to collect silver proof coins; collectors seek them for their exceptional quality and precious metal content. Like Proof Sets, Silver Proof Sets contain proof examples of a given year's circulating coinage. However, unlike Proof Sets, which have a clad composition, select coins in Silver Proof Sets contain a higher degree of silver, though that has changed a few times over the years. 

In  Silver Proof Sets, the Roosevelt Dime, Kennedy Half Dollar, and Quarters are struck in silver, with the remaining coins having a standard clad composition. 

Notable sets include:

  • 1950-1964 Silver Proof Sets: Prized for historical significance and 90% silver dimes, quarters, and half dollars.
  • 1976 Bicentennial Silver Proof Set: Celebrating the U.S. Bicentennial with special designs in silver.
  • 1992-2018 Silver Proof Sets: Modern sets featuring 90% silver coins, including the popular State Quarters and America the Beautiful programs.
  • 2019-Date Silver Proof Sets: In 2019, the purity of the silver coins in Silver Proof Sets increased from 90% to 99.9%.

Other U.S Mint Sets

Today, the U.S. Mint has a variety of Proof and Mint Sets, in addition to their annual releases, that allow collectors to jumpstart their collection. These include American Innovation Sets and American Women Quarters Sets, which gather each year of the series into one tidy, United States Mint branded set.

Shop U.S. Proof and Mint Sets at GovMint

GovMint is a trusted dealer for U.S. Proof and Mint sets. We offer a wide selection of high-quality coins for collectors. With an extensive inventory of modern and historic coin sets, GovMint ensures authenticity and excellent customer service. Collectors can find a variety of U.S. Mint coins for sale, including collectible, limited-edition sets. GovMint's reputation for reliability and expertise makes it a top choice for purchasing U.S. Mint coin sets.

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