Welcome to Part 3 of our series on numismatics, a comprehensive introduction to coin collecting. This month we will discuss Proof and Mint Sets, as well as Commemoratives.
If you haven’t already, be sure to read Part 1, Colonials and Pattern Coins, and Part 2, Half Cents and Large Cents. If you are interested in numismatics, including coin collecting, or have been a casual coin collector and want to know more about the practice, join us in this multi-part series, “Welcome to Numismatics.”
Overview: Proof and Mint Sets
Proof sets and mint sets are two distinct types of collectible coins that are sought after by both collectors and investors due to the fact that they are uncirculated, and in the case of proof sets and some mint sets, have a high silver content.
Proof Coins
Proof coins are struck using specially polished dies and planchets, which are coin blanks. The dies are carefully prepared to create a highly detailed, mirrored finish on the coin’s surface. Proof coins are typically made for collectors and are often produced in limited quantities. Because of their rarity and beauty, proof coins can be worth much more than their face value.
Mint Coins
Mint set coins, on the other hand, are regular coins that are packaged together in a set, rather than being released into circulation. The sets usually contain coins of different denominations from a particular year and are made for collectors. Mint set coins are struck with the same high-quality materials and techniques as proof coins, but they do not have the mirrored finish of proof coins.
Collecting proof and mint set coins can be a rewarding hobby and investment. Some collectors focus on collecting complete sets of coins, while others focus on collecting individual coins that are rare or in high demand. The value of these coins can vary widely depending on factors such as rarity, condition, and historical significance, making them a valuable addition to any coin collection.
Proof Sets
Although individual proof coins have been released off and on since the 1850s, The U.S. Mint released its first collectible proof set in 1936. Production of these sets were halted from 1943-1949, due to WWII, and again during a coin shortage between 1965-1967.
Below is a list of select proof sets, the number of full sets minted in a particular year, the original issue price, and the current value.
| Proof Sets | Number of Full Sets Minted | Issue Price | Current Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1936 | 3,837 | $1.89 | $5,200 |
| 1942, Both Nickels | 21,120 | $1.89 | $800 |
| 1950 | 51,386 | $2.10 | $600 |
| 1964 | 3,950,762 | $2.10 | $25 |
| 1968-S (S mint mark) | 3,041,506 | $5.00 | $6.50 |
| 1968-S, Dime with no S | Unknown | $5.00 | $12,000 |
| 1996-S, Prestige set (Olympic half, dollar) | 55,000 | $57 | $175 |
| 2012-S, Silver 14-piece set | 44,952 | $149.95 | $150 |
| 2019-S Silver 10-piece set, plus 2019 W Reverse Proof cent | 412,508 | $54.9 | $90 |
Mint Sets
Mint sets are uncirculated coins that include every denomination issued by the U.S. Mint. Prior to 2005, the coins were produced exactly the same way as circulated coins. However, in 2005-2010, the sets were produced with a satin finish.
Before 1942, mint coins were sold individually and only by request. However, beginning in 1942 and through 1946, they created sets of two coins from each mint and sold them in cloth bags.
.In 1947, the U.S. Mint began selling sets that included each coin they produced. There were no official sets produced in 1950, 1982, or 1983.
Below is a list of select mint sets, the number of full sets minted in a particular year, the original issue price, the face value, and the current value.
| Uncirculated Mint Sets | Number of Full Sets Minted | Issue Price | Face Value | Current Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1947 P-D-S | 5,000 | $4.87 | $4.46 | $1,200 |
| 1951 P-D-S | 8,654 | $6.75 | $5.46 | $775 |
| 1964 P-D | 1,008,108 | $2.40 | $1.82 | $34 |
| 1981 P-D-S | 2,908,145 | $11.00 | $4.82 | Type 1 $6 Type 2 $225 |
| 2000 P-D (20 pieces) | 1,490,160 | $14.95 | $5.82 | $28 |
| 2018 P-D (20 pieces) | 25,731 | $21.95 | $5.82 | $28 |
Overview: Commemoratives
Commemorative coins are a special type of coin that celebrates a person, historical event, or organization. These coins are usually produced in limited quantities and are highly sought after by collectors and investors. Commemorative coins have been issued by many countries around the world, and they have a rich history that spans back centuries.
Commemorative coins are often made from precious metals, such as gold or silver, and are struck using special techniques to create a highly detailed design. Some commemorative coins are also issued in unique shapes or with unusual features, such as a curved surface or a holographic image.
Collecting commemorative coins can be a fascinating and rewarding hobby. Some collectors focus on collecting coins from a particular country or event, while others aim to collect a complete set of commemorative coins issued in a particular year. The value of these coins can vary widely depending on factors such as rarity, condition, and historical significance, making them a valuable addition to any coin collection.
World’s Columbian Exposition Half Dollar
The United States issued its first commemorative coin in 1892 to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the New World. These commemorative coins were sold for $1 at the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago.
| Columbian Half $ | Distribution Quantity | AU-50 | MS-60 | MS-63 | MS-65 | MS-66 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1892 | 950,000 | $18 | $25 | $60 | $225 | $560 |
| 1893 | 1,550,405 | $16 | $25 | $60 | $230 | $550 |
Louisiana Purchase Exposition
The Louisiana Purchase Exposition commemorative coin, issued in 1903, was the first gold commemorative coin issued by the United States. It commemorated the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, also known as the St. Louis World’s Fair, held in 1904.
| Louisiana Purchase | Distribution Quantity | AU-50 | MS-60 | MS-63 | MS-65 | MS-66 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1 Gold 1903, Louisiana Purchase / Thomas Jefferson | 17,500 | $400 | $460 | $600 | $800 | $1,080 |
| $1 gold 1903, Louisiana Purchase / William McKinley | 17,500 | $270 | $350 | $410 | $700 | $920 |
Panama-Pacific International Exposition
The commemorative coins that hold the most value today were issued in 1915 to celebrate the opening of the Panama Canal.
While there was a silver half dollar and a gold dollar, it is the fifty-dollar gold pieces that are the most sought after, as just over 1,000 total were produced.
| Panama Pacific Expo | Distribution Quantity | AU-50 | MS-60 | MS-63 | MS-65 | MS-66 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50 1915-S, Round | 483 | $47,000 | $62,000 | $80,000 | $150,000 | $215,000 |
| $50 1915 | 645 | $52,000 | $65,500 | $70,000 | $140,000 | $190,000 |
Modern Commemoratives
After the U.S. Mint issued the Booker T. Washington and George Washington Carver commemorative coins in 1951-1954, it stopped producing them for 28 years. The Mint began producing them again in 1982 with a George Washington coin to commemorate the 250th anniversary of his birth. It has produced a commemorative coin every year since that date.
Statue of Liberty Centennial
The Statue of Liberty Centennial commemorative coins were issued in 1986 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Statue of Liberty’s dedication in New York Harbor. The coins were struck in both proof and uncirculated grades.
The Statue of Liberty Centennial commemorative coin is particularly significant for its role in raising funds for the restoration and preservation of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
| Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Commemorative | Distribution Quantity | Mint Pkg |
|---|---|---|
| 1986D, clad half dollar, Uncirculated | 928,008 | $2 |
| 1986S, clad half dollar, Proof | 6,925,627 | $2 |
| 1986P, silver dollar, Uncirculated | 723,635 | $23 |
| 1986S, silver dollar, Proof | 6,414,638 | $23 |
| 1986W, gold $5, Uncirculated | 95,248 | $445 |
| 1986W, gold $5, Proof | $445 |
Civil Rights Act of 1964
The U.S. Mint paid tribute to the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by issuing a commemorative coin in 2014. One of the fundamental principles of the civil rights movement was equality in education.
The Act considerably broadened the scope of civil rights safeguards, prohibiting racial segregation in public facilities and accommodations, providing federal funding, and promoting desegregation in public schools.
| Civil Rights Act of 1964 Commemorative Coin | Distribution Quantity | Mint Pkg |
|---|---|---|
| 2014P, silver dollar, Uncirculated | 24,720 | $45 |
| 2014P, silver dollar, Proof | 61,992 | $53 |
This is a small selection of commemorative coins issued by the U.S. Mint. You can find many more gold and silver commemorative coins on our website.
Explore Proof and Mint Sets & Commemoratives at CV Coins & Collectables
CV Coins & Collectables has a wide collection of coins for the collector. If you are looking to get started and have any questions, please contact us at (619) 427-9154 or through our contact page and we’ll be happy to help you find proof sets, mint sets, and commemoratives for your coin collection.
Check out the other parts in this series: