US Mint Proof Sets

US Mint Proof Sets at BGASC

The US Mint is renowned for its annual coin programs such as the American Gold Eagle, American Silver Eagle, and the American Gold Buffalo. However, the US Mint also issues these proof sets. These sets are circulation coins, that are struck as proofs. Learn more about these popular US Mint Proof Sets, right here at BGASC.

Early History of US Mint Proof Sets (1936-1964)

While they can be traced back to 1916, the US Mint didn’t start regularly issuing these sets until 1936. These sets were issued annually until 1942 and stopped due to World War II. These sets contained the following coins:

• Lincoln Cent
• Buffalo Nickel
• Mercury Dime
• Washington Quarter
• Walking Liberty Half Dollar

Proof sets returned in 1950 and were issued annually until 1964. At this time, the Philadelphia Mint was producing these sets and finally stopped their proof production. Sets during this time contained the following coins:

• Lincoln Cent
• Jefferson Nickel
• Roosevelt Dime
• Washington Quarter
• Franklin Half Dollar

Modern History of US Mint Proof Sets (1968-Present)

The San Francisco Mint started issuing these sets as they took over proof coinage for the US Mint. These sets have been issued every year since. In 1973, the Eisenhower Dollar was added to make these sets contain 6 coins. This was followed by the Susan B. Anthony Dollar from 1979 to 1981.

The standard 5 coins were present in these sets every year from 1982 to 1998. Afterward, coins in these sets change pretty sporadically. The number of coins in these sets can range from 7 coins to as many as 18 coins.

From 1999 to 2008, these sets contained 5 unique state quarters. From 2010 to 2021, 5 quarters were still issued with each set, this time from the America the Beautiful Series.

From 2007 to 2016, these sets contained a Sacagawea Dollar, along with either 3 or 4 Presidential Dollars. In 2019, a Lincoln Cent with the “W” mint mark was added, and in 2020 a Jefferson Nickel with the “W” mint mark was included.

The 2004 and 2005 sets featured multiple nickels, while the 2009 set had multiple pennies.

Silver Proof Sets

Also available are Silver Proof Sets. These sets are proof strikes that contain actual silver content. They debuted in 1976, took a hiatus, and then have been issued every year since 1992.

The US Mint also creates Limited Edition Silver Proof Sets. These sets have been issued regularly since they debuted in 2012 and feature a Roosevelt Dime, 5 quarters, a Kennedy Half Dollar, and an American Silver Eagle.

Buying US Mint Proof Sets at BGASC

Questions about these US Mint Proof Sets? Contact the BGASC team today at 888-992-4272. We can also be easily contacted via email or through our online chat feature.