Silver Proof Sets

Silver Proof Sets at BGASC

From 1795 to 1964, the US Mint issued circulation coinage with actual silver content. The silver content in circulation coinage was phased out but used for bullion programs such as the American Silver Eagle, which debuted in 1986. The US Mint before this though started issuing Silver Proof Sets, sets of circulation coinage that contained actual silver content. Learn more about these Silver Proof Sets, right here at BGASC.

Silver Proof Set VS. US Mint Proof Set

Silver Proof Sets differ from US Mint Proof Sets as they contain actual silver in each set. US Mint Proof Sets are proof strikes of circulation coinage and contain no silver content.

Silver Proof Set History

Silver Proof Sets debuted in 1976 with just 3 coins, a Washington Quarter, a Kennedy Half Dollar, and an Eisenhower Dollar. This set had a mintage of almost 4 million, a mark that has not been reached since. Interestingly, these 3 coins were bicentennial coins and we’re struck with 40% silver.

The Silver Proof Set started being released annually beginning in 1992. From 1992 to 1998 these sets contained 5 coins:

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

Beginning in 1999, instead of just a single Washington Quarter, 5 were included as part of the 50-state quarters program. In 2000, the Sacagawea Dollar was added, which marked the first time since 1976 that a dollar coin was added to these sets.

In 2004 and 2005, 2 different dimes were included. Beginning in 2007, 4 Presidential Dollars were added along with the Sacagawea Dollar.

In 2009, 4 unique pennies were added. This led to the 2009 set containing 18 unique coins. In 2010, after the conclusion of all 50 states and other US territories, the US Mint started to include quarters from the America the Beautiful Series in these sets. In 2016, the last 3 Presidential Dollars were included, rather than the typical 4.

The 2019 set includes 2 pennies, one from San Francisco and one from West Point. The 2020 set includes two nickels.

Limited Edition Silver Proof Sets

Since 2012, the San Francisco Mint has issued limited-edition sets. These sets have been issued annually since they debuted, except for 2015. These sets contain a total of 8 coins – a Roosevelt Dime, 5 America the Beautiful quarters, a Kennedy Half Dollar, and an American Silver Eagle.

Silver Content in Silver Proof Sets

In these sets, typically only the dime, quarter, and half dollar have silver content. The penny, nickel, and dollar coins are struck with proof visuals but have no silver content. Up until 2018, these coins had a silver content of 90%. In 2019, the silver content in these coins was upped to 99.9%.

Buying Silver Proof Sets at BGASC

For any questions about these Silver Proof Sets from the US Mint, contact the BGASC team today. We can be reached via email, through our online chat feature, or by calling us at 888-992-4272.