Hi, im looking to start up a proof set collection and i'm checking out the sets and i have a couple questions.. Did they only make silver proof sets from 1955-1964 and 1992- present day? Were there only clad sets made from 1965- 1991? Are the clad sets even worth collecting? What are the premier and prestige sets? Any more information you can give me would be appreciated. Thanks
1965-70-D+S Kennedys only were 40% silver also 1976 Ike $1.00+ KD 50C +Washington 25c Special 3 coin set But not regular Proof 5pc set it was Clad then 1992-today are 90% Silver
No. The first proof set was 1936. Actually, the 65-70 sets contained 40% silver halves. It's all about preference to the collector. In 1983 the Mint began offering collectors a prestige proof set, which included the cent through half dollar, as well as the commemorative silver dollar produced that year, and sometimes a commem half dollar. These sets came in a hard plastic case housed in a faux leather holder and COA. Production ended I think with the 1997 set. [TABLE="align: left"] [/TABLE]
silver proof sets '36-42 and '50-64 then '92-98 are "standard" sets with three .90 silver coins. the 92-98 premier sets are in a fancy flip open hard case, same coins. then you get into the state quarter sets. you need a redbook.
Modern proof sets started in 1936, but proofs or presentation pieces have been made in the US from the very beginning. Nearly every different coin produced by the mint has a proof counterpart. It was originally a means of testing the dies.