I am looking into purchasing proof sets for my 3 grandkids birth year and wanted to know why is the 2004 proof set so much more than the 2003 set. and also, what recomondations could be given, I am needing the 03,04 and 06 sets, regular or silver proofs. I am sneaking on at work and probably won't be able to get back on till tonite so any input is greatly appreciated. thanks much JD
As with anything, supply and demand. The 2004 proof set was in higher demand. Further, the first year of the Westward Journey nickels were in this set. Another large part of the 2004 proof set included the quarters from some of the more populous states since the 50 State Quarters program began (i.e.: Wisconsin, Texas, Florida, Michigan and Iowa) That being said, you have a pretty good formula for a higher priced set than the 2003. The 2006 regular and silver proof sets can still be obtained directly from the mint. The '03 and '04 can be obtained on the secondary market. Check around and Good Luck!
You can pick up the 04 for 49.95 and the 03 for 23.99 at apmex.com, that is the best I have seen. Just count your blessings that you did not have any born in 2001.
coins for the grandkids Howdy, I too am buying for the grandkids (I only have two . . . right now). I order directly from the mint at www.usmint.gov. You can register for free and order with your credit card at what is normally the cheapest price you will ever find. There are exceptions, but they are rare. Much more likely is for one of the issues to skyrocket on the open market for various supply or demand reasons. They'll either cut production short, or it'll be a very popular item like the Marine Corps silver dollar. I'm not rich and cannot afford everything they offer, particularly the gold stuff, so I buy one each for each kid - clad proof set, silver proof set, mint set, proof silver dollar, and what of the special commemoratives and sets that I can afford. I try to buy special stuff that might later interest them as they get older. I also have a BU silver dollar (American Eagle) set going for each of them, but am completing it gradually. My reasons are twofold. I want them to become collectors AND I want to help pay for their college. peace, rono
The 2004's are more expensive for a very silly reason. A lot of peoplewho want to get proof and mint sets to give for Christmas presents normally wait until the end of November to order them so that the money isn't tied up all year. Well in 2004 ain either late Sept or early Oct the mint announced that they were going to cut off sales early. So everyone who was connected news wise simply ordered their Christmas presents early. But some people didn't get the word and there was much wailing and gnashing of teeth when they found they couldn't order their sets. Then they all ran out to try and buy 2004 sets for Christmas. This sudden demand caused a jump in the price. Now the actual mintage of the sets is pretty much the same for 2004 as in other years, but that price bump has been the reason for the mantra "the 2004s are higher because they cut off the sales early" ever since. And so the 2004's have stayed higher because of that perceived but non-existant scarcity
Here ye here ye Ranchhand.. I have 1 set and feel dang lucky to have it....hold on Cowboy it will continue to go up and up and up over the years...(silver proofs) RickieB
Be more thankfull that none where born in 2001 if you did not buy them when they first come out. $135.00 for clad and $170.00 for silver.
I don;t have a 1999 set ;( Its a big gaping hole in my dansco folders right now. I will probably just buy the proofs loose as i find them.