Hi, I just wanted to tell you all that today I got my first proof set, a 2000-s one. I really like it, and it has it's certificate and original packaging.
Great point. That's where I'm at. My parents ordered a box of Proof Sets for me from 1987-2005 and then they stopped. However, over the last year, I have acquired every OGP proof set from 1964-2013 (except for 2011 and 2013...still searching for those). My goal is to collect every set from 1956-present. Anything before 1956 gets crazy expensive.
Yes the first U.S. Mint Proof Set was released in 1936 with an original issue price of $1.89. The 2013 Proof set is still available on the Mint's website. The silver Proof Set: http://catalog.usmint.gov/webapp/wc...ctId=16860&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=10211 The clad Proof Set: http://catalog.usmint.gov/webapp/wc...ctId=16854&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=10211
The first of the modern proof sets was 1936, but the mint has been making proof coins in limited quantities since the 1830s. There are a few early exceptions (mostly considered SP) like the 1794 SP-66 Flowing hair dollar and the 1792 SP-67 half disme.
I started collecting proof sets in 1999 because of the start of the state quarter program and collected all the sets, proof and silver proof, through the run until they were complete. I also started collecting the proof eagles for my two children and am subscribed to them to receive them until I die. Wish the mint didn't break the run but I guess 2009 was a bad year for silver. LOL
The proof sets are addictive. I have all the SMS, proof, and silver proof sets to 1955. I have over 250 sets in all.