G'day all...... I've been doing a little research on Silver Proof Sets (U.S.) and have come up with some confusing issues. So I figured you all could help. In the Red Book it shows Silver Proof Sets were first issued in 1992 but a couple of Coin Dealers are listing "early silver proof sets" starting back in 1950. Can anyone clarify as to when the U.S. Mint started issuing Silver Proof Sets? One dealer lists Silver Proof sets from 1950-1964 then 1992- present. Any feedback welcomed. Thank you for reading this post. legoman
The proof sets from 1950-1964 all had a silver dime, quarter, and half in them. They were never issued as "Silver Proof" sets, although they do have silver coins in them. There were also proof sets issued from 1936-1942. Those contain silver coins, too. In 1992, the Mint began issuing "Silver", and "Silver Premier" proof sets, that were labeled as such. These differ from other 1968-present proof sets in that they contain silver coins, keeping in mind that '68-'70 halves are silver clad.
legoman - The answer to your question is quite simple - the reason the sets you ask about are not labeled as silver Proof sets - is because at the time all dimes, quarters & halves, even the coins in circulation, were silver to begin with. It was only after the removal of silver from our coinage that the opportunity for the US Mint to offer a silver Proof set came to exist. And they did not do so until 1992.
