The Most Disappointing Proof Sets of All

I like Proof sets and I have kept of collection of them on an annual. I have given up on the modern clad sets however. I only buy the silver sets these days. I have all the sets back to 1942 plus a 1936 set, which I put together because of its historical interest. If you have a chance you should read Roger Burdett’s book on the sets from 1936 to 1942. It is excellent.

Most collectors don’t seem to care about Proof sets these days. Sets that are 30 and 40 years old often sell for not much over their face value.

Although I like Proof sets, there are a couple that are really boring, the 1971 and ’72 sets. The 1971 set was the first one that did not have a silver coin it. When I first saw it, I thought that that is the dullest set of all. Things got a bit better when the mint added the Ike Dollar to the 1973 sets.

Here is a 1971 set.

 

Log in or Sign up to hide this ad.

You ever try to open one of those sets? Band saw must be employed. The sets may be boring for the lack of silver, but mine have held up rather well over the years........

 

I couldn't agree more regarding the lack luster appeal of the '71 & '72 sets.

 

I agree, too. Yet the 1971 was the first one I ever bought from the Mint as a kid and it was my first exposure to proof coins.

 

I got you beat! Don't feel bad........

 

Seems like the dime was struck from a very worn die. IMO it looks like it has Die Deterioration Doubling on it.

 

I inherited from my late father proof sets back to 1958, plus silver sets, and commemorative sets. He was a big US Mint fan. Its a shame most of this is not of interest (no one really collects them) - although a few of the commemorative sets have good value.

 

However if you found an 1971 s no s Jefferson nickel then I guess it wouldn't be so bad?

 

It looks like a rare mint error worth big money....

 

How the heck does that happen?

 

I guess they should start with the chief of quality control, if there is one!?! These things are mass produced at an industrial rate, stuff happens!

I guess the same way something like this happens. Accept this was intentional! Mine was a mistake.

 

I think that "Roosevelt Dime on a nail" is a "midnight special" not a mint error. Some mint employees get grief for manufacturing and sneaking error out of the mint, procured at government expense. Others get supplemental income.

 

LOL...graded gem.

 

You think?

 

1971 and 1972 sets were still made with older technology. The new clad planchets are harder than silver ones, so obtaining nice cameo coins was tough. Most of them are brillante proofs without much contrast, compared to 1973 sets which new technology was being used to produce nicer cameo strikes.

 

Maybe-You-Already-Know:
For the first time, all the coins in the 2019 Silver Proof Set will be .999 silver.

"The set will go on sale from the U.S. Mint on Oct. 17."
https://www.coinworld.com/news/prec...&utm_source=Lyris&utm_campaign=DigitalEdition

 

In my one pathetic proof set, 1988 the quarter has toned. The dime has a broken S mint mark, and the overall grades on most of the coins are not very good at all.
The cent and nickel look to be the best coins in the set.
I paid 8 dollars 30 years ago, current value $8. My old LCS guy offered me $5,
I didn't want to take a loss, but I see now his offer was fair. My plan is to yard sale that abomination for $10 before I die.

 

I hope I can make 2 bucks on my collection before I die.

 

I am at the point I think I am going to put all my US proof set and silver proof set collections on ebay - even probably my ASE proof sets on Ebay. Take what I can get and put the money into buying different types of PM coins. Will keep the uncirculared ASEs, and all the special and limited sets I have plus a few special other coins.

 

All the silver proofs issued in 2019 are 99.9%, even the regular silver set issued a few mos. back.