1868 US Proof Set

Idk why but for some reason I am really drawn to this set. It just looks so beautiful..

Did the US Mint even make proof sets in 1868? Like the kind they have today where you can buy all the coins of that year in proof? I thought that started in the 1930s.

If not it means someone assembled it piece by piece which is extraordinary!

It’s currently for sale on HA so if you want to see better pics the link is:https://coins.ha.com/itm/early-proo...cription-conditionreport-reservechange-060513

 

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The U.S. mint started issuing Proof sets on a regular basis to the public in 1858. The sets were divided into three categories. The minor, non-silver. Sets included the cent plus the two, three and nickel five cent pieces, if issued. Then came the silver coin set and then the gold coin set. Because of their face value, the gold coin set was expensive, for the time, a little over $40, and very few were issued each year. Mintages of 20 to 30 are not unusual.

Proof coins prior to 1858 exist, but they are quite rare. The mint also sold some Proof singles, but most coins were sold in sets.

Most of the old Proof sets you see today are assembled sets that collectors have put together. Original sets where all of the silver coins have the same toning characteristics are rare and highly prized.

I once owned an original 1909 Proof set, which only had the Indian cent. I sold it when I was putting together the down payment for my first house.

 

Oh wow that’s cool! I wonder if this set was bought as a set or like you said assembled.

Idk why I just find it beautiful. Every coin looks unique and has a gorgeous toning of its own.

Yeah $40 was a huge sum back then. This is like right after the Civil War.

They’d have to hand over 2x Double Eagles. Nearly 2 troy oz of gold.

 

amazing

 

Agreed!

I see a lot of coins on auction sites but this set took my breath away and I felt was worth sharing for enjoyment and inspiration.

 

I was immediately outbid. Surprise surprise, lol

 

I am torn. I don’t know if two cent coins or seated coins make the loveliest proofs. Just wow.

 

Yeah sometimes people set a higher “secret max bid” so you end up getting immediately outbid. :/

 

I've often thought of picking a year and doing something like that. Amazing!
(I need that 1868 3¢ silver)

A while ago, in a different thread, we were discussing if a completed collection is worth more than the sum of its parts. This is a clear pro-collection example. If I already had the gold proofs, I would have to have this, too.

 

I've seen a few of these assmbled sets at major shows and they are always impressive. I don't know if there are any original mint-issued sets from the 19th century still existing as a set. Never seen one.

 

@Gam3rBlake thanks for the heads up and link to that set. I'm blown away by the beauty of that collection of PF 1868 coins. Spectacular is one totally understated description of it.

 

Beautiful set. That is going to go for very big money. Enjoy it, but it is out of most people’s league, dollar wise.

 

Glad you found it enjoyable to check out .

I wasn’t sure if people would get annoyed since it’s not a coin of mine but it just felt like something to be shared.

 

Yeah the price will be crazy I bet. It’s at $4700 but I’m guessing it will sell for $10K or more.

However I consider something like that to be “investment worthy” in the sense that I am pretty confident it will hold its value or appreciate in 20, 50 or 100+ years.

 

I would be stunned if it only hammered at $10k.

 

Probably closer to $50,000.

 

Hehe well in all fairness I did say “or more.”

I’m surprised no one has put in a bid above the $4,700.

 

It's a circular firing squad. Folks are probably keeping their powder dry for the live auction...

 

Ahhhh, but you don't know that the $4,700 bidder doesn't have a high bid of say $25k

 

Yeah I know what you mean!

On HA a few weeks ago I saw an even older 1850s proof set but it was British.

It had every coin from the Half Farthing all the way up to the 1.1775 troy oz gold quintuple sovereign.

It sold for like $105,000