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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;johnmilton, post: 7811885, member: 101855&quot;]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. </p><p><br /></p><p>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.</p><p><br /></p><p>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.</p><p><br /></p><p>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.[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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