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Message:: [QUOTE="Inspector43, post: 3193641, member: 89213"]When I started collecting in 1948 the mint produced the Penny, Nickel, Dime, Quarter and Half Dollar in Philadelphia, Denver and San Francisco. Then you could get the proof set for $2.10. And, you could get the Mint Set if you liked. But, you didn't need it just to get the complete year set. Then, with the on-set of the State Quarters and Gold Dollars of various types, the mint started making what I call ballast. Throw in the variations in proof and mint state features (Proof, Reverse Proof, Uncirculated, Satin Finish, Special Sets with special surfaces, etc. and you have more stuff to pursue (purchase). A person couldn't have a complete set of date and mint marks without buying all this stuff. All this in an attempt to make the mint money and use up precious and semi-precious metal inventory. After collecting for 70 years I quit with all the new stuff. The same thing happened with the USPS and the wallpaper they are producing every year. I quit that in 2000. You younger folks need to keep it going. I do enjoy reading your comments and making an occasional contribution. Plus, as I sort out 70 years of accumulations I will have some questions to post. Thanks for the help I get here. And, I did try to pry open the first clad coin I saw.[/QUOTE]