Uncirculated coin set

Is this the same as a mint set? or something new?
"These uncirculated coins are struck on special presses using greater force than circulating coins, producing a sharp, intricately detailed image."

https://catalog.usmint.gov/uncircul...mca1=Drop&cm_mmca2=Active&cm_mmca3=UncCoinSet

 

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They've been doing this since 1965 and then calling them regular uncirculated coins. In a sense they are no different since they are indistinguishable from a well made circulation issue.

They didn't admit mint set coins are made like this until 1997.

 

I ordered one just for the heck of it.

 

Seems like they discontinued them for quite a few years and then brought them back. Since the mint sets might include silver coins and these were just the clad versions. But it has been a while since I had any. I think they are great for junior collectors because they are a less expensive way of starting a collection of nice coins that are much better than pocket change.

 

These sets have been made every year I've been a collector except for 1982 and 1983. Arguably, the 1965 through 1967 versions were even nicer. There is NO difference between a "mint set" and an "uncirculated set" - it means the same thing.

 

Where did you get this idea?

 

In reading over the past few months it seems to me that I read there was a gap (60s or 70s) where the Mint did not think they were popular and discontinued them in favor of proof sets. However, I reserve the right to be wrong! Just ask my wife!

 

Per Wiki =- "The Uncirculated Sets, or Mint Sets, contain specimens of coins that are typically minted for general circulation. The first such sets were sold in 1947 in cardboard panels with two coins for each issue, thus showing the obverse and reverse of each one. Such sets were, with the exception of 1950, annually produced through 1958. In 1959 a plastic soft pack of single coins was sold and these were annually offered through 1964. In 1965-7 "special mint sets", a higher level of uncirculated coins, replaced both mint and proof sets. With the exception of 1982-1983, mint sets have been issued every year since 1968. (For 1982 and 1983 collectors sometimes buy the annual "souvenir sets" struck by the Philadelphia and Denver mints, which are very similar to the official Treasury-issued mint sets."

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Mint_coin_sets#United_States_Mint_Uncirculated_Coin_Set

After reading this I reserve the right to be partially right, and partially wrong.

 

That would be the 1965 - 67 era when the proof and mint sets were replaced by the Special Mint Sets. But the Mint sets came back in 1968 and have been made every year since then except for 82 and 83.

 

As do we all.

 

Kind of gives me a warm cozy feeling to just be partially right about something these days!

 

What has changed (both directions) over the years is the extent to which uncirculated set coins received special attention or handling. It seems to have varied from "none that I can see" to "considerable".

 

Kurt:

Some years have special finish coins and are nothing like circulation strike coins. (2005-2010)

 

You're talking 2005-2010, wherein the difference was OBVIOUS - a whole different finish, but that's an exception. Most years, a TPGS has no way to discern a real "business business" strike from an uncirculated set strike.

THEORETICALLY, there could be a way to tell later-in-the-year releases of quarters from their corresponding uncirc. set versions, since the latter now exists and the former doesn't yet.

Canada has a different theory - strike any stinking finish you can imagine, and then go imagine some more, every year.

By the way, at the October 2016 meeting at the Philly Fed (just the building made some bullionistas fidget), the Mint announced, to that crowd in attendance, hand-picked by them, that reverse proof SETS were coming. More Canada-style stuff.

 

About time.

 

Can someone explain to me why they would create a reverse proof set?

The sales of Proof Sets has been dropping for years. Why create another set that doesn't sell?

 

Because some people really like reverse proofs, and it's finally something different then the same thing they do every year. Either way their proof sets are profitable anyway

 

In the hopes that this one might spark some new interest. More 'granny bait', and yes, I'm a sucker..........

 

Souvenir sets are in no way similar to regular mint sets. Coins for souvenir sets are just pulled from the regular production lines.

This is why there are no true Gem '82 and '83 coins.

 

On the higher end the reverse proofs with the American Eagles both gold and silver, and Gold Buffalo have all received nice receptions and continue to enjoy nice premiums. Since the quantity issued is likely to be lower than other proof coins there is more potential for interest (and gain) down the road. If you look around the world most of the major mints issue reverse proofs as a way to showcase the skill of their engravers and services. I think they make a nice addition to a set and certainly present a different looking coin in the mix.