The 1964 proof set was the last year regularly circulating coinage was offered in proof condition until the silver proof sets of the 1990s.
Even still, 1964 was the last year the U.S. Mint struck dimes, quarters, and half dollars in 90% silver for pocket change. It’s also the first proof set to contain the Kennedy half dollar.
Beginning in 1965, the major denominations went to a copper-nickel clad composition. Even the half dollar was reduced to a 40% silver composition in 1965.
The 1964 proof set is one of the most popular proof sets and among the most affordable of the silver proof sets.
A 1964 proof set can be bought for anywhere from about $14 to $20 from most coin dealers.
I’m the Coin Editor here at TheFunTimesGuide. My love for coins began when I was 11 years old. I primarily collect and study U.S. coins produced during the 20th century. I’m a member of the American Numismatic Association (ANA) and the Numismatic Literary Guild (NLG) and have won multiple awards from the NLG for my work as a coin journalist. I’m also the editor at the Florida United Numismatists Club (FUN Topics magazine), and author of Images of America: The United States Mint in Philadelphia (a book that explores the colorful history of the Philadelphia Mint). I’ve contributed hundreds of articles for various coin publications including COINage, The Numismatist, Numismatic News, Coin Dealer Newsletter, Coin Values, and CoinWeek. I’ve authored nearly 1,000 articles here at The Fun Times Guide to Coins (many of them with over 50K shares), and I welcome your coin questions in the comments below!
