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Presidential dollar coins have proven to be nearly as popular with coin collectors as the 50 state quarters have been since they were first released in 1999.

While many people go to their nearest bank to pick up the latest designs coming out for the Presidential dollars, there is another way to acquire beautiful examples of these medal-like legal tender coins honoring our nation’s former, deceased presidents: proof sets.

Proof sets have long been considered the best way to purchase crisp examples of U.S coins.

These sets, containing specimens with burnished, mirror-like surfaces, are often a favorite way for collectors to purchase high-quality coins straight from the U.S. Mint.

Presidential Dollar Proof Sets

When the U.S. Mint first began releasing Presidential dollars in 2007, proof sets containing the same coins being released into commerce also began appearing in the Mint’s catalog of collectibles for sale.

One advantage of purchasing Presidential dollar proof sets instead of picking the coins up from the nearest bank is that the U.S. Mint is releasing proof examples of these coins long before some are being released into circulation. In fact, the 2008 proof set, which was available for sale from the U.S. Mint in August, includes the Martin Van Buren dollar which is not slated to be struck for circulation until the middle of autumn — and it may not show up in your neck of the woods until much later.

The Presidential dollar proof sets contain the same 4 designs being minted each year for circulation.

While there is little room to judge where investment value may go for Presidential dollar proof sets, since we are only 2 years into the program, it is clear that the proof sets have a steady following. The 2007 Presidential Dollar proof sets are being sold now in the private sector for around $20, a slight markup over the $14.95 sale price the U.S. Mint charged last year in its catalog.

Beware, though, that modern proof sets have not proven to be solid performers in the investment realm. While certain sets have appreciated well over the years, such as the 1995, 1997, 1999, and 2001 proof sets, it is safe to suggest that you should consider collecting modern proof sets not necessarily for their investment potential, but rather more for the beauty of the coins contained within.

Current proof sets can be obtained from the U.S. Mint.