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Typically, Proof Sets contain one example of the cent, nickel, dime, quarter, and half dollar produced in a given year — in the finest quality. Proof coins are specially treated and struck twice in order to create an exceptional finish (a frosted, raised foreground and a shiny, mirror-like background). Proof coins have been made since as early as 1821 — however, they have only been offered in sets since 1950. Proof versions of a few recent commemorative coins (like American Eagle bullion coins and 1999 Susan B. Anthony dollar coins) have been offered individually. Proof Sets are more expensive and more valuable than Mint Sets.
How much is a 1999 New Jersey quarter worth? If it has errors, it’s worth thousands of dollars! See the value of your New Jersey state quarter here.
A DMPL Morgan dollar is an uncirculated Morgan silver dollar with mirrored surfaces — which look much like those of a proof coin. Hence the acronym DMPL for ‘deep mirror prooflike’! See how DMPL Morgan dollars are different from ‘prooflike’ and ‘semi-prooflike’ Morgan silver dollars… and how much they’re worth!
The 1979 proof set is the first to feature the Susan B. Anthony dollar. 1979 is also also the year of 2 different types of proof sets — because the U.S. Mint changed the appearance of the ‘S’ mintmark on the coins in the proof set. One is called a 1979 proof set Type 1. The other is called a 1979 proof set Type 2. Here you can find out which one you have and how much it’s worth!
A really fun idea is to assemble a Birth Year Coin Set or a Conception Year Coin Set. It’s a collection of coins that were struck during the year of one’s birth or the year of one’s conception. The idea is to pick out of pocket change an example of each coin you find that was struck the year you (or someone you love) was born — or conceived. This is a simple DIY project for all skill levels — whether you officially collect coins or not! Here are some clever ideas for making coin sets by year — including Birth Year Coin Sets and Conception Year Coin Sets.
The U.S. Mint’s state quarter program began in 1999 and continued through 2008. In all, 50 statehood quarters were made — one for each state in the United States. They were released into circulation in the order that the statehoods came into existence. Here’s the official list of all 50 state quarters and their release dates. Plus, everything you need to know about collecting the 50 state quarters, and fun ways to save state quarters that you probably haven’t thought of!
The 1981 proof set attracts much coin collector attention because the proof sets that year were produced in 2 different varieties: Type 1 is common, Type 2 is considerably scarcer and much more valuable! Here’s how to tell the difference, and the value of 1981 proof sets.
Do you have any old dimes? Do you happen to have a 1975 Roosevelt dime without a mintmark? (So there’s no tiny “S” or tiny “P” on your 1975 dime?) See what makes this rare dime valuable and how you can find similar rare dimes.
What are impaired proof coins? What makes them different from regular proof coins? Is it a good idea to collect impaired proof coins? Here’s the scoop!
Trying to find the perfect coin gift for someone? These 5 coin gift ideas are sure to please even the non-numismatists in your life.
There’s plenty of variety for coin collectors with 2011 United States proof sets.
