Proof Sets: Showcasing American Coinage Excellence

Annual coin proof sets are groupings of high-quality coins, each struck with proof finishes, made by the US Mint for collectors to buy. The coins parallel that year’s circulated denominations — penny, nickel, quarter, etc — in size and design but with a higher-quality strike and finish.

The US Mint has made collectible proof coins since the early 1800s, but they introduced full annual proof coin sets in 1936.

Collecting proof sets is a time-honored staple of numismatics and coin collecting.

If you’re just getting started or simply want to know more, you’ve come to the right place. From our years of experience and education in coinage, we’ve crafted this comprehensive guide to American annual proof sets, including the history, types, and values of these special keepsakes.

Before we go over the background of annual proof sets in detail, let’s examine the definition of proof coins and sets.

Pictured above: 2024 Annual Proof Set from the US Mint | Image credit: US Mint, Public domain

What Is A Proof Coin?

Historically, “proof coins” were circulated coins struck early on to test the die (stamp) and archive the design — similar to “pattern coins” today. Back then, they were often called “specimen” coins. They’re sometimes called “new die proofs” or “master coins.”

The modern definition of “proof coin” (used since at least the 1800s) is a coin minted for collectors (not circulation) through a special process. It’s struck at least twice on specially prepared planchets, giving it greater detail and a brighter, often mirror-like finish. This is what we mean when we discuss proof coins here.

Usually, proof coins have the same composition as their circulated counterparts.

US Mint proof coins and sets come in a protective case with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Over time, US proof coins have had variable finishes:

1. Standard (Brilliant / Mirrored): Frosted foreground (raised design elements) & mirror-like background (flat field)

2. Reverse: Frosted background & mirror-like foreground

3. Satin: Between a brilliant (standard) proof and circulation strike, less mirrored

4. Matte: Granular, slightly rougher finish than satin; Often achieved through sandblasting

Matte proofs were only used at certain times, which brings us to the history of US Mint proof sets.

Historical Background

The US Mint officially introduced proof coins for public sale in the 1850s, inspired by the popularity of “master coins” made by second Chief Coiner Adam Eckfeldt from 1795 to 1839.

Collectors could buy proof sets starting in 1861 but in specific groupings, like gold coin sets or silver & base-metal coin sets.

The mint stopped offering these sets in 1901, then stopped offering proof coins altogether in 1916 because collectors didn’t seem interested and WWI took precedence. This ended the first “Proof Era” of American numismatics.

Among these first-era examples, some were matte proofs, like the 1908 gold denominations and 1909-1916 Lincoln cents.

First Annual Proof Sets (1936)

Coin collecting picked up and President Franklin D. Roosevelt appointed Nellie Tayloe Ross as the first female (and eventually longest serving) Mint Director in 1933.

Ross greatly expanded the mint, introducing annual proof sets for sale to the public for the first time in 1936 — kicking off the second “Proof Era” that lasted until the 1960s. Early 1936 proof sets had a satin finish, but they switched to the standard brilliant finish quickly.

Annual proof sets of circulating coins continued until the 1940s. Proof production stopped from 1943 to 1949 because of WWII and the need for military medals after.

Proof sets resumed in 1950, but individually sold proof coins were no longer offered. and continued until 1965.

Pictured above: Obverse & reverse of 1967 Special Mint Strike (SMS) Kennedy half dollar, graded SP68 by PCGS | Image credit: PCGS CoinFacts

Special Mint Sets (1965)

In the early 1960s, the mint dealt with worldwide silver and coin shortages.

So, Congress passed the Coinage Act of 1965, changing the composition of all silver coins (except the half dollar, eventually silverless by 1970) to a clad copper-nickel composition. It also removed mint marks from coins for the next five years, hoping to stop collectors from hoarding coins and allegedly worsening the coin shortage.

To adjust to these production changes, the mint halted proof and proof set production. As the shortage was reduced in 1965, the mint offered collectors an alternative: Special Mint Sets.

The Special Mint Sets (SMS) offered in 1965, 1966, and 1967 included each year’s denominations but with a satin finish and strike quality between proof and circulated — what we’d call “specimen” today. In 1965 and 1966, all SMS coins bore the mintage year 1964. The only silver coin in each set was the 40% silver Kennedy half dollar.

Annual proof sets resumed in 1968, along with mint marks. The Philadelphia Mint stopped making proof coins in 1963, so the San Francisco Mint (having made all the Special Mint Sets) took over proof coin production from 1968 onward.

Silver Proof Sets (1976)

Although all circulated coinage had become silverless, the mint offered a silver option in 1975 and 1976: the Bicentennial Silver Proof Set, containing a quarter, half dollar, and dollar coin all minted in 40% silver with the special “1776-1976” mintage year.

Silver proof sets wouldn’t return until 1992, when the mint introduced the first annual Silver Proof Set with dime, quarter, and half dollar proofs minted in 90% silver plus penny and nickel proofs in their normal composition.

The annual Silver Proof Sets continued, with some new additions:

• Silver Premier Sets (1992-1998): Specially packaged in ornate display case

• Higher Purity Silver (2019-Present): All silver proofs made from 99.9% silver

• West Point Penny (2019): Silver proof set included reverse proof penny from West Point Mint for the first time, honoring Lincoln cent’s 110th anniversary

• West Point Nickel (2020): Silver proof set included reverse proof nickel from West Point Mint for the first time

Pictured above: Proof coins in 1993-S Prestige Proof Set | Image credit: Great Collections

Prestige Proof Sets (1983)

In 1983, another annual option came out: the Prestige Proof Set. Besides the usual annual proof coins, each set also included a commemorative half dollar and/or dollar from that year.

These sets came in special packaging unique from standard proof sets.

The Prestige Proof Sets were issued every year from 1983 to 1997 except 1985, when no commemorative coins were issued.

Modern Proof Sets

Annual proof and silver proof sets are still issued every year, with some additions for different series since the 1990s like state quarters, Presidential dollars, America the Beautiful quarters, and American Innovation dollars.

The most coins in an annual proof set was 18 coins in 2009 — boosted by the six DC & US Territories quarters, four Centennial Lincoln cents, and four Presidential dollars.

With the history and overview established, let’s go over each annual proof set by year.

Pictured above: Obverse & reverse of 1936 Washington quarter proof, graded PR68 by PCGS | Image credit: PCGS CoinFacts, Free use

List of Annual Coin Proof Sets by Year

Each era of annual proof sets since the 1930s has brought new designs, sets, and additions to this time-honored collecting tradition.

Below, we list the different annual proof sets since 1936, with new designs italicized.

Unless otherwise noted, every proof coin has the same composition as its circulating counterpart.

1930s to 1940s

During this era, only the nickel design changed.

• 1936-1937: Lincoln cent (wheat reverse), Buffalo nickel, Mercury dime, Washington quarter, Walking Liberty half dollar

• 1938-1941: Lincoln cent, Jefferson nickel, Mercury dime, Washington quarter, Walking Liberty half dollar

• 1942: Lincoln cent, Jefferson nickel or silver wartime Jefferson nickel, Mercury dime, Washington quarter, Walking Liberty half dollar

Pictured above: 1969 Annual Proof Set with 5 coins, including 40% silver Kennedy half dollar | Image credit: Billjones94, CC-BY-SA-4.0

1950s to 1960s

In the 50s, the new Franklin half dollar emerged, replaced by the Kennedy half dollar in the 60s. The Roosevelt dime also replaced the Mercury dime.

• 1950-1963: Lincoln cent (wheat reverse until 1958, memorial reverse from 1959 on), Jefferson nickel, Roosevelt dime, Washington quarter, Franklin half dollar

• 1964: Lincoln cent, Jefferson nickel, Roosevelt dime, Washington quarter, Kennedy half dollar

• 1968-1969: Lincoln cent, Jefferson nickel, Roosevelt dime, Washington quarter, Kennedy half dollar

Pictured above: 1976 Silver Set featuring the three Bicentennial silver Washington quarter, Kennedy half dollar, and Eisenhower dollar proof coins

1970s to 1980s

The Mint added dollar coin proofs to annual sets from 1973 to 1981. The dollar was replaced for one year with a token.

This era also featured proofs of the circulating Bicentennial coins commemorating the 200th anniversary of US independence.

• 1970-1972: Lincoln cent, Jefferson nickel, Roosevelt dime, Washington quarter, Kennedy half dollar

• 1973-1974 & 1977-1978: Lincoln cent, Jefferson nickel, Roosevelt dime, Washington quarter, Kennedy half dollar, Eisenhower dollar

• 1975-1976: Lincoln cent, Jefferson nickel, Roosevelt dime, Washington quarter (Bicentennial reverse), Kennedy half dollar (Bicentennial reverse), Eisenhower dollar (Bicentennial reverse)

• 1979-1981: Lincoln cent, Jefferson nickel, Roosevelt dime, Washington quarter, Kennedy half dollar, Susan B. Anthony dollar

• 1982: Lincoln cent, Jefferson nickel, Roosevelt dime, Washington quarter, Kennedy half dollar, Department of the Treasury token

• 1983-1989: Lincoln cent, Jefferson nickel, Roosevelt dime, Washington quarter, Kennedy half dollar

Special or limited edition proof sets in this era:

• 1976 Silver Set: 40% silver – Washington quarter, Kennedy half dollar, Eisenhower dollar (Pictured Above)

• 1992-1999 Silver Sets: 90% silver – Roosevelt dime, Washington quarter, Kennedy half dollar

• 1983-1989 Prestige Sets: Lincoln cent, Jefferson nickel, Roosevelt dime, Washington quarter, Kennedy half dollar, plus different commemorative coins:

  • 1983: 1984 LA Olympics Discus Thrower dollar

  • 1984: 1984 LA Olympics Coliseum dollar

  • 1986: Statue of Liberty half dollar & dollar

  • 1987: Constitution Bicentennial dollar

  • 1988: Seoul Olympics dollar

  • 1989: Congress Bicentennial half dollar & dollar

Pictured above: Obverse & reverse of 2008-D James Monroe Presidential Dollar Proof with Satin Finish | Image credit: PCGS CoinFacts, Free use

1990s to 2000s

Annual proof sets saw many developments in this era, like the addition of the Sacagawea dollar, state quarters, and Presidential dollars.

Other new series were the Sacagawea dollar, Lincoln Bicentennial cents, and Westward Journey nickels.

• 1990-1998: Lincoln cent, Jefferson nickel, Roosevelt dime, Washington quarter, Kennedy half dollar

• 1999: Lincoln cent, Jefferson nickel, Roosevelt dime, 5 state quarters, Kennedy half dollar

• 2000-2003: Lincoln cent, Jefferson nickel, Roosevelt dime, 5 state quarters, Kennedy half dollar, Sacagawea dollar

• 2004-2005: Lincoln cent, 2 Westward Journey nickels, Roosevelt dime, 5 state quarters, Kennedy half dollar, Sacagawea dollar

• 2006: Lincoln cent, Jefferson nickel (Return to Monticello reverse), Roosevelt dime, 5 state quarters, Kennedy half dollar, Sacagawea dollar

• 2007-2008: Lincoln cent, Jefferson nickel, Roosevelt dime, 5 state quarters, Kennedy half dollar, Sacagawea dollar, 4 Presidential dollars (satin finish)

• 2009: 4 Lincoln Bicentennial cents, Jefferson nickel, Roosevelt dime, 6 DC and US Territories quarters, Kennedy half dollar, Native American dollar, 4 Presidential dollars (satin finish)

Special or limited-edition 90s and 00’s proof sets include:

• 1990-1997 Prestige Sets: Lincoln cent, Jefferson nickel, Roosevelt dime, Washington quarter, Kennedy half dollar, plus different commemorative coins:

  • 1990: Eisenhower Centennial dollar

  • 1991: Mount Rushmore Golden (50th) Anniversary half dollar & dollar

  • 1992: Barcelona Olympics half dollar & dollar

  • 1993: Bill of Rights half dollar & dollar

  • 1994: 15th FIFA World Cup half dollar & dollar

  • 1995: Civil War Battlefields half dollar & dollar

  • 1996: Centennial Atlanta Olympics Women’s Soccer half dollar & Men’s Rowing dollar

  • 1997: US Botanic Garden dollar

• 1999-2008 State Quarters Sets: The year’s 4-5 state quarter proofs

• 1999-2008 State Quarters Silver Sets: The year’s 4-5 state quarter proofs in 90% silver

• 2009 DC & US Territories Set: The year’s 6 DC & US Territories quarter proofs

• 2009 DC & US Territories Silver Set: The year’s 6 DC & US Territories quarter proofs in 90% silver

• 2007-2009 Presidential $1 Coin Sets: The year’s 4 Presidential dollar proofs

• 2007-2009 Presidential $1 Coin Silver Sets: The year’s 4 Presidential dollar reverse proofs in 90% silver

Pictured above: 2020 America the Beautiful Quarters Silver Proof Set | Image credit: US Mint, Public domain

2010s to Present

The 2010s brought the America the Beautiful quarters series and the recent American Women quarters series.

New designs include the updated shield reverse Lincoln cent and Native American dollar.

• 2010-2016: Lincoln cent (Shield reverse), Jefferson nickel, Roosevelt dime, 5 America the Beautiful quarters, Kennedy half dollar, Native American dollar, 4 Presidential dollars (satin finish in 2010, standard brilliant after)

• 2017-2021: Lincoln cent, Jefferson nickel, Roosevelt dime, 2-5 America the Beautiful quarters, Kennedy half dollar, Native American dollar

• 2022-2025 (up to Present): Lincoln cent, Jefferson nickel, Roosevelt dime, 5 American Women quarters, Kennedy half dollar, Native American dollar

Special or limited edition proof sets in the modern era include:

• 2010-2021 America the Beautiful Quarters Sets: The year’s 2-5 national site quarter proofs

• 2010-2021 America the Beautiful Quarters Silver Sets: The 2-5 national site quarter reverse proofs in 90% silver through 2018 or 99.9% silver from 2019

• 2010-2016 Presidential Dollar Sets: The 4 yearly Presidential dollar proofs

• 2010-2016 Presidential Dollar Silver Sets: The 4 yearly Presidential dollar reverse proofs in 90% silver

• 2015-2016 & 2020 Coins and Chronicles Sets: Presidential dollar proof (or reverse proof), bronze (or 99.9% silver) Presidential Medal, sometimes First Spouse bronze medal

• 2012-Present (except 2015) Limited Edition Silver Proof Sets: Roosevelt dime, 5 America the Beautiful quarters, Kennedy half dollar, and American Silver Eagle proofs in 90% silver through 2018 or 99.9% silver since 2019

• 2018 San Francisco Mint 50th Anniversary Set: Same as Silver Proof Set but reverse proof finish

• 2018-2032 (up to Present) American Innovation Dollars Sets: The year’s 4 American Innovation dollar proofs or reverse proofs

Different mints were involved in annual proof sets, too.

Minting and Production

Initially, only the Philadelphia Mint made proof coins and sets. They stopped making proofs in 1964.

The San Francisco Mint took over production of all proof coins and sets in 1968. All proof coins after 1968 have an “S” mint mark (for San Francisco) unless they’re error coins or special edition versions minted in Philadelphia or West Point.

The only other branch involved is West Point Mint (mint mark “W”). Most West Point proofs are American Eagles, but it’s also produced limited-edition commemorative proofs like the 2014-W Kennedy half dollar reverse proof and the 2019-W Lincoln cent.

In terms of mintage, over 143 million annual proof sets have been minted from 1936 to 2022. The highest number of annual proof sets goes to 1976 at over 4.1 million.

Modern annual proof set mintages have steadily decreased since 2013. That said, the US Mint still sells annual proof sets.

The only years with no annual proof sets are 1943 to 1949 and 1965 to 1967.

On the investment side, what year proof sets are worth money?

Pictured above: Obverse & reverse of 1975 "No S" Roosevelt dime error proof, graded PR68 by PCGS | Image credit: PCGS CoinFacts, Free use

Key Years and Notable Sets

The value of an annual proof set mostly depends on its rarity and demand. Rarity could mean low mintage, low survival, mint errors, or high demand (often the first in a popular series).

Proofs don’t have as many grades, but a higher grade (better condition) will mean higher value. Additionally, silver proof sets are generally worth more based on their precious metal content.

That’s why you may wonder why the 1999 silver proof set (generally around $150) is so expensive, for example — it’s silver and the first in the state quarters series.

Some of the most valuable annual proof sets are:

• 1936 Proof Set: Most expensive sold for $35,250 in 2015

• 1968 Proof Set, “No S” Dime Error: Worth up to $17,000

• 1975 Proof Set “No S” Dime Error: Worth up to $410,000

• 1990 Prestige Proof Set, “No S” Cent Error: Most expensive sold for $8,265 in 2004

These may be the rarities, but many annual proof sets are accessible to a wide range of budgets and collector levels — from beginners to seasoned experts.

Celebrate American Coinage History and Excellence with Annual Proof Sets!

After all that, are proof coin sets worth buying? Absolutely! Proof coins are the highest quality examples of each year’s coinage, reflecting the nation’s cultural and historical evolution.

You don’t have to get the most valuable annual proof set, either. Many collectors enjoy trying to collect a proof set from every year or simply finding one annual proof set from a sentimental year — like your birthday or wedding.

Plus, annual proof sets make a great meaningful gift for a loved one.

Buy annual proof sets and other US coins today!