Mint Sets

Mint sets are sets of uncirculated coins issued by the United States Mint and offered for sale directly to collectors. Each mint set contains coins from all the U.S. Mints, including cents, nickels, dimes, quarters, half-dollars, and dollars. The sets have been issued since 1947, with some exceptions.

The 1947 U.S. Mint Set featured all three mints - Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco - and included all coins of the denominations shown above. The coins in the set were all minted before the coins in circulation, and this set marked the introduction of the Jefferson nickel and Roosevelt dime. All coins in the set have plain edges, except for the coins in the Silver sets (which are issued only from 1947-1958) which have reeded edges. The production of the 1947 U.S. Mint Set marked the first time the Copper-Nickel alloy was used for coins.

The 1938 U.S. Mint Set was the first year coins were issued from all four Mints - Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco, and West Point. This set included the first coins to feature the Lincoln cent in an uncirculated format. The 1938 U.S. Mint Set also included all coins of the denominations shown above and all coins had plain edges.

Mint sets were issued every year until 1965, when the government ceased production due to a lack of demand. In 1966, production resumed with the first Special Mint Sets. Special Mint Sets were issued from 1966-1967 and featured coins of all four denominations struck at the Philadelphia mint.

In 1968, the production of mint sets resumed with the introduction of the Proof Sets. Proof sets contain coins which have been struck at least twice, with specially prepared dies, to create a sharp, frosted images with mirrored fields. The coins in this set are presented in the order of their denomination, and all coins had reeded edges.

In 1979, Mint Sets reverted back to the former uncirculated coins, and have been issued every year since. The Mint Sets have coins from all four U.S. Mints. Starting in 1978, all coins of the denominations shown above have reeded edges, except for the cent which remains plain.

Mint sets continue to be offered each year, with a few variations, including Silver sets, Silver & Clad sets and Silver & Gold sets. Mint sets offer a great way to collect all the coins released each year by the United States Mint. Each set is individually packaged, and provides both novice and expert collectors a chance to own coins that are often not available in circulation, making them desirable collector’s items.