The Proof Set line has grown over the years, with several different types of sets being released since 1936. The base sets, which are composed of one example of each circulating denomination, including a half-cent, cent, nickel, dime, quarter, and half dollar, were the first ones available. It wasn’t until 1950 that additional denominations were added such as the Susan B. Anthony dollar and the Eisenhower dollar, both of which were issued only in proof sets.
In 1981, the U.S. Mint began a relatively new tradition of offering a special set of coins in its Proof Sets. The first set of this kind was the American Eagle Silver Dollar Proof Set and it was designed to commemorate the inaugural issue of that coin. Since then, the Proof Set program has added other commemorative coins including the Smithsonian Institution Bicentennial Silver Dollar and the Library of Congress Bicentennial Silver Three-coin Set.
Most recently, the U.S. Mint has released annual Silver Proof Sets featuring an easier way to acquire a unique selection of coins. These sets include silver versions of the coins found in the base set, along with a few additional coins such as the Kennedy Half Dollar and the Native-American Dollar.
The Proof Sets are a great way for collectors to add valuable and attractive coins to their collections. The intricate design details and unique styling of the proof coins make them especially desirable and sought after. The sets have been available since 1936 and have been released annually ever since – no matter the political or economic situation in the nation. As a result, they remain an integral part of United States numismatics, and the program will no doubt continue to produce more remarkable releases in coming years.
