US 1990s Proof Sets

[ccg]

As you flip through the Red Book and arrive in the proof set section, you'll find that between 1992 and 1997 there were four types of proof sets. Unfortunately the book doesn't clearly differentiate them, so here's what they are:

 

1. Regular proof set.

2. Prestige proof set

3. Silver proof set

4. Silver premier proof set

 

#1 is a five coin set (cent, nickel, dime, quarter, and half) struck in the regular composition. They come in rectangular hard plastic case and the plastic inside (keeping the coins in place) may be mauve / purple or green depending on year of issue.

 

#2 consists of the same coins as #1, but the the addition of one or two commemorative coins as mentioned in the Red Book. The additional coins would be a silver dollar, sometimes in addition to a NCLT clad half. These coins come in a book-like case, with the CoA tucked in the "inside cover" and the set being the middle - similar to that used by some other countries for their proof sets (e.g. Canada).

 

#3 is a five coin set, as with #1, but with the dime, quarter, and half struck to their pre-1964 specifications. (i.e. 2.5g, 6.25g, and 12.5g of .900 silver respectively). Like the regular proof sets, they come in a rectangular hard plastic case that comes in an envelope. The plastic in the middle is black, and has the word "silver" added to it in a grey/white metallic.

 

#4 is the same as #3, with the exception of the case also coming with a pop-up display. If you remove the display it actually just becomes set #3 - it's basically just added packaging that allows for the set to be displayed on its own.

 

Illustrations are welcome

[Art1.2]

Nice writeup Kevin.