Sell Proof Sets, Mint Sets
and Commemorative Coins
American Rarities buys U.S. Mint proof sets, uncirculated mint sets and commemorative coins, from a single set in its original box to decades of annual Mint purchases. Below you’ll find what each type of set is, the years and varieties collectors look for, what affects value, and how to sell yours. For a step-by-step overview, see our guide on how to sell proof and mint sets.
We’ve been buying coins since 1990 and have purchased over $400 million in coins and collections. To start, text a list or photos to 720-600-4740 or use the form below. You’ll get a free, no-obligation appraisal. We reply quickly, and we review submissions in the order we receive them.
Uncirculated Mint Sets
An uncirculated mint set holds one business-strike example of each circulating coin the U.S. Mint made that year, usually from each mint, packaged and sold by the Mint. They aren’t proofs: the coins are regular strikes saved before they ever reached circulation (see the coin set overview).
Key years and what to look for
- 1947–1958 double sets: the first official mint sets held two of each coin in cardboard holders. None were made in 1950. The cardboard often toned the coins, sometimes in attractive colors and sometimes darkly, so original, intact double sets are the most sought-after mint sets.
- 1959–1964: single sets, and the last mint sets with 90% silver dimes, quarters and half dollars.
- 1965–1967 Special Mint Sets: no proof sets or regular mint sets were made. Instead the San Francisco Assay Office struck Special Mint Sets with no mint mark, using polished dies on unpolished planchets. The 1965 sets came in soft pliofilm and the 1966 and 1967 sets in hard plastic holders (NGC).
- 1970: the 40% silver 1970-D Kennedy half dollar, with a mintage of about 2.1 million, was issued only in mint sets and is the key to the Kennedy series.
- 1982 and 1983: the Mint issued no official uncirculated sets. The souvenir sets sold at the mints those years are sometimes mistaken for them.
- 1996: includes the 1996-W dime, struck at West Point and issued only in that year’s mint set.
- 2005–2010: coins were given a satin finish instead of the usual business-strike finish.
U.S. Mint Proof Sets
Proof coins are struck from specially polished dies on polished planchets, giving mirror-like fields and sharp detail. Proof sets were sold by the Mint directly to collectors, and each year’s set has its own following.
Key proof set years
- 1936–1942: the first modern proofs. Collectors ordered the coins one at a time, so complete sets were put together by their owners. Production was small: just 74,400 proof Walking Liberty half dollars were struck over all seven years. 1942 has a five-coin and a six-coin version, the six-coin set adding the wartime silver nickel.
- 1950–1964: complete sets were sold again from 1950, at first in a small box with the coins in cellophane. In 1955 the Mint switched to a flat plastic “flat pack”, so 1955 sets exist both ways. Flat packs were used through 1964, the last year of 90% silver proof sets.
- 1968 to today: after the 1965–1967 gap, proof sets returned in 1968, now struck at San Francisco with the S mint mark and sold in hard plastic cases. The 1976 Bicentennial three-coin set was struck in 40% silver.
- Prestige proof sets (1983–1997, except 1985): the regular proof set plus that year’s proof commemorative coins in a deluxe case.
- Silver proof sets (1992 onward): sold next to the clad sets, with the dime, quarter and half dollar in 90% silver through 2018 and .999 fine silver from 2019. Silver Premier sets were offered from 1992 to 1998. See our silver proof set values page.
For more on individual years, see U.S. proof set values and U.S. Mint proof set value.
U.S. Commemorative Coins: Classic and Modern
Classic commemoratives (1892–1954)
The classic series began with the 1892 Columbian Exposition half dollar and the 1893 Isabella quarter and ended with the Carver-Washington half dollar in 1954. Most are silver half dollars, along with gold dollars, quarter eagles and the 1915 Panama-Pacific $50 gold pieces, in round and octagonal versions. They were usually sold at a premium by sponsoring groups, and many were later spent, handled or cleaned, so original coins with good surfaces bring the strongest interest.
Modern commemoratives (1982 to today)
The modern program began with the 1982 George Washington 250th Anniversary half dollar, the first U.S. commemorative since 1954. Since then the Mint has issued clad half dollars, silver dollars and gold $5 and $10 coins, usually in both proof and uncirculated versions, sold in Mint boxes with certificates of authenticity. Low-mintage issues are the keys: the 1997-W Jackie Robinson $5 gold in uncirculated, with a mintage of just 5,174, is the best-known modern key date (Wikipedia).
For more on individual issues, see our commemorative coins value page.
How to Spot Valuable Sets: Silver, Key Dates and Varieties
- Silver or clad? Proof sets before 1965 are 90% silver. From 1992 on, silver proof sets are labeled as silver, and their dime, quarter and half dollar show a plain silver edge instead of the copper stripe of a clad coin.
- Missing mint marks: a handful of proof coins were struck without their S. The best known is the 1990 proof cent with no S, found in regular and Prestige sets; the Mint reported that 3,555 left the Mint. Others include the 1968, 1970 and 1975 proof dimes, the 1971 proof nickel and the 1983 proof dime.
- Date and mint mark varieties: the 1960 small date cent, the 1970-S small date cent, the 1964 “accented hair” Kennedy half, and the 1979-S and 1981-S Type II mint marks, which show a clearer S.
- Mint-set-only coins: the 1970-D Kennedy half dollar and the 1996-W dime.
- Key commemorative dates: the 1915 Panama-Pacific $50 gold pieces among the classics and the 1997-W Jackie Robinson $5 uncirculated among the moderns.
- Cameo contrast: proofs with frosted designs against mirror fields, called cameos, can be worth more than ordinary proofs.
What Affects the Value of Proof Sets, Mint Sets and Commemoratives
- Original Mint packaging: complete sets in their original holders, boxes and envelopes, with any certificates, are what most buyers want.
- Condition: spots, haze, scratches and damaged holders lower value; attractive original toning can help on older sets.
- Metal content: silver sets and gold commemoratives have a floor value set by silver and gold prices.
- Year, mintage and varieties: low-mintage years, mint-set-only coins and the varieties above carry premiums.
- Certification: single coins graded near-perfect by PCGS or NGC can be worth more on their own than inside the set.
We don’t publish prices here because values move with metal prices and collector demand. For a reference point, use current NGC or PCGS price guide values with their as-of date, or send us photos for a free appraisal.
For a deeper dive into U.S. and foreign mint coin sets check out our U.S. and Foreign Mint Sets, Proof Sets, and Commemorative Coins Information web page. To learn what makes some proof sets worth more than others, read about coin proof sets value.
Why Sell Your Coin Sets to American Rarities?
- Experience: founded in 1990, with hundreds of years of combined experience across our nationwide buying network.
- Trusted reputation: an A+ rating with the BBB, a 4.7-star Google rating from 86 reviews, and Life Members of the ANA.
- Industry credentials: a PCGS and NGC authorized dealer and an ANACS submission center.
- Careful evaluation: XRF testing, digital microscopy and free in-house grading without slabbing.
- Estates: IRS-compliant appraisals and home visits for larger collections. We also offer free coin appraisals for U.S. and world coins.
How to Sell Your Proof Sets, Mint Sets and Commemorative Coins
- STEP 1
Send Photos or a List
Use the form on this page, text 720-600-4740 or email staff@americanrarities.com. A photo of each set in its holder, plus a list of years and types, is plenty to start.
- STEP 2
Free Written Appraisal
We review your sets and send a written, no-obligation offer. We reply quickly. Timing depends on the size of your list, and we review submissions in the order we receive them.
- STEP 3
Ship Insured and Get Paid
Ship your sets fully insured at our expense (use your own sturdy box or mailer), or arrange a home visit for a larger collection. Accept the offer and get paid immediately by cash, check, ACH or wire.
Proof Sets, Mint Sets and Commemoratives: Quick Answers
Why were no proof sets or mint sets made from 1965 to 1967?
During the 1960s coin shortage the Mint stopped both and sold Special Mint Sets instead. Proof sets returned in 1968.
Which proof set errors should I look for?
Proof coins missing the S mint mark, such as the 1990 cent, 1983 dime, 1968, 1970 and 1975 dimes and 1971 nickel, plus the 1979-S and 1981-S Type II mint marks.
Are there 1982 or 1983 uncirculated mint sets?
No official ones. The souvenir sets sold at the mints those years are a different product.
Ready to Sell Your Proof Sets, Mint Sets or Commemorative Coins?
Text Us or Use This Form to Send Your Inventory List or Photos
Text: 720-600-4740
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