The 1939 Proof Set was the fourth release for the modern proof coin era. The US Mint had resumed producing proof coins for collectors starting with 1936. Sales of the 1939 set were relatively muted after elevated sales in the prior year for the first issue of the Jefferson Nickel series.
The United States Mint offered the proof coins individually or as a complete set priced at $1.89. The coins produced included the Lincoln Cent, Jefferson Nickel, Mercury Dime, Washington Quarter, and Walking Liberty Half Dollar. Sales were highest for the one-cent coin, which was generally the case for these early proof coins. The mintage for 1939 Proof Set is stated as 8,795. This is the level of the lowest mintage individual coin, and therefor the maximum number of sets that could be created.
1939 Proof Coin Mintages
- 1939 Proof Lincoln Cent: 13,520
- 1939 Proof Jefferson Nickel: 12,535
- 1939 Proof Mercury Dime: 9,321
- 1939 Proof Washington Quarter: 8,795
- 1939 Proof Walking Liberty Half Dollar: 8,808
Nearly all 1939 Proof Coins are found with a brilliant proof finish. It is rare to find coins exhibiting the cameo contrast that is sought by many collectors.
The 1939 Proof Set packaging could vary. The coins were offered individually, so coins were packaged for each customer order. Each coin was placed within an individual cellophane sleeve. These were stapled at the top and placed in either a box or envelope. Most 1939 Proof Coins encountered today are in private holders or encapsulated in third party grading holders.
1939 Proof Set
- Face Value: $0.91
- Original Issue Price: $1.89
- Mintage: 8,795
