The 1942 Proof Set was final proof set to be produced by the United States Mint before the war caused another suspension in production. The mintages of proof coins reached their highest levels to date and a change in composition provided a sixth proof coin for collectors this year.
Proof coins were produced for the Lincoln Cent, Jefferson Nickel, Mercury Dime, Washington Quarter, and Walking Liberty Half Dollar. The Jefferson Nickel was produced in the standard nickel composition and the 35% silver composition used during the war years. The nickel composition coin was released first, with the 35% silver version issued separately later in the year. The mintage for the 1942 Proof Set is usually stated as 21,120, which is the amount of the lowest mintage proof coin for the year.
1942 Proof Coin Mintages
- 1942 Proof Lincoln Cent: 32,600
- 1942 Proof Jefferson Nickel (nickel): 29,600
- 1942 Proof Jefferson Nickel (35% silver): 27,600
- 1942 Proof Mercury Dime: 22,329
- 1942 Proof Washington Quarter: 21,123
- 1942 Proof Walking Liberty Half Dollar: 21,120
The 1942 proof coins are found mostly with brilliant proof finishes. It is extremely rare to encounter coins with cameo proof devices. The coins were packaged to order and could show some variance. Each individual coin was placed within a cellophane sleeve, stapled at the top, wrapped in tissue paper, and placed within an envelope or box. It is uncommon to find proof sets or proof coins of this era in the original packaging. Some six coin sets were created by collectors and placed in custom made holders.
1942 Proof Set
- Face Value: $0.91 (five coins)
- Original Issue Price: $1.89 (five coins)
- Mintage: 21,120
