The 1950 Proof Set marked the resumption of production following a seven year hiatus. The US Mint had stopped producing proof sets for collectors following 1942 due to the second world war. The following years, the US Mint was also unable to produce the collector sets due to the obligation to produce millions of medals for America's military.
The 1950 Proof Set mintage came in at 51,386, which was a very high number in comparison to the last year of production in 1942 when only 21,120 sets had been produced and sold. This was due to some of the pent up demand from the hiatus and the fact that the sets included the first proof issues for the Roosevelt Dime and Franklin Half Dollar. The sets additionally included the Lincoln Cent, Jefferson Nickel, and Washington Quarter.
Proof coins from 1950 are primarily found with brilliant proof finishes, although some coins with a finish similar to the earlier satin proof coins can be found. The most desirable proof coins display a cameo or deep cameo effect with the raised elements of the coin frosted and the backgrounds mirrored. High premiums are paid for cameo and deep cameo coins.
The original packaging for the 1950 Proof Set comprised of individual cellophane sleeves for each coin. These were stapled at the top, wrapped in tissue paper, and placed into a cardboard box. The box was sealed shut with paper tape.
1950 Proof Set
- Face Value: $0.91
- Original Issue Price: $2.10
- Mintage: 51,386
