The 1955 Proof Set continued to experience a rapid increase in the number of sets produced by the United States Mint. It also featured an important packaging change for the set that would make it much easier to the Mint to ship sets and collectors to store their sets. The number of sets sold during 1955 was 378,200, an increase of nearly 150,000 units from the prior year.
Each 1955 Proof Set contained five coins. These were proof versions produced at the Philadelphia Mint for each of the coins issued for circulation during the year. This included the Franklin Half, Washington Quarter, Roosevelt Dime, Jefferson Nickel, and Lincoln Cent. The coins are typically found with brilliant proof finishes. The more desirable cameo and deep cameo finish coins were becoming more frequently encountered compared to the earlier years, however choice examples can still be elusive and drive high premiums.
For the first part of the year, the 1955 Proof Set was packaged in the same small square box that had been used for several years. The coins were placed within individual cellophane wrappers which were stapled together at the top. The bundle was wrapped in tissue paper and sealed within a cardboard box. Later in the year, the US Mint introduced the flat pack style of packaging. The coins were all sealed within individual compartments of a single plastic pack along with a foil Philadelphia Mint seal. These were placed within an envelope between two cardboard inserts. This new style of packaging was used until 1964.
1955 Proof Set
- Face Value: $0.91
- Original Issue Price: $2.10
- Mintage: 378,200
