1996 Proof Set (BUY)
Face Value: $0.91
Original Issue Price: $12.50
Mintage: 1,695,244
The 1996 Proof Set is viewed as one of the best values in modern proof sets. The mintage reached the lowest level in nearly 40 years, however the current prices for the set are lower than several other sets with higher mintages. For example, the 1995 Proof Set has a mintage of over 2 million, and sells for a significant premium, while the 1996 Proof Set can still be obtained for around issue price.
Each 1996 Proof Set contains five coins with a face value of 91 cents. The coins include the half dollar, quarter, dime, nickel, and cent. The coins are minted at the San Francisco Mint and are almost always found with deep cameo proof finishes.
The US Mint issued a separate 1996 Prestige Proof Set that contained the Olympic Half Dollar and Dollar coins. The issue price for this set was $57.00 and only 55,000 sets were sold. Also issued were the 1996 Silver Proof Set and 1996 Premier Silver Proof Set.
The packaging for the 1996 Proof Set was themed in green. The coins were placed within slots of a green card board and sealed within a single plastic lens. The lens was placed within a green box that opened at the top.
