1999 Proof Set (BUY)
Face Value: $1.91
Original Issue Price: $19.95
Mintage: 2,2,543,401
The 1999 Proof Set began the State Quarters era. Starting this year, five different quarter designs were released each year honoring each of the 50 states in the order they ratified the Constitution or joined the Union. This ambitious and innovative program had the impact of expanding the number of coins included in the proof set to nine. This was the highest number of annual proof coins issued in a modern US proof set. The price of the set rose to $19.95 to account for the extra coins.
Each 1999 Proof Set contains the five State Quarters honoring Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, and Connecticut. Additionally, the Lincoln Cent, Jefferson Nickel, Roosevelt Dime, and Kennedy Half Dollar are included. All coins are struck at the San Francisco Mint and carry the "S" mint mark.
The US Mint did not produce a prestige or premier set for 1999. However, they did introduce the State Quarter Proof Set. This set contained only the five State Quarters for the year in proof version.
The packaging for the 1999 Proof Set was redesigned to accommodate the expanded set. The cent, nickel, dime, and half dollar were sealed in a single lens with a decorative blue insert. The five State Quarters were sealed in a separate plastic lens. The two lenses were packaged with a certificate of authenticity in a cardboard box with the Statue of Liberty featured prominently.
