The 1953 Proof Set (Buy on eBay) was the first Proof Set produced by the United States Mint to sell more than 100,000 units. The rapidly growing popularity of the offering is evidenced by the greater than 50% increase in sales compared to the prior year. For much of the next decade, sales and resulting mintages for Proof coinage would continue to expand at a rapid pace.
There were five different coins included in each 1953 Proof Set, representing the five denominations issued for circulation. As had been the case for many years, all Proof coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint.
Each set included a Proof version of the Lincoln Cent, Jefferson Nickel, Roosevelt Dime, Washington Quarter, and Franklin Half Dollar. Coins will typically be encountered with brilliant finishes. Examples displaying cameo or deep cameo contrast are in the minority and command premiums from collectors. The majority of these examples typically already reside in third party coin grading holders with designations or CAM, DCAM, Cameo, or Ultra Cameo, attesting to their status.
The original packaging for the 1953 Proof Set consists of individual cellophane sleeves for each coin. These are stapled together at the top and wrapped in a few layers of tissue paper. The coins are then placed within a small cardboard box, sealed shut with paper tape. More often than not, Proof Sets of this era will now be found transferred to different holders.
1953 Proof Set Mintages
- 1953 Proof Lincoln Cent
- 1953 Proof Jefferson Nickel
- 1953 Proof Roosevelt Dime
- 1953 Proof Washington Quarter
- 1953 Proof Franklin Half Dollar
1953 Proof Set Information
- Coins per Set: 5
- Face Value: $0.91
- Original Issue Price: $2.10
- Mintage: 128,800
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