1956 US Mint Proof Set
All of the 1956 Proof Sets (Buy on eBay) were originally issued in the new “flat packs”. This simplified style of packaging had been introduced in the middle of the prior year to replace the previous boxed sets. The flat pack would prove to be an improvement and remain in use until the production of the 1964 Proof Set.
The pace of sales for the US Mint’s annual proof coinage offering would continue their rapid upward trend. At an original issue price of $2.10 each, the Mint recorded sales of 669,384 sets. This was an increase of nearly 300,000 from the prior year.
Each 1956 Proof Set contained five coins, consisting of the Franklin Half Dollar, Washington Quarter, Roosevelt Dime, Jefferson Nickel, and Lincoln Cent. Notably, there are two different varieties for the proof half dollar this year. The Type 1 is identified by the four dangling feathers on either side of the eagle’s wings. The Type 2 has three dangling feathers on each side of the eagle’s wings. The 1956 “Type 1” Proof Franklin Half Dollar represents the scarcer version.
The five proof coins were sealed in a plastic pack, along with a foil “US Mint Philadelphia” insert. These were placed between protective cardboard within an envelop marked with the Treasury Department address and “1956 P.C.”
1956 Proof Set Information
Coins per Set: 5
Face Value: $0.91
Original Issue Price: $2.10
Mintage: 669,384
