The United States Mint continued to issue a special version of the annual Proof Set—the 1996 Silver Proof Set (Buy on eBay), containing coins struck in 90% silver. Although some collectors had voiced concerns about the rapidly expanding range of products, others diligently acquired the sets, which offered both numismatic and intrinsic value. The 1996 Silver Proof Set saw its sales increase from the low level of the prior year.
Each set included five coins struck at the San Francisco Mint. The Lincoln Cent and Jefferson Nickel included in the set were identical to those found in the regular Proof Set. The Roosevelt Dime, Washington Quarter, and Kennedy Half Dollar were struck in a special composition of 90% silver. All coins carry the “S” mint mark for San Francisco and stuck with deep cameo finishes.
The basic set was priced at $21.00 each and sold a total of 623,655 units. Separately, the U.S. Mint offered a different packaging option known as the 1996 Silver Premier Set. This set was issued at a price of $37.50 and sold 151,366 units.
Packaging for the regular version of the 1996 Silver Proof Set consisted of a single plastic lens containing the coins fitted into a black cardboard insert. The lens was placed in an outer black cardboard box with silver printing indicating “United States Mint Silver Proof Set 1996.”
1996 Silver Proof Set Coins
- 1996-S Proof Lincoln Cent
- 1996-S Proof Jefferson Nickel
- 1996-S Silver Proof Roosevelt Dime
- 1996-S Silver Proof Washington Quarter
- 1996-S Silver Proof Kennedy Half Dollar
1996 Silver Proof Set Information
- Coins per Set: 5
- Face Value: $0.91
- Silver Content: 0.615 troy oz. (19.129 g)
- Original Issue Price: $21.00
- Mintage: 623,655
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