The 1998 Silver Proof Set (Buy on eBay) included 90% silver versions of the Kennedy Half Dollar, Washington Quarter, and Roosevelt Dime, in addition to the standard composition Jefferson Nickel and Lincoln Cent. Each of these coins were produced in San Francisco and carried the “S” mint mark. As was the standard for the modern era, the coins are found with deep cameo contrast.
This issue represented the final five coin silver Proof Set before the set was expanded to nine coins in the following year. Importantly, this year also marked the final year of issue for Washington Quarters. In the following year, the original obverse portrait by John Flanagan would be modified for the start of the State Quarters series and the heraldic eagle on the reverse would be replaced with a series of rotating designs representing each of the 50 states.
The basic 1998 Silver Proof Set was priced at $21.00 and sold 638,134 units. This represented the highest annual sales level in years, as anticipation grew for the coming changes to U.S. coinage.
Separately, the U.S. Mint offered the 1998 Silver Premier Set. This format featured special packaging which allowed the coins to be more prominently displayed. The sets were priced at $37.50 and sold 240,658 units.
The year would mark the final year for the black box style of packaging. In the following year, an extensive redesign would take place for inclusion of the extra coins. A popular subset to collect is the 1992-1998 Silver Proof Sets, which represent the earliest years of the 90% silver offering with a consistent style of packaging.
1998 Silver Proof Set Coins
- 1998-S Proof Lincoln Cent
- 1998-S Proof Jefferson Nickel
- 1998-S Silver Proof Roosevelt Dime
- 1998-S Silver Proof Washington Quarter
- 1998-S Silver Proof Kennedy Half Dollar
1998 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: 638,134
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