Proof Sets - Mint Sets
Proof and Mint Sets are collections of coins packaged by the US Mint for sale to collectors. Proof coins are strikes produced with polished dies that optimize the quality of design elements and luster on resulting coins. Their surfaces are often so pristine they obtain a mirror-like appearance. The US Mint has released proof sets since the 19th century, however the practice did not become regular until 1936. A Proof Set contains one example of every business-strike coin produced in a given year, though at different points in history additional coins, like commemoratives, were also included. Until 1965, Proof Sets were produced at the Philadelphia Mint, however, in 1968 the San Francisco mint assumed this function.
Mint Sets are similar to Proof Sets, the difference being that the coins in Mint Sets are usually of a lower quality. A mint coin is one produced using the same methods employed on a regular-strike coin but one never released to the greater public. Since the coins are uncirculated, they are usually of a better quality than regular issue coins encountered in everyday use. Mint sets have the added advantage of occasionally including varieties of coins never released to the public. In these instances, mint set recipients becomes the owners of truly unique coins.