Collecting State Quarter Proof Sets
There were three purpose for the 1997 50 States Quarter Program.The program hoped to encourage knowledge in our youth about each state's history and culture, as well as their contribution to the Union. The state quarter sets were to commemorate the states that make up this great country.The third goal was to help inspire a new generation of coin collectors.
Beginning in January 1999 with the release of the Delaware commemorative, a new state quarter was released approximately every ten weeks with five coins being released per year.The last quarter in original 50 states was released in 2008.
The program was a resounding success.Almost half of the US population began collecting states quarters.To further the goal of the program, quarter proof sets were also sold by
the United States Mint for collectors.
The San Francisco mint was the only mint to product proof state quarters.This is unlike regular state quarters, which were minted by the mint facilities in Denver and Philadelphia.The minting process utilizes special coin blanks and polish dies to strike the coin multiple times.It produces mirror-like backgrounds and sharp features.The foreground is frosted and sculpted in order to give the coin a cameo-like appearance.
Quarter proof sets are typically more prized by numismatists, or coin collectors.There are several reasons.One, the special minting process results in the highest quality state quarters.Two, the fact that these sets are purchased directly from the United States Mint, rather than put into circulation, also adds to their value.Proof coins are almost always in better condition then the standard mint sets.
Since proof coins are produced in smaller quantities, it also increase the value.Increased rarity produces increased value.The 2008 proof sets doubled in value within a year.Set from the earlier years are valued at to dolllars.
These sets are likely to continue climbing in value.
Finally, the quarter proof sets come with a certificate of authenticity.Proof sets are specially packaged by the United State mint giving them something a little extra special.Since this package process is not provided for circulated coins, it gives proof sets more value.
The quarter proof sets were sold through the United States Mint originally.Now you can buy them from various dealers who resell the sets.You can even find them onplace like ebay.
The state quarter program creator a new generation of coin collectors.Many citizens started their collection with the quarter proof sets.If you're new to collecting, just start at the beginning with the 1999 quarter set.
A good place to get started collecting state quarter sets is with the 1999 state quarter proof set.
