The 1983 United States Proof Set was a highly anticipated numismatic release that commemorated a milestone year for the United States Mint. This set contained a variety of coins from different denominations, each one meticulously struck with special care and attention to detail. As a result, these coins were highly sought after by collectors and investors.
The 1983 United States Proof Set included 5 coins in total – the Kennedy half dollar, Washington quarter, Roosevelt dime, Jefferson nickel, and Lincoln penny. All of these coins were struck in stunning proof quality, which is a special minting process that results in a highly reflective, mirror-like finish. This set was the first proof set to include the five different denominations, rather than just the cent, nickel, dime, quarter, and half dollar.
One of the standout coins in this set is the Kennedy half dollar. The design features a profile of President John F. Kennedy, with the words “Liberty” and “In God We Trust” inscribed on the obverse. The reverse depicts the presidential seal, with the words “United States of America” and the coin’s denomination of “Half Dollar.”
The Washington quarter also has a stunning design, featuring the profile of the first President of the United States, George Washington, on the obverse. The reverse bears the image of an eagle with outstretched wings, clutching arrows and an olive branch, surrounded by the words “E Pluribus Unum” and “Quarter Dollar.”
The Roosevelt dime, named after President Franklin D. Roosevelt, has a portrait of the former President on the obverse. The reverse features a torch, an oak branch, and an olive branch, symbolizing the continuing strength and peace of America. The words “United States of America” and “One Dime” can be found on this coin as well.
As for the Jefferson nickel, this coin’s obverse has a portrait of the third President of the United States, Thomas Jefferson. The reverse has an image of Monticello, the famous plantation that was Jefferson’s primary residence. The words “United States of America” and “E Pluribus Unum” are also inscribed on this coin.
The final coin in the set is the Lincoln penny, which features a profile of President Abraham Lincoln on the obverse. The reverse depicts the Lincoln Memorial, accompanied by the words “United States of America” and “One Cent.”
One of the most interesting things about the 1983 United States Proof Set is the fact that it does not have a mint mark. This is because all of the coins were struck at the San Francisco Mint, and at that time, the San Francisco Mint did not use mint marks. This makes this set unique and highly desirable for collectors.
In addition to the coins, the set also includes a Certificate of Authenticity that certifies the coins as genuine proof issues from the US Mint. The set came housed in a protective plastic case with a blue outer box, making it a perfect addition to any collection or gift for a special occasion.
The 1983 United States Proof Set was released on January 10, 1983, and more than 3 million sets were sold. As with most proof sets, the coins were not meant for circulation, but rather for collectors who wanted to add these pristine coins to their collections.
Today, the 1983 United States Proof Set remains a highly sought-after set amongst collectors and investors. Its stunning design, unique inclusion of all five denominations, and limited mintage make it a must-have for any serious collector of modern US coins.