The U.S. Mint has a continuous tradition going back almost nine decades of annually releasing proof sets containing sharp-relief specimens of each coin denomination in a year. Known for representing expert craftsmanship and the very best in minting technology, these coins are made using the hand-selected planchets, polished dies and multiple strikes that create the famous “cameo” contrast effect: mirror-like fields with frosted raised details. The most prized among these creations are the silver Proof sets, especially their Premier versions packaged in ornate display cases. Provident Metals offers the 1997 US Mint Premier Proof Silver Set for online purchase.

Highlights:

• Comes in its display case and original mint packaging!
• Issued in 1997 by the U.S. Mint!
• Drawn from an unusually limited original mintage!
• Contains a Kennedy half dollar, Washington quarter and Roosevelt dime struck in 90% silver.
• Also includes a Jefferson nickel and Lincoln cent with standard composition.
• Overall silver content comes to just under 0.615 Troy oz (or just over 19 grams).
• The coins’ face values are backed by the United States government.
• The case can show signs of wear, but the coins remain in excellent condition.

The 1997 US Mint Premier Proof Silver Set ships in its original presentation case, fully insured by Provident Metals against loss or damage in the shipping process. That original-mint packaging may show signs of wear at this point, but the coins within remain visually stunning. Supplies are drawn from an unusually limited mintage: just over 600,000 silver Proof sets were produced in 1997, and even fewer were Premier sets.

Obverse & Reverse

This set includes the Lincoln Cent and Jefferson Nickel in standard compositions, and the Roosevelt Dime, Washington Quarter, and Kennedy Half Dollar in 90% silver. The coins’ obverse fields feature their eponymous President and “1997” as the year of issue. Reverse fields feature unique designs that include the coins’ face values and the inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.”

History

The U.S. Mint has been producing proof coin sets continuously since 1936, but that year was actually the resumption of a much older tradition. The history of proof coinage in America goes back as far as 1817, and the first regular production of proof coins for public consumption — and specifically with numismatics and the collectors’ market in mind — began in 1858, with dazzling sets of proof coins that spanned the gamut of denominations all the way up to the $20 gold double eagle. These regular issues were only discontinued in 1916 as America’s unavoidable entry into the Great War loomed on the horizon, but the tradition was not forgotten, and proof sets proved to have enduring appeal when their production resumed three decades later.

Ordering

Add this rare and stunning proof set to your collection today when you contact the team at Provident Metals. Reach us by phone at 800-313-3315, talk with a friendly and informative team member at our online live chat, or send any inquiries to our e-mail address.