1964 US Mint Proof Set

The 1964 Proof Set (Buy on eBay) was important for a number of reasons. It reached a new all time high mintage for the proof set with 3,950,762 sets sold. This remained the high mark for several years until the Bicentennial Proof Set of 1976. The sets contained the last regular issue 90% silver coins. The following year, the silver would be eliminated from the quarter and dime, and reduced to 40% for the half dollar. Lastly, this year represented the first year of issue for the Kennedy Half Dollar. This was a hugely popular issue with the public, who was still grieving the loss of the President.

Each set contained five coins in total, including the Kennedy Half Dollar, Washington Quarter, Roosevelt Dime, Jefferson Nickel, and Lincoln Cent. The sets were sold at $2.10 each from the US Mint. Published limits were in place, and some orders place were only partially filled, as the popularity of the set forced the US Mint to curtail bulk orders.

An interesting variety exists within the 1964 Proof Set. Shortly after proof coin production began, the design of the half dollar was modified, most noticeably for the details in the hair above the ear. The “Accented Hair” 1964 Proof Kennedy Half Dollar displays heavy incuse lines within the hair and represents a rare variety, which accounts for only 1% to 3% of the mintage.

The 1964 Proof Sets were packaged in the flat pack style of packaging for the last time. When the US Mint revived the proof set in 1968, a new rigid plastic holder and box was used. The flat pack consisted of the coins sealed within a plastic cellophane and placed within a Treasury Department envelope. The coins were further protected by two cardboard inserts.

1964 Proof Set Information

Coins Per Set: 5
Face Value: $0.91
Original Issue Price: $2.10
Mintage: 3,950,762