The 1998 Silver Proof Set represents the final year of the five-coin Silver Proof Set, which the US Mint expands to a nine coin set in 1999. It also marks the final year for the issuance of Washington Quarters, which are replaced by the start of the State Quarters series. Anticipation of these coming changes to the Proof Sets pushed sales in 1998 to 638,134 sets. The sharp details of the foreground, contrasted against the shiny, mirror-like surfaces of the background of Proof coins make them appealing to both new and existing collectors. And they continue to be affordable for both young and old alike. These five-coin Silver Proof Sets contain three coins that are struck in 90% silver. Each of the coins in the set is struck at the San Francisco Mint. JM Bullion has the 1998 US Mint Silver Proof Sets available for purchase right now.
Coin Highlights:
- Ships in a protective hard plastic case and an outer box!
- Includes five 1998 coins from the US Mint!
- Face value in US dollars on each coin.
- Unique obverse and reverse designs on each coin.
- Proof visuals.
- Total of 638,134 proof sets were sold in 1998.
- Please note – some sets may be missing the outer envelope/sleeve/box.
The Silver Proof Sets contain the same copper-nickel clad versions of the Lincoln Cent and Jefferson Nickel that appear in the regular Proof Set. However, what distinguishes the Silver Proof Set is that the Roosevelt Dime, Washington Quarter, and Kennedy Half Dollar are struck in 90% silver. Purchasing a Silver Proof Set was almost the only way for collectors to obtain 90% silver proof coins. The $21.00 original price for the Silver Proof Set reflected the additional silver content of the set.
This final year of the five-coin set also meant the final year of the black packaging that had been in use since the introduction of the 1992 Silver Proof Set. Each coin is placed in its own slot on the black cardboard. The coin-filled black cardboard is placed inside the plastic lens, which has the word Silver clearly printed on it. The lens is inserted into a black outer box, marked with the words United States Mint Silver Proof Set – 1998.
This year was also the final year that the US Mint offered the Silver Premier Set. This set contained the same five coins as the Silver Proof Set, however, the Silver Premier Set comes in special packaging that makes it easier to display prominently. This more ornate packaging pushed the original price of the set to $37.50.
Silver Proof Set sales increased by over 32,000 sets in 1998, largely due to the anticipated changes to the sets coming in 1999. The US Mint only released two commemorative coins in 1998, thus collectors were able to focus on Proof and Silver Proof Sets.
Have questions for the JM Bullion Customer Service team? We can be reached via phone at 800-276-6508, via online live chat, or via email, and are happy to assist you.