Early Proof Set Packaging
Coins4Eli
Posts: 25 ✭✭
I am currently in the process of putting together a 1908 proof set, I was wondering how they were distributed from the mint. All comments appreciated! 
Member of Early American Coppers (EAC), American Numismatic Association (ANA), and Missouri Numismatic Society (MNS). Specializing in early American copper by die variety.
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Out the back door.
AFAIK, the mint didn't sell proofs as full sets until 1936 to 1942 and then again starting in 1950. They kind of wrapped the coins in tissue and placed them in a box. In the very early proofs one could go to the mint and buy them (I think at or near face value) and they were often bought in small groups, like the cent and nickel, or the dime, quarter, and half. Most of what you see now is graded proofs that have been pieced together by a collector. On some rare occasions, an early set was put together for a dignitary, but that was not common.
The mint sold proof sets in any combination desired between 1936 and 1942 and the box resembled the 1950 to 1955 boxes. In the 1858 to 1916 era, there was the minor proof set which included only the non precious metal coins, the silver proof set which is the silver coins plus the minor coins, then the gold was separate from the rest.
https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/892800/getting-close-to-examples-of-original-matte-proof-lincoln-packaging
https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/956206/19th-century-proof-sets
Proof sets prior to 1917 were sold in groups by metal. The cent and nickel were one set. The silver coins, dime, quarter, half dollar and silver dollar, if minted, were another. The gold sets rounded out the year set. This is why the Proof mintages for the Seated and Barber coins were frequently the same each year.
The 1909 is the most common Proof Liberty Nickel because of the three cents, Indian, Lincoln VDB and Lincoln Plain. As the new cents were issued, collectors ordered more of the two piece cent and nickel sets.
Wow, I looked it up and the 1909 mintage is more than double any other date! Yet the values are the same as most other dates in the 1900s - I guess it is collected more by type than by date.
Yes, the 1909 Proof Nickel is a prime type collector's coin. It's the date I have in that slot.
The packaging caused some pretty stunning toning on many of the Barbers....if they weren't cleaned.
OGP 1953 Proof Set. The coins look better than pictured. The cellophane disguises the surfaces. There is no significant toning evident.
That’s not the same packaging that was used for the era referenced in the opening post. See some of the previous replies.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
Early Proof Set Packaging looked like this ... the paper they wrapped the coins in had a high sulfur content, so if people kept the coins in the original packaging for long periods of time, it would impart wild colors.
My Coin Blog
My Toned Lincoln Registry Set
My Coin Blog
My Toned Lincoln Registry Set
From 36-42 you had to order each denomination to get a proof set. Most people did, but if you look the mintages up they vary slightly be denomination.
Only beginning in 1950 was the full set offered only as a set. You could not buy singles from that point forward
Ike Specialist
Finest Toned Ike I've Ever Seen, been looking since 1986
1936-37 Proof coins where mailed in envelopes similar to the ones shown above. Boxes were not used until 1938, and they are similar but different from the 50's boxes. They are slightly larger and have 2 metal tabs used for closure.
Ike Specialist
Finest Toned Ike I've Ever Seen, been looking since 1986