Can anyone tell me why........

longtimecollector

The mint didn't issue "mint sets" in 1950, 1982, or 1983????????

I know that "souvenir" sets were issued in 82 &83.......... so why not "mint sets"???????

kranky

IIRC, for 1982-83 the government decided not selling mint sets would be a cost-saving idea.

BillJones

There was a period in the 1970s when the coins in mint sets were so bad that only mint set junky would have wanted them. The coins really looked like they were stuff that had been walked on all day and then swept up from the floor and then packaged into mint sets. When the mint resumed the series they seemed to make an effort improve the quality.

As for 1950 perhaps the mint officials that the Proof sets would take the place of mint sets. One must remember that mint collector coins were not a "profit center" for the mint until 1965 when the mint did collectors "a favor" and issued the Special Mint Sets.

richbeat

Here's what David Lange has to say:

"No uncirculated sets were issued for 1950, as it was thought that the return of proof sets would eliminate the demand for these. Sets were also not issued in 1965-67 during the special mint set interlude and in 1982-83 when their production was simply not included in the Mint's annual budget (the cost cutting that kranky mentioned). Collector demand forced a return in 1984, and these sets have remained a staple of the Mint's product line ever since. Though called 'mint sets' by the hobby, they are known to the Treasury Department as 'uncirculated sets.' " ("Complete Guide To Lincoln Cents," page 301).

cladking

The mint didn't believe that there was any real demand for uncirculated coin in
1982 so when Reagan's cost cutting sought ways to save money at the mint this
seemed a natural way to cut. There was much more complaint than could have
been anticipated and the sets were back by '84.

Mint set quality and the quality of the individual coins has varied widely since 1965,
but almost without exception, the best coins are found in the mint sets. For some
issues even choice coins can be difficult to find.