Question on early U.S. Mint sets.

luckybucks · January 6, 2016 2:55AM

It is common belief that the first U.S. Mint sets were not issued until 1947.

I am aware of original U.S. Mint sets from 1942, 1943, 1944, 1945, and 1946. These sets came in a white cotton pouch with a paper tag affixed to the sealed pouch. These were double mint sets.

I am aware that in the 1930's, you could purchase a two coin allotment of each denomination, from each of the branches.

My question is: Does anyone know of original U.S. Mint sets issued prior to 1942 ?

TopographicOceans · January 6, 2016 4:55AM

I'd have to check the Redbook I guess, but I believe official mint sets started in 1947 and proof sets in 1936, though there was a thread recently about how 19th century proofs were issued.

luckybucks · January 6, 2016 6:25AM

Thanks for your reply.

I read more on the pre 1947 mints sets, and supposedly many were destroyed. I am wondering if anyone knows of any pre 1942 sets in existence.

Mark · January 6, 2016 6:57AM

luckybucks:

I seem to recall an older thread about the existence of early U.S. mint sets. As I also recall, that thread turned contentious. But I don't recall if the thread was here or ATS. Now, that said, my recollections might be totally off, in which case I hope someone corrects me. Regardless you might ask ATS because over there RWB might be able to shed some light on the topic.

luckybucks · January 6, 2016 8:04AM

Thanks Mark

On Heritage, there are the 1942 to 1946 mint sets, in the archives. There was also a writeup in CW on them. Here's a link: http://www.coinweek.com/featur...1946-double-mint-sets/

TopographicOceans · January 6, 2016 8:52AM

Great article. Thanks for posting it.

I like numismatic mysteries

Bochiman · January 6, 2016 8:52AM

Originally posted by: Mark

luckybucks:

I seem to recall an older thread about the existence of early U.S. mint sets. As I also recall, that thread turned contentious. But I don't recall if the thread was here or ATS. Now, that said, my recollections might be totally off, in which case I hope someone corrects me. Regardless you might ask ATS because over there RWB might be able to shed some light on the topic.

I recall bits of it as well, but not enough to speak out from authority.

It was on these boards though, that I am sure.

DollarAfterDollar · January 6, 2016 8:57AM

My understanding is that mint sets before those formally assembled as such by the mint were collected in some sort of bag and sold as "a set" . Prior to the bags it was totally up to collectors to assemble them. The years in question, I cannot recall.

Mark · January 6, 2016 9:31AM

luckybucks:

Yeah, I remember that article. Again, my recollection is vague, but I believe some posters did not believe it, thinking it was primarily a fluff piece. But take that comment with a grain of salt because I simply do not remember the particulars.

DaveG · January 6, 2016 9:52AM

I remember that CoinWeek article and I remember Roger Burdette disputing it, but I can't find the thread ATS.

As I recall, Roger stated that "mint sets" (as in sets of coins specially put together by Mint personnel and sold as a set) didn't start until 1947, but that, in earlier years, collectors could buy that year's coins either by mail or by visiting the mint (I can't recall exactly which).

So, while you couldn't buy a Mint Set, you could get a "mint set."

coindeuce · January 6, 2016 11:50AM

The general citizenry had much more important thoughts in daily life during WWII and in the couple years following the surrender of Japan. Their was little to no demand by collectors for uncirculated sets of coins in this time period, and the Mint knew full well that their production quotas for general circulation coinage to support the booming war time and immediate post war time economy were far more important. I call the claim of Mint sets before 1947 urban myth. One has a far better chance of finding BU bank wrapped paper rolls of cents, nickels, dimes, quarters or halfs from that time period than any BU sets in packaging that would resemble anything that the Mint could muster up.

Ronyahski · January 6, 2016 12:56PM

Originally posted by: DaveG
I remember that CoinWeek article and I remember Roger Burdette disputing it, but I can't find the thread ATS.

As I recall, Roger stated that "mint sets" (as in sets of coins specially put together by Mint personnel and sold as a set) didn't start until 1947, but that, in earlier years, collectors could buy that year's coins either by mail or by visiting the mint (I can't recall exactly which).

So, while you couldn't buy a Mint Set, you could get a "mint set."

Deja vu all over again. You couldn't buy a Proof Set before 1858, but you could get a "proof set".

I've seen Leo's mint sets, had a nice sit down discussion with him about them. Hopefully more research and documentation will help determine the appropriate nomenclature.

luckybucks · January 6, 2016 9:34PM

Thanks all.

I found a little more on these: In the early to mid 1930's, you could order two coins per denomination, from each mint. If you ordered all the coins for that year, you would have a double mint set. I can only go back as far as 1931 on this practice.

I believe the 1942 - 1946 bagged sets in question ARE official U.S, Mint sets. The mint put them together, sealed them, and sent the documentation with them. After WWII ended, and the economy began to grow (and coin collecting became more popular), the cardboard sets came along.

So far it looks like the first mint sets may have came about in the early 30's (where are they now ???)

The first documented U.S. Mint assembled sets go (so far) back to 1942

The first MASS PRODUCED mint sets begin in 1947.

ricko · January 7, 2016 2:13AM

I had heard of '42 mint sets (bagged) and searched coin shows for years trying to find

one.... some dealers commented that they had seen one or sold one... but no one

had one.... Cheers, RickO

PTVETTER · January 7, 2016 2:15AM

I am at the fun show and there are a few on display.

I wifi.get the booth # if anyone was interested

Question on early U.S. Mint sets.

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