The United States Mint announced the 2008 U.S. Proof Set release starting June 24 for $26.95. These 14-coin sets are popular with many coin collectors, as exemplified by the same priced 2007 sets experiencing over 1.7 million units sales to date.
The 14-coin sets are less expensive and offer more coins compared to purchasing both the already available Mint products:
- 2008 United States Mint 50 State Quarters Proof Set™ for $13.95, and
- 2008 United States Mint Presidential $1 Coin Proof Set™ for $14.95
These two sets are included in the 14-coin proof set for $1.95 less. Plus, the 14-coin set includes the penny, nickel, dime, half-dollar and Sacagawea dollar.
According to the Mint’s release statement, the proof sets are:
"… manufactured at the United States Mint at San Francisco using specially prepared, highly polished dies-contains extraordinarily brilliant coins, with sharp relief and a mirror-like background.
A frosted, sculpted foreground gives these coins a special cameo effect. The coins are sealed in three presentation cases that are housed in a custom “sleeve.” A Certificate of Authenticity is included with each set. "
The 2008 United States Mint Proof Set® set includes the following 14 coins:
- Lincoln cent
- Jefferson nickel
- Roosevelt dime
- Oklahoma state quarter
- New Mexico state quarter
- Arizona state quarter
- Alaska state quarter
- Hawaii state quarter
- Kennedy half-dollar
- Golden Sacagawea Dollar
- James Monroe $1 Coin
- John Quincy Adams $1 Coin
- Andrew Jackson $1 Coin
- Martin Van Buren $1 Coin
2008 US Mint Proof Set price and order information
The price for each set is $26.95, plus $4.95 for shipping and handling. No order limits are in place with sales beginning June 24, 2008 at 12:00 (ET). Then, or to purchase the already available sets, visit the Mint page:
Sets may also be purchased through the Mint’s toll-free number, 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). Hearing and speech-impaired customers may order by calling 1-888-321-MINT (6468).
FYI – The 2008 United States Mint Proof Set is packaged in a 3 lens carton that will not fit in the collectors box that was sold by the Mint for that purpose. The collectors box was advertized as for the ten years of Proof sets that came with the 50 state quarter’s for each year. This is very disapointing because I now have to keep 2008 out of the collector box. I purchased the collectors box in 2002.
I agree Dennis. This is a crock. I called the MINT twice and both times was told there was nothing they could do. Well, what they COULD do is do what they did LAST YEAR !! That was perfect. Break out the 11 coins into 1 box, and the four presidential dollars into another.
Maybe if enough people call, they will do something. I am starting a campaign here at work to get as many people as I can to call and ask for the change.
I have been collecting the Silver Proof sets since the state quarter program began in 1999. I also purchased the collector’s box to keep the sets in. And now the very last one won’t fit in the box. I called the mint AND sent a letter to complain about this years box design. As of today I still haven’t heard anything. I don’t know why they would change the box size in the final year except to save a penny or two by having one box. Hopefully they will make a box available that will fit. I would be willing… Read more »
I agree with the comments. I also bought the nice collectors boxes for the silver proof and the proof sets. I called the Mint and I was told to write to the Secretary of the Treasury. Like that would do any good! Then she actually suggested I buy one of the three lense collector boxes for the one year???? I’m also disappointed in the lettering on the boxes for both 2007 and 2008 they left off “Proof Set”. All the other years look real nice and even in the collecter’s box until you get to 2007. Incompetence is running rampant… Read more »
Read my entry below (entry #10): The complaints being with entry #9
http://coins.about.com/b/2008/01/29/2008-presidential-dollar-proof-set-sales-begin.htm#Comments
Maybe we should compile these and start a petition letter with signatures.
I’ve written a letter to the mint and initially got a reply saying they were going to fix the problem. Later I got a letter saying they were not going to fix the problem. I’ve written to both Tennessee Senators and have gotten a phone call from the office of one saying they would contact the mint and get back to me. The phone call was about one week ago. I recommend everyone contact their congressmen and/or senators (in writing). If I do not get a satisfactory answer from my senator, I will probably try the news media.
I also wrote to the mint 11/7/08 and contacted my Maryland Congressman. I can’t believe the mint wouldn’t
have the foresight to realize that this change in packaging would draw a large, swift response from all who purchased the 1999-2008 storage boxes. I would also encourage any one who has purchased their storage boxes to write letters to the mint and your representitives in congress.
Can someone clarify – I own the 10 regular proof sets from 1999 – 2008. Are you saying that this “red” box was manufactued to hold these sets, but they won’t fit because there was extra lens in the 2008 set? Seems like someone would make a new “red” box – sounds like people would buy them -I would.
Me to to everything said. I have been collecting them for my daughter and was very dissapointed when I saw the single box. They could have easily avoided this by not offfering the presidential coins as part of the mint proof set. I think most people are collecting those seperately anyway.