Two United States Mint special occasion coin sets went on sale Tuesday, Jan. 13. Issued annually, each set costs $19.95, and each contains 5 collectible proof coins. They are the 2015 Birth Set and the 2015 Happy Birthday Coin Set.
Both gift sets have the following coins in common:
- 2015-S Proof Kennedy Half-Dollar
- 2015-S Proof Roosevelt Dime
- 2015-S Proof Jefferson Nickel
- 2015-S Proof Lincoln Cent
These proof coins are not unique to these two sets, but they will not be available in another collectible product until the 14-coin 2015 Proof Set goes on sale in March.
Both gift sets also have one 2015-dated America the Beautiful Quarter. There are five different quarters for the year. The 2015 Birth Set includes the 2015-S Proof Homestead National Monument of America Quarter for Nebraska, which will be the first quarter design that will enter circulation this year (on Feb. 20). The 2015 Happy Birthday Coin Set, on the other hand, has the 2015-S Proof Saratoga National Historical Park Quarter for New York, the last quarter design to enter circulation in 2015 (sometime in November).
Coins of the sets are struck at the U.S. Mint facility in San Francisco. Each has a "S" mint mark. Here’s how the Mint describes the uniqueness of proof coins:
"United States Mint proof coins feature sharp relief and a mirror-like background. Their frosted, sculpted foregrounds give them a special cameo effect. Proof blanks are specially treated, polished and cleaned to ensure high quality strikes. The blanks are then fed into presses fitted with specially polished dies and struck at least twice to ensure sharp relief."
Change in Birth Set
This year, the Birth Set has been modified to include larger spaces for a welcome message and stats involving the baby’s day and time of birth plus length and weight. Also, the frame has been enlarged to hold a 3" x 5" photograph.
Finally, the space for a lock of baby’s hair is no longer included.
Ordering
Gift sets may be ordered by visiting the Mint’s online Gift Ideas section, or by calling 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468).
These sets have no product limits, the coins are produced to meet demand and there are no household ordering limits.
Sales of Past Gift Sets
The Birth Set was introduced in 2012. It sold out with sales of 49,703. Sets from 2013 and 2014 remain available and have sales of 39,495 and 29,408.
Happy Birthday Sets debuted in 2013 and are still available. Their sales are at 10,971. Also available is the set from 2014 which has sales of 11,493.
