US Mint Proof Sets

1- I very carefully break all of my proof sets open and put them in 2x2 flips then organize them in binders with pages for 2x2s. Be sure if you break open the proof set you use white cotton gloves to handle the coins to do whatever storage method suits you.

2- I get my proof sets locally from a coin dealer so I dont have a problem with scratches only problem I have is finding older sets that the copper penny doesn't have carbon spots on it.

3- Yes I end up buying multiples because I collect the uncirculated sets ,the proof sets,and the silver proof sets.

My mother used to buy mint products direct from the Mint as they were issued She kept them in the cardboard mailer boxes in which they were posted to her, and the mailer boxes were stored in a suitcase under bed.

She collected mainly silver proof sets and some Mint issued proof gold, from 1988 until 2001. The whole collection in the mailer boxes filled the suitcase. All of the coins, complete with their original Mint packaging, are still in pristine condition. She left the collection to me in her estate, and that collection is still in the suitcase, under my bed now.

The only thing I have done is label the contents of each mailer box.

I figure that the collection would be easier to sell if the coins are now, as they were presented in their original Mint packaging. That is why they have been left untouched. It is a bit like old diecast toy cars being sold in their original boxes.

I have all the UNC sets back to 1960 and proofs to 1956. I store them in their original packaging. I have bought some lower priced sets on E-Bay as well as from my local dealer. I also keep them in a nice, dry place. I don't buy multiples unless you count having an UNC, Proof and for the later years the Silver Proofs as multiples.

I am currently collecting the modern proof sets 1968 and up because I never bothered to in the past. I have quite a few of the 1956-1964 proof sets, actually at least 1 from each year that have never been opened. Someday I'll open them up to see if there are any surprises inside. Until then they are in individual ziploc bags in a dry environment.(multiple desicant containers)

I store them in their original holders and packaging in an area where the temperature is fairly constant with low humidity. Store some of those anti-humidity packs around them too. You can buy metal packs to reduce the humidity that are rechargeable via an oven too.

I usually buy 2 unc and proof sets from the Mint each year. Sometimes I buy 1 or 2 silver proof sets.

I had to buy my older ones from dealers. Usually at a coin show or from ebay. If on ebay, make sure they have good photos. If not ask for them. Otherwise don't buy from them.

Coin shows are great to look over and cherry pick the sets. Especially the 1964 for Accent Hair halves. Most dealers don't know what to look for, so a little education can go a long way. I'm a variety/error collector, so it does pay to buy books and read up on them.

And it is a really, really long shot, but look over the sets with the ones with the missing mintmarks too. You never know when a dealer might miss something. They usually look at the coins, before they sell it to you, just to double check though.

I own all the sets from 68 to present in original packaging stashed in a tote.
My Father bough the sets from the 70's and they still look like new.
My 1964 set in in aftermarket housing and I am currently trying to acquire
the sets 1963 and earlier.
I am a huge fan of proof coins and proof sets!

Boil large quantities of water. This gets all the air out of the water. Then use to fill a large tub and place all you Proof sets on the bottom of the water. If no air can get to them, they should last forever. Maybe.
Kidding you know.
I too have all the Proof and Uncirc sets from the Mint from somewhere back in the 50's. All are in plastic type tubes from Walmart. I think they are supposed to be for clothing storage but I keep all my sets in those. I order multiple sets of each for Christmas Presents and keep a few for myself each year.