Proof Sets - Noob Question

Lucky you, many of the proof set can be obtained, really from around 1960 to present, inexpensively.
Many can be had at near the original cost from the mint. True, individual coins are listed as being worth more than sets,
but any set is cheaper than the cost of buying coins individually and Red Book is just a guide.

You might want to remember that the individual prices assume a certain grade, meaning the coin has been slabbed. That's where the difference is likely to be coming from.

We are talking RedBook here and those prices ARE NOT for slabbed coins. RedBook prices are for raw coins. Add more to the price if it is slabbed.

Red Book prices are generally extremely optimistic.
The vast majority of modern issues, even slabbed, would be lucky to fetch Red Book prices.

I wouldn't worry about TPG encapsulated coins right now as a new beginner. It igets very confusing and can lead you up some blind alleys. Just buy the sets you enjoy, learn more about the coins, from the designs to how they are made, then specialize.

There are also those that collect the sets themselves. I am one of those collectors.



Not only are the sets cheaper than the individual coins, runs of sets are MUCH cheaper than the individual sets one at a time. 1968 to 1998 is a very popular run of 31 sets that often goes for less than $200 including shipping. If you bought those sets one at a time you would likely pay at least $300. You can get a complete run of Proofs from 1968 to date. Prior to 1968, things get a little weird. First of all, the proof sets weren't made in San Francisco prior to 1968, so only 1968+ proofs will have an S mint mark. Also, there weren't ANY proofs for 1965, 1966, or 1967. There were Special Mint Sets issued, but they aren't strictly proofs. The 1965 set is packaged like an Uncirculated Mint set. The other two are sealed more like a proof set in a long narrow hard case. For 1964 and prior, the Proof sets don't have any mint mark, just like the Philadelphia business strike. Obviously the proofs look different, but you can't tell just by mint mark as you can with almost all 1968+ coins. (There are a few S mint business strikes from 1968+, but not many). The price for some of the early 60s and late 50s proof sets is driven by the price of silver as much as anything. You can see in your Red Book how prices skyrocket as you go back and there are additional breaks in the dates.

Lighthouse/Eagle sells pages like that.

Sorry to just now notice this question. Eagle (www.eaglecoinholders.com) sells the pages and albums, but you could use any 3 ring binder you want. I do, however, suggest the "D" ring binder, as shown. It stores better on the shelf.

If you want to know how to mount '66 and '67 SM sets, send me a PM.