What You Need to Know Before You Sell Silver Proof Sets (2024)

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The U.S. Mint has been producing silver proof sets since 1936, and over the past 77 years, there have been millions of silver proof sets minted. During that time, the number of silver proof sets produced has varied substantially, and as you would expect, lower mintage runs tend to sell at a premium over high production years. While the number of silver proof sets produced in any year is one of the primary factors affecting the value of these coins, it’s not the only factor. In this article, we’ll discuss several factors that affect the value of your coins and will highlight the most valuable sets so that you’re well prepared when the time comes to sell silver proof sets.

As mentioned above, the number of silver proof sets produced is the primary factor affecting their value. The lowest produced silver proof sets, and therefore, the most valuable were minted in 1956 and earlier. The lowest mintage silver proof set produced was in the inaugural year of 1936, with a production run of only 3,837. Sealed examples of this set in mint condition can run upwards of $6,000 and are very difficult to come by. After 1956, the U.S. Mint typically produced silver proof sets in the millions; however, a few exceptions exist, which we’ll discuss in further detail.

Examples of valuable silver proof sets produced after 1956 are the 1995-S Prestige set, the 1996-S Prestige set and the 1997-S Prestige set. The rarest of the Prestige sets is the 1996-S with a mintage of only 55,000. In addition to the above mentioned Prestige sets, the 1999-S silver proof set is a highly sought after set. This set had a production run of just over 800,000 sets and is popular amongst silver coin investors and coin collectors alike.

Merely having one of the low mintage silver proof sets in your possession doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll be able to capitalize on the full value of your set. Other factors that affect the value of your silver coins include the condition of the silver proof envelope (and if your set is sealed), if the original government paperwork is present, the condition of the cellophane packaging and if the coins in your set have any tarnishing, environmental issues, etc.

If you happen to be fortunate enough to have one of the older silver proof sets in a sealed envelope, it’s important to not break the seal. Even though you’re unable to confirm the condition of the coins in a sealed envelope, the assumption is that the coins are in pristine condition and that you’ll be paid accordingly for the sets. If you have a proof set without an envelope, you may have few takers for your item, so it’s important to not separate the coins from the envelope. Damaged envelopes, envelopes with writing, incomplete paperwork in the envelope, and toning/tarnishing of the coins are all factors that can significantly affect the value of your sets.

If you’re not lucky enough to have one of the silver proof sets highlighted above, you should not expect much more than the silver content of your silver proof sets, as modern 90% silver coins (those minted after 1964) are in less demand than 90% silver coins minted in 1964 and earlier. Of course, there are a few exceptions, so it’s important to check with your coin dealer of choice to see if you happen to have a set that sells for more than the silver content of the coins before you sell your silver proof sets.

What You Need to Know Before You Sell Silver Proof Sets (2)

Tony Davis

Tony Davis is the owner of Atlanta Gold & Coin Buyers, a full service Atlanta based coin and bullion dealer specializing in buying, selling and appraising coins and coin collections of all types and sizes.Tony frequently writes on various economic and numismatic related topics affecting the coin and bullion markets and has been published on some of the industry’s leading websites, including Coin Week, the American Numismatic Association, Coin Collector, Coinflation, and Coin Auctions Help, just to name a few.Visit Atlanta Gold & Coin’s website at atlantagoldandcoin.com to obtain additional information on the products, services and educational resources offered by his company. Tony can be reached at sales@atlantagoldandcoin.com or at 404-236-9744

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What You Need to Know Before You Sell Silver Proof Sets (2024)

FAQs

Are silver proof sets worth anything? ›

As mentioned above, the number of silver proof sets produced is the primary factor affecting their value. The lowest produced silver proof sets, and therefore, the most valuable were minted in 1956 and earlier.

What to expect when selling silver coins? ›

If you choose to sell locally, here is a 7-step formula about how to sell silver coins:
  1. Organize and sort your silver coins. Separate the coins by type, year, and mint mark. ...
  2. Determine the value of your coins. ...
  3. Decide what to sell. ...
  4. Get your coins appraised. ...
  5. Compare offers. ...
  6. Negotiate the best deal. ...
  7. Finalize the sale.
Mar 22, 2024

Are silver coins hard to sell? ›

Silver coins are generally easy to sell due to their intrinsic value and high demand among investors and collectors. You can sell them through local coin shops, online dealers, marketplaces, or directly to collectors.

What's the difference between a proof set and a silver proof set? ›

The silver proof sets always cost more than their base metal siblings, but they are packaged to the same high standard. The one difference is the insert or backing that keeps the coins in place. The color is different, and the word “silver” on the insert is rather prominently placed right where a person can see it.

Do proof sets go up in value? ›

There are numerous factors that contribute to the value of proof coin sets but age and rarity are the two greatest indicators. Since they were originally produced as prototypes, very few proof coins were made and those that were produced for that purpose, generally before 1970, tend to hold a higher value.

What year proof sets are worth money? ›

Generally speaking, US proof set values are higher the closer they are to 1936. However, throughout the series there are special instances of various sets going for hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than normal.

How much silver coins can I sell without reporting? ›

While you must report capital gains, the requirements are different. Silver sales that require reporting are 90 percent silver US coins with a face value over $1000 and silver bars 0.999 fine totaling 1000 troy ounces or more.

What is the most profitable way to sell silver? ›

Selling precious metals to an online dealer may fetch the best price because they're operating expenses are much lower than a local coin shop that has to maintain a physical storefront. Selling your gold or silver online to GoldSilver.com is easy.

Should I clean my silver coins before selling them? ›

Cleaning old coins might seem like a good way to revitalise the appearance of a treasured item, but could in fact reduce a coin's value significantly, and should be avoided. Particularly in the case of old precious metal coins, cleaning them is most definitely not recommended!

What is the easiest silver coin to sell? ›

American Silver Eagles have been in consistently high demand over the last three to four years and are considered liquid even compared to other silver coins. One oz silver American Eagles may be the easiest silver product to sell.

Can you sell silver coins to a bank? ›

It may be surprising for you to know that you can only buy silver from the banks. But if you go to sell the silver back to the banks, they will not accept it.

What is the easiest silver to sell? ›

Silver bars.

Silver bars are rectangular ingots made to a precisely defined size and weight. They are usually stamped with marks identifying their origin, manufacturer, weight, serial number, mint, and purity. Silver bars are 99.99 or 99.9% silver, making them the easiest form to identify and sell.

Who buys proof sets of coins? ›

American Rarities is buying all US mint proof sets, whether in their original packaging, or graded by one of the major coin grading services. We will buy your proof sets at a competitive price. Getting an idea of your US mint proof set value is as simple as providing a simple inventory list of your collection.

What do you do with proof sets? ›

The United States Mint Proof Set, commonly known as the Proof Set in the United States, is a set of proof coins sold by the United States Mint. The proof set is popular with coin collectors as it is an affordable way to collect examples of United States coinage in proof condition.

Is proof better than ms70? ›

Proof coins and MS-70 coins are considered higher quality than other circulating coins. Proof coins are made using a special process that yields an attractive finish with greater detail. MS-70 coins are also high-quality coins, but they are not considered as perfect as proof coins.

Which proof sets are worth money? ›

Proof Sets
Proof SetsValue Range
Proof SetsValue Range
1968-S 1c-50c Proof Set, No S PR$14,400 - $14,400 $14,400 - $14,400
1969-S 1c-50c Proof Set PR$8.78 - $8.78 $8.78 - $8.78
1970-S 1c-50c Proof Set, Large Date PR$13.16 - $13.16 $13.16 - $13.16
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What is the value of a 1964 silver proof set? ›

1964 Proof Sets
Proof SetsValue Range
Proof SetsValue Range
1964 1c-50c Proof Set PR$33.75 - $33.75 $33.75 - $33.75
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1 more row

How much is a 2008 silver proof set worth? ›

2008 Proof Sets
Proof SetsValue Range
Proof SetsValue Range
2008-S 1c-$1 Silver Proof Set, 14 Coins PR$63.00 - $63.00 $63.00 - $63.00
2008-S 25c Clad Quarters Proof Set, 5 Coins PR$16.20 - $16.20 $16.20 - $16.20
2008-S 25c Silver Quarters Proof Set, 5 Coins PR$33.75 - $33.75 $33.75 - $33.75
6 more rows

What is a 2009 silver proof set worth? ›

2009 Proof Sets
Proof SetsValue Range
Proof SetsValue Range
2009-S 25c Silver Quarters Proof Set, 6 Coins PR$40.50 - $40.50 $40.50 - $40.50
2009-S $1 Presidential Proof Set, 4 Coins PR$8.44 - $8.44 $8.44 - $8.44
2009-S 1c Lincoln Cents Proof Set, 4 Coins PR$10.13 - $10.13 $10.13 - $10.13
7 more rows

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