When it comes to coin collecting, it's hard to beat the appeal of the United States Mint proof set. These sets of uncirculated proof coins usually include every denomination made that year or a set of coins that follow a theme, and they can sometimes be super valuable (we're talking way more than pocket change here).
While not every proof set is worth a mint (forgive the pun), there are a few that fetch thousands at auction. If you know what to look for, it can help you build the value of your coin collection.
Seven of the Most Valuable US Mint Proof Sets
Proof sets range in value from around $25 to thousands, but there are a few that have broken auction records in recent years. Studying these can help you learn what kind of set makes a good long-term investment.
| US Mint Proof Set | Value |
|---|---|
| 1859 Six-piece gold proof set | $851,875 |
| 1856 Nine-piece proof set | $199,750 |
| 1911 Four-piece matte gold coin proof set | $161,000 |
| 1914 Nine-piece proof set | $149,500 |
| 1895 Six-piece proof set | $141,000 |
| 1890 10-piece proof set | $138,000 |
| 1848 Seven-piece proof set | $105,000 |
If you order a US Mint proof set for the current year from the United States Mint, they start at around $23. Rare coins and gold or silver coins can make them much more expensive.
1859 Six-Piece Gold Proof Set
It's no surprise that proof set values are linked to the metal of the coins, but this super-valuable gold proof set is...well, proof. The set includes six uncirculated proof coins from 1859, all gold. They range in face value from one dollar to $20, and each is encased in a coin slab for protection. In addition to being in pristine condition, these coins are old and represent a pre-Civil War collection that's extremely rare. The set sold in 2015 for $851,875.
1856 Nine-Piece Proof Set
Although it's not made up of gold coins, this nine-piece proof set from 1856 is very old and worth a lot. It includes every denomination from a half-cent to a dollar, all in lovely condition, and all proof coins. This set sold in 2016 for $199,750.
1911 Four-Piece Matte Gold Coin Proof Set
Often, proof sets are extremely rare because people break up the sets to sell the coins individually. This is often the case with the matte gold 1911 proof set, which was minted in extremely low numbers. These coins were part of an experiment in matte vs. shiny gold, and four are included in the set. It sold for $161,000 in 1998.
1914 Nine-Piece Proof Set
A proof set that includes coins in gem condition tends to be valuable, especially if the coins are old and rare. This 1914 set includes nine coins, ranging from a penny to a very rare gold double eagle. The set includes four gold coins. It sold in 1999 for $149,500.
1895 Six-Piece Proof Set
Although it doesn't contain any gold coins, the condition and completeness of this 1895 six-piece proof set make it extremely valuable. Every denomination, from a penny to a Morgan dollar, is included, and they're all in pristine shape. In 2015, it sold for $141,000.
1890 10-Piece Proof Set
Many proof sets that don't include the gold coins for that year are known as "minor proof sets," but this 10-piece collection from 1890 is anything but minor. It includes every coin from the penny to the gold double eagle, and many of the individual coins are incredibly rare. It sold for $138,000 in 2010.
1848 Seven-Piece Proof Set
Although it doesn't include any gold coins, the age of this proof set makes it extremely valuable. These coins are more than 180 years old, and most of them are in perfect shape. The dollar coin has some environmental damage, but the others are in beautiful condition. The set sold for $105,000 in 2023.
Related: 10 Most Valuable Rare Pennies & Their Fascinating Stories
Factors Affecting Proof Set Values
If you're considering buying new US Mint proof sets or collecting proofs, it's good to get a sense of what makes these sets valuable. There are a bunch of factors, but these are some of the big ones.
- Precious metals - If the proof set includes gold or silver coins, it has a melt value that's already significant. The value of gold and silver depends on the market, but these can be a good investment if the price of the metal is low when you're buying the proofs.
- Age - Older proof sets tend to be worth more. It's difficult to find these very old coins in good condition, and proofs are already very rare.
- Completeness - In some cases, collectors break up a proof set to sell the coins individually. A complete set is worth more than one that's missing some of the coins.
- Condition - Although proof sets often include coins that have never been in circulation and have been protected from wear and environmental damage, the condition does matter for the value.
Related: 10 Valuable Coin Errors Proving That Weirdness Is Worth a Lot
Proof Sets Are Worth More Than Face Value
If you love collecting coins, the value of a US Mint proof set can be more than monetary. Still, these lovely sets of coins really can be worth many times their face value. It's worth considering a coin collection appraisal if you're thinking about buying or selling a proof set that's high-value.
