1968 United States Proof Set Value Guide

The 1968 United States Proof Set is a significant numismatic milestone, marking the first year proof production returned to the San Francisco Mint with the 'S' mint mark. It serves as a historical record of the transition away from silver, containing the last of the 40% silver Kennedy half dollars alongside new cupro-nickel clad denominations.

What Is 1968 United States Proof Set Worth?

The typical price range for 1968 United States Proof Set is $10 - $15 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The presence of the original blue outer box and the condition of the plastic protective lens.
• The visual quality of the coins, specifically looking for 'Cameo' or 'Deep Cameo' effects with high contrast.
• The spot price of silver, which directly impacts the intrinsic value of the 40% silver Kennedy half dollar.
• Evidence of toning or environmental clouding on the coin surfaces, which can decrease collector appeal.

How to Identify 1968 United States Proof Set?

• Verify the 'S' mint mark located on all five coins, signifying production at the San Francisco Assay Office.
• Check for the original government packaging, which consists of a rigid plastic lens held within a blue decorative box.
• Confirm the mirror-like finish and frosted details characteristic of the specially polished planchets used for proof strikes.
• Ensure the set includes all five denominations: the Lincoln cent, Jefferson nickel, Roosevelt dime, Washington quarter, and Kennedy half dollar.

History of 1968 United States Proof Set

United States Proof Sets are special collector's editions of coins produced by the US Mint. These sets contain coins struck with specially prepared dies on polished planchets, resulting in a mirror-like finish, distinguishing them from circulating coinage. The 1968 proof set is notable as it was one of the first proof sets to contain clad coinage for all denominations except the Kennedy half dollar, which was 40% silver. This period saw a transition in US coinage away from silver due to rising silver prices, making these sets historical markers of that change.