1983-S 1c-50c Clad Proof Set, 5 Coins PR

Original Packaging: A transparent plastic casing with frosted borders surrounded a black plastic insert containing the coins. This was inserted into a blue cardboard box upon which the words “UNITED STATES PROOF SET • 1983” were printed in silver script.

The holder used from 1968 through 1972 was revived for 1983, the only difference being that the coins were mounted so that they faced what was formerly the back of the holder. This placed the embossed eagle above the half dollar’s reverse instead of its obverse. The inscriptions “United States Mint Proof Set” and packaged by u.s. mint thus moved from the back of the holder to its front.

Commentary: After the suspension of Susan B. Anthony dollar coinage, the U.S. Mint’s Proof sets entered a period of repetition, in which each year’s set looked much like the one before it. This had a steadily erosive effect on sales, with the nadir coming in the mid­-­1990s. The 1983­-­S Proof set was one of many that was purchased routinely each year by long­-­time customers on the Mint’s mailing list.

The 1983­-­S Proof set included the new copper­-­plated zinc cents, which had become standard issue for circulation. Since the multiple strikings required for Proof coin production tended to break through the copper plating, exposing the underlying zinc, the Proof cents received a double coating of their copper plating. This remains standard practice to the present day for all Proof cents.

Once again, an obverse dime die was shipped to San Francisco without its S mintmark. The number of S­-­less Proof dimes distributed is unknown, but this variety appears to be more readily available than earlier Proof varieties for which the intended S mintmark was accidentally omitted.

The quarter dollar became the latest denomination to receive a reworking by the Mint’s engraving department. This is most noticeable on the obverse, where the portrait was reduced slightly in relief as well as in overall size, with the lettering sharpened and moved inward from the borders.

To expand its sales and offer something distinctive to collectors, the U.S. Mint began marketing Prestige Proof sets in 1983. This year’s set featured special packaging that enclosed not only the five regular Proofs but also the 1983­-­S Olympic silver dollar commemorative. Priced at a whopping $59, only 140,361 sets were sold.

Source: Whitman