1985-S 1c-50c Proof Set, 5 Coins PR

Original Packaging: A two­-­piece, transparent plastic casing with frosted borders held a purple fiberboard insert containing holes for the coins. This was slipped into a purple cardboard box upon which the words “UNITED STATES PROOF SET • 1985” were printed in silver script.

Commentary: The 1985 Proof set was a routine entry in the series that experienced typical sales and a fairly typical aftermarket value. By this time, that meant that its value fell soon after issue. This was a situation that did nothing to encourage new customers, but the established names on the Mint’s mailing list continued to purchase predictable numbers of Proof sets each year, often as something to put away for the grandchildren.

A new style of S mintmark debuted in 1985 and continued in use for the next several years. 1985 was also the first year that the Mint began punching the S mintmark once into the master die for a particular coin type rather than punching it into each and every working die. This same procedure was used for each year through 1989, after which time the mintmark was simply included as a sculpted part of the design itself, eliminating the punching of mintmarks once and for all.

Ultra or deep cameo Proofs are the norm for 1985 sets, though preservation is sometimes an issue with these sets, for they have the fiberboard inserts typical of the time. Collectors complained early on that the coins were subject to acquiring a hazy film. Particularly problematic were the cents, with their highly reactive zinc base. The solution would have been to coin Proof cents in the traditional alloy of 95% copper, but this would have required special legislation that evidently was not sought by the Mint.

Source: Whitman