2003-S 25c Clad Quarters Proof Set, 5 Coins PR

Original Packaging: Two similar holders were required to house the ten coins, and they differed only in their inserts and the selection of coins included. Each holder consisted of a two­-­piece, transparent plastic casing with frosted borders. This held a blue fiberboard insert featuring a background graphic of the American flag and holed appropriately for the coins it contained. One holder housed the cent, nickel, dime, half dollar, and dollar, while the other contained the five statehood quarters for 2003. The two holders were stacked and slipped into a white cardboard box. This box was printed primarily in blue and featured a head view of the famous Statue of Liberty, along with starred upper and lower borders, the U.S. Mint’s 50 State Quarters® logo, and the words UNITED STATES MINT PROOF SET 2003.

The five­-­piece sets consisted solely of the statehood quarters in copper­-­nickel­ ­clad composition. The holder for this set was simply one of the two holders comprising the complete set described above. An eagle appears on the box cover in place of the Statue of Liberty.

Commentary: This year’s sets seem to be a repeat of 2002. Both collector interest and quality are high, but not to the same degree as for earlier entries in the 50 State Quarters® Program.

One clear observation can be made with respect to Proof coins of recent years. The Mint’s goal of lowering the relief of the dies and sharpening their details has been fully achieved. It seems that neither operation can be taken much further, and the coins being minted today look very much as they did ten years ago, the sole exception being the ongoing changes to the quarters and the Presidential dollars. Technical perfection seems to have triumphed over artistry, but this is of little consequence to those seeking Proofs for that very perfection.

Source: Whitman