The United States Mint has created annual sets of uncirculated coins for collectors known as Mint Sets since 1947. Amidst a few interruptions and several changes in format, this popular collector offering continues into the present day. The popular sets allow collectors to have one example of each coin issued for circulation in a complete set issued by the US Mint.
The first Mint sets issued from 1947 to 1958 included two examples of each coin struck for circulation packaged in cardboard and paper holders. These material caused the coins in the set to develop toning over time. In some cases, the toning exhibits rainbow hues that are prized by collectors.
From 1959 to 1964, Mint Sets were issued in flat packs similar to the packaging developed for the Proof Sets. The two cellophane packs were placed within an envelope marked with the date of issue. After three years of issuing Special Mint Sets, regular Mint Sets were from 1968 to 1981 and 1983 to present.
Some sets are of particular note to collectors since they contain coins not issued for circulation. This includes the 1970 Mint Set, which includes the 1970-D Kennedy Half, and later sets issued in 1973 and 1981 that include dollar coins not issued for circulation. The 1996 Mint Set included the 1996-W Roosevelt Dime struck at the West Point Mint and issued only in the sets for the 50th anniversary of the coin series.
From 2005 to present, the United States Mint has used a special satin finish for coins included in the annual Mint Set. This adds another unique aspect to the sets. If these satin finish versions are considered separately from regular circulation strikes, the coins have particularly low mintages.
