1949 Uncirculated Mint Set
For a third year, the United States Mint offered a mint set for collectors who wished to obtain one example of each coin issued for circulation. The 1949 Mint Set (Buy on eBay) contained 28 coins, representing two examples of each denomination struck at the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco Mint facilities.
Sometimes referred to as a “double mint set,” two examples of each coin were included since the cardboard packaging only allowed one side of the coins to be viewed. Thus one coin was placed in the holders with the obverse side displayed, and the other with the reverse displayed. This years coins included the cent, nickel, dime, quarter, and half dollars struck at the Philadelphia and Denver Mint facilities, and the cent, nickel, dime, and half dollar struck at the San Francisco Mint.
The 28 coins included in the 1949 Mint Set had a total face value of $4.96, which was 50 cents higher than the precious year. This led to a corresponding adjustment in the original issue price, which was determined based on the face value of the coins plus the costs of shipping. The issue price was now $5.45.
Final sales reached approximately 5,000 units. Exact sales records were not maintained for the first three years that the product was offered.
A notable feature of these early mint sets is the distinctive toning, which develops due to the sulfur content of the original packaging. While some coins tone dark or in patterns which display fingermarks or other imperfections, some sets have developed attractive toning, which lends to premium prices. Unfortunately, over the years many of the better quality sets have been broken up in order to send particular coins to third party grading services.
1949 Mint Set Information
Mintage: approximately 5,000
Coins Per Set: 28
Face Value: $4.96
Original Issue Price: $5.45
