United States Special Mint Set
Following suit with the prior year, the United States Mint did not issue the typical Proof Sets and Mint Sets for collectors. Rather, so-called Special Mint Sets were issued in their place. The 1966 Special Mint Set (Buy on eBay) would contain the same line up of coins as the prior year, although the packaging would be modified.
Each set contained the 1966-dated Kennedy Half Dollar, Washington Quarter, Roosevelt Dime, Jefferson Nickel, and Lincoln Cent. The half dollar was struck in a composition of 40% silver. The silver content was removed completely from the dime and quarter, with these denominations now struck in copper-nickel clad. The nickel and cent remained their traditional compositions.
All Special Mint Set coins for this year were struck at the San Francisco Mint. During this time, the use of mint marks had been suspended, so the coins do not contain the typical “S” mint mark.
The United States Mint modified the packaging for the Special Mint Sets. Rather than the previous cellophane and white envelopes, the coins were mounted within a rigid plastic holder with a blue background. This holder was placed within an outer blue cardboard box.
The price for the 1966 Special Mint Set was unchanged from the prior year. The sets were offered at $4 each and collectors eventually ordered a total of 2,261,583 units.
Special Mint Set coins typically have a uniformly Brilliant or Proof-like finish. A minority of examples will display cameo contrast with design elements frosted against a Proof-like background. These cameo or deep cameo examples are prized by collectors and command premiums.
1966 Special Mint Set Information
- Coins per Set: 5
- Face Value: $0.91
- Original Issue Price: $4.00
- Mintage: 2,261,583
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