Buy 1966 (SMS) Special Mint Set Online!
From 1965-1967, Proof Sets looked a little different! Instead of the typical Proof Sets, the United States Mint introduced the Special Mint Set in limited quantities due to the severe coin shortage at the time. These sets had a very limited production and were made specifically for the demands of collectors during this time. Order one of the only three Special Mint Sets that were ever made from Bullion Shark!
The Special Mint Set was issued from only 1965 to 1967, making these highly sought after by collectors today. The SMS series was issued during these years because there were no proof sets being made at the time. In the mid 1960s there was a severe coin shortage that led to the mint putting a hold on proof set production to focus on producing more coins for circulation. These sets were made specifically to meet the demands of collectors, and each of these sets remain in pristine condition today.
The 1966 SMS had a mintage of only 2,261,583 sets, making these coins much rarer than their circulated counterparts. The SMS finish was also unique, it is not like a typical proof finish coin, or a standard business strike coin. The SMS finish is characterized by a sharper strike and more defined details compared to business strike coins. The Special Mint Sets are a great addition to any rare coin collection, and a significant piece of American numismatic history.
Why Collect The 1966 Special Mint Set?
- The 1966 SMS had a low mintage of only 2,261,583 sets.
- These sets are all in pristine condition.
- Each coin features the special SMS finish, unique to SMS coins.
- Each set comes with 5 coins total, one example of every standard issue coin in 1966 with the SMS finish.
- The set comes in the original U.S. Mint SMS packaging.
1966 Special Mint Set Coin Details:
Lincoln cent: 95% copper, 5% zinc
Jefferson nickel: 75% copper, 25% nickel
Roosevelt dime: 75% copper, 25% nickel over a pure copper center
Washington quarter: 75% copper, 25% nickel over a pure copper center
Kennedy half dollar: 40% silver, 60% copper
Finish: Special SMS finish
Mintage: 2,261,583 sets
History and Value: The 1966 Special Mint Set was issued by the United States Mint as a response to a shortage of coins. These sets were created to meet the demand for coins to be included in annual mint sets, which typically included one of each denomination struck at the Philadelphia and Denver Mints. However, there were no 1965-dated coins produced for circulation due to a large stockpile of coins from previous years. To fill this gap, the U.S. Mint produced the Special Mint Sets.
The 1966 Special Mint Set included uncirculated specimens of the five denominations (cent, nickel, dime, quarter, and half dollar) These coins were struck with a higher quality finish compared to regular circulating coins but were not as meticulously produced as proof coins.
The coins in the 1966 Special Mint Set can vary in quality, and some collectors seek out sets with coins exhibiting attractive toning or minimal imperfections. These sets are popular among collectors of modern U.S. coinage and are often sought after for their historical significance and unique characteristics.
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