1959 Proof Set

The 1959 Proof Set is a milestone in American numismatics, representing the artistry and craftsmanship of the U.S. Mint during a period of innovation and growth in coin collecting. Produced by the Philadelphia Mint, this set includes five coins: the Lincoln Cent, Jefferson Nickel, Roosevelt Dime, Washington Quarter, and Franklin Half Dollar. This set holds a unique place in history as it marked the first year the Lincoln Memorial reverse design appeared on the Lincoln Cent, replacing the Wheat Ears reverse that had been in use since 1909. Collectors value this set for its historical significance and the exceptional quality of its proof coinage.

The designs featured in the 1959 Proof Set reflect both tradition and change. The Lincoln Cent, designed by Victor David Brenner, retains its classic obverse portrait of President Abraham Lincoln. However, its reverse showcases the new Lincoln Memorial design, introduced to honor the 150th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth. The Jefferson Nickel, created by Felix Schlag in 1938, depicts Thomas Jefferson’s profile on the obverse and his Monticello estate on the reverse. The Roosevelt Dime, designed by John R. Sinnock in 1946, honors President Franklin D. Roosevelt with a profile portrait on the obverse and a reverse featuring a torch flanked by olive and oak branches symbolizing liberty, peace, and strength. The Washington Quarter, introduced in 1932 and designed by John Flanagan, displays George Washington’s profile on the obverse and an eagle with outstretched wings on the reverse. The Franklin Half Dollar, introduced in 1948 and also designed by Sinnock, features a portrait of Benjamin Franklin on the obverse and the Liberty Bell on the reverse, accompanied by a small eagle to comply with legal requirements.

The production of the 1959 Proof Set at the Philadelphia Mint demonstrated the institution’s expertise in crafting coins of the highest quality. Proof coins are struck using specially prepared dies and polished blanks, ensuring sharp details and highly reflective surfaces. Each coin in the set was struck multiple times to achieve the distinctive proof finish, characterized by mirrored fields and frosted design elements. The 1959 Proof Set exemplifies the precision and artistry that defined the Philadelphia Mint’s proof coinage, making it a prized addition to any collection.

The mintage of the 1959 Proof Set was approximately 1,149,291 units, reflecting the rising popularity of proof coinage during this period. This figure represents a significant increase over earlier years, as more Americans embraced numismatics as a rewarding and accessible hobby. Each set was packaged in a flat cellophane holder to protect the coins from damage and arranged to display all five coins prominently. The packaging was enclosed in a soft envelope bearing the U.S. Mint’s emblem, ensuring both preservation and a professional presentation for collectors.

The condition of the coins in the 1959 Proof Set is a critical factor in their value and desirability. Proof coins are celebrated for their flawless surfaces and intricate details, achieved through meticulous preparation and striking processes. Many examples from this set exhibit cameo or deep cameo finishes, where the raised design elements are frosted and contrast sharply with the mirrored fields. These finishes, which were not as common in earlier proof sets, are highly prized by collectors for their enhanced visual appeal. Coins with strong cameo effects and minimal imperfections are particularly valuable, especially when certified by professional grading services with high grades such as PR69 or PR70.

The Franklin Half Dollar is often regarded as the highlight of the 1959 Proof Set, both for its size and historical significance. This coin pays tribute to Benjamin Franklin, one of America’s most influential founding fathers, whose legacy is immortalized in Sinnock’s bold design. The reverse depiction of the Liberty Bell underscores themes of independence and freedom, making the Franklin Half Dollar a powerful symbol of American ideals. The 1959 proof version of this coin is celebrated for its sharp details and brilliant finish, making it a standout piece in the set.

The Roosevelt Dime, Washington Quarter, and Franklin Half Dollar in the 1959 Proof Set were all struck in 90% silver, underscoring the intrinsic value of the set. This silver composition, standard for U.S. coinage at the time, adds an additional layer of appeal for both collectors and investors. The Lincoln Cent, composed of bronze, and the Jefferson Nickel, struck from a copper-nickel alloy, complete the set with their own distinct designs and proof finishes. Together, these coins provide a comprehensive representation of U.S. coinage during an era when silver was still a fundamental component of American currency.

The artistry of the 1959 Proof Set is brought to life through the proof striking process, which enhances the finer details of each coin’s design. The mirrored fields of the coins create a stunning contrast with the frosted devices, particularly on examples with cameo finishes. The Washington Quarter and Roosevelt Dime are admired for their clean lines and balanced compositions, while the Lincoln Cent and Jefferson Nickel demonstrate the Mint’s ability to produce exquisite coins from non-precious metals. The Franklin Half Dollar, with its bold design and large surface area, serves as a striking centerpiece that showcases the Mint’s technical prowess.

The historical context of the 1959 Proof Set adds to its significance as a collector’s item. This set captures a moment in U.S. coinage history when proof coinage was becoming increasingly accessible to the public, reflecting the Mint’s efforts to meet the growing demand from hobbyists. The set also highlights the transition from the Wheat Ears reverse to the Lincoln Memorial design on the Lincoln Cent, marking an important change in one of America’s most iconic coins. For many collectors, the 1959 Proof Set serves as a tangible connection to an era when American coinage combined artistic excellence with practical utility.

The value of the 1959 Proof Set depends on several factors, including the condition of the coins, the quality of the packaging, and the presence of cameo or deep cameo finishes. Sets that remain in their original Mint packaging with minimal signs of aging are particularly desirable. Individual coins that have been professionally graded and exhibit high-quality surfaces and finishes can command significant premiums. The Franklin Half Dollar, as the largest and most historically significant coin in the set, is often the most sought-after piece among collectors.

The 1959 Proof Set continues to hold a special place in the hearts of numismatists, offering a combination of historical significance, artistic beauty, and exceptional craftsmanship. Each coin in the set reflects the skill and dedication of the Philadelphia Mint, while the set as a whole captures the essence of American coinage during a pivotal era. As a collector’s item, the 1959 Proof Set is cherished for its ability to preserve the legacy of silver coinage and the artistry of mid-20th-century American money. It remains a cornerstone of U.S. numismatics and a testament to the enduring appeal of proof coinage.

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• Year: 1959
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