2006 Proof Set

The 2006 United States Proof Set is a special edition collection of coins minted by the U.S. Mint, offering collectors a pristine and detailed representation of America's coinage from that year. These sets are widely celebrated for their exceptional quality, with each coin in the set being struck twice to ensure the highest level of detail, resulting in a mirror-like finish. The proof set includes coins that reflect both the country's historical richness and modern designs. The 2006 set is particularly notable for featuring a full range of coin denominations, each crafted to the highest standards for collectors and investors alike.

The 2006 Proof Set contains a total of 14 coins, which includes all of the circulating denominations from the penny through the dollar coin, as well as the new state quarters issued that year. The coins included are the Lincoln cent, Jefferson nickel, Roosevelt dime, Washington quarter, Kennedy half dollar, and the Sacagawea dollar coin. Additionally, this set features the five quarters that are part of the State Quarters Program, which honors each of the 50 U.S. states through their unique designs. For the 2006 set, the featured states were Nevada, Nebraska, Colorado, North Dakota, and South Dakota, with each design commemorating significant aspects of each state's history, landmarks, and cultural heritage.

The design of the 2006 Proof Set is striking in its level of detail, with each coin meticulously struck using specially prepared dies that enhance the overall appearance of the coins. The obverse of the Lincoln cent showcases the portrait of President Abraham Lincoln, designed by Victor D. Brenner, which has become one of the most iconic images in American coinage. The reverse of the cent features the image of the Union shield, symbolizing the unity of the country. This design was introduced in 2010 but was featured on the reverse of the 2006 proof coins as a precursor to the eventual redesign.

The Jefferson nickel, another key coin in the set, is beautifully designed by Felix Schlag. Its obverse features the profile of President Thomas Jefferson, and the reverse displays his estate, Monticello, in fine detail. The reverse of the Roosevelt dime, designed by John R. Sinnock, depicts the profile of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who was instrumental in the creation of the March of Dimes. The reverse of the dime features a torch, olive branch, and oak branch, representing liberty, peace, and strength.

The design of the 2006 proof quarters is a significant aspect of the proof set, as it showcases the final set of quarters in the 50-State Quarters Program, which ran from 1999 to 2008. These designs, created by various artists, feature scenes and symbols from each of the five states: Nevada, Nebraska, Colorado, North Dakota, and South Dakota. For example, the Nevada quarter showcases a depiction of the famous wild mustang, while the North Dakota quarter features a bison. These coins are symbolic of each state's history and culture, and they were issued in limited quantities, making them highly collectible.

In addition to the state quarters, the set also features the Kennedy half dollar, which was designed by Gilroy Roberts and Frank Gasparro. The obverse depicts President John F. Kennedy’s profile, a tribute to the 35th president of the United States, who was assassinated in 1963. The reverse of the half dollar features the Presidential Seal, showcasing an eagle with a shield and arrows, signifying the nation’s strength and resolve. The half dollar coin has long been a symbol of U.S. coinage, and in 2006, it continued to be an important part of the nation’s circulating currency.

Another significant coin included in the 2006 proof set is the Sacagawea dollar, designed by Glenna Goodacre. The coin features a portrait of Sacagawea, the Shoshone woman who helped guide Lewis and Clark on their historic expedition. The reverse of the coin depicts an eagle in flight, symbolizing the power and freedom of the American spirit. This coin is notable for being the first U.S. coin to feature a woman on its obverse, making it a groundbreaking issue in the history of U.S. coinage.

In terms of production, the 2006 Proof Set was struck at the U.S. Mint’s facilities in Philadelphia and was packaged in a custom-designed display case that showcases each coin individually. The set includes a certificate of authenticity, ensuring that each coin is an official and legitimate piece of U.S. history. As with all proof sets, the coins are carefully examined for quality, and only those that meet the high standards of the U.S. Mint are included in the set. The proofing process involves striking each coin multiple times, using specially prepared dies, to ensure that each coin features a mirror-like finish and intricate details that are not typically found in standard circulating coins.

The mintage of the 2006 Proof Set is significant, as it was one of the most popular sets produced by the U.S. Mint. While the exact mintage numbers may vary, the demand for the set remained high due to the inclusion of the five state quarters and the intricate designs of each coin. The set was marketed to collectors and investors alike, offering a complete representation of U.S. coinage for that year, as well as the historical and artistic designs of the state quarters. Many of these sets have since become valuable in the secondary market, especially those in pristine condition, due to their limited availability and high-quality finish.

The condition of the 2006 Proof Set is paramount to its value, and coins that are well-preserved and in mint condition are highly sought after by collectors. The proof coins in the set are graded on a scale ranging from PR-60 to PR-70, with higher grades representing coins with fewer imperfections and greater visual appeal. Coins in PR-70 condition are considered perfect, with no visible flaws or imperfections. Collectors often seek out these flawless examples for their collections, as they represent the highest quality of U.S. coinage.

Overall, the 2006 U.S. Proof Set is a beautiful and highly collectible set that showcases the artistry and history of U.S. coinage. The set’s inclusion of the state quarters, along with its attention to detail and high-quality finish, makes it a significant addition to any collection. With its well-crafted designs, historic significance, and limited mintage, the 2006 Proof Set remains a sought-after piece for collectors and investors interested in owning a piece of American numismatic history.

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• Year: 2006
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