This 1960 United States Small Date Proof Set includes the following 5 coins: - Lincoln Cent
- Jefferson Nickel
- Roosevelt Dime
- Washington Quarter
- Franklin Half Dollar
The "6" in the date has a small blunt point, hence the "small date" designation. This set is many times more rare than the normal 1960 Proof Set. The Dime, Quarter and Half Dollar in this set were struck out of .900 fine Silver. The proof coins in this set were struck at the Philadelphia Mint.
The term "Proof" refers to a method of manufacture and NOT the condition of a coin. Proof coins can usually be distinguished by their sharpness of detail, high wire edge, and extremely brilliant - mirror like surface.
Proof coins are made from highly polished dies. The coinage blanks are also polished and cleaned. They are hand fed into a coinage press one at a time, with each blank receiving 2 or more strikes from the dies to bring up sharp - high relief details. It is done at slow speeds with extra pressure. Finished Proofs are individually inspected and handled by gloves or tongs prior to being placed in sonically sealed plastic cases.
All Proofs are originally sold by the United States Mint at a premium.
1960 Proof Set - Small Date
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