1991 Mt Rushmore Prestige Proof Set

1991 Mt Rushmore Prestige Proof Set

In 1983 the US Mint introduced the Prestige Proof Set. It was a "Special" or "Deluxe" Proof Set that included the 6 regular issue coins (Cent thru Half Dollar), and then special Commemorative coin(s) were added. It was issued between 1983 and 1997. (There was no set issued in 1985).

The 1991 Prestige proof set included 7 coins. The 1991 Mount Rushmore Dollar and Half Dollar wer the special release coins added to this set. All coins in this Prestige Proof set were struck at the San Francisco Mint. This set has a mintage of 256,954 and ranks as 10th within the 14 Prestige Proof Sets issued by the 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 US Mint at a premium.

The coins in the Prestige Proof set are presented in a deluxe plastic lens and displayed in a collector album, with display box and a certificate of authenticity.