2008 US Mint Silver Proof Set Last Chance

With the US Mint announcing the upcoming 2009 US Mint Silver Proof Set launch, coin collectors are reminded of the still available — but for a short time only — 2008 Silver Proof Set.

For marketing focus and to avoid confusion, the US Mint generally ends the sale of prior year proof sets immediately before new year replacements are issued.

The 2009 silver set goes on sale Friday at noon ET so expect the Mint to pull the 2008 set from its online store before then — likely Friday morning.

Demand has been strong for the 14-coin proof offering, although easing of late to around 2,000-3,000 sold per week. In total, collectors have purchased 774,874 sets between its release on Aug. 26, 2008 through to Sunday, July 12.

Included for the price of $44.95 is:

The final five commemorative quarters from the 50 State Quarters® Program:

• 2008-S Silver Oklahoma Quarter
• 2008-S Silver New Mexico Quarter
• 2008-S Silver Arizona Quarter
• 2008-S Silver Alaska Quarter
• 2008-S Silver Hawaii Quarter

Five, $1 dollar coins:

• 2008-S Sacagawea Golden Dollar
• 2008-S James Monroe $1
• 2008-S John Quincy Adams $1
• 2008-S Andrew Jackson $1
• 2008-S Martin Van Buren $1

And the following additional coins:

• 2008-S Lincoln Cent
• 2008-S Jefferson Nickel
• 2008-S Silver Roosevelt Dime
• 2008-S Silver Kennedy 50c

The five state quarters, the Kennedy half-dollar, and Roosevelt dime are struck in 90 percent silver. Interestingly, these coins contain a total of about 1.24 ounces of silver, which is an intrinsic silver value of $17.24 at the current spot silver price of $12.88.

While available, the proof set may be ordered through the Mint page:

2008 United States Mint Silver Proof Set™

Orders may also be placed using the Mint’s toll free number 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468).