Newly released data from the United States Mint offers first glance sales figures for the 2013 Silver Proof Set.
Collectors ordered 166,710 between its launch on Thursday, May 2, through to Monday, May 6. That is comparable and perhaps a touch better than the sales start for last year’s set. For it, the U.S. Mint noted orders of 189,628 between its release on a Monday through to the following Monday, a reporting period that includes three more days of sales.
This table offers columns of information on recent sets, including prices, various sales levels and premiums over melt values:
Debut and Current Sales of 2008-2013 Silver Proof Sets
| Year | Price | Melt Value on Release | Premium Above Melt on Release | # of Coins | Release Date | Debut Sales Date | Debut Sales | Final Sales |
| 2013 Set | $67.95 | $31.70 | $36.25 | 14 | May 2, 2013 | May 6, 2013 | 166,710 | – |
| 2012 Set | $67.95 | $36.64 | $31.31 | 14 | June 4, 2012 | June 11, 2012 | 189,628 | 395,443 |
| 2011 Set | $67.95 | $35.73 | $32.22 | 14 | Jan. 25, 2011 | Jan. 30, 2011 | 209,367 | 574,175 |
| 2010 Set | $56.95 | $25.57 | $31.38 | 14 | Aug. 26, 2010 | Aug. 29, 2010 | 241,656 | 585,414 |
| 2009 Set | $52.95 | $19.99 | $32.96 | 18 | July 17, 2009 | July 19, 2010 | 271,372 | 694,406 |
| 2008 Set | $44.95 | $17.46 | $27.49 | 14 | Aug. 26, 2008 | Aug. 31, 2010 | 292,004 | 774,874 |
With its seven 90% silver coins combined with silver’s sharp fall this year (down $6.20), the 2013 Silver Proof Set feels pricier than any other given its premium above melt. That certainly pressures sales. Collectors have been selective in spending their money, looking for the best bargains.
Yet interestingly, and while it may not look like it, pricing for the sets in previous years have not been altogether different when adjusted for inflation and in accounting for gains in silver. As an example, the cumulative average for silver in 2008 was $14.99 an ounce, touching a low of $8.88 an ounce on October 24. At that point, the 2008 Silver Proof Set would have seemed exceptionally pricey. It still achieved very high final sales.
