Today, Dec. 12, 2013, the U.S. Mint opened sales for its eight-coin 2013 United States Mint Limited Edition Silver Proof Set.
It’s a second annual release with the first set debuting Nov. 27, 2012 and selling out April 24, 2013 with sales of 50,169. This year’s set has the same 50,000 mintage but launched $10 cheaper at $139.95.
Demand is expected to be solid today and there was sluggishness on the U.S. Mint’s website in the early going with the Mint eventually toggling on its waiting room option. Last year’s set notched sales of 19,290 during its first six days.
A selling point for the 2013 Limited Edition Silver Proof Set is the presentation of the coins within an attractive case, which the U.S. Mint describes as:
"Improved for 2013 to better secure the coins in the set and protect the lenses."
Inside the presentation case are 7 coins composed in 90% silver from the San Francisco Mint and 1 coin in 99.9% pure silver from the West Point Mint. Specifically, the Limited Edition Silver Proof Set includes:
- 2013-W Proof Silver Eagle from 99.9% silver
- 2013-S Kennedy Half-Dollar from 90% silver
- 2013-S White Mountain National Forest Quarter from 90% silver
- 2013-S Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial Quarter from 90% silver
- 2013-S Great Basin National Park Quarter from 90% silver
- 2013-S Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine Quarter from 90% silver
- 2012-S Mount Rushmore National Memorial Quarter from 90% silver
- 2012-S Roosevelt Dime from 90% silver
Coins of the set are not exclusive to it. The same 90% silver coins are found within the Mint’s annual 2013 Silver Proof Set, which also has another 7 clad coins. The five 90% silver 25-cent pieces are also within the annual 2013 America the Beautiful Quarters Silver Proof Set. And of course, the one-ounce proof Silver Eagle was available individually this year until it sold out on Nov. 12, 2013. It is also within the 2013 Congratulations Set.
Here’s a quick summarization of these products, their sales as of Dec. 8, and their melt value based on today’s London Silver Fix price of $19.80 an ounce.
| Coins | Silver Content | Silver Melt Value | Price | Sales | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 Limited Edition Silver Proof Set | 8 | 2.338 oz | $46.30 | $139.95 | – |
| 2013-W Proof Silver Eagle | 1 in 99.9% | 1.000 oz | $19.80 | $52.95 | 865,512 / Sold Out |
| 2013 Congratulations Set | 1 in 99.9% | 1.000 oz | $19.80 | $54.95 | 13,042 |
| 2013 Silver Proof Set | 7 in 90%; 7 in clad | 1.338 oz | $26.50 | $53.95 | 389,857 |
| 2013 America the Beautiful Quarters Silver Proof Set | 5 in 90% silver | 0.904 oz | $17.90 | $31.95 | 124,014 |
Collectors not interested in the Limited Edition Silver Proof Set’s presentation case can get the same coins, plus 7 more in clad, cheaper by ordering the 2013 Congratulations Set along with the 2013 Proof Set. Prices for these two products sum to $108.90, which is $31.05 less than the cost of the set.
Ordering
Sets may be ordered by visiting the United States Mint website at www.usmint.gov/catalog or going directly to its online product page. Domestic customers will receive free standard shipping, saving $4.96, if an order is placed online before 5 p.m. ET on Friday, Dec. 13, 2013.
Those not interested in saving on shipping can also order by calling the Mint’s customer service line at 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). There are no household ordering limits.
