Today, Nov. 29, the United States Mint released its last 2016-dated special occasion set. Promoted as a great gift for weddings, anniversaries, retirement, graduations, and birthdays, the 2016 Congratulations Set is available for $54.95.
Held within its celebratory-themed folder is a 30th anniversary 2016-W Proof American Silver Eagle. Annually issued, the one-ounce, .999 fine proof Silver Eagle is the U.S. Mint’s most popular collector coin.
This year’s edition was released by itself in mid-September for $53.95. (See photos of a proof 2016 Silver Eagle.) Sporting a one-year-only edge with incused ’30th ANNIVERSARY’ lettering, more than 461,000 have sold so far.
Congratulations Sets have been issued annual since 2013. Past sets logged sales of:
- 7,895 in 2015;
- 7,529 in 2014; and
- 18,347 in 2013.
The 2014- and 2015-dated sets launched in January of their release year, with the first set debuting in April 2013. Sales could be lower for this year’s set because of the late release, which is mostly attributed to the manufacturing changes needed to make the Silver Eagle’s unique edge.
Buy sets directly from the United States Mint right here, or call 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). They are no established limits.
In January, the U.S. Mint also released 2016 gift sets for birthdays and newborns.
