Appearing late in the year, at a higher cost, with a much lower mintage, and without the originally planned bonus nickel, the United States Mint today at noon ET releases their 2020 Uncirculated Coin Set.
Known by most as the 2020 Mint Set, the new product for coin collectors includes 20 coins representing the circulating coinage of the nation, but featured in uncirculated quality.
Ten of the coins were produced at the U.S. Mint’s facility in Philadelphia and ten were produced at the Mint’s facility in Denver. Specifically, the set holds:
- 2020 P&D Elizabeth Peratrovich Native American $1 Coin
- 2020 P&D Kennedy Half Dollar
- 2020 P&D National Park of American Samoa (AS) Quarter
- 2020 P&D Weir Farm National Historic Site (CT) Quarter
- 2020 P&D Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve (USVI) Quarter
- 2020 P&D Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park (VT) Quarter
- 2020 P&D Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve (KS) Quarter
- 2020 P&D Roosevelt Dime
- 2020 P&D Jefferson Nickel
- 2020 P&D Lincoln Cent
Both the Philadelphia and Denver Mints are responsible for minting the coins that are released into circulation for everyday commerce.
Despite this annual set typically being one of the favorites for many collectors, the 2020 version is sure to disappoint some. First, it is only debuting at the end of November whereas most previous Mint Sets were issued much earlier in the year. For example, last year’s set debuted on May 14th.
Second, the 2020 Mint Set will cost more than previous sets. The set is listed at $25.25. In comparison, the 2019 set, which remains available, is $21.95.
Third, there is a pre-established product limit for the set capping sales at a much lower level than traditionally sold. No more than 213,000 of the 2020 Uncirculated Sets will be available for ordering, making the set the rarest since 1959 when just 187,000 units were sold. Of note, that set still included silver in all of the coins except the nickel and one cent.
Last year’s set has reported sales of 342,924 through Nov. 22.
The lower mintage will excite some collectors, but may cause supply issues for others trying to complete their annual collections.
Finally, the U.S. Mint had originally planned the inclusion of a bonus 2020-W Uncirculated Jefferson Nickel with each set. That would have maintained the Mint’s original program of having bonus coins with its annual sets that started last year with special Lincoln cents. It was continued earlier this year with a 2020-W Proof Jefferson Nickel shipped with each 2020 Proof Set and a 2020-W Reverse Proof Jefferson Nickel issued with each 2020 Silver Proof Set.
The Mint blames the notable changes on Covid with this statement:
"Note: Due to the effects of COVID-19 at our manufacturing facilities, this year’s set has a limited production quantity of 213,000. For the same reason, there will be no free premium nickel accompanying this set. Please be sure to order early, as supplies are limited — we have 137,000 fewer than last year."
Ordering
Those interested in purchasing a 2020 Uncirculated Coin Set may visit the U.S. Mint’s website online page dedicated to uncirculated sets.
The coins ship in separate presentation folders with the ten Denver Mint strikes in one and the ten Philadelphia strikes in the other. Also of note, the 2020 Mint Set includes the last full five-coin year of the Mint’s America the Beautiful Quarters® Program. Next year has just one quarter scheduled in the series.
