Proof sets were only sold by the United States Mint in Philadelphia between 1864 and 1979. The proof sets included three categories during the that time period: Gold proof sets, Silver proof sets, and Minor proof sets. The Gold proof sets included all gold issues which were struck in proof. The Silver proof sets included everything from the cent through dollar. Minor proof coins included the Indian cents, Two cents, Three cent nickels, and Shield nickels.

Normally, proofs were only sold in sets during this period. Many collectors who requested individual proof coins were usually turned down by the Mint. There were a few exceptions such as the first year of a new coinage and patterns which were struck and sold from time to time. The current proof counts for the years 1865 through 1877 reflect the number of coins for that denomination which were sold in the silver proof sets. The 1872 proof coins for the Indian cent, Two cent, Three cent nickel, and Shield nickel all state ‘950+’.

Record 62A at the National Archives is the “Gold and Silver Ledger.” This record includes the Gold and Silver Proof Sets delivered from the Coiner to the Mint Superintendent between the years 1864 through 1878. In 1872, the following 950 silver proof sets were delivered: 150 sets on January 31; 100 sets on February 20; 100 sets on March 4; 100 sets on March 8; 150 sets on April 9; 100 sets on June 15; 100 sets on September 4; 100 sets on October 18; 50 sets on December 11; The total number of gold and silver proof sets delivered each year match the proof totals for each denomination in the Red Book, Breen’s Proof Book, and all other references of proof coins for this period.

Minor proof sets were sold during this period, but there are no records in the National Archives for the number struck or the number delivered from the Coiner to the Mint Superintendent. There were also no totals in any of the Director of the Mint’s letters or reports or from the Secretary of the Treasury. This is why a ‘+’ sign was used to symbolize the number of minor proof coins sold in the minor proof sets for these years.

Record 15 at the National Archives is the “Letters Sent Regarding Coins and Medals” between 1866-1885, 1886 through 1892, and 1895 through 1900. The summation of this record states “Press copies of letters sent by the Director or Superintendent of the Mint, chiefly to private persons, in reply to requests for information concerning coins and medals.” This record included letters sent to individuals regarding gold, silver, and minor proof sets ordered. Any letter which referred to a sale of a minor proof set was copied and recorded. The following are the summations:

Of course it is possible that other minor proof sets were sold, and the letters not copied in this ledger. But, as these counts represent actual sales of minor proof sets, and there are no other references of minor proof sets struck, delivered, or counted, these totals provide the most accurate representation of the number of minor proof sets and therefore the minor proof counts for each year between 1867 and 1877 should be adjusted by adding these counts to the total number of proofs struck.