Coins - 1985 Proof Set

The 1985 annual proof set continued with the purple packaging and contained five proof coins for a total of $0.91 in face value. The Mint sold the set for $11.00 in 1985. The 1985 proof set included one each of the Lincoln cent, Jefferson nickel, Roosevelt dime, Washington quarter and Kennedy half dollar.

1985 Proof Set Package

The 1985 proof set used the purple package introduced the previous year. The size and design mimics that of earlier proof set boxes, but this new purple box includes a textured finish. The purple color of the box lies between purple and burgundy.

The silver script states "United States Proof Set • 1985" on the top flap of the purple box. The box dimensions are roughly 3.5 inches by 5.5 inches by 3/8 inch.

With the purple boxes, the US Mint added a design on the reverse of the proof set box. The heraldic eagle in a silver color flies in the center of the box with his talons holding an olive branch and arrows and in his beak a banner shows "E PLURIBUS UNUM".

The 1985 proof set box encountered a minor change with how the box opens. The flap at the top slides from under the edge to expose the top of the proof set lens. The proof coins in their protective lens slide out of their purple box.

1985 Proof Set Contents and Proof Coins

Procedurally, the US Mint made changes in the mint marks in 1985, however there were no known varieties introduced in the 1985 proof sets. The Mint's standard process applied a cameo or deep cameo finish to the coins in the proof sets of 1985. Over time, coins, especially the mostly zinc penny, in some of the sets have become cloudy. This can be due in part to how the sets were stored and in part to the seal along the edge of the lens.

The five proof coins are spaced evenly in their purple cardboard and sandwiched between the clear protective plastic. "United States Proof Set" in a clear raised script is centered beneath the half dollar. In the upper left, clear block printing shows "PACKAGED BY U.S. MINT."

Turning the proof set over, the back of the lens shows another heraldic eagle raised in the clear plastic and highlighted by the purple insert.

1985 Proof Set Coin Specifications

The specifications for the coins in the 1985 annual Proof Set:

1985 Proof Set Year Population and Cost of Living 

The world population in 1985 was 4,858,255,344. This represents 70.9% of the world's population in 2010.

$100 in 1985 equals $202.65 in 2010 dollars using the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Inflation Calculator.

New houses in 1985 cost an average of $100,800 which would be $204,271 in 2010 dollars.

The average income was $16,823 per year which equals $34,091 in 2010 dollars.

Gas was $1.115 per gallon which would be $2.260 in 2010 money.

The average new car was $11,838 equivalent to $23,989 in 2010.

(Chart views into the cost of living changes throughout the Proof Set years)