Coins - 1988 Proof Set

The US Mint introduced a few minor changes in the packaging for the 1988 proof set, otherwise it was very similar to the earlier purple sets. The 1988 proof set held five coins with a face value of $0.91. The proof coins were the Lincoln penny, the Jefferson nickel, the Roosevelt dime, the Washington quarter and the Kennedy half dollar proof coins. In 1988, the US Mint kept the annual proof sets at the same price, $11.00, as the previous year.

1988 Proof Set Package

The proof set box is constructed of a textured card stock in a color between purple and burgundy. Along the top flap, silver-colored script identifies the set as "United States Mint Proof Set • 1988." The size of the box is roughly 3.5 inches by 5.5 inches by 3/8 inch.

The opposite side of the proof set box holds a silver heraldic eagle centered on the purple textured cover. The eagle, the same as can be found on the seal of the United States, holds an olive branch in his right talons and arrows in his left with a banner showing "E PLURIBUS UNUM" in his beak. A circular design over his head holds thirteen stars in a six pointed star pattern. The shield over the eagle's chest contains thirteen bars.

The flap with the writing lifts up to access the proof coins in their protective lens allowing the lens to slide out of the top edge of the proof set box.

1988 Proof Set Contents and Proof Coins

The 1988 proof set consists of the textured purple outer box, the protective lens holding the five coins and a purple card detailing the Proof Set Coin Specifications.

The US Mint continued working on the master hubs for the dies. In particular, the relief on the coins became lower over time. Mostly this was to increase the longevity of the circulating coins, but since the proof dies came from the same master hub process, the proof coins' relief became lower as well. In the 1988 proof set, some have found a slight doubling of the word "TRUST" on the half dollar's obverse.

Also in 1988, the US Mint continued their Prestige Proof Set program. The 1988 Prestige Proof Set contained the five regular proof coins along with a commemorative silver dollar recognizing the American athletes participating the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, Korea.

For 1988 in the regular proof set, the positions of the five proof coins were re-arranged with the Kennedy half dollar being more centric. The raised letters changed to show "United States Mint Proof Set" in a clear script across the bottom of the lens - adding "Mint" to the title. The proof coins in their individual circles of purple card stock are sandwiched between two clear pieces of plastic. In the upper left corner, clear block letters state "PACKAGED BY U.S. MINT."

Turning the lens over, the coins' individual reverse designs are easily seen. Just above the Kennedy half dollar and between the nickel and quarter is a clear, raised version of the heraldic eagle with the same design as that on the proof set box. With the re-postitioning of the half dollar, the coin and the eagle are now closer together.

Click on the 1988 Proof Set Coin Specifications to view the details about the individual coins in the annual proof set.

1988 Proof Set Year Population and Cost of Living 

The world population in 1988 was 5,115,225,260. This represents 74.6% of the world's population in 2010.

$100 in 1988 equals $184.32 in 2010 dollars using the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Inflation Calculator.

New houses in 1988 cost an average of $138,300 which would be $254,915 in 2010 dollars.

The average income was $19,334 per year which equals $35,637 in 2010 dollars.

Gas was $0.899 per gallon which would be $1.657 in 2010 money.

The average new car was $13,932 equivalent to $25,680 in 2010.

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