Coins - 1994 Proof Set

The US Mint introduced a new, green package for the 1994 annual proof set. The set included five proof coins and a certificate of authenticity. The US Mint initially sold the 1994 proof set for $12.50 each. The proof coins in the set included the Lincoln penny, Jefferson nickel, Roosevelt dime, Washington quarter and Kennedy half dollar.

1994 Proof Set Package

Though the color was different, the 1994 proof set box was similar to the earlier purple boxes. The green card stock was textured, and the identifying script, "United States Mint Proof Set • 1994," was in silver-colored ink across the upper flap. In addition, the size remained roughly 3.5 inches by 5.5 inches by 3/8 inch.

Like the purple proof sets, the heraldic eagle in a silver color decorates the opposite side of the green proof set box. The eagle, based on the Great Seal of the United States, holds an olive branch and arrows in its talons and a banner in its beak with "E PLURIBUS UNUM" across it. Above the eagle's head is a circle with thirteen stars and on its chest is a shield with thirteen bars.

The flap with the silver script slides open to allow access to the proof set. The protective lens holding the five proof coins pulls out of the box for viewing both the obverse and reverse of the coins.

1994 Proof Set Contents and Proof Coins

The 1994 proof set includes the green textured outer box, the protective lens holding the five proof coins and a folded white card with green print detailing the Proof Set Certificate of Authenticity and Coin Specifications.

With the additional automation and continued efforts to standardize their processes, the Mint did not generate known varieties with the 1994 proof set. Small variations can be found in the coins, but for the most part, the frosted designs and mirror-like backgrounds were almost perfect.

Also in 1994, the US Mint continued their Prestige Proof Set program. The 1994 Prestige Proof Set contained the five regular proof coins along with a commemorative silver dollar showing two soccer players vying for the ball and a cupro-nickel clad half dollar with another soccer player preparing to kick a goal. These coins celebrated the World Cup games hosted in the US for the first time in 1994.

Circles in a green card stock hold each of the five proof coins between the protective plastic forming the lens of the 1994 proof set. The coins' obverse images with their frosted finish contrasts with their mirror-like background. Like earlier sets, a clear, raised script along the lens below the coins states "United States Mint Proof Set." In the upper left corner, small, clear block letters state "PACKAGED BY U.S. MINT."

Turning the protective lens over, the reverse designs show clearly with their frosted images on the mirrored background contrasting with the green card stock. A clear, raised design shows the heraldic eagle, the same as on the outer box, just above the Kennedy half dollar.

Click on the 1994 Proof Set Certificate of Authenticity and Coin Specifications to view the details about the individual coins in the annual proof set.

1994 Proof Set Year Population and Cost of Living

The world population in 1994 was 5,619,414,012. This represents 82.0% of the world's population in 2010.

$100 in 1994 equals $147.14 in 2010 dollars using the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Inflation Calculator.

New houses in 1994 cost an average of $154,500 which would be $227,331 in 2010 dollars.

The average income was $23,754 per year which equals $34,951 in 2010 dollars.

Gas was $1.112 per gallon which would be $1.636 in 2010 money.

The average new car was $17,903 equivalent to $26,342 in 2010.

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