Coins - 2002 Proof Set

With the introduction of the state quarter program in 1999, the US Mint began packaging the proof sets differently. The 2002 Proof Set provides an example of the packaging from 1999 through 2003, however 1999 only had nine coins. The dollar coin, the tenth coin, began in the 2000.

Now, the sets contain two lenses to hold all of the coins in the proof set. Ten coins were included in the 2002 Proof Set for a total of $2.91 face value and was sold by the US Mint for $19.95 per set.

2002 Proof Set Package

The outside of the box announces that it is a proof set with the inscription, "UNITED STATES MINT PROOF SET 2002." To the left of the script is a blue toned picture of the head of Lady Liberty. Above the script, the US Mint's 50 State Quarters trademark proudly sits with its inclusion of the US Mint's seal and a red, white and blue banner in the "50."

Rather than a box with a flap cover at the top as in the earlier one lens versions, this new package is a box with an opening in each end. On the left end, the US Mint placed a bar code for identification. On the right end is a simple blue tab closure.

On the side nearest is the identification for "2002," and on the upper side is "2002" in large font with "UNITED STATES MINT PROOF SET" in a smaller font.

The back of the box contains a blue-toned, partial picture of our flag flying in the wind. Centered on the back is the Treasury Department's seal for the US Mint.

The box measures 3 1/2 inches by 5 1/2 inches by 3/4 inches.

Inside the box, two lenses hold the ten coins. The proof set versions of the five state quarters released in 2002 reside in one lens with the other lens holding the cent, five-cent, ten-cent, half dollar and dollar coins. In addition, the set includes the US Mint's Certificate of Authenticity.

Click on the picture at left to access the purchase information for the 2002 Proof set

2002 Proof Set Contents and Proof Coins

This lens shows the board with a blue toned version of our flag holding the dollar, half dollar, dime, nickel and penny coins in their obverse position. Though the red and white stripes are blue toned, the stars remain white. In the middle of the lens are the words, "UNITED STATES MINT PROOF SET" with the US Mint seal located beneath the words and between the half dollar and dollar coins.

The reverse shows each of the coins in their circles in a blue background with the US Mint Seal in white between the half dollar and dollar coins.

For the five state quarters, the colors of the board are reversed. On the obverse, the coins with their same obverse designs sit in a plain blue board. Between the top two coins, the US Mint's trademarked "50 State Quarters" emblem is shown in white.

On the reverse, the blue-toned, partial picture of the flag waving in the wind is printed on the board holding the coins. Tennessee, Ohio and Louisiana are the top coins with Indiana and Mississippi on the bottom.

In the middle of the coins, the inscription says, "UNITED STATES MINT 50 STATE QUARTERS PROOF SET" with the US Mint's seal in white below the script. Again, the flag is blue-toned, however the stars remain white.

The folded Certificate of Authenticity is printed with blue ink on off-white card stock with a slightly shiny outer surface and a matte interior surface. On the outside, the front shows the US Mint seal centered with "Certificate of Authenticity 2002 United States Mint Proof Set" printed across the lower portion. The back lists the specifications for the cent, five cent, dime, half dollar and dollar coins. Click here to view the details.

Inside the folded certificate, the 50 State Quarters trademark emblem shows the only other color, red, on the certificate. The message from Director of the Mint, Henrietta Holsman Fore, is printed on the upper portion and the coin specifications for the five state quarters is listed at the bottom. Click here to view the contents of the Certificate of Authenticity.

Click on the picture at left to access the purchase information for the 2002 Proof set

2002 Proof Set Year Population and Cost of Living

The world population in 2002 was 6,240,000,000. In 2010, the world population is estimated at 6,811,600,000.

$100 in 2002 equals $120.48 in 2010 dollars using the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Inflation Calculator.

New houses in 2002 cost $228,700 which would be $275,534.56 today.

The average income was $57,852 per year ($69,699.28 in today's dollars).

Gas was $1.44 per gallon ($1.73 in today's money).

The average new car was $24,922 ($30,025.68).

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

Click on the picture at left to access the purchase information for the 2002 Proof set