Coins - 2004 Proof Set

With the introduction of two new nickel designs, the 2004 proof set included eleven coins. A blue and white box held the two lenses - one with six proof coins and one with five - which equaled $2.96 in face value. The US Mint initially sold the 2004 proof set for $22.95 per set.

In the 2004 proof set, the six-coin lens contained the first two Westward Journey nickels in addition to the cent, dime, half dollar and dollar coins. The second lens held the five quarter proof coins which represented the 26th through 30th states to join the Union.

2004 Proof Set Package

Similar to the other two-lens proof sets, the 2004 proof set box measures roughly 3.5 inches by 5.5 inches by 11/16 inch. The primary colors remained blue and white with the addition of red in the 50 state quarters emblem.

The iconic head of the Statue of Liberty decorates the left front of the 2004 proof set and the quarters emblem is above the title of the proof set on the right. Twenty-five white stars flow across the top and bottom edges of the proof set box against a blue background. The dark blue title states "United States Mint Proof Set® 2004" where the year is in a much larger font than the rest of the title. Also, the long side edges show a large "2004" in white against a dark blue background.

The back of the 2004 proof set box includes a blue-toned flag which provides the backdrop for the white seal of the Department of Treasury's United States Mint.

2004 Proof Set Contents and Proof Coins

The 2004 proof set box contains the two protective lenses holding eleven proof coins total and a white card with blue printing folded in half with the 2004 Proof Set Certificate of Authenticity and Coin Specifications.

In addition to the full 2004 proof set with eleven proof coins, the US Mint also offered the state quarter proof coins in their own five-coin proof set.

Between the outer protective plastic lens, a card holds the six proof coins each in their own circle in the blue-toned flag background. The title, "United States Mint Proof Set®," is centered on the card in a white font. The Jefferson obverse on the two Westward Journey nickels shows between the other proof coins.

Since the reverses of the quarter proof coins are the highlights for the state quarters program, the obverses of the coins are held in a plain blue card stock background with a white 50 state quarters emblem in the middle between the top two quarters.

The reverse images of the six proof coins contrast against the plain background. The two Westward Journey nickels show their reverse images of the keelboat and peace medal designs. A small white US Mint seal is centered between the two nickel proof coins.

The reverse images of the five state quarters are highlighted by the blue-toned flag like that of the obverse side of the regular proof coins. The title states, "United States Mint 50 State Quarters Proof Set™" and is located just above another white US Mint seal.

The state quarters in this 2004 proof set address the 26th through 30th states joining the Union. They were: Michigan - January 26, 1837, Florida - March 3, 1845, Texas - December 29, 1845, Iowa - December 28, 1846 and Wisconsin - May 29, 1848.

Click on the 2004 Proof Set Certificate of Authenticity and Coin Specifications to view the details about the individual coins in the annual proof set.

2004 Proof Set Year Population and Cost of Living

The world population in 2004 was 6,393,741,245. This represents 93.3% of the world's population in 2010.

$100 in 2004 equals $115.43 in 2010 dollars using the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Inflation Calculator.

New houses in 2004 cost an average of $274,500 which would be $316,855 in 2010 dollars.

The average income was $35,649 per year which equals $41,149 in 2010 dollars.

Gas was $1.880 per gallon which would be $2.170 in 2010 money.

The average new car was $21,637 equivalent to $24,975 in 2010.

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