Coins - Proof Sets 2000-2009

The 2000 through 2009 Proof sets held a variety of proof coins from 10 to 18 depending on the number of pennies, nickels, quarters and  dollars were included in addition to the single dime. The US Mint became creative in the number of boxes and lenses included each year.

With the number of proof coins and the size of the proof sets increasing, the initial cost of the proof set from the US Mint increased as well. In 2000, the price for 10 proof coins was $19.95, whereas the price for 18 proof coins in 2009 was $29.95.

Multiple lenses first introduced in 1999 continued with the 2000-2009 collectible proof sets. The 2000 through 2006 proof sets included two lenses, one to hold the five state quarters and one to hold the other coins. In most of the years, the second lens held five proof coins: a penny, nickel, dime, half dollar and dollar. But, in 2004 and 2005, two nickels were included to recognize the Westward Journey's acquisition and exploration.

In 2007 and 2008, a third lens was added to encase the four presidential dollar coins.

In 2009, the quarters' lens held six quarters, instead of five, recognizing the District of Columbia and the five US Territories. A fourth lens held the four Lincoln cents honoring the four stages of Lincoln's life: Birth in Kentucky (1809-1816), Formative Years in Indiana (1816-1820), Professional Life in Illinois (1830-1861), and the Presidency in Washington, DC (1861-1865).

In addition, the 2009 proof cents honoring the bicentennial of President Lincoln's birth reverted to the original metal composition of 95% copper, 3% zinc and 2% tin. 

Click on the individual year links below for more details, including pictures, about the Proof Sets and their contents.