truly fun aspects of collecting is getting our hands on the best possible coins we can. For the past few decades, this means proof coins and proof sets. The United States Mint is one of the world leaders in producing gorgeous proof sets each year. The hard working folks at the Mint have managed the rather amazing feat of pounding out a few million of them annually, and have kept up this pace for decades. They have expanded, and now produce them with precious metal coins as part of the set, have produced proof bullion coin offerings, and have produced proof sets that go far beyond the basics of a cent-nickel-dime-quarter-half dollar grouping. Likewise, the Royal Canadian Mint and the British Royal Mint have come up with stunning proof sets for decades now, as have several other national mints. So it may seem odd to think that proof coins were
