1997-S 1c-50c Clad Proof Set, 5 Coins PR

Original Packaging: A two­-­piece, transparent plastic casing with frosted borders held a green fiberboard insert containing holes for the coins. This was slipped into a green cardboard box upon which the words “UNITED STATES MINT PROOF SET • 1997” were printed in silver script.

Commentary: The 1997 regular Proof set was another one that enjoyed a fairly low mintage, though the numbers sold rebounded from 1996’s low. Perhaps the amazingly low sales the year before prompted more purchases in 1997. In any case, this set remains consistently popular and in demand.

The long­-­ailing Prestige Proof set concept was now in its final year, and the 1997 edition included the silver dollar honoring the National Botanic Garden in Washington, D.C. While a mere 80,000 units were reportedly sold, researchers are aware that the Mint’s records of sales for recent years are incomplete and sometimes contradictory, so it is not certain whether these sets are truly that rare. A reliable accounting of sales might never be made.

Source: Whitman