2002-S 25c Clad Quarters Proof Set, 5 Coins PR

Original Packaging: Two similar holders were required to house the ten coins, and they differed only in their inserts and the selection of coins included. Each holder consisted of a two­-­piece, transparent plastic casing with frosted borders. This held a blue fiberboard insert featuring a background graphic of the American flag and holed appropriately for the coins it contained. One holder housed the cent, nickel, dime, half dollar, and dollar, while the other contained the five statehood quarters for 2002. The two holders were stacked and slipped into a white cardboard box. This box was printed primarily in blue and featured a head view of the Statue of Liberty, along with starred upper and lower borders, the U.S. Mint’s 50 State Quarters® logo, and the words UNITED STATES MINT PROOF SET 2002.

The five­-­piece sets consisted solely of the statehood quarters in copper­-­nickel­ ­clad composition. The holder for this set was simply one of the two holders comprising the complete set described above. An eagle appears on the box cover in place of the Statue of Liberty.

Commentary: Sales of the 2002­-­S regular Proof set were satisfying, and it has enjoyed an impressive advance in value from the issue price.

The quality of the coins was consistent with those of the previous year, with some collectors complaining that the depth of frosting was again less than ideal. It remains to be seen what effect the Mint’s new technology of applying a frosted finish to dies via laser cutting will have. As of this writing, it has been used for only a few of the Mint’s Proof coins, including the American Buffalo gold bullion pieces, the 2006-P reverse Proof silver American Eagle, and the Presidential dollars.

Source: Whitman