2004-S 25c Silver Quarters Proof Set, 5 Coins PR

Original Packaging: Two holders were required to house the eleven coins. Each holder consisted of a two­-­piece, transparent plastic casing with frosted borders. This held a red fiberboard insert labeled “Silver,” featuring a background graphic of the American flag and holed appropriately for the coins it contained. One holder housed the cent, two nickels, dime, half dollar, and dollar, while the other contained the five statehood quarters for 2004. The two holders were stacked and slipped into a white cardboard box. This box was printed primarily in red and featured a head view of the famous 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 SILVER PROOF SET 2004.

The five­-­piece sets consisted solely of the statehood quarters in 90% silver 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: As is usually the case with the U.S. Mint’s silver proofs, the quality of these coins is outstanding. Ultra cameo contrast is the norm.

In addition to featuring two nickels in place of the usual single coin, the U. S. Mint introduced a new sales option for the first time this year. Five­-­piece Proof sets of the copper­-­nickel­ clad statehood quarters had been available since the onset of the 50 State Quarters® Program in 1999, but now a corresponding set of silver quarters was offered at $23.95. The price of the eleven­-­piece set was raised six dollars due to inclusion of a second nickel and the adoption of a revised insert to hold it.

Source: Whitman