Owing to a shortage of circulating coinage in the United States at the time, the U.S. Mint announced in 1964 that no proof or mint sets would be issued the following year. The omission of collector sets would be short-lived, however, as the San Francisco Assay Office began striking 1965-dated United States Special Mint Sets in early 1966.
By August of that year, the San Francisco facility was striking coins dated 1966 for inclusion in that year’s Special Mint Set. A 1967 Special Mint Set was also released.
Included in the sets were one example of each of the five circulating coins released by the Mint. These coins were struck with high-tonnage presses from polished dies resulting in more brilliance than standard circulating coins, but lacked the mirror-finish of a proof coin.
Historical 1965-1967 Special Mint Silver Set Melt Values
1965 also marked the first year in which the dimes, quarters and half dollars were not struck from 90% silver. Instead, the dimes and quarters were struck form a clad composition and the Kennedy Half Dollars were struck from 40% silver.
Coins of the set were all encased in a special plastic display case.
Coins Included in the 1965-1967 Special Mint Sets
- Lincoln Cent
- Jefferson Nickel
- Roosevelt Dime
- Washington Quarter
- Kennedy Half Dollar *struck from 40% silver
Only the Kennedy Half Dollar was struck from silver giving the sets a total silver weight of 0.14790 ounces.
