Special Mint Sets

The United States Mint temporarily halted production of both proof sets and standard mint sets from 1965 through 1967, but in their place were issued so-called "Special Mint Sets" which bear a single coin of each denomination. Coins in the 1965 Special Mint Set range in quality, with some bearing dull, matte surfaces and a relative few containing coins with dazzling proof-like finishes. The quality of the coins in the Special Mint Sets was noticeably improved in 1966 and 1967, with most pieces from those years exhibiting neatly mirror-like fields and -- in some cases -- frosted cameo devices.