1986-S 1c-50c Proof Set, 5 Coins PR

Original Packaging: A two­-­piece, transparent plastic casing with frosted borders held a purple fiberboard insert containing holes for the coins. This was slipped into a purple cardboard box upon which the words “UNITED STATES PROOF SET • 1986” were printed in silver script.

Commentary: Though the number of Proof sets sold in 1986 is only moderately smaller than for 1984, this set enjoyed a premium value for several years until finally dropping to its present level. While this supposed rarity may be more a matter of perception than reality, dealers will argue that in some years sets were more widely dispersed among a greater number of purchasers, making it harder to obtain marketable quantities. This seems to have been the case with the 1986 sets.

Source: Whitman