The United States Mint on Friday implemented price increases on three proof sets that include national site and national park quarters composed of 90 percent silver.
The US Mint raised their prices because silver has risen substantially in March, and it did not want to be in a position where the melt values of the coins within the sets exceeded what it was charging for them. The Mint increased the prices on two proof sets already released and on one it expects to offer at the end of this month.
It was obvious that the US Mint was going to increase the price of the 2010 Quarters Silver Proof Set, as its stopped selling them in early March and announced that it was reviewing its coin prices since silver had gone up so much. This set went from $32.95 to $39.95, marking an increase of $7.
It was less obvious that the 2010 Silver Proof Set would see an increase since its sale had not been suspended. It went up in price by $8, from $56.95 to $64.95.
Both these sets include collector proof versions of the:
- Hot Springs National Park Quarter
- Yellowstone National Park Quarter
- Yosemite National Park Quarter
- Grand Canyon National Park Quarter
- Mount Hood National Forest Quarter
The total silver weight of the quarters adds up to 0.904 troy ounces, with a melt value of nearly $32 at Friday’s London fix silver price of $35.15 an ounce. The 2010 Silver Proof Set also includes a dime and half dollar minted from the precious metal, bringing its total silver weight up to 1.34 troy ounces and a higher melt value of $47. (The other five dollars, penny and nickel within the set have the standard clad composition.)
The other set to see a price increase is the upcoming 2011 Quarters Silver Proof Set. The Mint had it listed for $39.95. It raised the price by $2 to $41.95. This set features the following coins:
- Gettysburg National Military Park Quarter
- Glacier National Park Quarter
- Olympic National Park Quarter
- Vicksburg National Military Park Quarter
- Chickasaw National Recreation Area Quarter
The Mint plans on releasing the 2011 Quarters Silver Proof Set on March 29, 2011.
US Mint products may be ordered on its website at www.usmint.gov, or through the toll-free number 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468).