Matte Proof Lincoln - Original Packaging?

[jerseycat10]

Does anyone know how Matte Proof Lincolns were originally packaged?

 

Were they packaged individually, or part of a complete proof set?

 

Were they for public sale?

[RWB]

Individually in little envelopes. There was no "set" packaging until 1955.

Sold over the counter at the Philadelphia Mint or by mail.

[MarkFeld]

I have seen individual Proof coins (which I believe came straight from the Mint) in envelopes with tissue paper.

[e1cnr]

I heard early proofs could be obtained for 'double face' at the Philadelphia mint. When proofs were discontinued in the mid teens, a couple local dealers bought up all of them they had left. The Lincolns stayed in the dealer inventory for years, and developed attractive toning in their small envelopes.

[Conder101]

There was no "set" packaging until 1955.

The 1950 - 54 proof coins were still in individual envelopes, but they were only sold fastened together in boxes as complete sets. You could not buy individual coins as you could before 1950.

[RWB]

Thanks for the correction! Yes, they were priced and sold only as a set of five coins from 1950 forward.

[jerseycat10]

Thanks guys.

 

Would love to see a picture of a MPL in it's original envelope.

[RWB]

One theory accounting for the scarcity of 1909 VDB proofs is that employees and others bought almost all during the first day of availability at the Philadelphia Mint. (Remember, the coins were only 2-cents if purchased in person.) Some were resold on the street and others were kept as souvenirs. Later, most lost their curiosity value and were spent.

 

See Renaissance of American Coinage for details.

[leeg]

See Renaissance of American Coinage for details.

A great series of books that all should have in their library's.

 

(thumbs u