SMS designation

[vtrockin]

I'm looking to get 1st year clad 1965 25c & 10c, for my collection, but the NGc holders I keep finding are 1965 SMS 25c. I looked it up as special mint set - but what does that mean exactly? I just want a 1965 clad 25c.

[TomB]

From 1965-1967 the US Mint sold what were called Special Mint Sets instead of offering proof sets or mint sets. These Special Mint Sets contained coins that were nicer than typically found in mint sets, but not of the same quality as typically found in proof sets. Therefore, they are neither fish nor fowl. In general, the higher graded coins from 1965-1967 will have been taken from Special Mint Sets and will have that attribution on their holder.

[coinman1794]

True business strike 1965-67 coins in high grades are tough to find and usually expensive, but they are out there. I would not settle for SMS coins, but rather look for true business strikes.