Gold Proof Set Packaging

The majority of proof sets are packaged in either hard plastic or soft plastic containers. In some cases, the packaging of the gold proof set you purchase can help you identify its age. A proof set collection housed within hard plastic typically contains coins that were manufactured more recently than those contained in soft plastic or within pouches. Some proof sets from the U.S. mint are also housed in cellophane and cardboard.
 
Identifying a Gold Proof Set

When searching for specialty gold coins for your collection, knowing a mint set from a proof set can save you from making a costly mistake. Proof sets contain coins that were specially manufactured as show pieces. Although the U.S. mint manufactured several gold pieces for circulation, most notably the Sacajawea gold dollar, a set of gold coins is more likely to be an authentic proof set than a mint set. The U.S. Mint does stipulate, however, that it does not, nor has it ever, produced coins that are merely gold plated.

Mint sets were not specially manufactured as collector’s coins. These coins are standard mint coins that were never placed into circulation. This is not to say that all mint sets contain standard coins, some do not.

If however, a coin set you consider purchasing for your collection contains only coins that you recognize from standard circulation, it's likely that what you’re looking at is a mint set rather than a proof set.
 
Counterfeit Gold Proof Sets

When collecting coins, it's crucial to buy the real thing rather than counterfeit sets. Although most recently minted gold proof sets aren’t yet valued highly enough to be worth counterfeiting, that doesn’t mean that the practice doesn’t occur. Ideally, you should purchase a gold proof set from an actual individual rather than buying proof sets online. This ensures that you have an opportunity to inspect the coins prior to paying for them.

It’s crucial to know exactly how the gold proof set should be packaged prior to purchasing. Depending on the year the set was manufactured, its packaging will vary from other sets. A 1937 gold proof set, for example, will come in very soft plastic packaging with individual pouches for each coin. If the seller offers you a 1937 set housed in cardboard, this should be a red flag that what you’re looking at may not be authentic.
 
Numismatic Books Offer Identification Tips

A coin collecting guide book is crucial to making smart purchases. Many such guides exist and coin collectors all have differing opinions as to which guide is the best for amateur collectors. In reality, all have their advantages and disadvantages, but any guide book can help you determine if the proof set you’re inspecting is the real deal or a clever fake.

Gold Coin Set Collections

Collectors should always remember that the value of any gold coin set hinges on a variety of factors such as desirability, rarity and the current market value of gold. Silver proof sets are far more common than their gold counterparts and much easier for beginners to start collecting successfully.

You also have the option to collect unpackaged gold coins, polish them, and display them on your own. Whether you opt for a standard gold set, a silver proof set or a gold proof set, study the prices and the coins in order to make a smart purchase.