These coins have an “S” from the San Francisco mint, but have an “enhanced uncirculated finish”, using a combination of laser frosted areas and an unpolished field that accentuates design details, creating a unique contrast distinctly different from the mirror–like finish of proof coins.
The set is celebrating the 225th year of the US Mint and will be limited to 225,000 sets. They are priced higher than the regular 2017 Proof and uncirculated sets. Not sure why, as the only difference, besides limited production, is the “enhancement”. This may the beginning of a new series or just a one time celebratory coin set. Hopefully the latter so we can actually see some “real” value to buying direct from the mint.
See the following e-mail that I received from the US Mint.
WASHINGTON – The United States Mint will accept orders for the 225th Anniversary Enhanced Uncirculated Coin Set™ (product code 17XC) on August 1 at noon Eastern Time (ET).
Struck in celebration of the Mint’s 225th anniversary, this set contains 10 coins with an enhanced uncirculated finish featuring a combination of laser-frosted areas and an unpolished field that accentuates design details. The process creates a unique contrast distinctly different from the mirror-like finish of proof coins. Each coin bears the “S” mint mark of the United States Mint at San Francisco.
The following coins from the San Francisco Mint are included in the set:
- Five Quarters from the America the Beautiful Quarters® Program honoring Effigy Mounds National Monument in Iowa; Frederick Douglass National Historic Site in the District of Columbia; Ozark National Scenic Riverways in Missouri; Ellis Island in New Jersey; and George Rogers Clark National Historical Park in Indiana.
- One Native American $1 Coin with a reverse design featuring a profiled likeness of Sequoyah writing “Sequoyah from Cherokee Nation” in syllabary along the border of the design. Inscriptions are “UNITED STATES of AMERICA,” “$1”, and “Sequoyah” written in English in the field of the design.
- One Kennedy half dollar
- One Roosevelt dime
- One Jefferson nickel
- One Lincoln penny
The coins are presented in two coin lenses-five coins per lens-and packaged in a black matte box with a Certificate of Authenticity. Mintage for this set is limited to 225,000 units.
The 225th Anniversary Enhanced Uncirculated Coin Set™ is priced at $29.95. Orders will be accepted at https://catalog.usmint.gov/and at 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). Hearing- and speech-impaired customers with TTY equipment may order at 1-888-321-MINT. Information about shipping options is available at https://catalog.usmint.gov/customer-service/shipping.html.
