How to Tell If a US Proof Set Is Silver

Note the year of the proof set. If the proof set is from 1964 or earlier, the dime, quarter and half dollar in the set are 90 percent silver. If the proof set is from 1968 or 1969, the half dollar in the set is 40 percent silver.

Examine the packing of the proof set if you have a set from 1992 through 1998. If the set comes in a black box and the coins are slabbed in plastic with a black background, your set is a silver proof set.

Study the color of the packaging if you have a proof set from 1999 or later. If your set is a silver proof set, it should be encased in plastic with a red background. The lettering and coloring on the box should also be red.