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The 1942 Proof Set 5-piece collection is one of the most historically significant and visually appealing offerings from the United States Mint during the early 20th century. Produced just before the Mint ceased proof coinage due to the outbreak of World War II, the 1942 proof set represents the final complete set of silver-based denominations available before proof coinage was suspended from 1943 through 1949. This set includes the Lincoln Cent, Jefferson Nickel, Mercury Dime, Washington Quarter, and Walking Liberty Half Dollar, all struck with polished dies and specially prepared planchets to produce mirror-like surfaces and sharp details. As a complete proof set from the last year of issuance before a seven-year hiatus, it is both historically and numismatically significant, offering collectors a snapshot of American coinage artistry at the brink of wartime austerity.
Each coin in the 1942 proof set was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, which at the time was the only U.S. Mint facility producing proof coinage. The Philadelphia Mint had resumed proof production in 1936 following a hiatus dating back to 1916, and the revival of proof sets was enthusiastically welcomed by collectors. However, by 1942, the United States was fully engaged in World War II, and as resources were diverted to support the war effort, the Mint ceased production of proof coinage mid-year. Approximately 21,120 complete proof sets were issued in 1942, making this one of the lower-mintage sets of the era. Notably, some 1942 proof nickels exist in both the standard copper-nickel alloy and the wartime silver composition, adding complexity and intrigue for advanced collectors.
The Lincoln Cent in the 1942 proof set features Victor David Brenner’s classic portrait of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and the twin wheat stalks surrounding the denomination on the reverse. Composed of bronze (95% copper and 5% tin and zinc), the cent was struck with strong mirror-like fields and frosted devices. A well-preserved proof example exhibits sharp definition in Lincoln’s hair, beard, and coat, with deeply mirrored fields that provide striking visual contrast. The reverse should show crisp wheat lines and bold legends. As the smallest denomination in the set, the cent provides collectors a chance to appreciate the care taken by the Mint even in the lower-value coins of the era.
The Jefferson Nickel included in the 1942 proof set is of particular interest due to its mid-year composition change. Early in the year, nickels were struck in the traditional copper-nickel alloy, but starting in October, the Mint switched to a 35% silver alloy to conserve nickel for the war effort. As a result, both composition types exist for 1942 proofs. The proof set as originally issued contains the Type 1 nickel (copper-nickel alloy), which has no mintmark. The obverse features Felix Schlag’s left-facing portrait of Thomas Jefferson, while the reverse shows Monticello. Proof examples of the Type 1 nickel are recognized by their smooth, satin-like mirrors and fine details in Jefferson’s hair and Monticello’s dome and steps. Collectors of complete 1942 sets typically seek the Type 1 coin, though the scarcer Type 2 silver nickel is often pursued as a supplemental addition.
The Mercury Dime in the 1942 proof set is a shining example of Adolph A. Weinman’s celebrated design. The obverse features Liberty wearing a winged cap, symbolizing freedom of thought, while the reverse displays a fasces crossed by an olive branch, symbolizing strength and peace. Struck in 90% silver and 10% copper, the proof Mercury Dime showcases intricate detailing in Liberty’s curls, the feathers of the winged cap, and the bundled rods of the fasces. Proof versions are distinguished by their brilliant surfaces, full bands on the reverse, and occasional cameo contrast in high-grade examples. The 1942 proof dime is especially valued for its aesthetics and the fine craftsmanship typical of pre-war U.S. coinage.
The Washington Quarter in the 1942 proof set continues John Flanagan’s iconic design introduced in 1932 to honor the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth. Featuring a right-facing portrait of the first president on the obverse and an eagle perched on a bundle of arrows above two olive branches on the reverse, the quarter is composed of 90% silver. A well-struck proof shows defined hair strands on Washington’s head, full feather detail in the eagle’s wings and legs, and deeply mirrored fields. The 1942 proof quarter is particularly prized for its luster and clarity, often exhibiting a clean strike with minimal contact marks due to the Mint’s special handling of proof planchets and dies.
The Walking Liberty Half Dollar included in the 1942 proof set is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful designs in U.S. coinage history. Created by Adolph A. Weinman, the obverse features Liberty striding toward the sunrise, draped in the American flag, with her hand outstretched and an olive branch cradled in her other arm. The reverse shows a majestic eagle perched on a rock, wings partially raised in a naturalistic pose. Struck in 90% silver, the 1942 proof half dollar displays magnificent detail in Liberty’s gown, the sun’s rays, and the eagle’s feathers. Proof specimens are notable for their clean fields, bold devices, and in some cases, cameo contrast between the frosted devices and mirrored fields. This coin is the centerpiece of the 1942 set, both in size and visual grandeur.
Proof sets from 1942 were originally issued in simple cardboard holders with cellophane windows, which offered little protection against environmental damage. As a result, many surviving sets have been broken up, and individual coins may display toning, hazing, or other age-related imperfections. However, complete 5-coin sets that remain matched in condition and toning are increasingly rare and desirable. High-grade examples that have been carefully stored or professionally graded and encapsulated by services like PCGS or NGC are particularly valuable, especially those that exhibit full mirror surfaces and sharp, undisturbed detail. Collectors often seek original sets with uniform appearance across all coins, as this reflects both originality and proper preservation.
The 1942 proof set holds a special place in numismatic history, representing both the end of an era and the culmination of artistic excellence in early 20th-century coinage. With proof production suspended from 1943 through 1949 due to wartime priorities, the 1942 set was the last of its kind for nearly a decade. As such, it marks the conclusion of pre-war proof issues and remains an essential acquisition for collectors building complete U.S. proof set collections or focusing on classic-era silver coinage. The combination of low mintage, silver content, and iconic designs across five denominations ensures the 1942 proof set's enduring appeal and historical importance.
Whether preserved in an original government holder or assembled as a matched certified set, the 1942 Proof Set 5-piece collection offers a powerful blend of beauty, scarcity, and numismatic legacy. It provides a window into the craftsmanship of the U.S. Mint during one of the most pivotal periods in American history, just before proof coinage was suspended in support of the global war effort. Collectors value this set for its completeness, silver content, and the artistry reflected in every denomination. As a result, the 1942 proof set continues to occupy a place of honor among serious collections, symbolizing the closing chapter of pre-war U.S. coinage in proof format.