Lincoln Cent Proof Set, Lincoln Coin and Chronicles Set

The US Mint made another update to the product schedule yesterday. The update includes release dates for products during the month of September and the appearance of three new products that had not appeared on the previous version of the schedule.

2009 Lincoln Bicentennial One Cent Proof Set

This product was added to the schedule with a release date of August 26, 2009. Presumably, this is a separate proof set containing only the four 2009 Proof Lincoln Cents. These coins would likely have the special composition of 95% copper used on the proof cents already released. I will post confirmed details and pricing once they are available.

The addition of this product seems like poor planning or a decision made after the fact. There were likely many 2009 Proof Sets ordered specifically to obtain the special 2009 Proof Bronze Lincoln Cents. This is supported by the large number of auctions and print advertisements already offering separate 2009 Proof Lincoln Cents Set. In order to offer these sets, full proof sets had to be purchased and broken up.

Typically, when the US Mint offers a component set which will be included in a larger set, it is offered before the larger set.

This also serves to further break down the annual proof set into another separate component. The US Mint already offers a separate Presidential Dollars Proof Set and separate DC & US Territories Proof Set.

Lincoln Coin and Chronicles Set

This produced was added to the schedule with the release date listed as "Fall". Based on details previously released by the Mint, each set will contain the four 2009 Proof Lincoln Cents (95% copper) and the 2009 Proof Lincoln Bicentennial Silver Dollar Commemorative. The set will further include a reproduction of the Gettysburg Address, an image of Lincoln with signature, and certificate of authenticity. The set will have a limit of 50,000 units. See my previous post on the Lincoln Coin and Chronicles Set.

Due to the popularity of the 2009 Lincoln Cents, the higher prices of the Lincoln Silver Dollars on the secondary market, and the low authorized mintage for the set, a quick sell out for this product is expected. Although ordering details have not yet been released, it seems almost certain that the US Mint will have a household ordering limit. In my opinion, they might set this at one per household.

Braille Education Set

This product was added to the schedule with the release date listed as "Fall". Previous press releases from the United States Mint concerning the Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar coins had mentioned that a special set would be available. One released stated that it would be available "later in the spring."

Based on the product name, the set may provide educational information about the Braille System of writing for the blind and visually impaired and incorporate one or both versions of the commemorative coin. I will post confirmed details and pricing once they are available.

September Product Schedule

In addition to the newly listed products discussed above, release dates for previously listed products were added to the schedule as follows:

9/3/2009	Sarah Polk First Spouse Gold Coins
9/3/2009	Sarah Polk Bronze Medal 1 5/16”
9/8/2009	American Samoa First Day Coin Cover
9/17/2009	Presidential $1 Coin & First Spouse Medal Set - Sarah Polk
9/28/2009	U.S. Virgin Islands Bags and Rolls

The full product schedule can be viewed on the US Mint's website here.