2018 San Francisco Reverse Proof Set

2018 San Francisco Reverse Proof Set

2018 is the 50th anniversary of proof coin production at the San Francisco Mint. (The Mint itself opened 164 years ago, in 1854, but any excuse for a party, huh?) To commemorate the occasion the Mint has released a special proof set with a reverse finish.

Why Reverse Proofs?

Because they look cool. And they’re harder to make, so limited numbers are produced. That combination means they’re scarcer and in higher demand, making them more valuable to collectors.

The cool part comes from the fact that, unlike regular proof coins, reverse proofs have shiny raised surfaces (called “devices” in the coin world) and matte-finished fields (backgrounds). This gives extra emphasis to the artistic beauty of the coins.

The scarce part comes from how much extra work goes into making reverse proofs.

Proof coins are normally made from highly polished blanks (called planchets). The dies are also closely inspected and carefully polished. When the coin is struck, the heat and pressure cause the raised details to flow, creating microscopic lines that appear frosted and are known as “mint luster.” The background retains its shiny quality.

To get the opposite effect, both the planchet and dies need special processing techniques, adding to the effort to make the coins. You can learn more about the process in our article “What is a Reverse Proof?”

The San Francisco Reverse Set

The 2018 San Francisco Reverse Proof Set includes a 2018 Native American “Sacagawea” $1 coin, a Kennedy half dollar, five different 2018 America the Beautiful quarters, a Roosevelt dime, a Jefferson nickel, and a Lincoln cent.

The reverse of the dollar coin memorializes the contributions of Jim Thorpe to American sports and culture. It has a bust portrait of Thorpe overlaid with depictions of him as a football player and an Olympic athlete. Thorpe’s name is inscribed in both English and his native Sauk (Wa-Tho-Huk).

The half dollar, quarters, and dime are 90% silver like in the Silver Proof Sets. The nickel and cent have their standard circulation composition.

Each coin has an “S” mint mark and a Certificate of Authenticity. The coins are packaged in plastic display holders with a full-color sleeve showing the Golden Gate Bridge.

Current Mint supplies are exhausted, but 2018 San Francisco Reverse Proof Sets are available from private dealers in the secondary market. They’re a striking addition to any collection of US Mint Sets.



The Great American Coin Company offers Proof Sets from 1971 through 2016 and Mint Sets from 1968 to 2016 as well as Prestige Mint Sets from 1983 to 1997. All are very affordable and make great gifts to commemorate birthdays, holidays, and other special occasions.