I assumed 2009 would be a great year for proof & mint sets, due to the bad economy and the big increase in issue price. Haven't been able to find solid numbers for all of 2008 sets yet, but it looks like 2009 takes the rarity crown across all 3 (silver, clad & mint) since the sets expanded in 1999. And that by quite a bit. Silver Proof: 664,885 // Previous Low: 1999 - ~804,600; 2008 - ~774,874 I list '99 and '08, as the '99 had the "added bonus" of not having the state quarters sold separately as additional mintage, so in a way, its rarity is more striking than the '08 Clad Proof: 1,446,410 // Previous Low: 2004 1,798,400 (Possibly 2008 was lower?) Mint: 728,371 // Previous Low: 2004 ~842,000 (again, possibly 2008 was lower?) http://news.coinupdate.com/us-mint-sales-american-veterans-disabled-for-life-silver-dollars-0173/
Sleeper Yo - I believe someone called out 2009 in the "Sleeper Coins" thread as possible long-term pop potential. Their rationale had to do with that was the only place (proof sets) where you could get the copper cent collection if I recall correctly, but I have no idea.
I would go with: 2009 United States Mint Uncirculated Coin Set® (U09) Price: $27.95. This is the only place I am aware of to get satin finish copper Lincoln cents. TC
Not sure if the 09 mintages are established as they are still selling them on us mint site. Maybe the mintages are finalized and they are just selling what is left. Lack
According to Elaine's latest production figures from the mint below, they continue to sell (e.g. increase mintage) of the 2009 clad, silver, and UNC mint sets. The numbers are from her post of the 10 March 2010. 2009 clad proof set - 1,449,274 2009 silver proof set - 666,344 2009 mint uncirculated set - 735,756 2010 presidential set - 338,205 2009 clad quarter proof set - 603,660 2009 silver quarter proof set - 274,028 2009 lincoln professional roll - 277,968 2009 lincoln presidency roll - 238,295 Read more: http://www.cointalk.com/t24699-97/#ixzz0iAhcTrNl
