Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Mint today announced that the 9-Proof Set and Silver Proof Set for 1999 are expected to sell out by the end of March.

“These are the final proof coins manufactured in the twentieth century and the final chance for collectors to make sure they have the first five 50 State Quarters proof coins," said Mint Director Philip N. Diehl. "The growing awareness of the program and the extraordinary demand for the 50 State Quarters throughout 1999 makes these sets even more precious, as additions to established collections or as starter sets for new collectors."

Sales of the 9-coin 1999 Proof Set, which went on sale on May 21, 1999, have reached 2,379,870 sets, or 95 percent of the estimated total production of 2.5 million sets. Sales of the 5-coin State Quarters Proof Set, which went on sale June 5, have reached 1,147,118, or 96 percent of the estimated total production of 1,190,000 sets. Sales of the 9-coin 1999 Silver Proof Set, which sent on sale on October 29, 1999, have reached 746,155 sets, or 94 percent of the estimated total production of 800,000 sets.

The 9-Coin Proof set includes one quarter from each of the five states (Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, and Connecticut) honored in 1999 as well as the 1999 Lincoln Cent, Jefferson Nickel, Roosevelt Dime, and Kennedy Half-Dollar, and sells for $19.95.

The 9-coin Silver Proof Set includes 90 percent silver version of the five 1999 50 State Quarters, as well as 90 percent silver versions of the Roosevelt dime and Kennedy half dollar, which also contained silver prior to 1965, for $31.95.

Both the 9-coin Proof Set and Silver Proof Set were produced at the San Francisco Mint and bear the “S” mint mark. Both proof set cases are inserted into specially printed sleeves and are accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. There are no order limits.

Customers interested in these items should place orders as soon as possible on the U.S. Mint’s secure website at www.USMINT.gov. In addition, customers may also order by telephone by calling 1-800-USA-MINT. If customers prefer to fax their orders they may download an order form from the website and fax it to (301) 344-4150. Telephone and fax orders incur an additional shipping and handling fee of $3.95 per order, which is waived when ordering directly online.