Washington, D.C., June 5, 2000 -- The U.S. Mint today announced that the 2000 U.S. Mint Proof Set, including the first proof Golden Dollar and the five new quarters of 2000 issued under the 50 State Quarters Program, will be available by mail on June 7, and online at www.USMINT.gov beginning June 12.

"A perennial favorite, the U.S. Mint Proof Set this year features the first proof Golden Dollar, and the 50 State Quarters Proof Sets continues the most popular numismatic series in history," said Mint Director Jay W. Johnson. "We've listened to our customers, from collectors to dealers to parents and grandparents who buy multiple sets as gifts annually, so there are no order limits on the sets this year."

"The popularity of the 50 State Quarters Program continues to soar," said David Pickens, Associate Director for Numismatics, "and we've targeted an increased estimated total production of three million 10-Coin U.S. Mint Proof Sets for the year. With the added proof dollar and same price as last year, this is a great collectible for 2000."

The 10-Coin U.S. Mint Proof Set is available at $19.95 and contains proof versions of the Lincoln Cent, Jefferson Nickel, Roosevelt Dime, Kennedy Half Dollar, and the new Golden Dollar in one sealed presentation case -- plus a separate presentation case containing proof versions of the quarters from each state honored this year--Massachusetts, Maryland, South Carolina, New Hampshire, and Virginia. The 5-Coin 50 State Quarters Proof Set is available at $13.95 and may be purchased separately. All sets will be shipped by priority mail in customized security containers.

Proof coins are manufactured at the San Francisco Mint using specially prepared, highly polished dies. Bearing the "S" Mint mark, each coin is struck at least twice to ensure the finest detail in a frosted cameo image on a bright, mirror background. The sealed cases containing the coins are inserted into a specially printed sleeve and accompanied by an official U.S. Mint Certificate of Authenticity.

Customers may order the 10-Coin U.S. Mint Proof Set or the 5-Coin 50 State Quarters Proof Set directly online via the U.S. Mint secure web server at www.USMINT.gov and pay no additional shipping and handling charges.

Customers who prefer to mail or fax their orders may download an order form at the web site. Fax orders should be directed to (301) 344-4150. Customers may also order by telephone by calling 1-800-USA-MINT. Telephone, mail, and fax orders incur a shipping and handling fee of $3.95 per order. Hearing and speech-impaired customers may order by calling 301-344-4144. Please allow approximately 4-6 weeks for delivery.