Washington, D.C., May 3 -- The U.S. Mint today announced that the 2001 U.S. Mint Proof Set®, including the 2001 proof Golden Dollar and the five new proof quarters of 2001 issued under the 50 State Quarters™ Program, will be available by mail on May 9, 2001. Sales on the Mint web site at www.USMINT.gov will begin May 14, 2001.

"These sets continue to be the most popular numismatic series in history,” said Mint Director Jay W. Johnson. "And, once again, there are no order limits on the sets this year."

"At 125 million collectors and growing, the popularity of the 50 State Quarters Program continues to soar," said David Pickens, Associate Director for Numismatics, " With the 2001 proof dollar--and same price as last year--this is a great collectible for 2001."

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. A separate presentation case contains proof versions of the quarters from each state honored this year-- New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Kentucky.

The 5-Coin 50 State Quarters™ Proof Set may be purchased separately for $13.95. All sets are shipped in customized security containers. Proof coins are manufactured at the San Francisco Mint facility 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 can purchase the 2001 U.S. Mint Proof Set®, four ways: First, they can save shipping and handling charges by using the U.S. Mint’s secure web site at www.USMINT.gov. beginning May 14. Second, they can call 1-800-USA-MINT, beginning May 9. Third and fourth, starting May 9 they may download an order form at the web site and fax it to (301) 344-4150, or mail it to the U.S. Mint, Customer Care Center, Lanham, MD 20706-4331 (Attention: Order Processing). A shipping and handling fee of $3.95 per order will be added to all fax, mail and telephone orders for these products. Hearing and speech-impaired customers may order by calling (301) 344-4144 TTY. Please allow approximately 4-6 weeks for delivery.