WASHINGTON - The United States Mint today announced that the 2002 United States Mint Proof Set®, including the 2002 proof Golden Dollar and the five new proof quarters of 2002 issued under the 50 State Quarters® Program, will be available at 12:00 Noon EDT on May 1, 2002.

The 10-Coin United States 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 - Tennessee, Ohio, Louisiana, Indiana, and Mississippi. The 5-Coin 50 State Quarters Proof Set may be purchased separately for $13.95.

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-like background. The sealed cases containing the coins are inserted into a specially printed sleeve and accompanied by an official United States Mint Certificate of Authenticity.

There are no household order limits. Customers may order as many sets as they wish while supplies last. This product is also available through the United States Mint’s Subscription Program. For more information about this convenient ordering method, please visit http://www.usmint.gov.

Customers can purchase the 2002 United States Mint Proof Set three ways: First, they can be purchased online using the United States Mint’s secure website at http://www.usmint.gov. Second, they can call 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). Third, mail orders may be sent to United States Mint, P.O. Box 382601, Pittsburgh, PA 15250-8601. A shipping and handling fee of $3.95 per order will be added to all domestic orders. Hearing and speech impaired customers may order by calling 1-888-321-MINT (6468) (TTY). Please allow approximately 4 to 6 weeks for delivery.