WASHINGTON – The United States Mint announced today that it will begin selling the 2004 United States Mint Silver Proof Set™ on July 22, 2004, at 12:00 noon Eastern Time (ET).

The 2004 United States Mint Silver Proof Set features versions of the five 2004 commemorative quarter-dollar coins in the 50 State Quarters® Program, as well as the Roosevelt dime and Kennedy half-dollar, all minted in lustrous 90 percent silver (and 10 percent copper), historically known as “coin silver.”

The set also includes proof versions of the other 2004-dated circulating coins – the Lincoln cent, the Peace Medal and Keelboat nickels from the Westward Journey Nickel Series™, and the Golden Dollar – for a total of 11 coins in all, the most inclusive United States Mint Silver Proof Set ever.

Each of these beautiful silver proof coins has a distinctive cameo appearance created by the contrast of a finely detailed frosted foreground against a mirror-like background. Produced at the United States Mint at San Francisco, the coins bear the “S” mint mark. The sealed cases containing the coins are inserted into a specially printed sleeve and are accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.

Because we expect demand for the 2004 United States Mint Silver Proof Set to be high, customers are encouraged to place orders early. The 2004 United States Mint Silver Proof Set is available for $37.95. The United States Mint reserves the right to limit quantities and may discontinue accepting orders at any time.

Customers can purchase the 2004 United States Mint Silver Proof Set online through the United States Mint’s secure website at www.usmint.gov, or by calling toll-free 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468) 8:00 a.m. to midnight ET, seven days a week. Hearing- and speech-impaired customers may order by calling 1-888-321-MINT (6468) 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday.