Rare 1965, 1966, & 1967 SMS Cents – All San Francisco Mint, NGC MS67RD Tri-Holder

 Secure a remarkable trio from one of the most unusual chapters in modern U.S. coinage with this 1965, 1966, and 1967 Special Mint Set (SMS) Lincoln Cent collection, all struck at the San Francisco Mint and certified NGC MS67RD, beautifully housed together in a premium tri-holder.

A Unique Transitional Era in U.S. Coinage

The years 1965–1967 mark a historic departure in American minting. In response to a nationwide coin shortage and rising silver prices, the U.S. Mint suspended traditional proof coin production and removed mintmarks from circulating coinage to discourage hoarding.

Instead of proofs, the Mint produced Special Mint Sets (SMS) — coins struck with higher quality than circulation issues but without full proof status. These SMS coins feature sharper strikes, satiny to semi-reflective surfaces, and superior detail compared to standard business strikes.

Although mintmarks were intentionally omitted during these years, these SMS coins were produced at the San Francisco Mint, making them an important part of the Mint’s transitional history.

This three-year set represents the complete SMS Lincoln Cent run from this historic period.

NGC MS67RD – Premium Red Gem Certification

Each coin in this set is certified MS67RD by NGC, placing them in the upper echelon of surviving examples.

This elite designation confirms:

Brilliant full original mint red luster
Exceptional strike sharpness
Clean surfaces with minimal marks
Superior eye appeal for the SMS format

Copper coins from the mid-1960s are especially prone to spotting and discoloration over time. Fully red MS67 examples are significantly scarcer than average survivors from these Special Mint Sets.

Rarity & Collector Demand

Special Mint Set coins were produced for only three years, making them a short-lived and highly collectible subtype within the Lincoln Cent series.

High-grade SMS cents graded MS67RD are increasingly sought after by:

• Lincoln cent registry set collectors
• Transitional-era specialists
• High-grade modern coin collectors
• Condition-focused numismatic investors

The fact that all three years are matched in the same elite grade and preserved together in a tri-holder significantly enhances the set’s desirability and presentation.

A Complete Transitional SMS Red Gem Set

This rare 1965, 1966, and 1967 SMS Lincoln Cent trio offers:

Historic transitional-era significance
San Francisco Mint origin
Premium MS67RD preservation
Complete three-year SMS run
Strong long-term collector appeal

This is more than a set of cents — it is a complete and beautifully matched representation of a unique moment in American coinage history.

Add this exceptional NGC-certified tri-holder set to your collection and secure a standout piece of modern numismatic heritage.