The J. Perry 1988 Birth-Year Collection

Set Description
This set is intended to give meaning to the year of my birth through the eyes of numismatics; 1988. Although I am not necessarily a collector of modern coinage, I specifically felt drawn to assembling a set from my birth year. The process alone has brought me great joy in putting it together.

Currently, the set consists of all United States federal and official Mint issues from 1988 (except gold eagles greater than $10). To expand, this includes the complete run of the 1988 Lincoln Memorial Cent, Jefferson Nickel, Roosevelt Dime, Washington Quarter and Kennedy Half-Dollar in both proof and business strike format from both the San Francisco and Denver Mint.

Additionally, in 1988, the San Francisco and Philadelphia Mint released the "$1 American Silver Eagle" in both proof and business strike format. An example of each is included in this set, as well as their $5 gold counterparts in both proof and business strike.

Further, included is that of the full 1988 commemorative set which recognizes the participation of the U.S. in the '88 Seoul Olympics. This set consists of the 1988 "Seoul Olympiad Silver Dollar" in both proof and business strike format from the San Francisco and Denver Mint, as well as both $5 gold issues struck at the West Point Mint.

Lastly, I have chosen to include the 1988 "America in Space: Young Astronauts" issues struck by the Philadelphia Mint. These beautifully designed medals consist of the bronze "Shuttle, Stars and Stripes" and the silver "Astronaut with U.S. Flag" varieties in both proof and business strike format.

ORDER OF APPEARANCE:
- 1988-D Mint & S Proof Set (Lincoln Memorial Cent, Jefferson Nickel, Roosevelt Dime, Washington Quarter & Kennedy Half Dollar)
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- 1988-P $1 American Silver Eagle (MS)
- 1988-S $1 American Silver Eagle (PF)
- 1988 $5 American Gold Eagle (MS)
- 1988-P $5 American Gold Eagle (PF)
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- 1988-D Seoul Olympiad Silver Dollar (MS)
- 1988-S Seoul Olympiad Silver Dollar (PF)
- 1988-W Seoul Olympiad $5 Gold (MS)
- 1988-W Seoul Olympiad $5 Gold (PF)
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- 1988-P America in Space: Young Astronauts "Shuttle, Stars & Stripes" Bronze Variety (MS)
- 1988-P America in Space: Young Astronauts "Shuttle, Stars & Stripes" Bronze Variety (PF)
- 1988-P America in Space: Young Astronauts "Astronaut with U.S. Flag" Silver Variety (MS)
- 1988-P America in Space: Young Astronauts "Astronaut with U.S. Flag" Silver Variety (PF)

Set Goals
As of current, I am in the process of assembling the full run of the 1988 Philadelphia Mint Set. As a side-note, I chose to collect the Denver Mint Set first due to the significance of being born and raised in Denver, CO. Additionally, the '88 Mint Set struck in Denver seemed somewhat more challenging to obtain in grades of MS-66 and up with exceptional eye-appeal. Therefore, I am hoping to meet the same challenging, top-quality standards for the Philadelphia Mint Set; acquiring examples of only the best eye-appeal in MS-66 and up.

I would also like to acquire and include the 1988 "America in Space: Young Astronauts" gold issue. Thus far, this task has proven to be ambitious due to financial proponents. Nevertheless, I am hopeful an example will make it into this set eventually.

Finally, I am uncertain if I would like the include additional 1988 numismatic issues whether from other countries or exonumia examples from the U.S. I feel as though I will come to that conclusion once I have finished the prior two goals listed above; obtaining the 1988 Philadelphia Mint Set and the 1988 "America in Space: Young Astronauts" gold issue.