What is the difference between a 1961 proof set and a 1961 special mint set?

Answer 1

Special mint sets were produced in 1965, 1966 and 1967. You are probably refering to the uncirculated mint set produced by the mint as a collector set for most years since 1947. The difference between a proof set and a mint set is this; the proof coin is struck with specially prepared dies that are polished and free from nicks and scratches. This gives the coin a mirror like appearance. Coins in a mint set are just everyday coins struck for circulation but are packaged for sale to collectors as examples of the coins minted that year. In 1961 they minted a proof set which consisted of a 5 coin proof set and and a mint set which consisted of two 5 coin uncirculated sets with one from the denver mint and one from the philadelphia mint.

Answer 2

A 1961 proof set contains proof coins, which are specially made with extra care and polished dies to showcase the design details. These sets are typically sold to collectors. On the other hand, a 1961 special mint set contains uncirculated coins that were made with a higher standard than regular circulating coins but not as meticulously as proof coins. Special mint sets were produced by the United States Mint as an alternative to proof sets and were intended for general circulation.