"John Carney" writes:

Since the 2004 Proof sets have sold out unusually early

I dunno, but I was torqued when my first check to the US Mint for an
uncirculated set was lost, so I sent a replacement on November 1st. Then
I was told that the uncirculateds sold out on November 2nd. Augh. I
usually get the impression that they can't give away the uncirculateds at
the end of the year, and this time they ran out?
I'm also surprised at the proofs running out already. People going for
more investment-grade gifts this year, maybe?

Stacia