| Key Coin: A coin that is among the toughest | | | | then the "keys" are the 1921, 1921-D, and |
| and Most Expensive to obtain within a series. | | | | 1916-S. |
| In the Lincoln Cent series, for example, the | | | | |
| 1909-S VDB would be considered the key, as | | | | But if the Collector is putting together the |
| would the 1914-D and often the 1922-Plain. A | | | | same set in Gem BU Condition, the 1919-D and |
| coin somewhat lesser in stature but still | | | | 1921-S would be considered the "keys" and the |
| among the tougher in a series to collect is | | | | 1916-S likely would not. Also Key Date may be |
| called a semi-key; the 1909-S and 1931-S | | | | a replaceable term. |
| fulfill this role within the Lincoln Cent | | | | |
| series for many collectors. | | | | Certain Sellers use the term "Key Date" to |
| | | | generate interest in a coin, whose date may |
| The Concept of "Key" may also apply to the | | | | be "Key", however, the condition of the coin |
| Type or Purpose of the coin collection, | | | | is usually less than desirable. Pay |
| rather than the individual coin. For | | | | Attention! |
| example, if a collector is putting together a | | | | |
| collection of Walking Liberty Half Dollars, | | | | Have fun collecting your Perfect Coins! |
| without regard to the Condition of the coins, | | | | |