| Key Coin: A coin that is among the toughest and | | | | Roosevelt Dimes: 1949, 1949 S, 1950 S, and the |
| Most Expensive to obtain within a series. In the | | | | 1951 S |
| Lincoln Cent series, for example, the 1909-S VDB | | | | Washington Quarters: 1932 D, 1932 S, 1934 - with |
| would be considered the key, as would the | | | | Double Die Obverse (DDO), 1935 D, 1936 D, 1937 |
| 1914-D and often the 1922-Plain. | | | | - with Double Die Obverse (DDO), 1937 S, 1938 |
| A coin somewhat lesser in stature but still among | | | | S, 1939 S, 1940 D, 1942 D - with Double Die |
| the tougher in a series to collect is called a | | | | Obverse (DDO), 1942 D - with Double Die |
| semi-key; the 1909-S and 1931-S fulfill this role | | | | Reverse (DDR),1943 - with Double Die ?, 1943 S - |
| within the Lincoln Cent series for many collectors. | | | | with Double Die Obverse (DDO), 1950 D/S Over |
| Both key coins and semi-key coins are in great | | | | mintmark ( coin is a '50-D, with underlying S |
| demand due primarily to the limited supply of | | | | mintmark ), 1950 S/D Over mintmark ( coin is a |
| coins available. Since this increases the demand for | | | | '50-S, with underlying D mintmark ), and the 1955 |
| such coins, the results are higher prices for all | | | | D |
| such coins. Coins with higher grades are even | | | | The Concept of "Key" may also apply to the |
| more difficult to acquire. | | | | Type or Purpose of the coin collection, rather |
| The grade of a coin is everything in coin collecting. | | | | than the individual coin. For example, if a collector |
| This entices the rogues and cheats to | | | | is putting together a collection of Walking Liberty |
| misrepresent a coin's grade or quality. But this | | | | Half Dollars, without regard to the Condition of the |
| only works with raw coins. A certified and graded | | | | coins, then the "keys" are the 1921, 1921-D, and |
| coin - by PCGS, NGC, ICG or ANACS - stifles the | | | | 1916-S. |
| would be cheat and insures authenticity. In fact, | | | | But, if the Collector is putting together the same |
| these companies guarantee the coin's | | | | set, in Gem BU Condition, the 1919-D and the |
| Authenticity, Identity, and Grade. I have seen | | | | 1921-S would be considered the "keys" and the |
| company representatives, at trade shows, pay | | | | 1916-S likely would not, because the 1916-S either |
| immediate cash reimbursements where a coin | | | | not available at all, or is plentiful. Also Key Date |
| was mis-graded, or had a questionable identity or | | | | may be a replaceable term. |
| grade. The extra protection offered by a sealed | | | | Another example, using Lincoln Cents: The "key |
| slab, helps to maintain a coins condition and grade, | | | | dates" for the Lincoln Pennies, from 1909 -1958 |
| which in turn keeps the value at a higher level | | | | (wheat cents) are: 1909s, 1909s VDB, 1914 D, |
| than raw coins. Many people have had their entire | | | | 1922, and the 1931 S. |
| collections sent in for certification and grading for | | | | The "semi-key" dates are: 1910 S, 1911 D, 1911 S, |
| the protection and value alone. It certainly | | | | 1912 S, 1913 D, 1913 S, 1914 S, 1915, 1921 S, |
| increases a coins marketability, and eliminates any | | | | 1922 D, 1923 S, 1924 D, 1926 S, 1931 D, and |
| doubts about what is being bought or sold. | | | | 1933 D. |
| Other "Key" Dates include the following: | | | | Certain Sellers use the term "Key Date" to |
| Lincoln Cents: 1909 S, 1909 S VDB, 1914 D, 1922 | | | | generate interest in a coin, whose date may be |
| no mint, 1931 S | | | | "Key", however, the Condition of the coin is |
| Jefferson Nickel: 1938-D, 1938-S, 1939-D, 1939-S | | | | usually less than desirable. Pay Attention! |
| and 1950-D | | | | Have fun collecting your Perfect Coins! |