| What is "Key", When Collecting Coins?by Robert L | | | | (wheat cents) are: 1909s, 1909s VDB, 1914 D, |
| Taylor, JD | | | | 1922, and the 1931 S. |
| Key Coin: A coin that is among the toughest and | | | | The "semi-key" dates are: 1910 S, 1911 D, 1911 S, |
| Most Expensive to obtain within a series. In the | | | | 1912 S, 1913 D, 1913 S, 1914 S, 1915, 1921 S, |
| Lincoln Cent series, for example, the 1909-S VDB | | | | 1922 D, 1923 S, 1924 D, 1926 S, 1931 D, and |
| would be considered the key, as would the | | | | 1933 D. |
| 1914-D and often the 1922-Plain. | | | | Certain Sellers use the term "Key Date" to |
| A coin somewhat lesser in stature but still among | | | | generate interest in a coin, whose date may be |
| the tougher in a series to collect is called a | | | | "Key", however, the Condition of the coin is |
| semi-key; the 1909-S and 1931-S fulfill this role | | | | usually less than desirable. Pay Attention! |
| within the Lincoln Cent series for many collectors. | | | | Have fun collecting your Perfect Coins! |
| The Concept of "Key" may also apply to the | | | | -- Robert L Taylor, JD |
| Type or Purpose of the coin collection, rather | | | | Copyright © 2006 |
| than the individual coin. For example, if a collector | | | | Robert Taylor is a 59 year old retired Lawyer, |
| is putting together a collection of Walking Liberty | | | | from Denver, CO, who spent most of his career |
| Half Dollars, without regard to the Condition of the | | | | representing people who could not afford an |
| coins, then the "keys" are the 1921, 1921-D, and | | | | attorney, and who has had a passion for collecting |
| 1916-S. | | | | US coins, since the age of 6. To share his Passion, |
| But, if the Collector is putting together the same | | | | he created featuring US Rare and Modern Dollars |
| set, in Gem BU Condition, the 1919-D and the | | | | (from 1878) and US Coins (from 1960), all |
| 1921-S would be considered the "keys" and the | | | | Certified and Graded by NGC or PCGS. |
| 1916-S likely would not, because the 1916-S either | | | | For Beginning Coin Collectors, he then created |
| not available at all, or is plentiful. Also Key Date | | | | featuring US Modern Coins, from 1960, that are |
| may be a replaceable term. | | | | high quality BU, Certified Coins priced less than |
| Another example, using Lincoln Cents: The "key | | | | $10. |
| dates" for the Lincoln Pennies, from 1909 -1958 | | | | |