| Key Coin: A coin that is among the toughest and | | | | 1921-S would be considered the "keys" and the |
| Most Expensive to obtain within a series. In the | | | | 1916-S likely would not, because the 1916-S either |
| Lincoln Cent series, for example, the 1909-S VDB | | | | not available at all, or is plentiful. Also Key Date |
| would be considered the key, as would the | | | | may be a replaceable term. |
| 1914-D and often the 1922-Plain. | | | | Another example, using Lincoln Cents: The "key |
| A coin somewhat lesser in stature but still among | | | | dates" for the Lincoln Pennies, from 1909 -1958 |
| the tougher in a series to collect is called a | | | | (wheat cents) are: 1909s, 1909s VDB, 1914 D, |
| semi-key; the 1909-S and 1931-S fulfill this role | | | | 1922, and the 1931 S. |
| within the Lincoln Cent series for many collectors. | | | | The "semi-key" dates are: 1910 S, 1911 D, 1911 S, |
| The Concept of "Key" may also apply to the | | | | 1912 S, 1913 D, 1913 S, 1914 S, 1915, 1921 S, |
| Type or Purpose of the coin collection, rather | | | | 1922 D, 1923 S, 1924 D, 1926 S, 1931 D, and |
| than the individual coin. For example, if a collector | | | | 1933 D. |
| is putting together a collection of Walking Liberty | | | | Certain Sellers use the term "Key Date" to |
| Half Dollars, without regard to the Condition of the | | | | generate interest in a coin, whose date may be |
| coins, then the "keys" are the 1921, 1921-D, and | | | | "Key", however, the Condition of the coin is |
| 1916-S. | | | | usually less than desirable. Pay Attention! |
| But, if the Collector is putting together the same | | | | Have fun collecting your Perfect Coins! |
| set, in Gem BU Condition, the 1919-D and the | | | | |