What is "Key" when Collecting Coins

Key Coin: A coin that is among the toughest and Most Expensive to obtain within a series. In the Lincoln Cent series, for example, the 1909-S VDB would be considered the key, as would the 1914-D and often the 1922-Plain.

A coin somewhat lesser in stature but still among the tougher in a series to collect is called a semi-key; the 1909-S and 1931-S fulfill this role within the Lincoln Cent series for many collectors.

The Concept of Key may also apply to the Type or Purpose of the coin collection, rather than the individual coin. For example, if a collector is putting together a collection of Walking Liberty Half Dollars, without regard to the Condition of the coins, then the keys are the 1921, 1921-D, and 1916-S.

But, if the Collector is putting together the same set, in Gem BU Condition, the 1919-D and the 1921-S would be considered the keys and the 1916-S likely would not, because the 1916-S either not available at all, or is plentiful. Also Key Date may be a replaceable term. Another example, using Lincoln Cents: The "key dates" for the Lincoln Pennies, from 1909 -1958 (wheat cents) are: 1909s, 1909s VDB, 1914 D, 1922, and the 1931 S. The semi-key dates are: 1910 S, 1911 D, 1911 S, 1912 S, 1913 D, 1913 S, 1914 S, 1915, 1921 S, 1922 D, 1923 S, 1924 D, 1926 S, 1931 D, and 1933 D. Certain Sellers use the term Key Date to generate interest in a coin, whose date may be Key, however, the Condition of the coin is usually less than desirable. Pay Attention!

Have fun collecting your Perfect Coins!

-- Robert L Taylor, JD

Copyright 2006

Robert Taylor is a 59 year old retired Lawyer, from Denver, CO, who spent most of his career representing people who could not afford an attorney, and who has had a passion for collecting US coins, since the age of 6. To share his Passion, he created http://www.ThePerfect-Coin.Com featuring US Rare and Modern Dollars (from 1878) and US Coins (from 1960), all Certified and Graded by NGC or PCGS. For Beginning Coin Collectors, he then created http://www.Beginning-Coin-Collecting.Com featuring US Modern Coins, from 1960, that are high quality BU, Certified Coins priced less than $10.

Rare Coins May Be Hiding In Your Pocket
When talking about coin collecting, rare coins are some of the first things to spring to mind. After all, coin collecting is often considered to be an investment and rare coins are the most valuable coins out there. They are highly sought after and coveted and, because they are in so much demand, they tend to be worth a great deal. However, beca...

The Good Old Days Of Coin Collecting
Its too bad that budding young coin collectors missed out on the opportunities I had when I first started collecting coins. It was 1970 and believe it or not you could still find silver coins in change from time to time even though the US Mint stopped producing them in 1964.I used to go to the bank on Fridays after school because they were open lat...

Coin Values How Much Is Your Coin Worth?
One of the most enjoyable parts of coin collecting is learning about coin values. After all, as enjoyable as coin collecting is on its own, seeing the investment potential of a coin collection is also enjoyable. Besides, when you can see your coins increase in value, it makes your hobby feel functional. And, when you can see how many coins your ...

A Brief History Of The United States Mint Part 1
If you are new to collecting U.S. coins one of the first things you should learn is where the coins were minted. Many people can’t name the current mint facilities producing coins today let alone locations that are no longer in operation.Furthermore, while each mint location shares unique characteristics each one also performs special functio...

US Mint Web Sites
The US Mint is the conglomeration of companies that actually make and produce the paper and metal money we spend every day. They perform the valuable service of making sure there is enough cash in the system to keep the economy running smoothly. Have you ever wondered where coins come from? Or how many of these coins are circulated everyday for tra...

How Should I Store My Coins?
There are two concerns when discussing the storage of coins. First, the storage of the individual coin, and Second, the storage of a group of coins, or an entire collection.Storage of a Coin CollectionThe Environment of the entire Collection, or Group of Coins is the focus, taking into consideration Temperature, Humidity and Light. A relatively c...

Broadstruck Error Coins Not Always Valuable
Sometimes people will have a tried and true error coin in their hands and not have much money in terms of value. This is a testament to the value that is placed on the many types of errors that can occur in the mint and how often they occur. A good example would be the broadstruck error coins. While it is true that this is a true form of error co...