I am sure that everyone here has noticed that many KM numbers are missing, for pretty much every country. Logically the oldest coin should be KM#1 and later ones should follow in order. Given that many coins for non-US countries do not come to light until later it is reasonable that the order of discovery should dictate the number. But I see no reason why there should be gaps. Anyone have an explanation?
I don't have a clue if this is the actual reason, but having gaps makes sense to me. You can make adjustments or additions and keep the numbers close with built in gaps where just going sequential could lead to huge number gaps between two very similar types
Gaps can occur when types or subtypes that were listed in earlier editions are deleted from later editions. And frankly there isn't a lot of rhyme or reason to KM numbering. It tends to be very inconsistent.
So if I were to look in an old catalog I may see those numbers? If so, would they be acknowledged as a valid reference?
Possibly, assuming they haven renumbered the country since the old catalog was published. If they have you might be able to use it as argument that the type exists, but you wouldn't have a valid number for it. Also since about the 32 edition KM has had a real problem of just accidentally leaving things out in one edition only to have them reappear in later ones. Unfortunately they just don't get the funding and support from F&W publications. The SCWC catalogs are put out by what is basically a skeleton crew.
