I think I've been to 5 different sites, trying to get a straight answer on which of the Lincons are key dates, and which are considered semi-key. One site had the 1931-S as semi, others had it as key. One had the 1909-S as key, where others didn't list it at all. So, I'm here to ask the experts....what is the definitive list?? Thanks!
I think it all depends on who you ask and what grades you are looking for. The key dates are: 1909-S VDB 1909-S 1914-D 1931-S Others might say that the 1931-D is much harder to find in MS....and the 1922-p is hard to find. The 1955/55 is a $$$ but it is an error so others don't count it. If you just want the listing of what are considdered the key dates...that I what I gave you above. Speedy
Thats a trick question actually. It depends on the grade entirely. The most expensive of all Lincolns cents without errors and a circulation business strike is the MS-65 Red 1926-S, with a population of 1 and a $75,000 price tag, it is a $12 coin in VF. The well known " key dates " are the 1914-D, the 1931-S and of course the 1909-SVDB, all low mintage coins. These coins are all available in MS-65 RD everyday of the week, and are not rare at all. Rolls exsist of BU red 1931-S's. Rolls.
Thanks for the info, Jack. My next collecting binge is going to be Lincoln 1909-1930. Saw some good ones in your auction that i hope to win.
Grizz gave you a great link as well. If your getting into early Lincolns, I would suggest a book that will pay for itself and really open your eyes to the sublety (sic) of the series. It is by David Lange, and I cannot think of the title right now, but it is around $30 ( less than many of the coins ) and a fantastic read with tons of info. Someone will pop up with the title I'm sure and I see it on eBay quite often
FYI - the single 1926-S 65 RED sold for $150,000. Other "keys" if you are looking for a red set might include 1923-S, and 1924-S. If you are looking for the finest set possible, some odd ball coins come in like 1935-D, 1930-, 1923-, 1919-, 1917-, etc.
I got mine from Amazon.com. The Complete Guide to Lincoln Cents by David W. Lange (Paperback - Jan 31, 2005) Buy new: $37.95 $25.05 15 Used & new from $20.99 Get it by Monday, Mar 3 if you order in the next 18 hours and choose one-day shipping. Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping. (4) Books: See all 2 items
I agree with the above, only to add that semi-keys include: 1910-S, 1911-S, 1912-S, 1913-S, 1914-S, 1915-S, 1924-D, 1926-S. I would also add the 1931-D to the semi-key list (in any grade - not just MS) with a mintage of only 4,480,000. The 31-D is in my opinion, a sleeper as it is low mintage, not often discussed as a semi-key, and due to the attention that the 31-S gets.
Yes, this is one of the better one, or you can try CoinFacts.com. They both list key and semi key with same differences because of grades.
I've never claimed to be a Lincoln expert. I won't start now. I would agree though that the SVDB, 09S and 14D are keys. I look at mintages a lot in ANY series. Although the 31-S is low in number there are plenty to be found. As Jack pointed out ROLLS exist. Grade does play a BIG part in Lincolns. As semi keys I would always list the 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 S coins. I also add the 22D and 24D. I also agree with jnpjresq about the 31-D. A real sleeper I feel and have been picking those up cheap for years Honorable mention for me would be 32 and 33 both Philly and Denver mnts. These opinions are brought to you by "clembo a TWO cent Junkie".
True clem, you can't judge a key by being the low mintage. The 1955 Roosevelts (P,D & S) are the lowest mintage of the series, but the key remains the 1949-S.
