Does anyone have a list of key dates and semi-key dates for different con series? I've tried finding one, but it seems there isn't a "standard" (at least as far as "semi-key" is concerned). I'm concerned mainly with 20th century coins, and late 19th century (Indian Head Cents, Morgans, etc.). Thanks!
I don't know if there really is a "standard" when it comes to this. My advice would be to pick up a Red Book and make your own list...because everyone's list differs. Here's an example using the Indian Head Cent. Everyone knows and considers the 1877 to be a (the) key coin in the set. That goes without saying. But, what about the 1909-S...is it key or semi key? Do the 1874-1876 coins count as semi key because they are a bit more expensive, but not a whole lot. It's a very individualized thing. Here is my opinion of the Indian Head Cent, but I'm sure it will vary among others. Plus, I don't include errors (double dates, over dates, ect...) as part of a set. Key 1877 1909-S Semi-Key 1864 L 1866 1867 1868 1869 1870 1871 1872 1908-S
Some of the reason you have not been able to find a such a list is because there are so many variations it is nearly impossible to generate depending on the condition, mint errors and varieties to be included. Just looking at Lincoln cents standard mint issues; Circulated = 1909-S VDB, 1914-D, 1931-S Uncirculated = 1914-D, 1909-S VDB, 1926-S Red Uncirculated = 1926-S, 1923-S, 1924-S, 1914-D Top Pops = such coins as 1911-D, 1914-D, 1914-S, 1926-S, 1935-D, etc. Now, what coins do you want to include - 1922- No "D", 1955- DD, 1943 coppers, 1944 steels, 1958- DD, etc.? In some cases, the coins are so rare that they are not included on anyone's list. The lists are endless.
RLM, for "circulated", would you not include the 1909-s as well? Is there a reason you didn't? I believe it is at least as valuable as the 31-s in pretty much all grades. I've often seen different opinions of whether or not the 09-s is a "key", but I'm curious as to why it wouldn't be.
And that's the point. Everyone has a different view of key coins. For a "normal" Lincoln cent (so no errors), I really only think of two keys. The 1909-S VDB and the 1914-D. I know that some are super rare in various grades and such, but in my eyes the set has 2 key coins. Then, I think about "upper" semi-keys and I think 1909-S, and 1931-S. From there I break it down to another semi-key level to include 1911-S, 1912-S, 1914-S, 1924-D, and 1926-S. I have the 1922 No D, 1955 DDO, ect. in a completely other world.
It depends on the series. I mainly collect Standing Liberty Quarters. Key Date: 1916 Semi Keys: 1919-D, 1919-S, 1921, 1923-S, 1927-S There's also a die variety, 1918-S with 8/7 overdate which is very valuable and scarce. But there are serious condition rarities in the series and many dates have their prices skyrocket in higher grades. The 1927-S is not a particularly expensive coin in lower grades (G, VG) but gets very spendy in Mint State Grades and in MS65 and higher with a full head is the most valuable standing liberty quarter. http://coins.ha.com/common/view_item.php?Sale_No=434&Lot_No=2119&src=pr There's still 1 coin higher out there....
Key date or " semi key " usually refers to the coins listed as " expensive " in the Redbook. I will refer only to Lincolns. "Key dates" : 1909-S and SVDB, 1914-D, 1931-s and if you care, the 55 DDO However, if you attend any coin show, you will find these not at all elusive, there will be several in all grades for you to choose from. Major shows you could probably buy a roll of each. When you start building a grade specific set, say an XF/AU set, you will soon discover that these are not at all " key dates ", the toughies. The dates you will find hard to gather and assemble will probably suprise you.
I think to do what you want to do would take a lot of research, but it would be very interesting to do. I think it goes beyond the coin its self, but what grade is it also. I also think it can change at times. A lot of people consider the the 1934-s Peace Dollar more of a key date than the 1921. I'm sure the 1928 will always be king, or queen I guess I should say.
.......perhaps this may help you a little, bbfirebird. http://www.collectorscorner.org/pocket.html#Pennies grizz
Some key dates have low mintage but I don't think it's rare, 1909-s VDB for example, I think there are maybe more than 2000 uncirculated certifieds out there, while some with much higher mintage are rarer because not many people saved them. In the PCGS population reports there are more than 1300 RB MS64 1909-s VDB with over 600 higher grades. Not sure how many are resubmissions though, still that is a big number for the relatively high market price.
This is an excellent point. One great example is the 1902-O Morgan Dollar. Many years ago, this was one of the keys of the set. Then, I believe in the 1960s, a whole bunch of them were found in vaults. Now, it's not a key date anymore.
