Making a key card.

Some numismatists such as myself do not have a very good memory, so I always have trouble remembering my key dates.

Over the next month, I'm going to work on a small, laminated card, that will contain key dates for US coins, and prices from the redbook.

The redbook prices are usually not accurate, but will serve a purpose as a minimal value.

If enough room can be used, semi keys will be included as well.

 

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is this breaking news? you dont have to post every idea that comes into your head.

 

I think it's a good idea. You might have a hard time fitting all series onto a small card though. Perhaps just the series you collect or have interest in.

 

Perhaps you would get more meaningful responses if your post is actionable. Like compile a list of key U.S. coins, post that list and then ask for feedback.

-LTB

 

I already do this, except I put them on my phone. In the past i had a piece of paper, which i would forget to bring to a show or shop and I would be really ****ed, and a phone is better because a lot of people including myself always have it on them.

 

I'm not going to include any varieties, or the card would become a book. It's going to be dates and mint marks only.

 

If such complete list exists, it should be definitely shared here.

 

Somebody's been doing it for almost seventy years.

 

I love how forcefully some people put forth their opinions. While each has its merit, it still ALL goes back to the statement "if it works for you, go for it." I do believe it'd be a handy tool, but as I'm more of a type set guy myself, I tend to shy away from keys in lieu of filling a hole for cheap (no $5 hooker jokes allowed). But to those looking for that next key date coin for their book or for the investors, sure why not!?

 

I thought you had a smart phone that was vastly superior to an iphone...why not just put them in there? There is nothing wrong with a card, but if it were me...I wouldn't want one more thing in my pocket/wallet.

 

And for you that want the Red Book data in a format on the phone it is available on the Cloud Reader format. But I really find the spiral bound desk top reference easier to use than the one on my Kindle.

 

Another helpful method is getting the coin tattooed on your forearm, its so easy to just look down. And it looks so cool! my arms look like dansco pages

 

This is just my personal opinion...but I wouldn't be looking to buy a key coin that I didn't know a lot about. Key coins (even the lesser ones) are fairly decent investments and if you don't know the coin well enough to even know if it is a key or not...are you really ready to buy? If you don't know if it is even a key date, how could be possibly be able to evaluate the coin for strike quality or grading accuracy?

 

Key dates may be a possibility. But it's sometimes really hard to determine key dates and semi-keys -- especially when you enter the older (1700's-early 1800's) where the prices are so high EVERYTHING seems like a "key date" lol

 

Smart phone is the best way. I have had Blackberries and Android phones, All have an app called Quick Office, with word processor, spreadsheet, and PDF reader. It is compatible with Microsoft Office, and I believe Open Office as well. I'm sure the iPhone has the same or a similar app. I keep word documents of my want lists, pull it out and check it all the time while shopping (the older guys actually make fun of me, and I'm 53). The advantages are (1) the phone is always with me, so I never forget the lists or lose the papers, and (2) I can update the lists as soon as I make a purchase, no scratching out or erasing entries, so it's always up to date.

This is just a suggestion, you can do what you want. But why use a plain old card, laminated or not. You can use this app to create your list, and update the prices as necessary without having to create a new card each time.

 

Not really, the keys are the ones that make those real high commons look cheap.

 

Seems like you could keep an aweful lot of notes on a mobile just as saved
emails or drafts.

 

Detecto has an interest in and wants all things shiny. He'd need to carry a roadside billboard.