Huh? Is it a mint set or proof set? If it is the mint set and the P&D Kennedy's graded MS67, the pair would be worth about $125-150. Chris
If you want a challenge, try to find an MS example of a full-torch Roosevelt dime from Denver or Philly for the year 1980. They are downright almost impossible. @jaceravone, I think you are using "low mintage" as a synonym for "key date". They are not the same thing. Yes, you could only get the 95% copper 2009 UNC cents in mint sets, but some 780,000 of the sets were sold. Almost every one of those sets will yield satin finish copper cents grading in the MS66-MS68 range. Even if it is the "lowest mintage" since the 1931-S cent, they are still readily available to collectors. They simply are not key date coins. They are curiosities and a coin with an interesting story, yes; but not a KEY, not by a mile.
Okay, another newbie question: How do low mintage and key dates relate? If collectors want a certain item and there weren't as many minted, will that eventually make it a key date because there were so few?
I agree with you that low mintage does not equal key date, but we are talking about modern coins not classic (pre 1955 coins). And maybe the 09 lincolns weren't the best example as not enough time has gone by to determine if they are key or not, I feel confident in saying that when you have a modern coin with a low mintage that it will be the key to that series 99% of the time. When it comes to modern coinage, can someone give me an example where there is a coin that may be considered a "key" date that has a higher mintage then its fellow counterparts. Personally, I want to know for my own info.
2004 Bi-metallic 5 rand coin Not US unfortunately, but nice. My modern key date from South Africa is a very rare circulated 2004 Bi-metallic 5 rand coin with a mintage of only 1,935.
I'm a big fan of nice attractive 1969 quarters. They don't even have to be Gem, just something that's nice enough someone might want it in a collection. chBU's are tough for these. There are no rolls and the mint set coins usually look like junk. If that's not bad enough most of the mint set are gone now and many of the surviving sets have corroded clads.
I would consider 1970s small date cent a key. It is the only modern cent listed with a much higher than average cost. 1960 small date is also very difficult to find. I have searched through many pennies and have not encountered one but do have a 1970s small date I found in circulation.
2011-S Unc ASE, 2011-P Rev PF ASE, 1994 proof ASE, 1996 bullion ASE (all coming after what jaceravone posted above, obviously)
Also, for commemoratives, the '96 Olympic series has some keys and semi-keys: Halves- 1996 Soccer Half Pf and Unc, 1996 Swimming Half Unc; Dollars- 1995-D Cycling Dollar Unc, 1996-D Tennis Dollar Unc, 1996-D Paralympics Dollar Unc, 1996-D Rowing Dollar Unc, 1996-D High Jump Dollar Unc ... Also I think the one of the 1995 Civil War coins is at least a semi-key.
Good question...I would say, "not necessarily". For instance, the lowest mintage Jefferson nickel is the 1950-D. However, since everyone knew it was a low mintage, these coins were hoarded in very nice condition and they are far more plentiful than nickels with a 10x-20x greater mintage. First off, what does the term "Key Date" mean? It means it's one of the most difficult dates to acquire "within a collection". So, the first step is to determine what makes up a particular collection. For instance, if the general consensus is that you can't have a complete collection of Liberty nickels without the 1913 (very rare), then the 1913 would be the key date. However, since the 1913 wasn't ever intended to be released into circulation, a reasonable argument can be made that the 1913 really isn't needed to complete the collection. The 1885, 1886, and 1912-s might be the real "key dates". You may need both the T-1 and T-2 1913 Buffalo nickels to complete a Buffalo Nickel collection, but do you need the 1937-D Three Legger? ...I would think not. In summary, I think we need to decide what coins actually make up a collection before defining which are the "Key Dates".
I am of the opinion that the keys to the LMC series are the "Transition cents" Those 1988 with the 89 reverse as well as the 1992 with the CAM reverse. Exact mintages of these mules are not known and the 88D reverse 89 is extremely scarce with CONECA showing a total pop of 5. The 92 D is highly sought although more abundant. However, a 92 CAM MS64 recently sold at Heritage for more than $20k. Of course the 1970 S small date is a key. The 70 Roosevelt is awfully hard to find in circulation, while the 96W dime is low mintage. These were sent with mint sets and NIFC, so all are high grades. For IKE collectors the 72 IKE type C is the holy grail I believe ?
Ok I am new to this site and can not post a new subject...So I wil ask here...With al the silver coins that have been melted over the years especialy in the late 70's and 80's and then again 2009 to 2011/12 How does PCGS and NGC get an accurate count of what has survivied and what is left? that being said should the prices reflect a more accurate report???
Question (I don't have the answer): Are the "Transition cents" (mules) required to have a complete Lincoln Memorial Cent collection? How about the DDO's (1972/1995)...are they required, also? Key dates are the "key dates" because they are the most difficult to obtain..."to complete a collection". Does one have to own all the error coins to have a complete collection? I think that whatever defines a collection also defines which coins are the "key dates" of that collection.
Totally agree. For example, PCGS registry site has multiple registry sets for different coins. For IKEs, you have the complete UNC variety set, then the complete UNC major variety set, then the basic UNC set.....etc. So for each set, there are different key dates.
So...Joe...what type of contest are you planning to celebrate your 4,000th post??:hail: (Ooops, now we won't see you for another 2 years!)
SP refers to 'specimen' Amanda. It's a strike a bit out of the ordinary. You 'Modern' guys go....... I'm lovin' it.
