I'm in the process of cataloging my collection, and I'm on WLH's that I've had for decades, now. I have 59 of the Date/MM Set (in G-4 to maybe EF-40, many cleaned, so nothing special). I have to admit that I am not a WLH expert by any means. I've tried to look up what are the Key Dates and Semi-Key Dates, but am finding that the sources are all over the place with what's what. I even found this thread on CT from a few years ago: https://www.cointalk.com/threads/walking-liberty-half-key-dates.400896/ But, I'm just as lost as ever. In lower grades (say VF-30 and lower), are the 21-PDS the only Keys? Would Semi-Keys include: 16-P/D/S, 17-D/S (incl. Obv and Rev), 18-D, 19-P/D/S, 23-S, and 38-D? Would you eliminate any of that? Add others? Is there a definitive source that explains WLH Key and Semi-Key Dates/MMs? On the PLUS side, I glanced at the Cherrypicker's Guide (4th ed.), and on the first page of WLH's it mentions a few varieties, including missing designer's initials on a 1945-P. To my surprise, I did find this one! Sorry about the bad pics - quick shots with the phone. Notice - NO designer's initials on the reverse - the other five I have DO have the initials. So, that was fun! I'm thinking maybe VF-30. Thoughts?
The idea of a semi key is wishy-washy. There's no real definition and what one collector considers semi key another might think is quite easy. To find the key dates, usually I just look at the price guide and find the ones that are most expensive in the grade that I want. Those are the key dates. This link summarizes the widely accepted key dates for walking liberties https://learn.apmex.com/learning-gu...ing-liberty-half-dollars-key-dates-varieties/
The idea of a semi key is wishy-washy. There's no real definition and what one collector considers semi key another might think is quite easy. To find the key dates, usually I just look at the price guide and find the ones that are most expensive in the grade that I want. Those are the key dates. This link summarizes the widely accepted key dates for walking liberties https://learn.apmex.com/learning-gu...ing-liberty-half-dollars-key-dates-varieties/
That's what I did - looked at numismedia.com, PCGS.com and the 2023 Red Book, and made up a short list. Thanks for the link - I'll check it out!
I use this site. It tells me how many were minted from each mint and talks about key dates (even has a key date page). https://coinmintages.com/
