In Numismatics, What are Key Dates?
If you are new to coin collecting, you will see the phrase ‘key dates’ used regularly and often with a higher price tag. What does the term key dates mean?
The term refers to a date (or date and mint mark combination) of a coin series that is more difficult to obtain than other coins in a series. Because they are rare, collectors prize them, which in turn, creates higher demand and value.
There are several factors that determine which coins are considered key date coins. These factors include mintage, or the number of coins produced, the coin’s survival rate, how common the condition is, and demand for the coin among collectors.
Examples of Key Dates in American Coinage
The scarcest regular issue of the Lincoln Cent, the 1909-S VDB Wheat Cent is an example of a key date coin.
Other key dates include the 1916-D Mercury dime, 1950-D Jefferson nickel, and the 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter, the second-lowest mintage quarter of the 20th century with a population of 52,000.
What is the Difference Between Key Dates and Semi-Key Dates?
Semi-key dates or semi-keys are one step down in rarity or difficulty in obtaining from key dates. These will often be the second or third rare coin in a series.
As with key dates, the value of a semi-key date coin is determined by market demand versus available coins. Some semi-key date coins include the 1915-S Barber half dollar, 1931-S Lincoln cent, and the 1939-D Jefferson nickel.
