Coin Collecting Key Dates

Coin collecting key dates are important to any collector, no matter what their specialty is. Whether you are a newbie or a seasoned old hand in coin collecting, keeping track of certain dates can help you make sure you are collecting coins of value and that you are getting the right coin at the right time. Some coin collecting key dates to keep an eye on include: First Edition, First Year Issue, Mint Run, Centennial, and Gold Year. All of these provide collectors with information as to what the coin was originally called, when it was first issued, and what kind of circulation it received. Knowing how these coin years vary will give you an idea of the value of your coins and help you know when it is time to buy or sell.

First Edition coins, those that came out prior to issuance of the issuing year are considered first year issues. Other coin collecting key dates for first edition coins are the Mint Set, the Vintage, and the uncirculated coins. First year issues normally have very few if any examples, therefore having first edition coins as a key date is not particularly important. Mint Set coins, which are the most common type, are always worth a lot more money as compared to other types. While they are not actually a first issue, the coin may have a first edition impression, or it may be the first example of a particular design, coin set pattern, etc.

Mint Runs are an interesting key date because, much like first edition coins, they are often the only examples of a specific design, pattern or era of a coin. They provide the most valuable information about the history of a coin set and are the one to watch for if you are looking to make investments. Vintages also provide valuable information, especially if they are older than a year. All of these key dates can help you better determine the values of your coins and keep you informed about coin fluctuations. Being knowledgeable about various dates and their values ensures that you do not overvalue your coins and cause them to lose their value.