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 Replies: 12 / Views: 1,080 |
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Valued Member
United States
382 Posts |
Since the Lincoln Cent Key post is up I have been thinking that as a collector working on only a few sets and wanting to also add to my collection that instead of just buying coins I am attracted to I should be buying keys. The fact that Keys are more expensive might keep me from doing it though. Does buying lower end keys have any advantage over just buying coins that I like? Key collectors? Thanks Tony |
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Valued Member
United States
439 Posts |
ya gotta spend money to make money pretty much applies here.
The keys cost more for a reason and as such they'll appreciate better than the others. If you buy keys, even lower grade keys, they'll probably do better in the long run for you than whatever catches your eye.
If you can afford it, go for it.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1083 Posts |
Depends on whether you are a collector or an investor/speculator. I think it is better to collect and buy what you love. That said, buy the keys and semi-keys first if you are concentrating on a series as they will no doubt go up in price with time.
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Valued Member
 United States
382 Posts |
A Collector I am, of course I want to see the value of my coins go up..
yeah I have tried a few sets and the keys are rough. It is best to get them first if possible.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2335 Posts |
I'm torn on this. I'm not very interested in completing sets of one denomination, but I do like working on my type set. I'm always conflicted between getting a key date, or a more common date in much better condition. It's never an easy decision.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2600 Posts |
As a collector I think I am about typical. I keep way to much cra.....
For an example, I have over 100 1909-P Lincolns in G-4 to 8 condition. I probably have another 15 that will go VF or better so I need the others like I need a third ear. Still they set in the box.
Now to answer the question, I believe that every key is worth picking up if priced properly and I can afford it. However, that being said, I would be money in the bank if I would sell some of the coins like those discussed above and moved the funds into higher grade keys. I am one who believes that the ranks of collectors is growing and will put upward pressure on high quality coins, especially.
So, buy the highest quality key you can afford and stretch to get there.
Jim
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1173 Posts |
If you want your collection to also be an investment, I feel you can never go wrong buying a key or semi-key from any series, so long as you (1) don't go wild and overpay like crazy, and (2) don't buy an ugly coin (pay attention to eye appeal!) If you can't afford keys, then buy more common dates/mm's in the highest grade you can find and afford. Remember that, like most investments, it will take time for your coins to gain enough value that you can sell for a profit; also remember that, to realize a profit (or to even get your money out of the coin) you always need access to buyers. ebay has made that much easier in recent years, but then you have to share your profits with ebay when you sell. Just my opinions, of course. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
986 Posts |
Historically, the keys have increased faster than the rest of the series. If you want to purely collect coins, buy what you like. If you'd like to use coins as an investment vehicle (which is what you're doing if you're trying to make money), then go after the keys exclusively.
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Valued Member
United States
382 Posts |
yeah Ok I agree with the threads here. As all collectors I think would want is that their coins go up in value weather thinking of it as an investment or not. I see that the keys in high grades are alot of $$ but I would think that a key of any coin in Fine 15 or better is still a sought after coin.
Thanks Tony
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New Member
United States
44 Posts |
Every time I start a new series or set of coins I buy the most expensive keys first. If it would happen to take you a year to complete the set up until the key dates those few coins could cost you hundreds of dollars more than they would have if you'd have bought them in the beginning. I also agree with buying them in the highest possible grade that you can afford...great advice.
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Valued Member
United States
382 Posts |
By chance the newest Coins Magazine has 2 articles on keys. As expected they talk about mostly high grades. The one paragraph that did get me is they state that it is better to buy in the higher grade, not because of the grade, but for resale at a later time, because a connoisseur would not want lower grades when you go to sell. ? Well thats fine and dandy but I am not thinking about who might buy my coins at a later time. I have enough trouble just trying to figure out what I am collecting and keeping some kind of order to it! Tony |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2540 Posts |
I believe that you are referring to semi-key dates.
And, simply: yes.
They are worth picking up.
Most of the early Lincoln dates have exploded in value lately, in anticipation of the Lincoln centennial.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1083 Posts |
Yes keys will always be in demand in any grade, but semi-keys will appreciate better in the higher grades. Your point is well taken though. Many of us are collectors first, not investors. I can't afford to buy the key Lincoln dtaes in BU to finish my set. Coin magazines are also trying to increase demand for their advertisers. Some of those big oufits aren't always the best place to buy a key date coin from in any grade.
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Replies: 12 / Views: 1,080 |
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Posted 11/30/2007 6:11 pm
