PCGS Lingo for 'K'


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Key Coin

The major, or most important, coin in a particular series. The "key" coin is usually the lowest-mintage coin and/or the most expensive coin in a particular set. The 1916-D dime, for instance, is usually considered the key coin of the Mercury dime series. It is the lowest mintage coin of the set and the most expensive (in most grades). The 1919-D dime is the "condition rarity key" of the Mercury dime series, as it is the most expensive coin in top condition.

Most sets have more than one key coin. In Lincoln cents, for instance, the 1909-S V.D.B., the 1914-D, the 1922 Plain and 1955/55 Doubled Die are all considered to be key coins in most grades. In MS65RD the 1926-S is the rarest of the regular issues, so it is considered the "condition rarity key."

At times any scarce or rare coin is referred to a "key" coin. The terms "key to the set" or "key to the series" are also used as synonyms for "key coin."

killer
Slang term for outstanding. (i.e. That 1880-S silver dollar has killer luster.)
King
The number one coin. The 1804 dollar was referred to as the "King of Coins" in an 1885 auction catalogue. Since then, the word "King" has come to mean the most important coin of a particular series.
KM number
Krause-Mishler number describing a world coin. Named for Chester Krause and Clifford Mishler.
knife edge
Slang for wire edge.

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