Real key dates without five-figure price tags
These ten coins are recognised key or semi-key dates that can still be acquired in collectible grades for under one thousand dollars each — a realistic path into serious numismatics without remortgaging anything.
- 1909-S V.D.B. Lincoln cent in Good condition — the most famous low-mintage Lincoln, attainable in lower grades.
- 1914-D Lincoln cent in Fine — the second-tier Lincoln key date, often available in mid-grade.
- 1916-D Mercury dime in Good — the famous low-mintage Mercury, accessible in heavily worn examples.
- 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo nickel in Fine to Very Fine.
- 1932-D Washington quarter in Very Fine — first-year low-mintage Denver issue.
- 1932-S Washington quarter in Very Fine — the San Francisco companion to the 1932-D.
- 1893-S Morgan dollar in well-worn grades — the lowest mintage Morgan, even AG-3 examples are collectable.
- 1921 Peace dollar in About Uncirculated — first-year, high-relief issue, struck only briefly.
- 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln cent in circulated grades.
- 1885-CC Morgan dollar in About Uncirculated — the most accessible Carson City rarity.