MS key-dates often annoy me...

GoldenEyeNumismatics

because they often look washed out, cleaned, or otherwise altered (usually because they are!). It seems almost impossible to find a "fresh" high grade key.

Barndog

which is why we are willing to pay more than "retail" or "sheet" for original pieces

Elcontador

1) Some people will pay more for attractive AT'd coins that get into holders (ie., if it's in a slab, it's "market acceptable)."

2) Doctoring a coin, hoping to get it into a higher grade holder is serious business.

3) There's a larger market for key date coins, so more people will accept problem coins.

Shamika

<< <i>which is why we are willing to pay more than "retail" or "sheet" for original pieces >>

Amen brother!