Recommended referrence material.

Discussion in 'Frequently Asked Questions' started by National dealer, May 31, 2004.

  1. National dealer

    National dealer New Member

    When new collectors enter into the hobby, they are often at a loss as to where to start. The best advice is still "Buy the book before the coin". Here is a short list of recommended reading.

    1. A guide of United States Coins. (Red Book)-(Blue Book)
    2. The complete encyclopedia of Colonial and US Coins. (Breen)
    3. Krause (World Coins and Currency)

    General referrence is complete in these issues. They should not however be used as price guides.

    There are numerous books written on each collectible series. Many for varieties and errors. Too many to list here.

    Weekly and monthly magazines are also recommended for the collector to stay abreast of the current market.
    Rich Buck, Windi and IQless1 like this.
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  3. pog

    pog New Member

    if you collect or are interested in and do not have

    "the complete guide to franklin half dollars"
    by rick tomaska i highly recommend it. it is an awesome inofrmational piece.
  4. CohibaCris

    CohibaCris New Member

    For Morgan and Peace dollars, I recommend:
    Comprehensive Catalog and Encyclopedia of Morgan & Peace Dollars
    It's by Van Allen and Mallis, and a treasure trove of terrific information. It isn't cheap, but it is worth it.
  5. cholmes75

    cholmes75 New Member

    Anyone know where I can get a copy of some books on Standing Liberty Quarters? I have a few titles (listed in the Red Book) but am having trouble finding them.
  6. CohibaCris

    CohibaCris New Member

    No knowledge of the books, but here is a link.
  7. creeboy

    creeboy New Member

    does krause and the redbook have prices? and why should they not be used as a price guide?
  8. satootoko

    satootoko Retired

    Yes, for what they are worth.
    Coin values are constantly changing, and annual publications typically go to press months before they are release. On January 1, 2007, the published prices in both the Red Book and the 2007 Krause catalogs were 13-18 months out-of-date!

    The best price guides are, have been, and always will be, records of actual auctions prices realized and dealer sales.
    IQless1 likes this.

    GDJMSP Numismatist Moderator

    I will expand on Roy's answer a bit, it is not uncommon for prices in the Red Book or Krause to be off by as much 300% - 400% to the upside and 80% - 90% on the downside. For example, Krause may say a coin is worth $100 when it is actually worth $400. Or they may say it is worth $1000 when it is actually only worth $100. Now these numbers may seem extreme, but I have even seen worse.

    So the simple answer as to why - the books are not accurate in regard to value.
    IQless1 likes this.
  10. 900fine

    900fine doggone it people like me

  11. Speedy

    Speedy Researching Coins Supporter

    And I'll add that it is a great book!....I bought a signed copy not too long ago and love it!!

  12. smullen

    smullen Coin Hoarder

    Then, what would you recomend the laymen use to gauge pricing Buying and Selling... I've never sold anything and don't plan to for anytime to come, but I'd like something other than my gut to help me decide if its a good buy or not.....

    I'm sure I've way over paid on a few coins for any number of reasons, # 1 Being I did not know any better....

    I respect your opion is why I ask...
    Paul_62 and IQless1 like this.
  13. GDJMSP

    GDJMSP Numismatist Moderator

    There is only 1 thing - doing your own research and checking realized auction prices.
    IQless1 likes this.
  14. bhp3rd

    bhp3rd Die varieties, Gems

    Also The Coin World Almanac

    I have a copy of The Coin World Almanac and it gives as good an overview on Americas money including paper as any I have ever seen - everything in the Red Book (without prices) including all mintage figures, laws, directors, virtually everything - It's a great Book but hardly ever gets mentioned?

    Ben (have too many or just enough books) Peters
  15. coinblogger

    coinblogger Senior Member

    I just read Grading Coins By Photographs by Q. David Bowers. It is a great book to learn how to grade coins. You can read my review of this book from the link in my signature below.
  16. Catbert

    Catbert Evil Cat

    While I agree with Doug that historical auctions will offer the most accurate reflection of the market (go to ha.com or teletrade), many use what is known as the "greysheet" for a handy reference when at a show to give a relative idea of what a coin is "worth". Greysheets have their limitations, but they can be useful.


    I subscribe to the quarterly version.
  17. caser

    caser Junior Member

    So just a general question, most of you say to keep up on auctions for coins. Is there a place to do this. Like is there a website or reference area to keep track of auctions?
  18. Catbert

    Catbert Evil Cat

  19. Dollar1948

    Dollar1948 New Member

    For the brand new 'newbie', may I suggest Coin Collecting for Dummies.
    Im not kidding you, its written in a style thats very easy to understand, its got some humour, and its got a U.S coin collecting flair to it all....just perfect for most of the people on this site.
    Monster likes this.
  20. talley

    talley Member

    I also use these websites for reference:

    www.coinfacts.com - Internet Encyclopedia of U.S. coins.
    www.coinflation.com - Have melt down values far many coins around the world.
    http://www.collectorscorner.org/pocket.html - Just a nice list of coins to watch for in your everyday pocket change.

    This is just my .02 (I just realized how funny it is to use this phrase on a coin collecting forum:D). I am always looking for new websites to add to my "references" folder.
    Monster likes this.
  21. AFVet1982

    AFVet1982 New Member

    I have a question about the Red and Blue Books, specifically whether or not I should buy one or both. I've done some quick searching on amazon.com, but didn't notice any major differences in the book descriptions. I'm new to the hobby, so if there's a logical reason, I don't have any issues (no pun intended) with using both guides. I also have some European and Asian coins from when I was on active duty, so I'll eventually get a world coin guide, too. Any recommendations (pro or con) on this is appreciated. Thanks in advance.

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