New Editions or Revisions of older references.
keets
Posts: 25,351 ✭✭✭✭✭
It seems to me that a large number of Numismatic references which are relied on today and heavily used were written during the timeframe of 1960-1990. The information contained in them is mostly still relevant although surely the graded populations, extant numbers and varieties could be updated. What has really changed is imaging and the fact that during the last 2+ decades it seems clear that toned coins have come front and center in the Hobby.
As an example, consider "Commemorative Coins" by Swiatek/Breen. It is an interesting book with some insight into why the coins were issued, the back-story so to speak, but the images are really, really bad. I can get by with my 1990 updated edition but I'd gladly pay for another book with good images and better data. The point is that I don't think we need an entirely new book.
Do you think that would be a good thing??
Al H.
Comments
Given that high quality images of the coins are available for free at Coinfacts and other sites, I think a new edition of a book would only be justified (from a publisher's standpoint) where there was a significant amount of new substantive information. IMHO.
I vote "NO" only because books in general get a bad rap.
I think selective revisions in coin books would be a good idea... I like books, although I am a highly competent computer geek, I am also an older individual that likes books... for reading and for referencing. I do not know how costs are compiled in publishing, but would think that selective improvements would reduce the cost of production (over complete rewrites) and also encourage further sales. Cheers, RickO
Certain reference books should be updated. It's nice to have the book if i don't want to get on a computer. Just saying
books being uploaded and accessible while online are a good thing, with the added caveat that they can be easily revised/updated. all that said, there is something about having the physical thing in my hands or on my desk, it is in certain ways more easily used than its digital counterpart. as johhny said above, I can be anywhere with the book and not just in front of a PC. I accept that with a phone, notebook or tablet the same might be possible, it just isn't the same.
perhaps it is an age thing, but I enjoy having the book.
I have a book on gold double eagles and the author mentions that exact thing. Would be tough to keep up with populations as you have mentioned. I would love to see some updated books on Barber coins. My Liberty nickel book was published in the early 90s and so was my barber half book.