Auction Catalogs: How important are they and ..........

ss350camaro

How important are they, and how valuable are they ? (potentially)

On occasion i have asked about how to aquire auction catalogs. Most, if not all, are fairly expensive (IMO) and require some sort of membership or prior purchase to obtain.

Do any of you seek them out and collect a library of these publications? I am considering starting a collection and would be grateful for any guidance and info on what to look for.

Thanks,

RKKay

If you specialize in a field in which the number of pieces struck is very small, and in other cases as well, it is possible to trace the history of many of these pieces. Patterns would be one such area. I am in the process of building a library for that purpose.

mojorizn

Several months ago I called up ANR (American Numismatic Rarities) and had a great conversation with John Pack. We discussed my specialty, Buffalo nickels, and I requested their first auction catalog at that time. I've been receiving their catalogs all year and I can't tell you how much appreciation I've gained for other series' because of it.

Mojo

PreTurb

My interest in tracking early half dollars led me to purchasing older auction catalogs - and my catalog collection has been a fascinating side hobby.

RYK

I enjoy acquiring auction catalogs almost as much as I enjoy acquiring coins.

ss350camaro

<< <i> I enjoy acquiring auction catalogs almost as much as I enjoy acquiring coins. >>



I think that's kind of where i'm headed with this. I guess if i can't afford the coins i might as well collect the published history around many of them.
Thanks for your response

BAJJERFAN

When I get them I usually post here offering to give them away for postage! Sending out two tomorrow in fact.

FatMan

Auction catalogs are a great source of enjoyment. I can't afford most of the coins in these catalogs but by collecting the catalogs these coins are easier to look at than those in my own collection.

I wouldn't suggest paying for old auction catalogs unless you wish to trace the pedigree of certain special peices as RKKay suggests. Just start collecting them now. You can get on the mailing lists by signing up online and placing a few realistic lowball bids (like Bluesheet) on some spectacular coins. Obviously you won't win the auction but you will likely begin receiving thier auction catalogs. I've won auctions with Heritage and B&M so I expect to receive thier catalogs. I've only placed bids with Superior and ANR and I now receive all of theirs as well. In just a few years I have accumulated quite an impressive collection of catalogs.

MrEureka

Auction catalogs are a fantastic thing to collect. Here are some tips:

1. Sign up for the e-Sylum, a FREE weekly e-mail newsletter for numismatic bibliophiles. (Info on signing up here.

2. Attend the ANA Summer Seminar Book Sale. You'll have a chance to select from hundreds, maybe thousands of auction catalogs priced at a buck or two apiece.

3. Visit the NBS Website..

idocoins

I have auction catogues going back to the 70s......... all boxed up and when I get my house in order........I will break them out and they will become a big part of my reference library.......

MrEureka

One more tip: Look at this pricelist..

Conder101

I am usually able to pick up old catalogs at coin club meeting auction or from other members for around a dollar apiece, often just for carting them off. About a years and a half ago one of the clubs made a road trip to a major dealership. The dealer knew I was always interested in numismatic literature but I wasn't able to attend so he sent back ten boxes of books and catalogs with my father for me. (They had bought a collector estate and the books came along with it. They wanted the coins but not the books so they sent them my way. Saw at a show last year, they handed me a box and said that a collector had asked them to give them to someone who would apprieciate them. They said I was the first person they thought of. In the box was about ten years worth of the Civil War Token Society journals. I was thrilled and thanked them profusely.)

ss350camaro

Conder101,
That's pretty cool

I live in a coin wasteland. No shows and only one coin shop to speak of.
Most, if not all, of my future catalog publications will probably have to come from eBay i guess.