Im interested in auction house catalogs

coinguy89

I've heard that past auction house catalogs are great books to purchase. Would anyone agree? I believe I would have enough money to purchase one or two sometime this year. Im interested in auctions that contain classic coins, nothing before 1900, are these avaliable to somene like me? Could I find one at a show? I would like some opinions.

Dennis88

From what I've heard there are a lot on coin shows in the US (don't know myself, never visited the US). There are also some respectable dealers, but from the top of my head, I can't remember any names.....

Dennis

ss350camaro

I recently began collecting Auction Catalogs. I have received about 15 so far and find them fasinating !
If you can't afford the actual coins at least you can look at them in an auction sale format and use it to compare and research.
If you're lucky you might even get a 'realized pricing sheet' along with a catalog. Then you'll have a reference as to sale amounts. Ask for these sheets when you come across a nice catalog.

eBay is a decent place to start your catalog search. I purchased some very nice catalogs for $4 to $6 each + shipping.

Some Auction houses will send you a freebie catalog if you ask them nicely

stephunter

Someone is giving some away. Check the "coin swaps, tags, and givaways"

mgoodm3

<< <i>From what I've heard there are a lot on coin shows in the US (don't know myself, never visited the US). There are also some respectable dealers, but from the top of my head, I can't remember any names.....

Dennis >>



To paraphrase: Some people somewhere sell stuff to other people.

ss350camaro

<< <i>To paraphrase: Some people somewhere sell stuff to other people. >>

jhuberdude

I have 3 recent catalogs from ANR. I find them a good read and the photos look amazing!
My favorite catalog is the Sotheby's catalog of the 1933 Double Eagle sale. My sister used to work there and got me a free catalog. Bet it will be worth something someday!
I was also lucky enough to watch the sale in NYC.
John

alfalfa

Past auction catalogs are an excellent resource for collectors, especially when it comes to researching truly rare items. I had a subscription to Bowers and Merena in the late 90's (during the time of the Eliasberg sale) and also collect auction catalogs related to fractional currency. If your looking for excellent, personalized service and fair prices on numismatic catalogs, I highly reccomend Karl Moulton. I've dealt with him in the past, and can only say good things about him. Here's a link to his site:
CoinCats

RJ

coinguy89

How much do these run for?

Strat

Coinguy89,

I've found the best way to get new auction catalogs is to do a little business with the actual firms. Sometimes, even if you bid and do not win a lot, you'll receive complimentary catalogs in the future. If and when you're able, choose the firm that produces catalogs you like, and win an inexpensive coin. The result will be you'll receive catalogs in the mail. Other ways to get new catalogs:

-attend a show with a major auction, usually you can get a catalog just for asking
-attend an auction session, plenty of catalogs laying around
-attend an auction viewing session and ask for a copy of the catalog. You can't view if you don't know what's in the sale.

The more involoved you get with coins, the more catalogs you'll pick up. Soon, you'll have boxes full of them.

Shamika

Call up Heritage, American Numismatic Rareties, and Bowers & Merena. They may give you a complimentary catalog.

darktone

<< <i>I have received about 15 so far and find them fasinating ! >>

I must have got 15 auction catalogs in the last couple of months. Just start bidding on stuff and you'll get lots of them. They are nice to look through and more are in color all the time. mike