What's the closest thing to "the Bible of coin collecting?"

dan1ecu

Is there any single reference that you'll trust above all others when in doubt about an aspect of your series of specialty?

Dan

pharmer

Breen's US Encyclopedia

coynclecter

Breen's

Dennis88

Breen (tough I don't have it)

And for pattern collectors Pollock(1) and Judd(2)

Dennis

dorkkarl

<< <i>Is there any single reference that you'll trust above all others when in doubt about an aspect of your series of specialty? >>

no

K S

rays

At the risk of being redundant,
Walter Breen's Encyclopedia of U.S. and Colonial Coins.
It is still in print, available everywhere, even Walmart.

100proof1957

dont remember what i paid for mine but it sure dont look like the price went down any !

Longacre

Generally the Breen enclyclopedia is good, but there are far better books (and more accurate) depending on your specialty. What is your specialty? Then we can give some specific recommendations.

cladking

I don't think such a thing exists. No reference is good for everything so it really
does depend on your specialty.

Perhaps the most useful for the most coins would be the 1986 Krause catalog
but the prices in it are not very accurate.

Peetie

I would say, this forum. The depth of knowledge here is uncanny. No one knows everything but you can find a specialist in anything. Amazing!

carl

I completely agree with this forum being the best place to find out about anything. You did say reference, not book or magazine, therefore you just can not beat this place. No book, magazine, paper, etc can go through every possible coin ever made, it's condition, quantity made, errors available and possible, who has it, it's price when new and now and just about anything you can imagine as right here. Even when no one knows, which is rare, there is always someone that knows where the information can be found.

scher

Ok dont laugh ...i like the "redbook"..easy to use, pictures of most all types,mintages, and pricing thats miles off but at least you can tell whats rare in the series..i also like the parts especially about how coins (proof and general release) are made and the sections on classic commems..also any level of coin guy or gal can use it..even my 2 year old god son looks for the "money" book...
Bruce Scher

Shamika

Breen is the best as far as a "bible of coin collecting". But with regards to my specialty, I trust my own judgment more than any one book.

mr3holesinone

I use the Red Book a lot myself. It's quick and very easy to find mintages and it also doubles as a checklist. Others I use are the Breen Encyclopedia and Hibler & Kaplen for So-Called Dollars.

Conder101

I'm surprised at so many responses citing the Breen Encylopedia. Just what are these series that so many people are collecting, that are so poorly referenced elsewhere that the Breen book is the definitive reference on them?

TommyType

<< <i>I'm surprised at so many responses citing the Breen Encylopedia. Just what are these series that so many people are collecting, that are so poorly referenced elsewhere that the Breen book is the definitive reference on them? >>



I think they didn't read to the end of the question.....

Breen is probably the best overall reference to US coinage, but I don't think it would be a good subtitute for even a mediocre book on a specific specialty.

jdsinva

The Comprehensive Catalogue and Encyclopedia of Morgan and Peace Dollars (aka the VAM book) along with all of the updates since the book is now out of date.

calgolddiver

yup -

California Pioneer Fractional Gold

Breen & Gillio

2nd edition

a must have for anyone collecting or learning about fractional gold.

coinguy89

I would say the internet. This place is full of forums, message boards, news, prices guides, dealers, resources, collector information, speciality coins, auctions, it has pretty much everything you need. Do a Yahoo or Google search and most likely you will find it. If not, just ask on these forums. Oh and the Breen encyclopdia will help quite a bit. It has almost everything and way too much colonial stuff. You'll love it.