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Question about Coins of England Spink book

MrSpudMrSpud Posts: 4,499 ✭✭✭
in World & Ancient Coins Forum
MrsSpud has really taken a liking to coins from Great Britian and has expressed interest in getting a reference book. I was thinking of getting her a Spink Coins of England book. There are several on E-bay of different years, a 2006 for $40, as well as older ones from different years for as low as $3. Is Spinks like an american Redbook where you might as well use one that is a year or 2 old because the prices are not accurate or would it only be worthwhile to get a new one? Also, if a new one is recommended, when will a 2007 be available? Thanks.

Comments

  • MadMartyMadMarty Posts: 16,697 ✭✭✭
    Welcome to the DarkSide Mr. Spud!!
    It is not exactly cheating, I prefer to consider it creative problem solving!!!

  • 7Jaguars7Jaguars Posts: 7,577 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Hi, Mr. Spud! Spink is a bit similar to Redbook although the prices are obviously listed in pounds and the grades & prices are according to the English system. Still a very good guide that leaves out only the minor variants. The 2005 would probably be close enough if you can get the price break. Remember the English EF listed is generally about an MS 62 "Unc." here. I have had Spink graded coins as "GEF" (good extra fine which we think would be AU here) grade out as PCGS 65!

    New editions usually come out around the time of the London show around the first of October each year.
    Love that Milled British (1830-1960)
    Well, just Love coins, period.
  • ajaanajaan Posts: 17,455 ✭✭✭✭✭
    If you are just getting started in collecting English/British coins, a Spinks that is a year or two old will do fine. I used my 2003 issue until I picked up the 2006 edition in Atlanta this year. If you can find a 2005 for 1/2 the price of a new one, I say go for it.

    DPOTD-3
    'Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery'

    CU #3245 B.N.A. #428


    Don
  • jimmycjimmyc Posts: 63
    The Spink catalog was previous known as Seabys. It comes out in the fall Once in a great while there is a second volume, covering Ireland and Scotland. 2006 should be good enough.One advantage of the book, is with prices in Pounds, is you can adjust for the exchange rate..
    researching the"distinctive paper" LS SS Fracs and even bonds" most notably from the Wilcox era 1869-80
  • wybritwybrit Posts: 6,972 ✭✭✭
    Spink is a fine reference. Later editions (such as 2004 or newer) have a better section on Victorian bronze penny types, while still giving you reasonable price estimates. Spink prices are frequently quite optimistic, but sometimes an auction such as the Colin Cooke farthing collection smashes even those prices. I view Spink as the seller's price guide and Collector Coins (a much cheaper and also now downloadable guide) more as a buyer's guide.
    Former owner, Cambridge Gate collection.
  • MrSpudMrSpud Posts: 4,499 ✭✭✭
    Thanks, I went ahead and located a copy of the book wybrit mentioned image
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