Choose your golden weapon - POLL

Cladiator

I've heard good and bad things about both of these books. I'd like to know which is the definitive work on World Gold coinage. From what I've heard in the past people tend to lean towards the Friedberg. I know the Friedberg has B&W photos, is this true for the Krause as well? Do the valuations in the books breakdown by grade and if so how many grades levels are given for the mint state grades?

CHOICE A






CHOICE B

Ricke

I have the Krause book - it was a gift from my kids one year for Christmas.

The images are black & white, but I like it. I think it's an excellent source. I don't have a Freidburg, though, so I couldn't say which is better.

Cladiator

I looked at the rating system on Amazon.com and the Krause has 4 out of 5 stars, the Friedberg has only 2 out of 5 stars. The Krause seems like it may be in more detail even though it doesn't cover as long of a time period.

Friedberg: 732 pages and covers 500AD - present.
Krause: 1200 pages and covers 1500 - present.

1jester

1500-present leaves out a whole lot of territory, but I guess if medieval gold isn't your thing, go with the Krause. I've never seen the Krause, in fact, so I can't compare. I have a Friedberg, though, and it's a nice reference book.

Silvereagle82

World gold is my primary collection focus so I need all the reference books I can get.
I started with only Krause and then added Friedberg early this year. I use both books very often. They each have there own strengths with Krause offering more grades/values/mintages and Friedberg an addtional 1000 years of coins ( I have several coins too early for Krause). I find in Europe they refer to Friedberg mostly.

If your serious about world gold you need them both .......

PS. I also have and use a reference book by Delmonte for Netherland/Belgium coins.

lordmarcovan

I voted for Krause because it's typically better-illustrated and has a lot more information and valuations, etc.

However, it's not an entirely fair comparison since the only Friedberg I've ever owned was an oldie- circa 1980 with sky-high bullion pricing.

Which would I choose? Both.

Cladiator

Thanks for all the input folks. I picked the Krause as I really won't have a use for the pre-1500 info. Should arrive this week.

MyWorldCoinTypeSet

You need an option for "Just show me the results".

Cruzi

Only got old versions of both books, Krause from early 90's and Frieburg from the 80's, but the Krause is much better of the 2.

With gold though, when you start to specialise you will need to find even more specific references.

Doogy

I have the Krause and really like it. I just picked up the latest edition of the Friedberg on Ebay for a song ($26, brand new!). I haven't received it yet, but Silvereagle speaks highly of it and he hasn't led me wrong yet. All in all, i think either one would suit your needs just fine; the question may be: which one can you get at a cheaper price?



Doug

Doogy

<< <i>I looked at the rating system on Amazon.com and the Krause has 4 out of 5 stars, the Friedberg has only 2 out of 5 stars. The Krause seems like it may be in more detail even though it doesn't cover as long of a time period.

Friedberg: 732 pages and covers 500AD - present.
Krause: 1200 pages and covers 1500 - present. >>




the Krause also has palladium and platinum coins, which certainly eat up some pages of coins i'm not interested in.

BBQnBLUES

Well, I own a 4th edition Krause World Gold & use it as my "Wish Book". In case I hit the lottery

GDJMSP

I own 'em all and use 'em all. There are coins in each that you can't find listed in the others. There is information in each that you can find listed in the others. Bottom line - you can never have enough books.