Which numismatic periodicals are essential for a top library and how much will they cost?

Dennis88

I was just wondering this. We all know what the essential books are on general American coinage (Breen, The Red Book, Etc.) and most specialised collectors will do the same with the reference works written on their series of interest. However, which numismatic periodicals can be considered to be essential in a good numismatic library, and how much will complete sets (if not longer published) or up-to-date sets (if still published) will cost??

I'm talking about complete year sets, not single issues.

Dennis

RTS

Upcoming lot in Charles Davis Mail Bid Sale 2/2/2008...

mrearlygold

Jeesh that's my birthday

DaveG

Well, if you're talking about "general" periodicals, probably Coin World is the most read of the current publications. Numismatic Scrapbook is probably the most read of the non-current publications.

But, frankly, I don't know of more than one or two people who've tried to accumulate an entire set of Coin World. Who has that much storage space? And, even if you do, how can you access the information in each issue if they're just piled on top of each other?

Now, if you could digitize the entire series and create a good index, THAT would be really useful!

MrEureka

A "top library" can set you back seven figures. In fact, you could spend several hundred thousand dollars on numismatic periodicals alone.

Shamika

<< <i>Upcoming lot in Charles Davis Mail Bid Sale 2/2/2008...

>>







I suspect $7,500 is a conservative value!

richardshipp

My wife just said the following to me the other day...

"so you traded a gold coin........ for a book?!?"

my reply was....

"but.. but.. but... ....... honey....... "

I'm not sure she heard me as she walked away.

Aegis3

I would also consider the old series American Journal of Numismatics. And the Bowers and Merena horse organ Rare Coin Review. The single-article issues of Wayte Raymond-issued The Coin Collector's Journal should certainly be considered in some cases.

There are at least two other titles I myself would add, but I'm going to remain silent until February 3rd, assuming I remember.

Coinosaurus

A lot of depends on your interest. If you collect early copper, Penny Wise is indispensible. Likewise the Colonial Newsletter for the pre-federal stuff. As far as core references among periodicals, the Numismatist and American Journal of Numismatics (first series) are the place to start.