Have you gained more numismatic information from

quickwing

Books on the subject, or auction catalogs and auction results? Total coins in hand aside.

kranky

I would have to say books because I don't receive auction catalogs.

MidLifeCrisis

auction catalogs and auction results...by far.

You want an education? Just spend some time immersing yourself in the Ford catalogs.

Oh yeah...over 10,000 coins and not one regular issue federal coin...there is that.

dpoole

I'd have to say CU, because I have a short attention span.

barbershopper

Auction catalogs and results which I write in the catalogs, at least the ones that interest me.

JT

MrEureka

Auctions

firstmint

There have been nearly 20,000 American numismatic coin auctions presented since 1851.

The number of books covering American numismatics is roughly 10% of that total.

Any further questions?

zap1111

Books up to this point, and this forum. I haven't been involved with many auctions yet with catalogs, although I can certainly understand the value of the catalogs - the information in Sheridan Downey's auction catalogs has been quite beneficial.
zap

COALPORTER

How many auctions would there have been if a coin was allowed to be sold only once ?

My point is, why write 12,000 books that say the same thing?

I though someone stated that auction catalogs just propell the same myths over and over ?

MidLifeCrisis

<< <i>How many auctions would there have been if a coin was allowed to be sold only once ?

My point is, why write 12,000 books that say the same thing?

I though someone stated that auction catalogs just propell the same myths over and over ? >>


Most reference books have at least some information in them about market trends, estimated values of certain coins, or price comparisons. This data would be very hard to come by if every coin was sold only once.

Many of the auction catalogs that serve as good sources of information have detailed lot descriptions on truly scarce or rare coins. And many of those coins end up in strong hands and stay off the market for years.

And coin books often perpetuate the same myths over and over that auction catalogs do.

firstmint

The OP asks about "gaining numismatic information".

If one studies the contents of old auction catalogues from the 19th century, and puts the sale dates in sequence to the books that came out later, you will find that a vast majority of the information found in numismatic books was gleaned (or copied) from the writings of the auction cataloguers.

I'm continually finding previously unknown tidbits and pedigrees from old catalogues, that nobody has recorded or remembered in any books.

Historically speaking, auction catalogues have formed the foundation of knowledge about this hobby.

seanq

<< <i>
Many of the auction catalogs that serve as good sources of information have detailed lot descriptions on truly scarce or rare coins. And many of those coins end up in strong hands and stay off the market for years.
>>




A good catalog can become a reference text once the auction is over. Ask an EAC member which he'd rather use to attribute a large cent: a first edition of Sheldon or a set of the Robinson catalogs.

Personally, it's hard to say where I've picked up the most information. Books (I read the Red Book cover to cover as a child), auction catalogs, newspapers, club journals (like Errorscope), and this forum have all contributed mightily to my knowledge base. Asking me to pick just one is like asking me to pick my favorite ice cream flavor - I'd rather add a few more scoops instead.


Sean Reynolds

Trime

I don't see the debate since both are available and serve different but complementary purposes.
I use both on a regular basis.

MidLifeCrisis

<< <i>I don't see the debate since both are available and serve different but complementary purposes. >>


Sometimes we ask questions on here or start threads simply to debate an issue or to compare two points of view. It's part of the fun of a message board and usually leads to good information being revealed. It does not have to lead to one right or wrong answer.

For example, learning from this thread a new collector may decide to include auction catalogs in his/her reference library, whereas before, the collector would never have considered auction catalogs because he/she just didn't realize how valuable they can be.

JaPa

<< <i>

<< <i>
For example, learning from this thread a new collector may decide to include auction catalogs in his/her reference library, whereas before, the collector would never have considered auction catalogs because he/she just didn't realize how valuable they can be. >>



We are like sponges if we truly want to learn. I have gain considerable knowledge from this thread. Thank you to the OP.

TwoSides2aCoin

Being beat with a grey sheet is quite educational.
I'd prefer a wet noodle.

PerryHall

<< <i>How many auctions would there have been if a coin was allowed to be sold only once ?

My point is, why write 12,000 books that say the same thing?

I though someone stated that auction catalogs just propell the same myths over and over ? >>

MrHalfDime

For me, it would definitely be books, followed closely by information gathered personally from fellow collectors. I am fortunate to collect a series that has been quite thoroughly studied, and many quality reference books have been written, particularly in recent years, so there is a great deal to be learned from thoroughly reading them. Not all series can make that claim. Having said that, I am often amazed that many collectors seem to think that merely owning a book, and placing it on their library shelves, without actually reading it, will somehow impart the knowledge to them, as if through osmosis. For any serious collector, a comprehensive numismatic library, and knowing how to use it, is a fundamental and essential resource. Auction catalogs can also be a great source of knowledge, but too much depends upon the quality of the photographs, and, more importantly, the knowledge and accuracy of the cataloguer.

RWB

Books and specialized auction catalogs written by knowledgeable catalogers; plus independent research.

Coin auction catalogs are intended to sell coins and so they often present a good story, even if the information is wrong. Most are also assembled quickly and offer little time for in-depth research. The auctioneer does not want to present new information, particularly if it might confuse bidders.

All but a few specialized web sites are useless copy-cat places.

tahoe98

......books for many years. NOW it's books AND research online. auction catalogs for pricing history.

morgansforever

The bulk of the knowledge I've learned, has been right here on the forums.
From accented hair JFK's, to the interior triangular mm of a 16D dime, to the 1 of the date, centered over a dentil, on a 93S Morgan.
Oh yeah, the Redbook, CPG, and books written by Scott Travers.

lcoopie

since auction catalogues are meant to sell coins
I would have to go with a well written book,
written by an expert with no hidden agenda