Questions on venturing to the Darkside

JamesM

I am interested in collecting German coins from the state of Hamburg and I know little to nothing of the German coin market; for that matter, I know little of German history. Where should I start? Books? standard Catalog of German Coins?

I am familiar with Light side coins.

Thanks for your help

spoon

The Standard Catalog of German Coins published by Krause will have stuff spanning a few centuries for each locale, whereas the century books by Krause are just that (but of course feature the entire world). That would be a good start if you plan on sticking with German stuff.

But before that, you might as well just browse around. There are quite a few good German dealers online. A good start for German stuff is MA Shops - there's a bit of junk there, but a pretty decent variety of stuff from several different dealers so you can get a taste of what's out there.

Just be advised that folks over there can take a more lax attitude toward coins - putting their fingers all over raw items and too often using PVC flips.

If you need any help figuring out terms, just ask here on the forum. Here's a quickie run down of grading terms:

PP - polierte platt = proof
st - stempelglanz = UNC (loosely, there are a few different terms for UNC and it's just as subjective as here)
vz/st - a cross between the above and below = AU
vz - vorzuglich = XF
ss - sehr schon = VF
s - schon = F

JamesM

<< <i> Just be advised that folks over there can take a more lax attitude toward coins - putting their fingers all over raw items and too often using PVC flips.

If you need any help figuring out terms, just ask here on the forum. Here's a quickie run down of grading terms:

PP - polierte platt = proof
st - stempelglanz = UNC (loosely, there are a few different terms for UNC and it's just as subjective as here)
vz/st - a cross between the above and below = AU
vz - vorzuglich = XF
ss - sehr schon = VF
s - schon = F >>




Its funny you mentioned that about coin handling, I have been in Germany a few times and traveled around all over via train with my wife. Every coin shop there seamed to be run by grumpy old men who love the smell of pvp and the feel of a good unc coin under there greasy hands. In fact I picked up what I thought was an EF CC for 50 euros, it was covered in PVC and heavily toned with a week strike. When I cleaned it up (properly) it latter graded MS-61.

Thanks for the info anyone have any more advice on books to get before I buy?