Numismatic literature vs. coin/medal/token purchases

Sonorandesertrat

I just realized that I am on track to spend more this year on numismatic literature than on pieces for my collection (coins, medals, tokens). A first for me.

Now I see that David Sklow will be auctioning off the libraries of two prominent numismatic literature dealers (Orville Grady and Karl Moulton) in 2014. I am already saving pennies, and my coin expenditures could drop even lower next year.

Anyone else in this boat?

BillJones

No, I usually buy only new books. I have bought some of the out of print titles, but most I have ever spent on one of them was $150.

PreTurb

My trick is to specialize in really obscure exonumia that rarely comes to market, and I end up spending way more $ on literature without even trying!

Seriously though, I'm dying to see the Moulton sales.

Sonorandesertrat

A few years ago, Karl suggested that I drive up to see him, check out his inventory, and buy what interested me. I have a feeling that I am going to regret having failed to do this.

291fifth

No. At one time I had a fairly large numismatic library. Most of the volumes just sat gathering dust. I eventually sold nearly all of them. I really don't miss them at all.

I would advise keeping only those books that are current and relate very closely to your collecting interests.

MidLifeCrisis

No. While I enjoy going through auction catalogs, I've learned to limit myself to the major collections within my areas of interest.

As for books, I have more than I need and I haven't even read all of them.

The wealth of information on the Internet has greatly reduced my need to buy numismatic (or other) literature.

PreTurb

Yes DesertRat.... I too would have been interested in some big chunks (and not the flashy stuff that typically shows up in auctions)...

coinhunters

Building a numismatic research library is one of the best investments a collector can make in themselves. Yes, we have the internet, but...................often times the information in original publications are sometimes not translated to internet data accurately. That said, few folks actually read printed books anymore and if they were to purchase a numismatic related printed form item, most likely it would be about modern coinage works about early coinage. Literature auction firms and rooms and rooms of inventory. Fortunately, I'm down to a dozen or so references books still available for sale.

Broadstruck

<< <i>Seriously though, I'm dying to see the Moulton sales. >>



The Orville Grady sale should be pretty groovy too!

AMRC

Collecting this stuff is almost like collecting a whole other series. I say almost, but it really is more so!

yosclimber

<< <i>Anyone else in this boat? >>


Yes, but it wasn't hard to do, as I haven't bought any coins in years.

shorecoll

You can have my original Crosby, when you pry it from my cold...

Nevermind.

DaveG

Yes!


As I look back on my purchases this year, all I can say is "I bought a lot of books!"


It's mostly Roger Burdette's fault, though - he's released a lot of books and issues of the Journal of Numismatic Research this year.

Shamika

Over the years I'm finding I enjoy my numismatic library more than my coin collection.