What books should every Numismatist own?

RyGuy · October 4, 2008 12:51AM

As the subject states, what books should every numismatist (true or wanna-be) own, whether he/she is a beginner in the field or an expert to the likes of Larry Goldberg? While a Red Book is an obvious choice, as well as one on the current ANA, PCGS, etc. grading guidelines, what else should be on the shelf? What could be recommended for those who have certain niches like Lincolns or Morgans?

While this thread is meant to help get myself more educated, let's all help each other out with a little wisdom sharing. Thank-you in advance to all who contribute a line or two.

Ryan

Scavenger · October 4, 2008 1:56AM

Most of my literature is related to the series that I collect, U.S. / Philippine pesos. But there are two books that I own that have paid for themselves many times over. The Krause standard catalog of world coins 1801 - 1900 and 1901 - present.

CB2597 · October 4, 2008 1:58AM

Numismatic Photography by Dr. Mark Goodman.

derryb · October 4, 2008 2:16AM

Checkbook

mgoodm3 · October 4, 2008 2:27AM

<< Numismatic Photography by Dr. Mark Goodman. >>

There you go. Great idea

RyGuy · October 4, 2008 2:31AM

<< Checkbook

>>

Hahahahahaha...

mrearlygold · October 4, 2008 2:45AM

Breen Encyclopedia

PrivateCoinCollector · October 4, 2008 2:46AM

Laugh all you want. But the one book everyone should own is the Redbook.

DaveG · October 4, 2008 2:46AM

Here's a good thread on numismatic books from ATS:

Numismatic books

RWB · October 4, 2008 2:47AM

There was also a very good list on these boards about a year ago.

doh · October 5, 2008 6:53AM

Books are overrated. Get your nose out of a book and LIVE!

This is funny because I'm a librarian....

Dentuck · October 5, 2008 7:16AM

The Expert's Guide to Collecting and Investing in Rare Coins, by Q. David Bowers.

NHSBaseball · October 5, 2008 7:25AM

The two I use most are Logan/McCloskey and Overton.

500Bay · October 5, 2008 7:35AM

<< Breen Encyclopedia >>

Agreed, this is the best single book to have.

lcoopie · October 5, 2008 8:59AM

Red Book
PCGS Guide to Coin Grading and Counterfeit Detection

RYK · October 5, 2008 9:03AM

<< Breen Encyclopedia >>

I owned one and found that I had little use for it. I think it is the single most overrated numismatic book.

Cladiator · October 5, 2008 9:10AM

Federal Half Dimes 1792-1837 by Logan/McCloskey

and

Tales From the Bourse by Lawrence.

fc · October 5, 2008 9:13AM

an internet connection which enables you to read a wide array of
information. not really a book, but the end result is the same.

Coinlearner · October 5, 2008 9:27AM

For beginner and not so....The History of United States Coinage, illustrated by the Garrett Collection..By Q David Bowers Nice overview, excellent examples of the coinage and fairly low price for a "coffee table" size book

AnkurJ · October 5, 2008 9:29AM

Depends what you collect, but general books that are great are:

Top 100 US Coins
Scott Traver's Coin Collector's Survival Manual
Redbook
Whitman's Type Coin book

One of my fav books is The Top 100 Medals & Tokens.

Ankur

firstmint · October 6, 2008 2:34AM

It's not a matter of just owning some books, it's the owning of a comprehensive library that makes for a real numismatist.

RYK · October 6, 2008 2:43AM

My core books include the following:

QDB's Adventures in Rare Coins
QDB's More Adventures in Rare Coins
QDB's books on the Garrett, Norweb, and Eliasberg gold collections
Red Book
DW's Gold Coins of the Dahlonega Mint and Gold Coins of the New Orleans Mint
Judd/QDB US Pattern Coins
QDB's Abe Kosoff: Dean of Numismatics

I could keep going, but to me, these are the most important coin books that I own. Reading them and referring to them enhances my enjoyment of the hobby--in ways that nothing else can.

rjsriv · October 6, 2008 3:57AM

Breen book, Red book- current and older editions for comparison, Siver dollar textbook by wayne miller, Van allen Mallis- VAM book, gold coins encyclopedia- Guth -- !00 greatest coins--love the pics of those rarities

pennyannie · October 6, 2008 4:07AM

I do not own coin books, they cost to much new and i am afraid that used ones will reek of cigarette smoke

I generally have a few books on the series i collect and some others i picked up cheap. But unless they are revised editions the info may be out of date on some coins and the internet and boards like this can provide a lot of info with out tying up 100's of dollars in coin money. I would rather have a nice 500 dollar coins than 500 dollars in retail priced books.

Quarternut · October 6, 2008 4:25AM

<< 

<< Breen Encyclopedia >>

I owned one and found that I had little use for it. I think it is the single most overrated numismatic book. >>

Full of many misleading and inaccurate information as well, IMHO. Although that being said, it does give a large overview of the entire American series that has not been equaled elsewhere. Until such time as this book is redone (with up to date and accurate information), it still needs to be on every collectors bookshelf.

Once a collector moves beyond the Breen Encyclopedia and begins to specialize in one area or another, there are generally books to be found that have the correct and current information, and should supercede what was written by Breen.

I would rather have a nice 500 dollar coins than 500 dollars in retail priced books.

This seems a little short sighted IMO. A poorly informed collector, while saving a few dollars by not buying books, is sure to be much poorer when buying coins without first learning about them...

QN

lasvegasteddy · October 6, 2008 5:25AM

simple..."all i needed to learn i was taught in kindergarden"

PTVETTER · October 6, 2008 5:34AM

first and formost a new coloring book

a good grading book
redbook
a book on the series you are intrested in!
a few price guides

A big must have friends that can help guide you through problem/s

Baley · October 6, 2008 1:23PM

I think I have 30 to 40 titles,
for me, the essential handful are
redbook
Overton
Browning
Breen
ANA grading guide
Bowers' "Expert's Guide"
Hall's "Mercenary's Guide"
PCGS Pop Report
Travers' "How to... Right Now"
Miller's "Silver Dollar"
Cherrypicker's Guide
Set of recent CDN (Greysheets)
Coin Prices (coin world)

Bear · October 6, 2008 1:32PM

BANK BOOK

What books should every Numismatist own?

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