British Coins and medals question.

thisnamztaken · March 3, 2009 6:18PM

I have been recently gaining an admiration for Queen Victoria, King George, etc. coins and medals/commems. Since I am new to them, I'm thinking about getting a good book before spending any significant money.

Is "Coins of England and the United Kingdom" by Spinks (or is it Seaby's?) the best one for a British coin newbie or some other book? If so, to save money, would a cheaper, used version from the late 1990's or early 21st century pretty much meet my info. needs (apart from up-to-date prices of course)?

Also, does the Spinks book include English medals and commemoratives as well as coins?
Thanks.

harasha · March 3, 2009 8:05PM

It may no longer be published, but the best standard book for English coins may be Coincraft's Standard Catalogue.

For British medals, good starter books are Collecting Modern Commemorative Medals by Joseph Edmundson and The Commemorative Medal by Howard W. A. Linecar.

coinkat · March 3, 2009 8:46PM

Coincraft was last published in 2000 or so... I think it is helpful because it does contain more variety information. If you are semi-serious, I would own both Spink and Coincraft

MacCrimmon · March 3, 2009 10:48PM

You can pick up a previous years copy (2005 to 2007) of Spink for around $20. Check eBay for Coincraft. I bought a new condition copy there about 2-3 years ago. Spink does not contain medals info.

Eimer is another author with a medals book. Here is Eimer's website.

And finally, congrats on your Victoria choice.

theboz11 · March 4, 2009 2:34AM

British Historical Medals is another source

Doogy · March 4, 2009 4:15AM

British Silver Coinage since 1816, by Peter Davies is another valuable resouce. Out of print, but a great book

BCNumismatics · March 4, 2009 8:19AM

Spink's Coins of England & the United Kingdom is published annually like Krause is.

Coincraft was planned to be reissued,but online.As to what has happened,I don't know.

You can go here & here for further information.

Aidan.

thisnamztaken · March 4, 2009 8:47AM

Thanks for the replies. Looks like I have some checking around to do.

thisnamztaken · March 4, 2009 8:59AM

<< <i>You can pick up a previous years copy (2005 to 2007) of Spink for around $20. Check eBay for Coincraft. I bought a new condition copy there about 2-3 years ago. Spink does not contain medals info.

Eimer is another author with a medals book. Here is Eimer's website.

And finally, congrats on your Victoria choice.

>>

Thanks. Actually the coin that started my interest in UK coins was that beautiful 1847 Gothic Crown! I only wish that I could afford one of those.

BCNumismatics · March 4, 2009 9:25AM

Jim,
I reckon that you should also join up here,here,& here as well.

Aidan.

Aethelred · March 4, 2009 11:04AM

Spink is the Bible on British coins and I would say that is the book to buy first. After that (if you want to go deeper) I would suggest finding a copy of Coincraft and perhaps "English Silver Coinage From 1649."

BCNumismatics · March 4, 2009 11:16AM

Michael,
Coincraft was last published in 1999,& is unlikely to be republished & updated.

Spink's catalogue is the way to go.

Krause only lists coins from 1601 onwards.

Aidan.

Aethelred · March 4, 2009 12:21PM

True that Coincraft is out of print, but I think it is a good enough reference to warrant finding a used copy.

farthing · March 4, 2009 12:31PM

I refer to my Coincraft much more often than my Spinks.

BCNumismatics · March 4, 2009 12:34PM

I reckon that you should all join the British Coins Group as well.

Aidan.

thisnamztaken · March 4, 2009 6:07PM

Thanks Aidan and everyone!

MrEureka · March 8, 2009 2:25AM

Is "Coins of England and the United Kingdom" by Spinks (or is it Seaby's?)....

Jim - I just came across the 1994 edition while cleaning up my library. If you PM me your address, I'll send it to you gratis.

thisnamztaken · March 8, 2009 8:28AM

I have already ordered a used copy Andy, but do appreciate your kind offer!

PM sent.

Cruzi · March 8, 2009 8:41AM

Some books on Medals for consideration:

Spinks Catalogue
of
British Commemorative Medals
1558 to the Present Day
With Valuations
Daniel Fearon
1984
Webb and Bower
9 Colleton Crescent
Exeter Devon EX2 4BY

ISBN 0 86350 029 3

Commemorative Medals
J R S Whiting
1972
David and Charles Ltd
South Devon House
Newton Abbot, Devon

ISBN 0 7153 5535 X

2000 Years of British Coins and Medals
John Kent
1978
British Museum Publications Ltd
Bedford Square
London

ISBN 0 7141 0842 1

thisnamztaken · March 8, 2009 10:34AM

Thanks for the medals books tips, Cruzi. Which one would you recommend for an English coin novice (like yours truly) who would just like to get an overall, but fairly comprehensive grasp on the area of say, 18th and 19th century UK medals without spending an arm and a leg for a book at first?

I just purchased my first "dark side" coin a couple weeks ago. It's an 1897 Victoria Diamond Jubilee silver medallion with beautiful toning. Do you know if it's officially categorized as a medal or a commemorative?

As I mentioned, I have a used Spinks book coming in the mail soon, but it sounds like there won't be any medals or commems. listed in it, correct?

BCNumismatics · March 8, 2009 12:31PM

Jim,
Spink's has never listed medals in 'Coins of England & the United Kingdom'.I haven't been made aware of any new editions to Spink's medal catalogue.

You should get in touch with Christopher Eimer.

Aidan.

MrEureka · March 8, 2009 1:44PM

I have already ordered a used copy Andy, but do appreciate your kind offer!

In that case, it goes to the first taker...

thisnamztaken · March 8, 2009 2:12PM

Thanks, Aidan. I looked around Eimer's site but his medals books are all sold except for "The Pingo family and medal making."
He sure has some beautiful medals there though.

Cruzi · March 9, 2009 11:04AM

The Spink Medal book has not been reprinted or updated for quite some time but it covers quite a lot of the issues around. There probably isn't that many collectable Medals been issued since 1984 anyway

Books may seem expensive but believe me when I say, money spent on a book often pays for itself with knowledge gained very quickly.

I'll also echo the comments on Coincraft, if you want current prices get a current Spink, if you want an easy to use reference get Coincraft.

If you want to find a book use AddAll, it searchs all the book sites for you (Amazon, Alibris,Abebooks etc)

thisnamztaken · March 9, 2009 5:27PM

Thanks, Cruzi.
Yes, I've been using Addall for a few years now when looking for used books.

British Coins and medals question.

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