coin books

[coin fanatic 0]

hi what coin book is the best to buy, cheers

[SionGilbey 1]

Depends what kind of coins you collect - for World Coins (including British ones) I use the Krause Catalogues, but if you are British only there are very good Spink ones (available online and in bookshops such as Waterstones)

[Peckris 579]

hi what coin book is the best to buy, cheers

British coins from Roman to modern, including values, but not too much on the coins themselves : Spinks "Coins Of England" (annual)

Silver milled coins : "English Silver Coinage" (ESC) not published for years but still a great reference

Copper and bronze from Tudor to 60s : "English Copper Tin and Bronze Coins" C W Peck, out of print but a definitive reference, libraries your best bet

Bronze : "The Bronze Coinage (of England?)" Michael Freeman, also out of print but a very detailed reference

There are later books on bronze coins, and works on tokens and ancient coins too. There's a couple of books on bronze and silver varieties produced by a member of this forum. For a good place to start (and inexpensive) most types of coins are covered by the Rotographic Press and sold through this site - see advert above).

[£400 for a Penny ? 0]

If you wanted a different type of book from a catalogue, i.e. a good read rather than a reference, I would buy 'the splendid shilling' by James O'Donald Mays.

[Peter 615]

Check out the library first there are many books which I haven't opened for years.

[Rob 3,152]

What you buy depends on what you intend to collect.

If you want to go into depth in a particular field the following would apply but the list is not exhaustive. Some are more detailed than others. Generally speaking, the shorter the period covered, the greater the depth.

Prices: British - Spink coins of England, CCGB. World - Krause & Mishler (US publication, so prices and grades differ from UK standards)

Copper and bronze: Peck (1558-1958), Freeman (1860 bronze onwards), Gouby (1860 pennies onwards), Groom (20th century bronze)

Modern Silver: ESC (1649 on), Davies (1816 on), Groom (20th century silver)

Hammered Silver: various publications by Galata (1/4ds, 1/2ds, Elizabeth I (by Brown Comber & Wilkinson).

Hammered coinage: North (660-1662)

Sovereigns and halves: Marsh

Tokens: Dalton & Hamer, Davis.

Grading: Allen (red riley on this forum)

In addition to the standard references there have been many articles in publications such as the British Numismatic Journal over the past 100 years on specific topics such as individual mints or the coinage of a particular reign. These go into much greater depth than is possible in the broader tomes. Coincraft, last published in 2000 covers 1066 to date. Quite useful, but with a few inaccuracies and omissions. There are many books relating to a particular era such as Norman, Charles I etc which go into depth.

If you want to specialise in one area, PM me and I'll point you in the right direction.

[Red Riley 2]

If all you want to know is 'what is available?', then the cheapest option for you is to buy an out of date Spink on e-bay which might cost you a couple of quid but would give you a good grounding in the history of coins in England and the UK. Obviously prices would be out of date, but if that doesn't worry you, then it's a 'best buy'.

[RobJ 0]

As other Forum Members have already stated, it really does depend on what types of coins that you intend to collect which will in part determine which are the best books for you personally.

When I started to collect coins quite recently, the three books that I purchased were 'Spink' CCGB and Red's book on Grading British Coins.

Spink is a good broad ranging reference title and and a novice, although somewhat confusing to start with, I do find it most helpful. Also a lot of Dealers and Auction Houses reference their coins for sale according to.'Spink's' numbers. So even if you do not purchase the latest edition, it is well worth trying to obtain an older edition as all but the most up to date pricing will be there.

CCGB is a very handy book to have. It has lots of pictures and information. Also as it is quite inexpensive, it is a book that you could purchase each year as opposed to every few years with some of the other books due to their price.

Red's book on Grading British Coins is a superb book. It will certainly steer you in the right direction and help you start to build up the knowledge of Grading coins that will last you a lifetime. It has lots of information and is very easy to pick up and read. I do think that it is an essential purchase for anyone interested in collecting coins.

I hope that helps.

[Peckris 579]

As other Forum Members have already stated, it really does depend on what types of coins that you intend to collect which will in part determine which are the best books for you personally.

When I started to collect coins quite recently, the three books that I purchased were 'Spink' CCGB and Red's book on Grading British Coins.

Spink is a good broad ranging reference title and and a novice, although somewhat confusing to start with, I do find it most helpful. Also a lot of Dealers and Auction Houses reference their coins for sale according to.'Spink's' numbers. So even if you do not purchase the latest edition, it is well worth trying to obtain an older edition as all but the most up to date pricing will be there.

CCGB is a very handy book to have. It has lots of pictures and information. Also as it is quite inexpensive, it is a book that you could purchase each year as opposed to every few years with some of the other books due to their price.

Red's book on Grading British Coins is a superb book. It will certainly steer you in the right direction and help you start to build up the knowledge of Grading coins that will last you a lifetime. It has lots of information and is very easy to pick up and read. I do think that it is an essential purchase for anyone interested in collecting coins.

I hope that helps.

As three 'general' rather than 'specialist area' books, those three would be an excellent start (and if you have no interest - yet - in coins before 1797, you could even dispense with Spink)

[RobJ 0]

As three 'general' rather than 'specialist area' books, those three would be an excellent start (and if you have no interest - yet - in coins before 1797, you could even dispense with Spink)

Indeed. I have personally found all three of those books invaluable thus far.

[Peter 615]

Despite further abuse Coincrafts 2000 edition will point you in the right way....Although the prices are getting almost on the knocker.

[azda 979]

What you buy depends on what you intend to collect.

If you want to go into depth in a particular field the following would apply but the list is not exhaustive. Some are more detailed than others. Generally speaking, the shorter the period covered, the greater the depth.

Prices: British - Spink coins of England, CCGB. World - Krause & Mishler (US publication, so prices and grades differ from UK standards)

Copper and bronze: Peck (1558-1958), Freeman (1860 bronze onwards), Gouby (1860 pennies onwards), Groom (20th century bronze)

Modern Silver: ESC (1649 on), Davies (1816 on), Groom (20th century silver)

Hammered Silver: various publications by Galata (1/4ds, 1/2ds, Elizabeth I (by Brown Comber & Wilkinson).

Hammered coinage: North (660-1662)

Sovereigns and halves: Marsh

Tokens: Dalton & Hamer, Davis.

Grading: Allen (red riley on this forum)

In addition to the standard references there have been many articles in publications such as the British Numismatic Journal over the past 100 years on specific topics such as individual mints or the coinage of a particular reign. These go into much greater depth than is possible in the broader tomes. Coincraft, last published in 2000 covers 1066 to date. Quite useful, but with a few inaccuracies and omissions. There are many books relating to a particular era such as Norman, Charles I etc which go into depth.

If you want to specialise in one area, PM me and I'll point you in the right direction.

And lets not forget Chris' book, CCGB has some more realistic prices and comes in pocket size

[Peter 615]

I still haven't got my 2011 copy...pull your finger out Chris

[Rob 3,152]

What you buy depends on what you intend to collect.

If you want to go into depth in a particular field the following would apply but the list is not exhaustive. Some are more detailed than others. Generally speaking, the shorter the period covered, the greater the depth.

Prices: British - Spink coins of England, CCGB. World - Krause & Mishler (US publication, so prices and grades differ from UK standards)

Copper and bronze: Peck (1558-1958), Freeman (1860 bronze onwards), Gouby (1860 pennies onwards), Groom (20th century bronze)

Modern Silver: ESC (1649 on), Davies (1816 on), Groom (20th century silver)

Hammered Silver: various publications by Galata (1/4ds, 1/2ds, Elizabeth I (by Brown Comber & Wilkinson).

Hammered coinage: North (660-1662)

Sovereigns and halves: Marsh

Tokens: Dalton & Hamer, Davis.

Grading: Allen (red riley on this forum)

In addition to the standard references there have been many articles in publications such as the British Numismatic Journal over the past 100 years on specific topics such as individual mints or the coinage of a particular reign. These go into much greater depth than is possible in the broader tomes. Coincraft, last published in 2000 covers 1066 to date. Quite useful, but with a few inaccuracies and omissions. There are many books relating to a particular era such as Norman, Charles I etc which go into depth.

If you want to specialise in one area, PM me and I'll point you in the right direction.

And lets not forget Chris' book, CCGB has some more realistic prices and comes in pocket size

I mentioned CCGB in the first line of the list.

As to pricing, nobody can give anything more than a ballpark figure. Many coins are available at a range of prices at any one time, usually dependant on the price paid by the seller - i.e. marked up by a certain margin unless acquired on the cheap in which case whatever you think you can get for it. Realistic prices are a personal preserve and will vary from one person to the next in line with their willingness or lack thereof to part with their money, or whether they have specific pieces in mind. The latter are more likely to have a grasp of pricing in their chosen area having missed out in the past.

[Peter 615]

What you buy depends on what you intend to collect.

If you want to go into depth in a particular field the following would apply but the list is not exhaustive. Some are more detailed than others. Generally speaking, the shorter the period covered, the greater the depth.

Prices: British - Spink coins of England, CCGB. World - Krause & Mishler (US publication, so prices and grades differ from UK standards)

Copper and bronze: Peck (1558-1958), Freeman (1860 bronze onwards), Gouby (1860 pennies onwards), Groom (20th century bronze)

Modern Silver: ESC (1649 on), Davies (1816 on), Groom (20th century silver)

Hammered Silver: various publications by Galata (1/4ds, 1/2ds, Elizabeth I (by Brown Comber & Wilkinson).

Hammered coinage: North (660-1662)

Sovereigns and halves: Marsh

Tokens: Dalton & Hamer, Davis.

Grading: Allen (red riley on this forum)

In addition to the standard references there have been many articles in publications such as the British Numismatic Journal over the past 100 years on specific topics such as individual mints or the coinage of a particular reign. These go into much greater depth than is possible in the broader tomes. Coincraft, last published in 2000 covers 1066 to date. Quite useful, but with a few inaccuracies and omissions. There are many books relating to a particular era such as Norman, Charles I etc which go into depth.

If you want to specialise in one area, PM me and I'll point you in the right direction.

And lets not forget Chris' book, CCGB has some more realistic prices and comes in pocket size

I mentioned CCGB in the first line of the list.

As to pricing, nobody can give anything more than a ballpark figure. Many coins are available at a range of prices at any one time, usually dependant on the price paid by the seller - i.e. marked up by a certain margin unless acquired on the cheap in which case whatever you think you can get for it. Realistic prices are a personal preserve and will vary from one person to the next in line with their willingness or lack thereof to part with their money, or whether they have specific pieces in mind. The latter are more likely to have a grasp of pricing in their chosen area having missed out in the past.

[Peter 615]

The price of a coin is what the punter will pay...forget Spink Rotagraphic etc there are 99p coins out there for £20 and equally in reverse...know your market and buy books first.

[RobJ 0]

As to pricing, nobody can give anything more than a ballpark figure. Many coins are available at a range of prices at any one time, usually dependant on the price paid by the seller - i.e. marked up by a certain margin unless acquired on the cheap in which case whatever you think you can get for it. Realistic prices are a personal preserve and will vary from one person to the next in line with their willingness or lack thereof to part with their money, or whether they have specific pieces in mind. The latter are more likely to have a grasp of pricing in their chosen area having missed out in the past.

The price of a coin is what the punter will pay...forget Spink Rotagraphic etc there are 99p coins out there for £20 and equally in reverse...know your market and buy books first.

I have to agree with you here. Something, be it a coin, a book, a vase or whatever it may be is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it.

Some people will gladly hand over their money and be very happy with their purchase, where as others will simply walk away knowing that they can purchase similar or better at a reduced price elsewhere.

I would also say that no price is ever set in stone, as there is usually some room for negotiation possible. I always ask if it is their 'Best Price?' If it is then OK, I will make my decision on that price. If I'm offered a Discount, then even better. I really do not think that it hurts to ask.

Something that I have learnt in my short time collecting coins. Know what it is that you want, know the idea of Grade that you would like, find the prices that it is being offered for and then take it from there.

Never go in blind! You may get lucky and end up with a bargain, but you will more than likely lose out more times than not.

[Peter 615]

There are some coins that I would pay well over Spink prices...I shan't divulge

[Rob 3,152]

There are some coins that I would pay well over Spink prices...I shan't divulge

There are some where I have paid well over. Picking one up at York this Friday.

[£400 for a Penny ? 0]

Picking one up at York this Friday.

York ? Christ my nose would bleed and bleed and bleed if I went that far north.

How many pints of blood/red wine do I have, it's around 8 isn't it - I wouldn't survive the round trip.

[Peter 615]

Certain coins are just not available...where the hell do these prices come from? Ebay for 20C coins are mad...get a few dealers lists and save a fortune.Happily I did most of my farthings from dealers lists at a fraction of Ebay prices...there are still bargains to be had but I just bought a 1930 BU 1d for £15 and a 1958 BU 6d for £2 from lists....50p postage and I'm delighted.Go to coin fairs and make offers...I usually jangle after a day at the Midland with known dealers.

Quality and price for nice hammered is madness...hence I shift lesser examples on Ebay.I would never buy my sausages from Harrods when better ones cost a fraction of the price at the local butchers.I think Mr Perkins guide is the most realistic...pity it doesn't go pre 1797...well worth the money and I'm waiting for my 2011 edition

[azda 979]

12 pints 400, you'd be anemic by the time you got to scotlands border

[Peter 615]

My only dice with light and heavy resulted in a binge on Newcastle brown....and resulted in the triple crown...don't ask.

[RobJ 0]

York ? Christ my nose would bleed and bleed and bleed if I went that far north.

York isn't that far North £400! lol

If your nose bled by the time you reached York, I dread to think the state that you would be in by the time that you reached Newcastle.

[RobJ 0]

Certain coins are just not available...where the hell do these prices come from? Ebay for 20C coins are mad...get a few dealers lists and save a fortune.Happily I did most of my farthings from dealers lists at a fraction of Ebay prices...there are still bargains to be had but I just bought a 1930 BU 1d for £15 and a 1958 BU 6d for £2 from lists....50p postage and I'm delighted.Go to coin fairs and make offers...I usually jangle after a day at the Midland with known dealers.

That is one of the harder things when starting new in this Hobby. Knowing which Dealers to request lists from or not and knowing which ones to trust or not.

I am sure that there are a great many Dealers out there who are very good and would appreciate some new customers, it is just the newcomers can't tell them apart from any other Dealer out there. lol