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Numismatic Library |
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If you have any questions concerning the books listed below, and I can help, please email me. I will be happy to help however I can.
World Coins: General Reference
2005 Standard Catalog of World Coins; 1901 to Present; 32nd Edition. Chester L. Krause & Clifford Mishler. This series of reference books is an absolute necessity for any collector of world coins (includes values for US coins). It's not perfect by any means, but it is probably the best comprehensive reference out there. Coins are listed by country of origin in order by type and date. Valuations are listed, in most cases, for VG through UNC. Single pictures are listed for most type coins for comparison. For most coins, information is listed for weight and bullion content, overall description and mintage figures.
Standard Catalog of World Coins; 1801 to 1900; 3rd Edition. Chester L. Krause & Clifford Mishler. This Edition covers 19th century coins in the same fashion as the 20th century, above.
Standard Catalog of World Coins; 1701 to 1800; 3rd Edition. Chester L. Krause & Clifford Mishler. This Edition covers 18th century coins in the same fashion as the 20th century, above.
I would recommend anyone interested in collecting foreign coins purchase the appropriate Standard Catalog to suit their collecting interests.
Standard Catalog of World Gold Coins; 5th edition. Chester L. Krause & Clifford Mishler.
A Catalog of Modern World Coins; 6th revised edition (1964) R.S. Yoeman.
World Coins: Spanish Colonial
Standard Catalog of World Coins; Spain, Portugal and the New World. Chester L. Krause & Clifford Mishler & Colin R Bruce, Senior Editor.
The Columnarios of Central and South America. Frank Gilboy. For anyone who collects pillar type coinage for the New World, this book is THE book to have. It is probably the best reference for Pillar Dollars and Minors. Although no values are listed, the book has information on nearly every variety and rarity information listed for each one. Great pictures for quick identification, and excellent information on historical background.
Numismatica Espanola9th edition. F. Calico, X. Calico & J. Trigo. First off, this book is in spanish (obviously). I don't read much Spanish, but you don't need to for this book to be a great addition to your library. Coins are referenced in order of ruler, then broken down by denomination, and listed by date. Excellent pictures. This books covers cobs to modern. Single values are listed for each coin (not cross-referenced by grade). Values are given in Pesetas.
US Coins
A Guide Book Of United States Coins58th Edition. R.S. Yoeman. This book is most commonly referred to as the "Red Book", and used widely throughout collectors of US coins. Information can be found for each type, to include weight, diameter, bullion content, etc. Coins are listed in order of denomination, type, in date order. Each date is listed with mintage figures (were available). Values are listed in selected grades of the Sheldon scale. Good pictures are given for each type with enlarged pictures for some variety identification. This book is revised every year, with updated values and values... mileage may vary.
Early Half Dollar Die Varieties 1794-1836(1967, second edition) Al C. Overton. This is a decent book for identification of half dollar varieties, although a later edition which is much easier to use has been issued since - I don't have it yet. As far as I can understand this edition does not introduce the O-xxx identifications that are used in the market, however obverse die numbers are listed with reverse pairings, with written explanations. Pictures are good, but later editions are much easier to use.
General Reference
Photograde Official Photographic Grading Guide for United States Coins. James F. Ruddy.
Coin Clinic 2. 1,001 more Frequently Asked Questions. Alan Herbert.
Coin Collector's Survival Manual. Scott A. Travers. For beginners, this book should change the way you purchase coins - it did for me, anyway. Travers covers the proper ways to look at a coin before you purchase, and tips on best time management for attending shows. The interview with a coin doctor was interesting... and a little scary (particularly if you collect large cents and other copper coins).
Other
In addition to the books listed above, I have a subscription to the Numismatist (available to all members of the ANA, if you aren't a member, I suggest becoming one if only for the free subscription to this magazine) and CoinWorld. I recommend both. I also pick up most issues of COINage from my local book store.