Welcome to the forum Dell.
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Dell Investor Question.... I have inherited a parcel of old coins....dating back to the 18th century...some US and other foreign....what would you recommend as reference book(s) for me to look up these coins? |
The basic reference for U.S. coins is the Yeoman
Guide Book of US Coins, commonly referred to as the Red Book, available at any coin shop and most book stores, as well as your local public library. For world coins it's the Krause & Mishler four volume
Standard Catalog of World Coins covering the 17th Century to date. The large phonebook-sized 20th/21st Century Edition is probably at your local library also, and some or all of the earlier century volumes may be there, or available on inter-library loan.
Use both of them to attribute your coins, and get a general idea of value, but
do not rely on them for pricing. The Red Book is a frozen retail guide in a rapidly shifting market. Krause is famous for being off-base in both directions.
Once you have the coins generally attributed, you may also want to check the Cherry Pickers Guide for varieties of U.S. coins.
And don't be afraid to ask questions here about specific coins, especially if you can post clear pictures.
Enjoy!
