National dealer

When new collectors enter into the hobby, they are often at a loss as to where to start. The best advice is still "Buy the book before the coin". Here is a short list of recommended reading.


1. A guide of United States Coins. (Red Book)-(Blue Book)
2. The complete encyclopedia of Colonial and US Coins. (Breen)
3. Krause (World Coins and Currency)

General referrence is complete in these issues. They should not however be used as price guides.

There are numerous books written on each collectible series. Many for varieties and errors. Too many to list here.

Weekly and monthly magazines are also recommended for the collector to stay abreast of the current market.

pog

if you collect or are interested in and do not have

"the complete guide to franklin half dollars"
by rick tomaska i highly recommend it. it is an awesome inofrmational piece.

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If a man empties his purse into his head, no man can take it away from him. An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest . Benjamim Franklin

CohibaCris

For Morgan and Peace dollars, I recommend:
Comprehensive Catalog and Encyclopedia of Morgan & Peace Dollars
It's by Van Allen and Mallis, and a treasure trove of terrific information. It isn't cheap, but it is worth it.

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"Liberty can not be preserved without general knowledge among people." (August 1765) John Adams
First Atta-boy - 6/9/04
Nosce te ipsum - Know Thyself

cholmes75

Anyone know where I can get a copy of some books on Standing Liberty Quarters? I have a few titles (listed in the Red Book) but am having trouble finding them.

CohibaCris

No knowledge of the books, but here is a link.

__________________
"Liberty can not be preserved without general knowledge among people." (August 1765) John Adams
First Atta-boy - 6/9/04
Nosce te ipsum - Know Thyself

creeboy

does krause and the redbook have prices? and why should they not be used as a price guide?

satootoko

Yes, for what they are worth.Coin values are constantly changing, and annual publications typically go to press months before they are release. On January 1, 2007, the published prices in both the Red Book and the 2007 Krause catalogs were 13-18 months out-of-date!

The best price guides are, have been, and always will be, records of actual auctions prices realized and dealer sales.

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Roy

GDJMSP

I will expand on Roy's answer a bit, it is not uncommon for prices in the Red Book or Krause to be off by as much 300% - 400% to the upside and 80% - 90% on the downside. For example, Krause may say a coin is worth $100 when it is actually worth $400. Or they may say it is worth $1000 when it is actually only worth $100. Now these numbers may seem extreme, but I have even seen worse.

So the simple answer as to why - the books are not accurate in regard to value.

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900fine

Here's a great title : "Standing Liberty Quarters, 4th Edition" JH Kline
http://amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw/104...&Go.x=8&Go.y=8

Got 'em in stock on Amazon !

Speedy

And I'll add that it is a great book!....I bought a signed copy not too long ago and love it!!

Speedy

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smullen

Then, what would you recomend the laymen use to gauge pricing Buying and Selling... I've never sold anything and don't plan to for anytime to come, but I'd like something other than my gut to help me decide if its a good buy or not.....

I'm sure I've way over paid on a few coins for any number of reasons, # 1 Being I did not know any better....

I respect your opion is why I ask...

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GDJMSP

There is only 1 thing - doing your own research and checking realized auction prices.

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bhp3rd

I have a copy of The Coin World Almanac and it gives as good an overview on Americas money including paper as any I have ever seen - everything in the Red Book (without prices) including all mintage figures, laws, directors, virtually everything - It's a great Book but hardly ever gets mentioned?

Ben (have too many or just enough books) Peters

coinblogger

I just read Grading Coins By Photographs by Q. David Bowers. It is a great book to learn how to grade coins. You can read my review of this book from the link in my signature below.

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Catbert

While I agree with Doug that historical auctions will offer the most accurate reflection of the market (go to ha.com or teletrade), many use what is known as the "greysheet" for a handy reference when at a show to give a relative idea of what a coin is "worth". Greysheets have their limitations, but they can be useful.

http://www.greysheet.com/web_order/subscribe_form.asp

I subscribe to the quarterly version.