Since coming to CT, I learned that there was a lot I didn’t know, and while CT has been very informative, I’ve taken the suggestion of Doug and others to open up a book or two. Here’s what I’ve read so far, and my notes. Perhaps this will help you if you’re looking for some good reads, and perhaps you can offer some recommendations. Red Book – 1[SUP]st[/SUP] book, couldn’t get enough, so bought more. I reference this constantly. I know the prices aren’t accurate, but their relative value (common, scarce, rare, key, etc) is incredibly handy. The Coin Collector’s Survival Manual (7[SUP]th[/SUP]) - favorite book so far. Many editing issues, a bit preachy and a tiny bit of credibility lost on the author’s shameless self-promotion, but by far my favorite general knowledge book. Read it twice Top 88 Coins – while this is a bit dated, the insights into WHY an expert likes/doesn’t like a given coin right now may have been some of the most illuminating reading so far. Essentially, it take the Survival Manual, and turns theory into practice. Strike it Rich with pocket change – I’m not a fan of error coins, which this is mostly about, but liked the insight and understanding of what to look for, so I can pick ‘em, even if I don’t collect ‘em. A Guide Book of United States Type Coins – interesting overview of each type. The Official ANA Grading Standards (6[SUP]th[/SUP], spiral) – a must read, but it’s more useful as a reference. Making the Grade – this is the best grading book, because it is the ANA but illustrated, with very high-quality photos. Essentially the same content, done better. 100 Greatest US Coins – great coffee-table book, bathroom reading, but not much more. 100 Greatest US Modern Coins – coffee-table reading, but very disappointed, because by modern, they don’t mean 20[SUP]th[/SUP] century, capturing many greats, but 1965+, and most are type/error coins. Regarding the two coffee-table books, my interest is primarily in Civil War area to 1965, with a LOT of great coins, and there is a ‘donut hole’ between these two books, with not many coins in here. Fascinating Facts, Mysteries & Myths About U.S. Coins [Kindle Edition] – great read – essentially that stuff that introduces coins in coffee-table books or websites, but a whole chapter devoted. However, avoid the kindle-version, as it’s quirky at best. (Yes, I read each one, cover to cover, except the coffee-table books, which I'm saving for future bathroom visits). I just ordered “Coins Questions and Answers” Hopefully the comments may help someone who hasn’t read them. So, any suggestions on further reading?
I just picked up a Coin World with a great article about George T. Morgan. Not a book, but a great read full of things that I didn't know. I would also add PCGSs guide to grading and counterfeit detection.
Thanks - counterfit detection isn't something I've studied yet, and probably should. I'll look into that now. I really like the general knowledge books but wish they were a bit more expansive. For example, I'd like to read a couple books which would essentially be expansion of chapters in the Survival Manual.
Check out Bower's Experts Guide to Collecting and Investing in Rare Coins. Its a great read, even the third time through!
Thanks valente. This one? The Expert's Guide to Collecting & Investing in Rare Coins: Secrets Of Success Great suggestion - I just added it to my wish list!
Yes sir. And if you are interested in more story type books, both of Bowers' Adventures with Rare Coins and More Adventures with Rare Coins are both very good. Each book is organized into chapters, each chapter telling a different numismatic story, all very interesting stuff.
You're not really gonna find that. The general knowledge books are great, and I strongly encourage you to read all you can. But if you want expanded knowledge about specific series then you are going to have to move into the books about specific series. Obviously that covers a whole lot of territory, so pick a series you have particular interest in and start there. With each series you will find several books that have been written, some old and some new. Sometimes the newer ones are better and sometimes the older ones are better, and sometimes it's debatable as to which is better. But pick a series and then we can make suggestions for you. Also, if you are not already a member I suggest you join the ANA. I suggest this because then you have use of their library and that will save you a small fortune in buying books. It will also allow you to read the books first, and determine which ones you would like to add to your personal library, so you can then buy them if you wish. And the ANA library will have all of the books, even the hard to find and very expensive ones. Some books can be very difficult to even find a copy to buy. With some books I've looked for years just trying to find a copy I could buy.
I have always been disappointed in the lack of available books. Since the ANA show is coming to New Orleans next year (I can't wait!!!), I suggested to the Barnes and Noble manager that they should get a large selection of resources. She thanked me for the suggestion and is ordering a stockpile of some really great books. I hope that I don't go broke buying up books before the show. There are so many that I have read over the years that I would love to have in my personal collection.
I might suggest Amazon and eBay for newer titles, and then Amazon Marketplace, eBay again, and numismatic book dealers for older books. David Sklow Fine Numismatic Books is a good source, he sells by mailbid sales.
I was hoping to get some books really cheap when they take down the large display after the ANA show is gone. Thanks for the suggestions though.
Regarding the comment that I have to move into specific types, I had come to that conclusion, and was hoping I was wrong, that I was just overlooking something - you confirmed my suspicions. I've been trying to justify the membership, and I think you just gave me the reason to do so! BTW, thanks for the personal recommendations you gave me - I've already read two of them, and ordered the third (I'm eating this stuff up). As always, thanks for the informative and helpful comments - you're a blessing to CT community.
I would make a suggestion to hit Amazon (or something similar), and search for a book specifically on the series or denomination you are currently building. If it is Morgan Dollars or Lincoln Cents, you have a nice selection to choose from.
The History of United States Coinage As Ilustrated by the Garrett Collection Q. David Bowerd. This book totally freaking rules. It also has lots photos and letters. American Numismstic Before The Civil War 1760-1860 Emphasizing the story of Augustus B. Sage Also by Dave Bowers. Gus Sage was one of he founders of American Numismatic Society. ANS was founded in his living room. The book is mostly related to tokens and and medals. The footnotes alone would make a book. Any of his Companion books ie The Numismatist's Downtown Companion, Lakeside Companion etc. I think there were eight books and alot of the stories were reprinted from his Rare Coin Review that he published when he was Bowers and Ruddy and Bowers and Merena.
The ANA also has a pretty good DVD on Counterfeit Detection-Detectecting Counterfeit And Altered U.S Coins. And they published books on Counterfeit Detection that were reprinted from the Numismatist. And they used to have a corrospondence course on it but I don't know if they still have it. And there's Numismstic Forgery by Charles M. Larson. IMO, your better off learning the minting process first before getting into Counterfeit Detection.
Thanks for the great suggestions and feedback! Between the suggestions you've made, and potentially tapping into the ANA library, I think I'll be set (for a little longer
Great suggestions longnine009! See, that's why I like CT - your last sentence - so obvious, logical, intutitive, but something I just didn't put together.
