Beginner needs help

Arizona Jack · 12-16-2007, 05:24 AM

Okay guys...I am intrigued with the idea of starting an ancient coin collection. I have a replica Tetradrachm, I have posted pics here, but heres another.

Please advise me on the first book I should buy on this subject, keeping the beginner thing in mind. I have looked at a few.

And as usual, Thanks in advance, I know the expertise and help is here on this site !!!

EDIT: Let me be just a bit more specific...I am thinking of coins of the Bible, and have seen a book somewhere, is that a beginner area or to expensive or ......help !!!!!!!!!!

**De Orc** · 12-16-2007, 05:39 AM

Here are a couple that I use regular, the coins are all line drawings and easy to see

price guides
Roman Base Metal Coins
Roman Silver Coins

You can find them at this web site and he does them as E books as well

http://www.predecimal.com

Ps not only does he sell the books LOL he bought the company that produces them

Arizona Jack · 12-16-2007, 05:54 AM

right on, lol, that did not take long for the help to start rolling in.

Thanks DeOrc and I 'll check it out when I get up tommorow. Im calling it a night.

Ardatirion · 12-16-2007, 10:33 AM

Books aren't always necessary. I just bought my first (and very out of date) copy of Sears guide a few months ago and haven't really used it. Besides, the best and most useful books are often far too expensive. Check out your local college library, they may have a copy of the BMC or RIC that you can peruse. But between these sites, you should generally be set.

http://www.wildwinds.com/coins/
http://www.catbikes.ch/coinstuff/coins-ric.htm
http://www.coinarchives.com/a/

If you really want books, the best intro ones, I believe, are Wayne Sale's books called, well, Collecting Ancient Coins. They don't really help with attribution, but you'll learn a lot.

silvereagle82 · 12-16-2007, 03:09 PM

Arizona Jack,
You may want to get your feet wet using some reference sites reccommended right here at Cointalk

http://http://www.cointalk.org/showthread.php?t=13991

Arizona Jack · 12-16-2007, 10:22 PM

Thanks guys, I will def use those sites and hints !!

I went ahead and ordered the money/ bible book from collectons, I had a large end of year order already gioin out so I just aded to it. I have alot of reading time at work, so the book will keep me occupied there as well.

tcore · 12-18-2007, 08:49 AM

Arizona Jack, I recommend Ancient Coin Collecting by Wayne Sayles. Also, it looks like you might be interested in Greek coins, so check out his second volume as well. It's specifically on Greek coins. Both can be had on Amazon for about $20 a piece. They are definitely good books for beginner to intermediate level collectors. Let us know what you pick up.

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