Suggested reading?

I've just been getting interested in coins over the last month, so I'm very new. I'm primarily interested in either bullion coinage or really old coins (primarily Roman). Recently I've spent way too much money on bullion, and I've hesitated to buy any of the Roman era coinage I see on eBay. Most of it seems to be "Buy it Now" which means I don't get a chance to get a feel for what other bidders think it's worth. In my zeal in buying bullion I think I overpaid a bit, and I'd like to be a bit more cautious with the older stuff.

I guess I'm wondering if any of you have suggestions for where I can read up on what to look for, how to identify coinage, where to look for it, how to tell fake from real, how to take care of and handle them, and what prices are fair.

Any advice is appreciated!

 

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The only way to get that much information all in one reading is to buy a coin magazine. There's plenty to choose from, but I mostly read Coin World when I get the chance. Also, if you want to become a member of the ANA, they have a magazine they send out monthly or quarterly. I don't really know cause I'm not a member yet.

 

ANA? hmm. That sounds interesting. is it like the NRA but for coins?

 

Regarding price, a starting point would be the Red Book. Many will disagree, but again, it is not an end all in prices, but a general idea and starting point for prices on United States coins.

Regarding authenticity, you may want to stick with third party graded slabbed coins.

 

Check out Whitman too...they have a lot of books on a variety of subjects. I'm so-so on the magazines being a cynic and always looking for a sales agenda but I've read some good articles as well as the pricing as a guide. Read the book before you buy the coin...so true. Like you buying a load of bullion rekindled my childhood love of coin collecting. I'm concentrating on proof releases and have accumulated a LOT of specialized books so I can research before I buy...or just educate and have fun. I also don't, as a rule, do ebay. but thats just me.

 

ANA is the American Numismatic Association and it's the original numismatic group for collectors and dealers to join.