If you are going for civil war tokens, I believe there is a red book devoted to that. Other then that as me not being a token collector I have no idea. Sent from my A463BG using Tapatalk
There are many many books on medals and tokens. You might tell us what country you're looking at, that could help narrow it down. Prices, probably auctions, ebay results, etc.
Richard Hartzog has an enormous selection of exonumia books. And the TAMS journal has been published since the 60's. There's also the National Token Collectors Association. https://www.google.com/url?q=http:/...ggOMAE&usg=AFQjCNFA02u1XKXFjTa6kFkolAeAA76C_Q https://www.google.com/url?q=http:/...ggMMAA&usg=AFQjCNHY6BrL77oQQtslOep2OPlLj8U-ag https://www.google.com/url?q=http:/...ggNMAA&usg=AFQjCNEtd70ZfDGpxEAJwrVRvTMkxYDLCg
You'll have to be more specific about what tokens and medals you're interested in. Hartzog is a great source for books - I've bought a couple off him. Also this forum can be a good source because there's a variety of collectors from all regions and eras. Prices are very hard to figure out because many pieces seldom come to market in a form that can be searched. As you gain experience with exonumia you'll start to develop your own opinions on the prices you're comfortable paying. The more popular something is the more you'll pay.
I haven't really decided on anything but would probably look for topical pieces such as ships or trains. Anything related to canals or historic events would be of interest. I also like brass stuff. I know that's very broad. Right now I'm just interested in knowing what's out there.
Nothing wrong with that approach! I suggest starting small, with a modest budget to get your feet wet. Do a search for some of the different groups out there and they may have some articles available for you to read. Plenty of stuff out there!
If your looking for a decent beginners guide on different kinds of tokens and medals try: Tokens and Medals A Guide To The Identification And Values Of United States Exonumia by Alpert and Elman
Coin Reference Books Item Number:0794820603 A Guide Book of U.S. Tokens and Medals $19.95 Since the 1700's, Americans have used tokens and medals to encourage business, lampoon politicians, celebrate special events, pay fares, promote social causes, award the deserving, and scold the wicked. In the Guide Book of United States Tokens and Medals, award-winning author Katherine Jaeger explores these fascinating and collectible pieces of American history, from colonial times to today. Thousands of full-color illustrations, market values, and a grading guide add to the book's reference value. Essential reading for every coin collector and American history buff! Featuring images from the American Numismatic Society's Collection. By Katherine Jaeger, foreword by Q. David Bowers. 304 Pages, Full Color. Softcover
and: Coin Reference Books Item Number:0794842941 A Guide Book of Civil War Tokens, 2nd Edition $39.95 Q. David Bowers’s best-selling and award-winning Guide Book of Civil War Tokens has been updated and expanded (32 additional pages) in a new second edition. It includes recent research findings, more illustrations, and updated pricing in multiple grades. Also new in the second edition: chapters on sutler tokens and encased postage stamps. Civil War tokens are tangible reminders of American history. These small, cent-sized tokens served as emergency “money” during the small-change shortage of 1862 to 1865. Today they are highly collectible, and A Guide Book of Civil War Tokens elevates the collecting and study of these once-shunned imitation cents to a new level of scholarship and accessibility. Novice and experienced collectors alike, as well as history buffs and everyone interested in the Civil War, will find this volume a fascinating and indispensable reference. Inside, you’ll find a wealth of information not in print in any other single source . Volume #16 in the Bowers Series. 480 pages, softcover, full color, 6 x 9 inches.
or: Reference Books Item Number:079484295X A Guide Book of Hard Times Tokens Privately minted “Hard Times” tokens are tangible reminders of a turbulent period in America. Their political and commercial motifs are diverse, reflecting the economic and social scene of the pre–Civil War era of Andrew Jackson (the 1830s and 1840s). Numismatists find them fascinating to collect and study. Although there are major rarities in the series, most of the issues are very affordable. Novice and experienced collectors alike, as well as history buffs and everyone interested in the Jackson era, will find this volume an indispensable reference. Inside, you’ll find a wealth of information not in print in any other single source. Q. David Bowers includes recent research findings, hundreds of high-resolution images, and current market pricing in multiple grades. He expertly covers the history of these fascinating collectibles, and catalogs them with detailed information for sellers, buyers, historians, and researchers. Hard Times tokens have been featured in the “Red Book” since 1946. Now, collectors finally have an expanded, full-color catalog to these remarkable pieces of American history. 320 pages, full color, softcover. Richly illustrated with more than 800 images. “Groundbreaking. . . . beyond the scope and depth of anything previously published. . . . a clear, complete, verified, carefully focused, and well-photographed listing of these important pieces.” —from the foreword by Robert A. Schuman
or: Coin Reference Books Item Number:0794822606 100 Greatest American Medals and Tokens Katherine Jaeger and Q. David Bowers tell the fascinating stories of 100 of the greatest medals and tokens of colonial America, the early states, the Confereracy, the U.S. Mint, and dozens of private issuers. It's all here: the history of medals and tokens in America and how they evolved; how to collect them; grading; conservation; smart buying; and more. 100 Greatest American Medals and Tokens is not just a price guide or a fancy picture book. It's a time machine that takes you to a hundred-plus different points in America's rich history. Hardcover with dustjacket, coffee-table, 148 pages.
The books that folks have suggested are great. You might also look into getting some of the token books by Rulau. Your best source for information on tokens & medals is CoinTalk. Here is one of my favorite tokens:
There's a tremendous aray of "stuff out there". You might consider an untapped field like municipal trade tokens. These are actually cataloged now by Cote' but there are many pieces he doesn't list. Most of these are brass or bronze. Many have very interesting designs and the reverse has redemption information. There are lots and lots 20th century items that are just as rare as older issues but far less expensive. Ask a dealer to go through his token and medal box or book and you'll see. Most dealers will give you a discount if you're buying many items. Just remember that if you're patient you'll see everything for 50c or a dollar. If you're interested in extremelylow cost collections like transportation tokens, amusement tokens, or anything along this line then join one of the clubs and try trading to acquire a collection. These can be done for mere pennies per item and large collections are possible if you have the memory.
You might want to read this thread where some members have listed exonumia books in their libraries. That can give you an idea of what sorts of books are available. https://www.cointalk.com/threads/book-list-on-tokens-medals-and-exonumia.233203
