Best book or site reference for info on individual proof coins?

I'm thinking I would like to pick up some individual proofs such as Walking Liberty halves, Indian cents, etc. Is Breen's book the best or what would cover this area best? I have no interest in proof sets. Any advice or tips also welcome. Thanks.

 

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Bremen’s book is still the best for everything, but if you are interested in the individual Proof coins from the 1936 to 1942 era, Roger Burdette’s book is outstanding. You can also learn a lot from the PCGS “Coin Facts” site.

 

Bremen? John, could you give a more complete citation. I haven't been able to find a book on US proofs by an author named Bremen. I looked in Amazon, Google, ANA library and ANS library.

Cal

 

I am certain you know the reference is to Walter Breen.
Is it possible that YOU meant Walter Brennan, the financial reporter?

(insert smiley face here)

 

Whoops! I was still half asleep. Now obvious that John made a typo and meant Breen.

Cal

 

I guess it depends on what information you are looking for. Maybe if you described your interest more narrowly, I could provide better information.

As @johnmilton says, the Burdette book is pretty encyclopedic for all the US proof issues of 1936-1942. There isn't much you could want to know that you won't find there.

For IHCs, the Snow books give a lot of information on the proofs of every year including die varieties.

If you're interested in 19th century issues, like the Liberty Seated coinage, Bill Bugerts's books on the half dollars are excellent. They are available for free download through a link at the Liberty Seated Collectors Club website. The only mint and years not yet published are the latter half of the Philadelphia issues.

For Liberty Seated dimes, you can go to Gerry Fortin's website and his dime die variety database. I think you can also access it through the LSCC website links.

If you want less specialized information, Whitman's MegaRed Book and Whitman's books on specific series provide information on proofs as well as business strikes but not to the depth that is provided by more focused authors.

 

Thanks for those references. I have the Rick Snow book and have dealt with him on some MS coins. I'm mostly concerned that I don't start by buying sub-par coins. So aside from general knowledge of an issue, I think identifying a strong strike would be of most importance and then my own eye appeal choices.

 

Walter Breen's "Walter Breen's Encyclopedia of United States and Colonial
Proof Coins" is the one I use. I'm sure there are others, but it's the one I
use.

 

I ordered that today from Amazon

 

I bought the book 35 years ago. Probably cheaper now than back then.

 

I spelled wrong because I was on an iPad. You type something and darn thing puts in something else that's on the left side of the word suggestions because it does not recognize the word.

 

There was a period when it was out of print and worth $100.

 

$18 including tax and shipping. Will have it Thursday

 

Mine was a far sight more than that. Good book, great price

 

Your iPad most likely thought you were writing about coins struck in Bremen, northern Germany

 

I have incredibly major problems with Breen the person. Regardless of the quality of his book I'll never own anything written by him.

 

I share your opinion of Breen and respect your decision. However, Breen is dead and can’t receive any royalties even if a new copy of the book is purchased. It’s sometimes hard not to use the creations of disreputable persons who are now dead. Our numerical grading scale and large cent variety designations were produced by Sheldon, who also has a less than stellar reputation.

When we say a coin grades 50, we’re using Sheldon’s system (though modified). I don’t think it’s a tribute to him; it’s just a tool he created that happens to be useful.

Cal

 

I agree completely. Just the sight of his name makes my skin crawl.