Here is the first. From Amazon: "This unique book provides the student of Roman history with an accessible and detailed introduction to Roman and provincial coinage in the late Republic and early Empire in the context of current historical themes and debates. Almost two hundred different coins are illustrated at double life size, with each described in detail, and technical Latin and numismatic terms are explained. Chapters are arranged chronologically, allowing students to quickly identify material relevant to Julius Caesar, the second triumvirate, the relationship between Antony and Cleopatra, and the Principate of Augustus. Iconography, archaeological contexts, and the economy are clearly presented. A diverse array of material is brought together in a single volume to challenge and enhance our understanding of the transition from Republic to Empire." As a 12 Caesars period collector this book was a great choice. There are many photos of interesting coins and the author really did the research necessary to bring this age to life. I learned much about the period and about the associated coins. the text is brisk and well written and filled with references to architecture, politics, and the historical figures of the day. I do not accept every premise made by the author, but the idea are well presented and argued. For about 21.00 from Amazon you cannot go wrong by giving this book a try. I would definitely buy it again. The second book is a reference book I had been wanting for a while. This book is worth it for the specialist. Since I now have over 30 denarii of the Flavians, I thought it was about time I had a copy. One thing I did not know was that this 2005 Spink reprint is a reprint of the 1966 edition and not the 1976 edition. I wonder why they did that? Anyway, I have been assured that the changes were minor. One very enjoyable aspect of owning this book is that I have been checking the BMCRE references for all of my coins. This has been fun. It has also been nice to find out which of my coins and not in this volume or are not in the BM collection at all. (I have been checking the book against the excellent BM archives online). One thing I have decided is that any of my coins not in the museum when I pass will be donated to their collection. I am reluctant to give coins to museums so that they languish unloved in some basement, but I think the scholarly usefulness of the BM collection mitigates against this concern. I have also been enjoying the plates, though I wish they were organized like RIC Vol II. I have already noted a few die matches between these BM examples and my own coins. In the case of my rare coins of the Flavians this comes as no surprise, but it is still interesting. The other feature I really like is the inclusion of the notes for some coins. In some cases these refer to an interesting fact about the features of the coin, in others they note important collections. Since this is a catalogue, I cannot recommend it to the casual Flavian collector. If, however, you are interested in the coins of these rulers, it is a worthy purchase. Please post any coins related books you recently purchased.
Congratulations on your literary purchases, Orfew! When I was at the British Museum I was amazed at their collection of ancient coins. However, I haven't gotten around to starting a collection yet.
Here is my new used coin book. It has a coffee stain but that stain does not reach the pages inside. It has lots of depictions of coins and while it was last published in 2000 I think it will be useful. And it was an absolute steal!
It's been awhile since I have purchased a new book for my library, but I have some on my want list, principal of which is "Early Roman Coinage", by Rudi Thomsen which is atop of that list. Not a scholarly work, but I just ordered a print copy of the recent Alba Longa sale to add to my collection of what I consider the most significant sales of Roman Republican coins.
The importance of BMCRE is that it's a catalogue of one of the finest collections in the world. Even without frequency ratings you get an idea of which coins are common and which ones are not (and if a coin isn't in the BM then you know it's rare!). You can see also what the acceptable measurements are for a particular issue. Plus, the introductions to each reign are fairly useful, if somewhat dated. Enjoy the books Andrew!
I have my eye on some current offerings for books. They are much more difficult to get these days (or at least more expensive). Such is the fate of someone who wishes to learn rather than collect by number. Van Meter: I think I sold a couple thousand copies of this when when it came out, I am sure I supported Dave's entry into the reference business, but it didn't take hold. Other than Ebay I dont think is reference comes up anywhere.
Well, @Ken Dorney - I am completely reassured and quite happy! If you recommended and sold the book I purchased, then I have a great reference book. Thank you.
@Orfew - thank you for sharing your books - I ordered a copy of the Clare Rowan book today and look forward to reading it. Here's my latest book purchase (used, in nice condition).
Indeed, not an easy three-volume set to find! These were RBW's, now mine. It's an important work in the historical, scholarly debate regarding the date of introduction of the denarius, as well as the dates and mint locations of other early RR coinage. Crawford cites Thomsen frequently. Today, in hindsight and with the benefit of 50+ years of scholarship, I disagree with some of Thomsen's conclusions - notably, his Rome mint determination for the "collateral series" of struck, semilibral bronzes (now known as Crawford 39).
There was a partial set of Dumbarton Oaks Byzantine today at VAuctions. Sadly I missed it but someone got a real bargain, the first six volumes hammered for $265 (they normally go far higher). Sigh. Maybe I will find a set elsewhere.
