I'm considering getting into English coins. Can anyone direct me to a helpful book/website that will give me an overview before I take the plunge?
I find this to be a decent quick reference: http://www.tclayton.demon.co.uk/values/coins.html#index But definitely find yourself a copy of Coins of England, published annually by Spink. It costs around $60 but covers everything from the Celtic, pre-Roman coinage to the newest proofs.
I recently bought the COIN YEARBOOK which is produced each year by the Publishers of COIN NEWS. This covers the English/Scottish/Irish/Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. It is illustrated in colour ,covers ancient British up to modern day and is a directory of Dealers and Auctioneers.It also gives hints for collectors and teaches how to take care of coins. It cost me around £10 (approx $15) and I would imagine it will be available on Amazon. If you have trouble finding one please let me know (should you choose to get it) Best wishes. Mike.
Just realised... the link given by Ardatirion is to Token Publishing who produce the book. If you click on the link... then where it says they are thankful to "Token Publishing Ltd" click on that... then on the left of the page click on coin books... and the 2009 coin book is there..there is also a World Coin book which is much more expensive as it covers the world but I guess just as informal as the British Isles one is. Best wishes, Mike.
Are you looking to get into English coins or British coins there is quite a difference, If it is English then let me know and I can link you to a very good site for English Hammerd :smile
Here you go http://www.historiccoinage.com/ You proberly allready know it but I do find that Clive is extreemly helpful and not overpriced.