I am interested in potentially starting a gold coin collection. Likely type, but may consider more. In the interest of buying the book before the coin, can anyone recommend a good volume on US gold coins? I see that Q. David Bowers has written several. By chance is there one volume that covers all series?
If you want a single book that covers all series, then the Encyclopedia of US Gold Coins is your best bet: https://www.wizardcoinsupply.com/product/encyclopedia-of-us-gold-coins-1795-1933.html However, most people aren't looking to collect all series. If you decide there is a series that you prefer, then we can give you more specialized answers.
I have a book in one of my drawers at work that I haven’t looked at in ten years. It is a book that breaks down counterfeit gold coin detection. I can’t say 100% it is still there but I am confident that it is. You are welcome to it if you want. Send me a PM with your address.
I would second that suggestion. And, depending on how involved you care to get, I would add this one to it - https://www.amazon.com/Early-U-s-Gold-Coin-Varieties/dp/0794820514
I agree with the Garrett-Guth book. I have this one, and while the analysis of every date and mint of every type may seem like overkill for a type collector, it provides you with the insight you need to put together a type set that's thoughtfully selected, and maybe not quite as generic as most.
That book is amazing, of course. But you have to have seriously deep pockets to afford anything that book talks about! Definitely not for the beginner.
And for those who have "outgrown" that book, JD's coming out with the first of his multi-volume work on proof gold by die variety this year.
