Hello all. I am new to this forum and new to coin collelcting. Well not really new to coin collecting as I have done it most of my life but not seriously..... Question.... I have inherited a parcel of old coins....dating back to the 18th century...some US and other foreign....what would you recommend as reference book(s) for me to look up these coins?
Welcome to the forum Dell. The basic reference for U.S. coins is the Yeoman Guide Book of US Coins, commonly referred to as the Red Book, available at any coin shop and most book stores, as well as your local public library. For world coins it's the Krause & Mishler four volume Standard Catalog of World Coins covering the 17th Century to date. The large phonebook-sized 20th/21st Century Edition is probably at your local library also, and some or all of the earlier century volumes may be there, or available on inter-library loan. Use both of them to attribute your coins, and get a general idea of value, but do not rely on them for pricing. The Red Book is a frozen retail guide in a rapidly shifting market. Krause is famous for being off-base in both directions. Once you have the coins generally attributed, you may also want to check the Cherry Pickers Guide for varieties of U.S. coins. And don't be afraid to ask questions here about specific coins, especially if you can post clear pictures. Enjoy!
Everytime I read posts like this, I often wonder why the collector never included directions or information on their collection. Hopefully, one of my sons will carry on the tradition, but with that said, I have specific instructions for what to do with mine if I pull the plug unexpectantly. Your best of action is to get the Red Book that satootoko recommended. DON'T try to sell them without doing some basic research.
Thanks for the replies. I currently have the 2004 Red Book for US Coins and have been using that as a guide. I will pick up Kraus & Mischlers four volume Standard Catalog for World Coins. I have one coin inparticular, a 1600 Irish Farthing in the parcel and afew British coins that I would like to see what there worth, if anything. Thanks again. I have been reading through the posts and have picked up quite a bit of info. Some saved me quite a bit of money already as I was poised to make a substantial bid on a parcel of coins that were graded MS70.....by SGS. Didn't do it......
Smart man...wish I would have found this forum before I bought some SGS graded coins. I'm out about $50, but lesson learned. Welcome on board.
Scan them and post them here. I'd like to see them, and I (and others) would be happy to let you know what the `catalogues' say if nothing else. Ian
