Hi, I have the Kraus world coin books for 1601-1700 and 1701-1800 but it doesn't look like they publish anything for earlier time periods. Does anyone have recommendations for basic overview guides for world coins 1400ish-1600? thanks
As far as I know, there is no catalogue like Krause for coins earlier than 1600. If you want to go further back than that, you'll need a specialized guide. Tell us what countries or areas of the world you are interested in, and we may be able to suggest something.
Thanks, I was looking for more information on Spanish Netherlands pre 1600. I saw some coins in an auction that looked neat but I didn't bid since I had no reference for value. I looked on the NGC database but it didn't seem to have too much. I wondered if maybe there was a useful reference book I'm missing.
The Dutch might have some good coin books on that time period, if you can read Dutch. I collect old Italian States coins and I've picked up some Coin books from Italy that do a much better job than the Krause catalogs.
I vaguely remember that there were plans for a 1500-1600 Krause (might have been partially written) but it was never published. You'll have to go with some specialty reference - not sure what your options are but auction lots might have numbers from a good reference book.
Price guides and old auction catalogues are just guides. Since the COVID19 situation started, you can just throw away even the most current guide. I bid on the coins I want and I bid strong, sometimes many multiples of the estimate. You might pay a bundle for a coin(s), but there is a cost for pride of ownership. I look at my coins quite often and am happy I own them. Sometimes the opportunity to own a rare coin is rarer than the coin itself. If I am put in a position that I have to sell and I lose money than I look at the loss as pride of ownership. Besides, it's only money and you can't take it with you.
