Hi I was wondering what people though about these books. Are they worth the investment and helpful? Is this a good deal on them? I would most likely go for the DVD version (which I normally don't do) as it is $75. Thanks http://www.shopnumismaster.com/prod...11&lid=NUWB113011&et_mid=527857&rid=232934376
I don't collect world coins, per se, but I thought that the Krause publications were pretty much the standard for world coins. Aren't all world coins categorized and attributed by the Krause numbering system? Chris
Yes, the Krause catalogs are standard reference books for the world's coins. Don't forget they have US coins in them too. They should, in my opinion, be required for any coin collector. But they are much like the Red Book in that while they are an essential book and have a great deal of useful information, they lack even more information. And just like the Red Book, they are worthless as a price guide. But the Krause catalogs are where you start. Everyone, even US collectors, should have them. And forget the DVD, buy the books.
I would reemphasize the aspect that they are simply the beginning. They are identical to a Red Book for US coins. You wouldn't want to be a Large Cent collector and only have the Red Book, right? Same with these. They are needed since everyone references a KM number, but if you really want to collect a particular series and know what you are doing, a specialize reference is invaluable. The only world coins collectors who only need KM would be someone who only wants to collect one coin from each country, or similar. Btw, while I would buy the book too, if you are a laptop or tablet kind of guy, nothing wrong with the DVD, personally I just prefer hard copy. Chris
If you're going to collect a wide variety of world coins, there's no better reference. If you're going to go deep into a specific area of coins, then you might find it lacking and want to get more specific reference books. It is a lot of money to plunk down on books, though, so you may want to find out if your local library has it first, and you can at least have access to it that way. You may decide to buy it anyway, but when making a purchase like that it's always good to reflect a bit on how you're going to use it. Also consider trying to find a used copy.
Like I said, I don't collect many world coins, but I do come across an occasional one that might interest me. For that reason, I do have a (2005) set of Krause books which cover 1801-1900 & 1901-to present. That's pretty much all I would need. Chris
Great point about a used copy. Sorry, I should have mentioned that. All of the volumes I own I bought used on Ebay. This coming from a man who has no problem writing a $1000 check for a set of coin references if needed, (something I have done too many times). I simply find used copies economical, and since prices aren't the main reason to use these, no need to have the latest editions unless you collect coins only a couple of years old and need the newest listings.
Dear Board, True, but these are for the CD ROM versions. Personally, I find them just as, if not more, useful when space is a concern. Still, I do have a soft spot for the tree versions! Best regards, Mark Fox Michigan
Several reasons why I suggest books over computer disks. Books are always gonna be there and they always work - computers don't always work. And with the way they change software so fast, it probably won't be long until the disk version you buy today won't work anymore. Unless you have an outdated computer. But beyond that, if you just like using the computer for quick reference, I hav eno problem with that. But why buy the disk to do it when you can do it on Numismaster for free ?
I just got the 2010 edition and was disappointed in that my 1998 edition had many, many more helpful info at the front of the book than the more modern one does including measuring tools, a segment devoted to what types of currency are used by different nations (a list of countries that use the Franc, Dollar, Peso, what have you) that sped up the search for an I.D. The more recent ones that come with software seem to have omitted these various extra tidbits simply because they come with a disk. Poor decision of the editors, if you ask me. Without these, I may still have been searching French listings for the Swiss 1/2 Franc I got dime searching.
Thanks for all the responses! I usually don't collect world coins, but I do have a lot of them that were given to me over the years. I think I will check the library School and public and think about used copies (though I am odc when comes to my books I try to keep them nice). From what your saying they seem like a necessary reference so I will defiantly look into finding a set or getting the ones I need. Thanks again
I use both. When buying or examining coins online I use the digital copies for quick reference. When I sit down to relax with a glass of Maker's Mark whiskey and begin to catalog coins into my physical collection I use the books.
