Novice coin collector with two questions: 1) Can anyone suggest a good book to introduce me to the basics of U.S. coin collecting? My interest is two-fold. First, I really like coins. They're shiny and neat. Second, I'd like to establish a collection that will be worth some money to my kids someday. 2) A relative of mine (now deceased, and perfectly sane, by all accounts) went out sometime around 1976 and bought several hundred dollars worth of 1972 pennies. Not uncirculated or mint issued; he just asked the bank to roll up as many 1972 pennies as they could find and he bought them. No one seems to remember why. They remain rolled and untouched in several boxes ever since. Any ideas?
I'd recommend the book "Coin Collecting for Dummies" and a Red Book. The 1972 pennies were known to have doubling on some of the motto and lettering. These were called Double Dies , pretty hard to find. Maybe by gathering up all you could locate then you'd have some of those hard to find Double Dies. Take Care Ben
I'd say The Expert's Guide to Collecting & Investing in Rare Coins by Q. David Bowers (try to get it in paperback). I've been collecting a while and I found it to be very informative and covered just about everything that would suit a beginner and/or an experienced hunter. The Dummies book and a red book are good ideas too. Also, you can trust the good people at www.cointalk.org if you have specific questions.
Beside the "red Book", I will let the experts suggest material. However, You will learan more here than you will in any book I know of. Just curious how he managed to convince a bank to roll only one date for him. Even back than, none of my banks wee that friendly
I would get three boooks: 1) Redbook 2) The Bowers' book mentioned above 3) Scott Travers' work here: http://www.amazon.com/Coin-Collecto...0396865?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1184897706&sr=1-2 But my best piece of advise is to post your potential purchases here BEFORE you buy until you get your feet under you, so to speak. Alternatively, find a good mentor and ask for their guidance when considering a purchase. There are many sharks out there, and it is important you know what you're doing before you spend any significant money. Good luck...Mike
Yes, that is it. Lots of good info that is not available elsewhere. But, the values are not up to date. Remember, the book is printed/edited months in advance. Coin World's values section (issued monthly w/ a subscription is better).
books Howdy, Coin Collecting for Dummies is a great buy. The Redbook is a must. I like Scott Travers and Q. David Bowers for authors. While you're learning, one thing that is pretty easy to do and fairly 'safe' is to start buying the annual sets, etc. directly from the US Mint www.usmint.gov Each year they sell everything of that year except the bullion uncirculated versions of the silver, gold and platinum eagles. These are sold thru dealers. However, buying both Proof Sets (silver and clad), the Mint Set, the silver eagle proof, those commemoratives that appeal to you, etc., will get you started in a very sound manner. I've been doing this for years, but since I became a grandpa, I also buy one of most everything for each of my grandkids. I hope to turn them into collectors, but at worst it'll sure help pay for college. This means that I normally order 5 of the basic stuff - 1 for me, 2 for the grandkids, and 2 for giggles. good luck, rono
