I'm considering buying a world coin book and I would like it to cover 1900 - 1950 at minimum. This is for a very casual (side) collection and to look up world coins for those who ask. I see three options, each at a different price point: Standard Catalog of World Coins - Bruce 1901-2000 Standard Catalog of World Coins - Cuhaj 1901-2000 A Catalog of Modern World Coins: 1850-1964 Yeoman Can anyone please discribe the difference between the three options? Or if you have another suggestion, please tell me. Thanks.
Your best bet is to use the Krause catalogs. Or - you can just use this web site - www.numismatser.com
Thank you Doug. It looks like the Numismaster material is based on Bruce. Also, why would the Numismaster online material be any better than http://worldcoingallery.com/ ?
I would second Doug's opinion and get the Krause catalog. It is the standard, and its numbers are used universally. Having this book will enable you to always know the exact coin comeone is referring to. THey have used copies on Ebay pretty darn cheap. I like to buy an edition like one or two editions old, since the pricing in the catalog is not the biggest concern, and I get a better price. If you get serious about a certain countries issues, though, please do not just rely on Krause. Its way too general to give you imprtant details that you should know if you specialize in a series.
OK as to differences. The Yeoman book lists each coin by type and does not give information as to all the dates and mints available for each type. The prices given are for the most common dates of each type, so if you have a scarcer date you won't know it. I haven't seen the latest edition but the book used to list the coins by Yeoman numbers. This numbering system has almost been completely replaced by the current KM numbers The other two books may be two editions of the same book (Bruce used to be the editor and now Cuhaj is.) There is also the possibility that the Cuhaj book is the Standard Catalog which lists all the general issue pieces and the NCLT issues while the Bruce book may be the Standard Catalog of Unusual World Coins which is mainly issues from non existent countries (Micro-nations), fantasy issues, medals etc. The Standard Catalog lists all the countries, and every coin by denomination and type. For each type all the dates that type was issued are listed and the are priced in several different grades. It also gives diameter, composition and for precious metal coins weight, fineness, and actual silver, gold, platinum etc weight.
So I ended up finding the 2010 standard catalog with DVD at a used book store for 21$ and change, and I bought it. Thank you everyone for all of your help.
