1 comments about Indian Head Cents Folder 1857-1909 (Official Whitman Coin Folder).

1. This folder is an excellent holder for your coins. Beginners can see progress very quickly which will pique there interest in coin collecting even more.

4 comments about Thundering Zeus: The Making of Hellenistic Bactria (Hellenistic Culture and Society).

1. Holt once again brings invaluable information about Bactria. In this book he uses mumismatics extensively. The first two chapters are very interesting. The end of the book is mostly about technical details of the coins and what they can tell us. Thundering Zeus is the figure of Zeus on coins issued by Macedonian kings in Bactria. Holt shows us the importance of the details for placing a date on the coins and for knowing who issued them. For those who are intrigued by Diodotus, I and II, this is a great book. If it is the first book you read by Holt and if you are intested in the history of Bactria, which now covers most part of Afghanistan, you can form for yourself a good idea of what other books by Holt can hold as surprises for you. It could be the gate opened to a new horizon, or just a very enjoyable way to learn about the subject. Holt writes in a simple manner so as to be accessible to all readers and I do appreciate that. Even scholars sometimes need simplicity. In any case, his simple and clear way is still carrying a lot of serious information with notes, bibliography, index, all items History students need. I would recommend this book for research as well as for readers who like to learn more.



2. Holt does an excellent job of updating the Beginnings of the Hellenistic Bactrian kingdom. His book is a much needed repair of the misinformation spread in the beginning of Tarn's otherwise enjoyable book The Greeks in Bactria and India. I thoroughly enjoyed it.



3. Frank Holt continues his assault on the deity of Alexander in this well-researched followup to "Alexander the Great and Bactria." Holt looks at the foundation and early history of Hellenistic Bactria, starting with the Diadochi. His analysis of the data - including a careful reappraisal of the oft misleading numistics - is fairly convincing. A good book for anyone interested in Central Asia in antiquity, ancient India, and modern historiography of Alexander of Macedon.



4. A full effort employing a variety of source materials, good methodology, and inviting prose.

2 comments about A Guide Book Of United States Type Coins: A Complete History And Price Guide For The Collector And Investor (The Official Red Book).

1. US Type sets are a great way to learn about the history of the United States through its coins. This book is a great resource for learning how to compile said type set. The first ~50 pages are spent on a history of the US through its coins, history on the most famous set of all time (Eliasberg), some practical notes on grading (though if you really want a detailed resource on how to grade coins, you should look elsewhere), and then several pages on what to consider when assembling a US type set - such as by metal, everything but gold, just gold, how many varieties to include, etc.
   
   The bulk of the rest of the book is devoted to describing almost all types of US Coins that have been minted since 1792 (including the 1792 pattern half disme). Before each major type (such as half cents, large cents, small cents, etc.), a few pages are spent with an overview of the series, tips on collecting a type set with those coins, and then information on going "beyond a type set," in other words, what issues you may encounter if you want to assemble a set of all the coins in that series by date and mintmark.
   
   Then, almost all types are subsequently descirbed with full-color pictures, mintage information (e.g. 158.1 billion Lincoln memorial reverse bronze coins were struck), basic information, a "key to collecting," and "aspects of striking and appearance." It also has suggested grades to shoot for based upon three budget tiers. It then has tables of approximate market value at time of print (2004) by grade, certified population reports and approximate field population, and then market price performance for the last 60 years in decade intervals, which show how the value at (usually) 3 grades has changed (making you wish you bought back in 1950).
   
   Overall, if you want a general resource/guide to collecting type coins from 1792-2004 (I assume an update will be published within the next few years to account for the remaining Statehood Quarters, Jefferson 2005 reverse and obverse and the 2006 Jefferson obverse, and the new Presidential Dollar Series), this should be on your shelf. If you are an experienced numismatist, you may find much of it elementary, but still worth buying for the history section in the beginning and the relatively comprehensive data for each type.



2. If you want to start a "type collection" of US coins, this is the place to start. This book gives you the information that you need to get started. It also give you the price information that you need to make informed buying decisions. The history and other information will be extremely usefull to collectors that are new to this hobby. If you are a more experienced collector, the detailed numerical information will be a be help in improving your collection.

2 comments about Standard Catalog of German Coins: 1601 To Present (Standard Catalog of German Coins).

1. Unless you speak/read German, this is as good as it gets. Not only is this most comprehensive compilation of relative values of German States issues, but the other information helps with the overall history lesson. This book is an ABSOLUTE MUST for anyone at the German coin beginner/intermediate level of collecting, and I suspect it has become quite useful to the advanced collectors/dealers.



2. Krause Publications has brought under one cover the vast numismatic production of the German cities, states, and colonies from 1600 to date. Every serious collector of German coins needs this book. This book is a real bargain because it eliminates the need for the German coin collector to purchase Krause's regular world coin books that are now broken down into different centuries (this single volume pulls information out of the four volumes that would otherwise be required).

   Here are some good points:

   1. Collectors of Thalers will be pleased to see Davenport numbers incorporated in their favorite areas.

   2. Numerous illustrations aid the collector in identifying unknown coins.

   3. Prices appear in at least four grades for each coin.

   4. Helpful sections include an "Instant Identifier" with illustrations of various coin designs specific to a particular area, and "Legend Abbreviations" which give the collector a big leg up in identifying coins based on the legends alone.

   5. A decent attempt is made at listing Pattern pieces (those coin designs never officially adopted).

   Here are a few areas where the book could be better:

   1. Prices appear to reflect the American market for German coins which, in many cases, is substantially lower than the German market for the same coins.

   2. Some of the States higher in the alphabet (Saxony, for example) seem to be lacking data on the earliest coins.

   3. I'd like to see the Pattern section expanded and possibly include the numbers from Schaaf's reference book on this area.

   4. Cross-references to Jaeger (the German "Guidebook") would be helpful to our friends across the big pond.

   Lest I appear too critical, let me state that the positive impact of this book and the obvious time and effort that went into its production are immensely important. No other reference on German coins comes anywhere close to matching the sheer volume of information contained herein. No other single book opens up the world of German coins like this book does. Thus, whether you're a beginning or an advanced collector, this book should be an essential part of your reference library.

5 comments about Ancient Coin Collecting II: Numismatic Art of the Greek World.

1. I agree with other reviewers that this book is an excellent introduction to ancient Greek coins collecting.
   
   What I also liked about this book is:
   
   1)The list of major issuing cities with brief but interesting comments regarding the cities' history (e.g. the dramatic events such as the destruction of Messana by Carthaginians)
   
   2) The list of the rulers of major Hellenistic dynasties (reading about these people's lives and seeing their faces on coins is really impressive)
   
   3) Masterpieces of Greek Art section featuring 25 beautiful coins which are among the author's favourites (I personally liked about 20 of those).
   
   One of the things you learn from this book is that you don't actually have to OWN these beautiful coins to ENJOY them. All it takes is willingness to spend your time and energy to explore these treasures from the past.



2. Having collected ancient coins for decades, I must confess to a real fondness for the Sayles books, and for this one in particular. It is beautifuly illustrated, as well as informative, and makes the reader truly want to own the coins which Sayles discusses. One thing which makes this better for new collectors than some other books, is that Sayles isn't touting ancient coins as an investment. They are NOT a sound investment for the average collector, who can expect a 30% or higher LOSS when reselling the coins which most average collectors can afford to buy -- beautiful as they are, the typical coins which the average collector can afford are NOT going to shoot through the roof in value, even if they are extremely rare or unique. The market strength and bullish demand isn't present to allow the average collector to profit from most of his or her coins. What makes the Sayles book appealing is its inspiration for readers to COLLECT these coins and treasure them, as they have been treasured for thousands of years, and YES, it is thrilling indeed to buy a coin of which only two or three other specimens are known in the world, and -- YES! -- it is possible to own coins which are absolutely unique. Thanks to generations of dedicated collectors, it is even possible to buy -- for small sums -- coins which have established provenances dating back a century or more. My own collection includes coins once owned by President John Quincy Adams and by J. P. Morgan, but they each cost less than some best-selling potboiler novels which will be forgotten by next season. Read Sayles and begin to dream!!!



3. Sayles' prose has a way of bringing alive some great coins. It is a great way for a beginner to become both more interested in the hobby as well as developing the principle of purchasing books in field of study rather than buying every forgery and fake on the market. The biggest drawback is that you really need Volume I as an introduction to the series and collecting, then pick up the other volumes as your interests expand. It took me about two years to get all six volumes. They're worth it at a reasonable price, but no substitute for other standard reference works. You can also loan them out to friends to get them interested.



4. In roughly 200 pages that are divided into 6 chapters and 4 appendixes with copious illustrations and brief bibliographies throughout - this book is beautifully jammed with coins and information. Following the example of the first volume, this book is in plain language and is easy on the eyes in it's print, format, tables and charts.

   The bulk of this book deals with differing coin types from differing geographical areas and and the artistry of the larger series. This really does a new collector a big favor because the new collector gets to purview a plethora of coin types from throughout that series and it may go a long wat to help them decide what they would like to collect. What is really important about this book is the focus on the coiner or "celator" and what he did and the role he played as artist and the chapter on "Masterpieces of Greek Art" is a beautiful read by itself with large B&W illustrations of some of the most aesthetically pleasing coins in the series.

   The great strength of this book is that it is equally beautiful and useful and the author obviously loves what he is writing about rather than giving a very dry, scholarly and perfunctory survey. I highly recommend this book.




5. If you are as fascinated with ancients as I am, you MUST have this book. You will love how easy it is to read and you will constantly refer back to it.

No comments about The Monetary Systems of the Greeks and Romans.

4 comments about The Complete Guide to Lincoln Cents.

1. This book is just what I wanted. I went to my local Borders and compared the price to Amazon. Amazon is always cheaper, and I was lucky enough to get free shipping. The book does a great job but the last coin reviewed is the 1995. It states that there has not been any varieties found, however, there has. So This is a great book to help you go through your penny collection and I recommend reading up on how to prevent buying a counterfit; especially when going for the keys and semi-keys in the series. Overall, great book for your library, however, I am looking for a newer book that would cover the entire series. The series may end in 2009, but "buy the book before you buy the coin."



2. This book has letters between Brenner, Barber, Leach (Director) and others and the details about Brenner and how the Lincoln cent came about. And Brenner is not his real name. It also has letters from President Roosevelt and letters from Brenner to his mother.
   
   Very interesting reading and it goes into some details of each cent minted up to 1995. Plus error cents, counterfeit and altered coins, grading, design changes, pattern and experimental coins, etc.
   
   The book is quite large in size too. It measures 8.5" w x 11" t x almost an inch thick. And it is 364 pages long. The book was published in 2005, so it is a shame it doesn't go into cents past 1995, but overall a nice and interesting read. The only reason why I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 is that they didn't go into Lincoln cents past 1995 and they should have.



3. This is a wonderful guide to the history, production, and collecting of Lincoln cents. The date/mintmark analysis is particularly useful for consultation everytime I purchase one of these coins. I found no faults whatsoever with this book.



4. When I read this book I came to my cents. Yes I did. And you will too. It covers the history of low-self esteem that has plagued the penny ever since inflation made it worthless.

2 comments about History Of The United States Mint and Its Coinage (History of the U. S. Mint and Its Coinage).

1. The "History Of The United States Mint and Its Coinage" ia an excellent coffee table book. Good information, easy reading, and beautiful illustrations for an unbeatable price.
   Recommended for kids & adults interested in learning about the US history through coinage.
   Enjoy!



2. The book takes you through a tour of US mint & coin history. The information is more broad than deep. It provides lots of interesting information in small chunks. Each writeup is 1-6 pages in length centered around a particular mint, person, coin, or event. I really enjoyed this book.

No comments about Lincoln Cents Folder Plain (Official Whitman Coin Folder).

2 comments about Money of the Bible.

1. Outstanding book that creates a logical, inspiring path of the money used when the Bible was written. Illustrations are colorful, it's like bringing the money into your home.



2. This is a very nice book on the coins that are mentioned in the Bible. The author does a very nice job of describing and using clear photographs of each coin. He also does his best on narrowing down what each coin could be in the Bible if it is not clear. For example, The "30 pieces of silver" that Juduas Iscariot received for betraying Jesus could be one of a few different coins and the bible does not state which coin or coins they were. However, he describes the most likely coin that was used based on what was in circulation at the time, etc.
   
   Could have been more on:
   1) The author could have also described what other coins, such as the "30 pieces" mentioned above, it could of been. Experts tend to agree with the author's choice but also state that the coins could have also been other coins.
   2)The author could have also suggested where the reader can purchase some of the coins more specifically.
   
   All in all, well worth the price and a GREAT coffee table book.