2 comments about Antique Brass & Copper Identification & Value Guide.

1. There are a few nice pieces in this book but not enough to warrant a whole book. There is one picture I spotted as being identical to a picture on another page. Many of the items one could see by going to a Copper and Brass store that sells new items. I now have the book, "Metalwork in Early America : Copper and It's Alloys from the Winterthur Collection,". If you want in-depth information on antique copper and brass, I'm afraid you're going to have to go the money. This is what I was looking for when I bought this other book. Save your money.



2. This paperback with glossy cover is a must for collectors inthe metalware field. It's strongest points are in the excellent and numerous photos presented (all of which are in color). ... Most people would find the prices paid for identical pieces to be much lower, but it is still a worthy effort.

   The author also devotes the last chapter to discussing forgeries, fakes, and reproductions which is also a must for a novice or anyone who hasn't had years of hands on collecting in the field.

   If you had only one guide for the field, although I would never recommend only using one reference source, this could be it.

   The only weakness with the book is that the text and background surrounding the various pieces is seriously lacking. But taking into consideration the price and the superb pictures, it is money well spent.

   At the same time I would also recommend "Collecting Antique Metalware" copyright 1974 by Evan Perry. It has a mixture of both color and b/w photos in a hardback, but it much superior in explanatory text. I would whole heartedly give each book 5 stars.

1 comments about The Complete Guide to Buffalo Nickels, 2nd Edition.

1. Hats off to the author and editors of this book, for it is EXCELLENT!!! This is one of the best laid out, best produced and most thoughtfully written books on coins that I own and, indeed, have yet seen. I highly recommend this to anyone who has an interest in Buffalos. Yes, it is spendy, but with hardcover and good quality reproduction and paperstock (certainly not the highest quality, but good nonetheless), this has to take its place as one of the best values in the coin book world. What I like about this book is that it lays it all out right from the beginning with a protracted but not uninteresting discussion of how the coin came about and including all of the technical/political issues facing the artist, engravers and minters, etc., including lots of pithy back and forth amongst them all as issues are resolved. Next is a chapter on how to grade Buffaloes, one that discusses varieties and rarities and, importantly, then takes on the issue of fakes, frauds and counterfeits that attempt to mimic the rarities. Finally, comes a coin by coin discussion singling out each year and mint with a discussion of relative rarity in various conditions, strike anomalies and, most helpfully, includes photographic examples of important varieties. This is really a super and helpful reference book and I think you would do well to own.

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.

No comments about Coin Folders Nickels: Plain (Official Whitman Coin Folder).

No comments about Confederate States Paper Money.

2 comments about The Official Blackbook Price Guide to U.S. Coins 2006, Edition #44 (Official Blackbook Price Guide to United States Coins).

1. i think amazon shipped this gift quickly. my father was pleased to recieve the latest edition to appraise his coins.



2. Great book for the serious and the curious for current values on old treasures. Have any old coins hiding in the closet or in a shoe box somewhere? This is a perfect way to perk up a boring afternoon by searching through this well written and easily followed book of coin values. Pull up a chair and dig in! Guaranteed to to make your time fly right by.

1 comments about Coin Folders Half Dollars (Liberty Walking, 1916-36).

1. Just like the Whitman coin folders from when I was a child, good quality, fair price. Excellent option to hold a modest collection in the building stage, until you're ready to move your collection to a better quality folder such as Dansco.

No comments about Rewards of Merit.

No comments about Lincoln Memorial Cents Number Two: Collection Starting 1999.

1 comments about Arabic Coins and How to Read Them (Seaby's numismatic publications).

1. Non-western scripts are a challenge to western coin collectors. Plant challenges you to learn Arabic script with short, to the point chapters followed by amusing exercises (solutions in the back of the book). Those who are only interested in modern coins can just take chapters 1 to 8 and 23 to 26. Plant is not just knowledgeable about Arabic, but also about coins.