1 comments about The Official Blackbook Price Guide to U.S. Paper Money 2008, 40th Edition (Official Blackbook Price Guide to United States Paper Money).

1. An excellent guide book For identifying and pricing U.S. paper money. Whether it be large or small, you can find it all in this publication.
   The broadest spectrum of denomenations, types,series,districts and conditions of notes is represented here. I consider it an excellent reference source.

5 comments about Kovels' Antiques & Collectibles Price List, 39th Edition, 2007 (Kovels' Antiques and Collectibles Price List).

1. This is and has been a standard in the antiques price guide field for years. While not as exciting a format as Schroeder's or Antique Trader's Guides, Kovels' is a basic value guide useful to compare prices found in other guides. Also, Kovel's lists some popular collectibles not easily found elsewhere.



2. The last two Kovels' I purchased were the 1996 and 1998 editions. The 2007 edition in no way compares to the "older" ones; information is not as easy to find, is "scattered," and not as meaningful. The older editions seemed more comprehensive and informative, in a similar-sized book.



3. Although this book had a lot of information to offer,I found it quite hard to find things under certain category's. For instance, I was trying to find a price for a plastic bank. First I checked banks,had many kinds listed,plastic,mechanical,etc but I couldn't find the one I had. I checked the index and found banks listed on about 20 different pages under different materials,eras,made by etc...way to confusing for us regular folk who just want to see if they've found a bargin or own something of great value.Unless you are an advid Antique Collector,I wouldn't recommend this book.



4. Bought this book for my wife who is into "junk." As anyone in the collecting business already knows, Kovels' is the bible. I am sure my wife will get a few years of enjoyment from this publication.



5. This book keeps antiquers up to date with the latest in hot finds. My step-father uses it as a guide to what to look for when he scouts the local auctions.

5 comments about Antique & Collectible Buttons: Identification and Values.

1. Very informative and educational. The pictures are a little small but the magnifying glass seems to be an accessory that you would use regardless. Recommended for any button beginner or collector.



2. This book covers everything in detail except what really interests me, plastic buttons that aren't made of the early, valuable plastics like Bakelite and Catalin. However, what she does cover is profusely illustrated and her pictures are clear.



3. This book is mostly comprised of full page pictures of buttons. Many of the pictures are accompanied by a note that gives a range of prices for all the buttons in the picture. I had hoped for some information about what characteristics make a button more or less valuable than another. It mentions that there are different styles of shank and construction, but says nothing about why or when each style was used. I had also hoped for information about estimating the date of manufacture.



4. The photos were nice. However, it would have been nice to have a ruler or coin in place for scale. Measurements are rarely mentioned - only that buttons are either larger or smaller than actual size. The book also could use a glossary. Several terms are used but never defined. I'm glad I bought the book - it does have nice photos.



5. A good basic book, mainly for the U.S. market. As a British button collector, I found it of limited use due to most illustrated buttons being manufactured in America. However, the illustrations were clear and information fairly concise though more dates and background information re. manufacture would have been useful. I am based in Yorkshire, England with an interest in all glass, and golden age buttons, but found no mention specifically of the latter. The over-all approach was user-friendly and would be of particular interest to all collectors of American buttons

No comments about Coin World 2008 Guide to U.S. Coins: Prices & Value Trends (Coin World Guide to U S Coins, Prices, and Value Trends).

5 comments about Collecting Swarovski: Identification & Price Guide (Identification and Value Guides (Krause)).

1. While this book is very informative, with pictures and reviews, it needs updating to keep prices current and more pictures to distinguish varations would be helpful. Still, it is well written and an enjoyable read.



2. I was excited about receiving this book, as my aunt had given me her collection of Swarovski Crystal to sell on eBay for her. I thought it would at least identify all of the pieces in her collection and answer at least most of the questions posed by potential bidders. It did not. At least half of the pieces are not listed in the book, nor does the book answer what I feel are some pretty basic questions posed by bidders. Not a complete waste of money, but had I known in advance, I would have looked for a much more comprehensive book.



3. I had previously owned some Swarovski that I had received as gifts and decided I wanted to start actively collect them. I was buying a lot of the older pieces on the second market and wanted to make sure I was getting a fair deal. This book was exactly what I was looking for. It had the details that I needed to make sure I was getting authentic pieces at a fair price. Great for any starter collector.



4. This book which arrived in a timely manner and at a good price is very well put together incorporating a host of information for the Swarovski collector. The pictures and text are clear and well layed out.



5. Price guide has a complete listing of the Swarovski catalog of figurines, clear large photos of virtually every variation availble...a good reference for beginner to advanced collector.

5 comments about Matchbox Toys 1947-2003: Identification & Value Guide (Matchbox Toys).

1. i can track my collectible item from this catalogue.
   this book help me a lot
   
   thanks
   
   
   ari



2. I collect superfast Matchbox from 1969-present. This book only lists 1-75 (1/64th scale) Matchbox cars which is fine for my use. It is good becasue it lists all models in alphabetical order so you can cross-reference the number (1-75) of the model - most model numbers are not imprinted on late model cars so it is helpful in that respect. However, I found it lacking in the number of variations it listed. There is no consistent differentiation between wheel type (other than RW and SF), interior color, stickers/decals or other minor variations. This guide does not use the same numbering system as Charlie Mack's Encyclopedia (e.g. 14 A 3) making it difficult to have the references compliment each other. This guide does list more recent models where as Charlie Mack's guide is typically long overdue when a new edition comes out. But again, this one is not as complete regarding model variation so you may not know if you are collecting all the variations of a particular model you want in your collection. Another positive point of this book though is that not all pictures are of perfect cars -- the cars in the photos have a little play wear and is more reflective a practical collectors cars rather than some ideal collection most of us will never have. Lastly, in comparison to Charlie Mack's guide, I find it nice becasue most of this book does dedicate it's picture space to the 1-75 models. One of the dissappointments I have found with Mr. Mack's guide is that it lists a lot of subtle variation (i.e. light blue, mid blue and dark blue Soopa Coopa) but does not show pictures on how to tell the difference (neither does this one -- it doesn't even try to differentiate). Also, much of the picture space in Mr. Mack's guide is with models that no one I know really collects (i.e. NOT 1-75 series, super kings and models of yesteryear). I'm still not sure where 1/2 of the pics in Charlie Macks book come from (I've been collecting MB superfast for 20 years) -- perhaps thats why it is called an encyclopedia. Dana Johnson's book simplifies things but does not take it to the next level by any means.
   
   Basically, I use Dana Johnson's book as a supplement to find model numbers so I can look up varaitions in late model cars in Charlie Mack's guide. I do think Mr. Macks guide can be too complete, in that it lists more model variations than most people can possibly collect. However, Dana Johnson's guide is too incomplete. I prefer Mr. Macks guide becasue it lists all known variations and allows me to decide which variations I think are significant to collect.



3. It is amazing to see every single matchbox diecast ever made into production grouped under one title. You can easily assess the value of your cars and hit the road to find precious collectables with this very usefull guide.



4. Interesting book with a bias in its pictures towards Matchbox models released in the last 10 years. Great that it concentrates almost wholly on the 1-75 series Matchbox models which is all I collect. Very useful if combined with other books as a model identification guide, especially as this one is in alphabetical order and up to 2003 year. I would rate it as less than useful in terms its value to me as a price guide. There are better and more accurate books around reflecting international prices especially of the 1953 to 1969 series issues.



5. The benefit of this book is in its arrangement. For the first time in any toy car price guide, models are listed alphabetically by model name, making this the easiest-to-use Matchbox toy collector's guide ever published.

   The only compromise, due to time constraints by the publisher, is that the book only lists three-inch models, which leaves out Major Pack, Kingsize, Models of Yesteryear, Skybusters, and larger Matchbox Collectibles, hence the 4-star rating. This will thankfully be remedied with the release of Volume 2 in 2005.

No comments about Scott 2007 Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue: Countries of the World: G-I (Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue Vol 3 Countries G-I).

2 comments about Warman's Little Golden Books: Identification And Price Guide.

1. Warman's Little Golden Books: Identification And Price Guide
   
   Steve Santi is THE MAN when it comes to Little Golden Books (LGBs). And this 6th Edition of his definitive guide is THE BOOK for all lovers and collectors of the little treasures. Very well-laid out with chapters on The Historyof LGBs, Regular, Disney, Giant, First, Big, Little, Foreign and other book series. Excellent photos of almost every single LGB, extensive detail of multiple editions, advice for grading and identifying editions, back cover and spine designs.
   
   This book is one I refer to and browse through often, and I recommend it most highly to all lovers of children's picture books.



2. "Warman's Little Golden Books" is a definitive 256 page guide and reference which identifies and prices over 2000 chidren's Little Golden books from 1942 to 2006. It is in full color, with simply wonderful cover illustrations of each book to complete its identification. For everyone who has ever enjoyed the Little Golden Books, this is an impressive and nostalgic guide to help you find, identify, price, sell, or acquire your childhood Little Golden Book treasures. "Warman's Little Golden Books" is clearly Steve Santi's labor of love and an impressive contribution to the "retro" children's book market collector. It is an excellent reference and a offer a delightful, bonus, and pleasantly nostalgic walk down memory lane.

No comments about Standard Encyclopedia of Carnival Glass Price Guide (Standard Carnival Glass Price Guide).

3 comments about Miller's Antiques Price Guide 2008 (Miller's Antiques Price Guide).

1. For years as an Professional Apprasier. I turn to guides to look up pricing for stuff I am apraisaing. It all in one place and with not having my laptop with me to look online antique databases. I take a couple books along with me and they in the car. I have every copy of this series. It has great color pictures. But the only minus lack of information on some of the pieces listed. The range pricing is too broad. But some of the information were actual sales at auction. Why not list the sale. As with any Antique guide. It a guide and not the true price at which an item may be worth. What the guide does is give you a start point to give what possible the item you are looking at is worth. It an excellant reference book and a muct have to those who do daily appraisal work.



2. The best book on antiques by far - 8000 COLOR photographs, prices on each item, many different subjects, tips on what to look for and excellent index. If you are tired of price guides without knowing what is being referred to, then this guide is for you. Warning - this is primarily a book on mid-range to high-end antiques, and only a few categories on collectibles.



3. Another excellent release from Miller's. Great photos and a good variation of items are reviewed and detailed. My only personal regret is that is not more information on Oriental antiques; however the Miller's Chinese & Oriental antiques release covers this area rather well but an additional purchase is required.
   
   4.5 out of 5. Well worth investing in.