"Must Have" Coin Book Reads?

I have a book called 'All the Money in the World.' It doesn't have much information, but there are some beautiful pictures of currency from the Lydian Lion to modern US coins.

I believe at least 90% of Q. David Bowers writings, are good reads, reading them a wonderful way to spend time alone learning. He is a great writer and a nice man. He was one of my early mentors in 1981-82. I've read much of his work, but can't seem to keep up with all hev puts out! I'm looking forward to reading the ANA Centenial books soon, but have a few more other books to currently finish first.

So many great suggestions, thanks! This should keep me reading through at least the end of 2013.

I've had Breen's Encyclopedia for a couple of decades now, I used to use it all the time, but as time goes on, and more and more die variety and coin research is being done, and I find many items are either wrong, or just not covered in his voluminous work. I still refer to it, and every serious collector should probably consider adding to his/her numismatic library, it sadly just isn't up to par with such specialized books and Internet information any longer, IMO. The Breen numbers will be used in cataloging coins for years to come. If you find a like new copy for anywhere under $75.00 snap it up if you don't have it yet.

Since one of my absolute favorite coin books is Q. David Bowers "Adventures with rare coins" I finally got the lesser known second book "More Adventures with rare coins - 50 stories of numismatics" Haven't cracked it open yet, but hope to put a big dent in it this weekend since we will be getting rain and my (other hobby) astrophotography, will be on hold until better weather appears.

Just a plug for the dealer I get a lot of my numismatic books from - Charles Davis, he is a stand up guy, great inventory of rare and out of print books available, (ask if you don't see what you want on his website) he has found many tough books at fair prices for me. his website is http://www.abebooks.com/charles-dav...-ma/53552/sf

My other go to guys for numismatic literature are Kolbe & Fanning Rare books, George and David are wonderful people always pleasant to deal with.

Both dealers have books on all subjects of numismatics, and all parts of the globe and time - not just US coin books, but foriegn, ancient, auction records, old dealer inventory cataloges, etc.

Well for the first book, it's kind of like his begining into numismatics, stories of collecting, searching for rare dates, then it gets into more historical background on the coins and the times they came from. Just a very enjoyable and easy read. Keep an eye out for Adventures book I've seen it go for around $10 used. It's been awhile since I read it. But lots of stories of the silver dollar release by the GSA, gold coins, kind of moves all over but none of it was borring to me.

I'm a bit into the new Adventures book now, great information and historical stats, not anywhere as much of a fun or easy read, as the previous book, though I still recommend it, but it's $65+ everywhere I've seen it for sale, so you really have got to want it bad.

Just opened my copy today and see it's also signed with a label in the front cover saying first day of printing (just not numbered) always love a bonus, considering I only paid $45.00 for my copy!!

Hmmm, that's one I didn't know about, it will be on my "to get" list now thanks austrokiwi!