I Don't Want To Seem Cheap, But......

I would agree with the results of your benefit-cost analysis, but if you plan to obtain any more or specialize in Large Cents, you might want to consider buying the book.

I know all too well what it means to buy a very expensive reference book: all the anguish and doubts about whether the book is worth the investment. I bought a $75 book the past spring on Model 1873 trapdoor Springfield rifles of which my collection consists on one (very expensive) rifle of the series. I've read it from cover to cover, am now reading it again to see if there's anything I missed. I still haven't decided if it was a worthwhile investment, especially since I found that I could have found most information contained within the book online.

Fred

I will take your advice and post a couple of pics in the Grading forum.

It's not that I begrudge spending that kind of money for an invaluable reference source. It's just that I am, frankly, not of the financial means to expend those kind of resources without darn good reason. Right now the only "darn good reason" I have is for the Morgan VAM book and even that's going to have to wait until after the first of the year.

quote:

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Originally posted by SuperDave
without dropping more on a book than I spent on my coin

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This is probably the MOST disturbing question that I hear. Not to pick on you, but you bring up a good question. Now you have gotten some good advice so far, so I will try to be brief.

When collectors ask for my advice, I break down the collecting "budget" like this.

65% Coins
25% Reference Material
10% Supplies

Many upgrade coins, but do not upgrade their reference material or their tools. A good quality loupe, scale, tongs, calipers, and work area are essential. Reference material can and will seperate the numismatist from the collector.

In earlier threads there were questions about what makes a collector a numismatist. The term basically means "who studies money". Without the reference, one cannot study.

Of course, this does not mean that you "need" each and every book available. Each person has to decide what is their "need" and move from there.

My library is quite impressive, but I love the "study" as much as I love the coins. My Breen encyclopedia is well dog-eared and gets used almost daily.

For your collecting needs, you may get by with a RedBook, and there is nothing wrong with that.


Just consider this, over the years, MANY reference collections have been sold at MAJOR auctions and bring quite the premium. Just food for thought.