Are Krause Prices Just Plain Bunkum?

As I understand it, at least how it used to be, Krause had specialists in different countries that assigned prices (retail) to the coins. In recent years I suspect that there has not been much updating, and errors crept in which were not corrected in subsequent editions. So while it is still a great source of valuable information, any critical information (that is, involving significant cost) especially on prices needs independent confirmation.

I believe the OP indicated the prices listed in Krause were bunkum, not the entire catalogue. Interestingly there is a coin dealer down the road who said his prices are 20% less than catalogue prices. I think he meant Renniks but hopefully he uses Krause non non-Aus coins. Might get some deals. Only problem is he only opens shop on weekdays so us full time M-F employees never get a look in. :-(

Like any written catalogue , use only as a guide .
Out of date pricing as soon as they were published .
Finding proper world coin pricing is rather difficult unless
one is prepared to do lots of research , leg work etc .

I didn't know that the Krause coin value data on-line had been updated from time to time; thanks for the info.

Are there any numismatic handbooks of world coins that list weights, dimensions, and other specifications, but NOT pricing?

Right. But I was hoping for a handbook.

I've seen a few very simplified catalogs (including one I own that is actually handbook sized) that actually do not contain pricing, and IIRC some of them do have some information on weights and/or sizes. But it's more common to include pricing.

Next time I see mine I'll check both the name and the level of information; I'm not actually very sure how good it is at weights/sizes, but I do recall that prices are not listed. IIRC it lists weights and material but not sizes.