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 Replies: 6 / Views: 1,306 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
603 Posts |
Hi, I am just starting to get serious about collecting and wonder What everyone thinks I should get. I have a 5 power magnifying glass (handheld) and am planning to get the redbook( I think that was the title on another thread) and photograde, what else out there is good for identifying key dates or error coins. My primary interests are wheat cents as well as Morgan and Peace dollars, but I don't think I want to worry about VAM's quite yet. Thanks |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2254 Posts |
Those are the only two books that I own, or really use. Actually I have Coppercoins book(another member here), which is a guide to Lincolns. Unbelievable amount of info in that book, and I don't know that you will ever read through the whole thing. Every variety known to man I think is in that book, so it may be something you want to check out. I know quite a few use the ANA guide to grading coins I think? I think my next investment will be for a recurring publication like Coin World. Seems to be a lot of fans for that. There are some threads here on this topic, so if you go back a few days/weeks, you should find something with a ton of books listed. Of course, a week or two of searching will be 20 pages of threads....lololol |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1703 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
533 Posts |
The two books that have been commented on are great, I have and use them all of the time. However, to keep my interest up and knowledge current I would consider a subscription to a magazine. I have two ( CoinWorld and CoinAge) and these are great both for education and entertainment. When I can not afford to make any purchases, I can always read and enjoy the hobby! |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
830 Posts |
You're getting some good advice so far. RedBook, Photograde (or the Official Grading Standards of the A.N.A.) and a weekly or monthly publication - all good ideas. I'd recommend giving serious consideration to joining the A.N.A. They have a magazine called "The Numismatist" which is excellent reading, and it covers a wide variety of coin related topics. |
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Forum Mom
 United States
5877 Posts |
I'm more in favor of Photograde as a grading guide as the ANA standards are very market-driven. I feel that Photograde has stuck by the more accurate grades. Our own member Coppercoins has written a book called Looking Through Lincoln Cents which is invaluable for cent collectors. He also has quite a bit of info on his site at http://www.coppercoins.com. If you can afford it (and it is a little pricey) Walter Breen's Complete Encyclopedia of US and Colonial Coins is fabulous. Loads of info and worth every dollar. The Cherrypicker's Guide to Die Varieties will probably also help you. It is now in two volumes but not terribly expensive. The Breen Encyclopedia and Cherrypicker's will be worth it because both of these will also continue to be useful as your collecting interests change. |
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Valued Member
United States
67 Posts |
I second what Mom said - save up for Breen's book. I've had it for 14 years, and its the most read numismatic book I own. His stories and no-bull opinions on numismatic history are priceless. (i.e. he has a passionate hatred of everything created by Charles Barber) The book is out of print I think, but copies can be "had for a price" as Breen loves to say.  |
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Replies: 6 / Views: 1,306 |
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Posted 01/15/2007 11:58 pm
