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 Replies: 9 / Views: 1,139 |
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New Member
United States
6 Posts |
Hi everyone. Since I don't know anything about collecting coins I was wondering what's everyone's favorite general book about collecting? I would like to know how to even start, as well as simple things like wording. Also I was wondering if buying junk silver is a good way to start. The reason that I say this is because I want to get some old coins in my hand just to see what they actually look like. Then I have something as a reference. Also then I know it's not a stupid investment as it's at least silver. Any help is very welcome!  |
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
1411 Posts |
There are guidebooks to help you start out collecting coins like Coin Collecting for Dummies (I've never read it do I don't know how good a book it is). For US coins, the Red Book by Whitman Publishing is my guide. For Canadian coins, The Charlton Standard Catalogue of Canadian Coins is my guide. Also, I starting purchasing coins by buying junk silver Walking Liberty halves, Mercury dimes and Morgan dollars. Edited by Windchild
09/04/2012 12:11 pm
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
2448 Posts |
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Bedrock of the Community
Australia
21788 Posts |
I have been into World coins for over 30 years. I have quite a bit iof interesting junk silver World coins, which are really leftovers of other purchases.
You can't far wrong with buying junk silver to start out with. You can quickly learn the actual silver value per coin, and decide fairly acurately on which coins to buy, without making huge mistakes.
Invetiably, you will end up getting better coins amongst the junk, and that can lead into deciding which series you may wish to collect. The U.S. classic silver series is hugely interesting, and there a lot of fans of it, here in the CCF. The left over junk silver can be used to purchase better grade coins in an area you become interested in.
To keep costs down, I would purchase second hand price catalogs to begin with. They contain just as much useful background information as a current catalog, and the comparative pricing is still useful. Keep abreast of current pricing by referring to the 'Net.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4897 Posts |
 With all the above. start with a RedBook.. Quote:
The U.S. classic silver series is hugely interesting, and there a lot of fans of it, here in the CCF This is very true.... We all like shiny things..... just dont discount early copper...  Edited by amida17
09/04/2012 7:36 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
531 Posts |
To find the " Red Book" noted above look for "A Guide Book of United States coins" by R.S. Yeoman. Available everywhere, even your local library. |
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Rest in Peace
United States
10625 Posts |
Sounds like you are starting off on the right track. Buy some circulated classic silver coins (after determining the fair market value/ melt value) using numismedia.com is my suggestion. Get yourself the current addition of the Red Book and figure what series sparks your interest. I can guarantee you can find a book specific to whatever coin (s) you decide on. And most of all enjoy the hunt.. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1088 Posts |
I like the Standard Catalog of World Coins for world coins of course. I have found that you can pick up the last years edition for a reasonable price
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
 Go to the Whitman Publishing web site and request a catalog. It is free and you will get about a 90 page catalog of many, many books they publish. Most people want the Red Book. However as you look through the catalog, you may see books about other coins thet interest you. The Red Book is sort of an all types of coins and a bit about them. If you want more detailed info on certain coins, they also have them. Also, when you get the catalog you may find other names such as Harris and/or United States Mint products. Although they use the name Whitman, the company is owned by Harris. An important note though is try not to buy from them. They are sort of a company that sells in bulk to dealers so the prices they list are what an individual would pay. For most of those books they list, try places like Amazon.com or the Walmart book site. Quote:
The reason that I say this is because I want to get some old coins in my hand just to see what they actually look like. For that I suggest going to a few flea markets. Usually at most there are coin dealers with tables full of just STUFF. |
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New Member
 United States
6 Posts |
Thanks everyone for all the info. I'll pick up a copy of Red Book and read up. Going to a flea market is a great idea as well as I just really want to get some in my hands to understand them before making any "real" purchases. And don't worry amida17, I won't discount copper. |
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Replies: 9 / Views: 1,139 |
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Posted 09/04/2012 11:40 am
