Coin Reference Books: Frank's Collectible Coins

Frank's Collectible Coins
Home Page About The Author Frequently Asked Questions Precious Metals Prices Raw Coins Certified Coins Mint Sets Proof Sets Terms: Shipping Questions or Comments Other Websites	Coin Reference Books Numismatics or coin collecting is one of the world's oldest hobbies, dating back several centuries. Years of research have been devoted to the diverse aspects of the hobby and many detailed reference works with an in depth study of specialized topics have been published. The most popular type and one of the first Numismatic books collectors purchase are price guides. Inexpensive, published annually, all the price guide books reviewed here include... A generic ANA grading terms and definitions, What years each coin design type was issued, The varieties within each type, Location of mint marks, Mintage figures and Pricing information for all United States regular issue coins, from the half cent to the twenty dollar gold double eagle, including bullion and commemorative coins.

Not all price guides are created equal, as some provide more information then others. Some like the Black book provide much more, but the main focus is on prices, they list average prices for retail and wholesale transactions, actual prices may be somewhat higher or lower.

Prices are simply a factor of supply and demand. Demand is ultimately established by collectors and investors but often more directly by dealers, who must sell coins for more than they pay for them to cover expenses and make a profit.

Retail refers to prices dealers charge most collectors and investors, while wholesale means prices they charge each other. Collectors and investors with a substantial market presence spending considerable amounts, especially on a regular basis with the same dealer may be able to buy at or near wholesale levels.

Damaged coins, such as those which are bent, corroded, scratched, holed, nicked, stained or mutilated, are worth less than those without defects. Slightly worn coins "sliders" which have been cleaned and conditioned "whizzed" to simulate uncirculated luster are worth considerably less than perfect pieces.

Remember, "Cheap coins aren't nice, and nice coins aren't cheap".

Clicking on the links will take you to that item at amazon.com. Clicking on the pictures of books and magazines will do the same except will also open in a new browser window.

So click on those books to order your fresh copy of the latest editions from amazon.com, with the ease of ordering, the convenience of having them delivered to your door step and often below list prices.

Handbook of United States Coins 2005
Paperback, 62nd edition, 224 pages.
Author: R. S. Yeoman

List Price: $9.95

Also available in Hardcover.

The values shown in the Blue Book reflect: Wholesale or average dealer buy prices. See... All guides for more information.

Also includes, Prices for Colonial Coins and Tokens. Has individual Coin Grading information, but very brief.

This review is based on the 1999 copy of this book.

A Guide Book of United States Coins 2005
Paperback, 58th edition, 352 pages.
Author: R. S. Yeoman

List Price: $12.95

Also available in Spiral-bound and Hardcover.

The values shown in the Red Book reflect: Average retail prices. See... All guides for more information.

Also includes, Prices for Colonial Coins and Tokens. Has individual Coin Grading information, but very brief. Coin Specifications: (Designers, Composition, Diameter, Weight, and Edge types.)

Additional information:
Includes a little history on United States coinage.

This review is based on the 1999 copy of this book.

Official 2005 Blackbook Price Guide to United States Coins.
Paperback, 43nd edition, 603 pages.
Author: Marc Hudgeons, Tom Hudgeons

List Price: $7.99

The values shown in the Black Book reflect: Average retail prices. See... All guides for more information.

Also includes, Prices for Colonial Coins and Tokens. Has individual Coin Grading information. Coin Specifications: (Designers, Composition, Diameter, Weight, and Edge types.)

Additional information:
This all-purpose coin book is over an inch thick. Has in depth discussions on Buying and Selling Coins from the local dealer to Mail Order and Auctions. Including Mail Bid, Floor Sales, and Online Internet. Covers the history on U.S. Mints, how coins were and are made, with a chapter on Error's and Die Varieties and another on Colonial Coins and Tokens.

This review is based on the 1999 copy of this book.

Coin World 2005 Guide to U.S. Coins:
Paperback, 17th edition, 432 pages.
Author: William T. Gibbs

List Price: $7.50

The values shown in the Coin World Trends reflect: Coin World Trends prices. See... All guides for more information.

Also includes, Coin Specifications: (Designers, Composition, Diameter, Weight, and Edge types.)

Additional information:
More then just a price guide, with discussions on Grading - Strike, Luster, Toning, Slabbed Coins, Bagmarks, and Eye Appeal. A history on coins and U.S. Mints, and how coins are made. Includes a chapter on Errors and Varieties.

This review is based on the 1999 copy of this book.

The Insider's Guide to U.S. Coin Values 2005.
Paperback, updated annually, 272 pages.
Author: Scott A. Travers

List Price: $7.50

The values shown in the Insider's Guide reflect: Fair market value prices. See... All guides for more information.

Also includes, Coin Specifications: (Designers, Composition, Diameter, Weight, and Edge types.)

Additional information:
Brief discussions on the Coin Market, What Makes Coins Collectible, and Risks of Buying and Selling Coins.

This review is based on the 1998 copy of this book.

Don't want to wait all year for the next price guide to come out, how about one of these great Reference Books.

Order The Official Price Guide to Mint Errors

Official Price Guide to Mint Errors
Author: Alan Herbert
Paperback, 6th edition, 416 pages.

List Price: $15.00

Do you have a valuable error coin or just a common coin that has been altered? Coins are made everyday, you can find minting varieties in your pocket change now. The Official Price Guide to Mint Errors, is a great deal more then just a price guide. It's an in depth look into the coin manufacturing process from the melting of the alloy to the final counting machines.

Additional information:
Includes many pictures of examples from an old half-cent to the new State Quarters. An excellent book and a must have for those who collect minting varieties.

Photograde
Author: James F. Ruddy
Paperback, 18th edition, 224 pages.

List Price: $12.95

The single most useful book you can own to learn the essentials of Coin Grading. Photograde was designated in 1972 as an Official Grading Guide by the American Numismatic Association.

Additional information:
With the Photograde book you match your coin with the several pictures of each coin type in various conditions from (AG-3) About Good to (AU-50) About Uncirculated grades. An excellent book and a must have for all that take up the hobby.

Coins Questions and Answers
Paperback, 4th edition, 208 pages.
Author: Clifford Mishler

List Price: $7.95

Filled with hundreds of photos, covers a wide assortment of Coin Questions and Answers related to numismatics.

Additional information:
A little over half of Coins Questions and Answers is dedicated to United States coins. Organized in categories from Early United States coins to Private gold coins, Commemoratives, Varieties and Errors. Includes Medals and Tokens, United States and Continental Currency, Confederate Notes, also includes Canadian and Mexican Coins and Currency.

Coin Clinic : 1,001 Frequently Asked Questions
Paperback, 223 pages.
Author: Alan Herbert

List Price: $9.95

Alan Herbert says it best, "It was not a question of how to come up with 1,001 questions and answers, it was a matter of how to limit the number of questions maintained within his extensive computer files to fit the parameters set forth by the publisher.

Additional information:
Most questions in the Coin Clinic are asked about United States coins or relating to them, such as Counterfeits, Designs, Symbols, or the laws governing them. There are also questions on the History of Mints, Colonial Coins, even Canadian and Mexican Coins all with easy to comprehend answers.

Read those books already, how about a magazine. Order a subscription for yourself or that special coin enthusiast today and save $$$$ off the cover price. Great gift idea! that lasts all year.

Coins, a monthly publication, covers Market Trends, Buying Tips, and historical perspectives on all aspects of numismatics. Articles cover Cataloguing, selecting and displaying a collection, and The History of Coinage. Regular columns include "The Budget Buyer," "Coin Clinic," an editor's column, and a calendar of upcoming events and shows.

Cover Price each: $3.95

Coin Prices , a bimonthly publication, is a comprehensive guide to retail values for collectible U.S. coins. A market update by editor Bob White begins each issue. Rotating special sections provide values for Canadian & Mexican coins, colonial coins, errors & varieties, and selected issues of U.S. paper money.

Cover Price each: $3.95

Coin World, a weekly publication, includes complete news about new coin issues, auctions, coin shows, book reviews, and specialist columns from experts who will increase your knowledge of the value and history of coins, as well as information on every facet of the hobby. You'll learn the how's and why's of collecting plus how to store and care for your collection.

Cover Price each: $2.00

Numismatic News, a weekly publication, is renowned as the complete information source for coin collectors. Includes schedules of upcoming events, feature articles pertaining to the exciting world of coin collecting. Plus, read about the people and events that influence this niche market.

Cover Price each: $1.95

World Coin News, a monthly publication, recognized as the leading authority on world coins. Reports on new issues, market trends, and other coin news from around the world. Features are written by top experts in the field who provide in-depth historical information on coins and the countries that issue them. Also includes a comprehensive international calendar of upcoming coin shows.

Cover Price each: $3.50

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