Building My World Coin Book Collection: Essential References and Personal Favorites

I’ve spent years collecting coins, and building my reference library has been just as rewarding. This year brought a special thrill—I finally tracked down a few books I’d been hunting for ages. If you’re serious about numismatics, these references are essential. They open up the stories behind coins, their varieties, and the market, making your collection come alive.

Core Catalogs Every Collector Should Have

For world coins, my first stop is always the Krause Catalog. I can’t do without it for quick checks and its wide coverage. When studying pieces from the 1400s, the Levinson book (2nd edition) is a real star—its detailed research has saved me countless hours with medieval identification. These form the bedrock of any good numismatic library.

• The Krause German Coins 1600-present catalog gets weekly use from me, though watch for missing entries or renumbered coins—it’s a springboard rather than the final word.
• Mazard’s volumes on Napoleonic Italy are absolute treasures, including coins missing from Gadoury or Le Franc. They confirmed my suspicion that Italian mints operated more loosely than French ones—fantastic for spotting patterns and proofs.

Exploring Specialized Areas

When I dive into specific regions, specialized books become indispensable. For Scottish coinage, Ian Halley Stewart’s 1955 work is unmatched—you’ll find details like star arrangements on Alexander III pennies that modern references miss. I keep Seaby’s Standard Catalogue nearby for clearer images alongside Purvey’s updates.

• Bateson’s ‘Coinage in Scotland’ shines on Mary and James VI issues, complete with hoard maps, while Holmes focuses on everyday use and counterfeits—ideal for understanding historical context.
• Lobel’s Coincraft offers practical ‘Collecting Hints’ about grades and availability—invaluable when chasing rarities without losing touch with reality.

Personal Recommendations and Nostalgic Treasures

Some references hold sentimental value for me. Dr. R Allan Barker’s Vietnam book was a lucky find—after an online resource vanished, I snagged a copy at original price with slight cover wear. For British colonial coins, Stevens and Weir’s India volume is a bargain if you catch discounts. My oldest companion? The Modern World Coins catalog from my childhood—still sparks joy decades later.

Soho Mint enthusiasts shouldn’t miss Peck’s definitive work. And Montagu’s 127-year-old book fascinates me despite its flaws—it’s like stepping into a time machine to see how early collectors approached classification.

Practical Advice for Book Hunting

Building a library needn’t empty your wallet. I’ve scored deals like that British India book through patient searching. Out-of-print titles like Remick or Pridmore can command high prices, so I bookmark digital archives when physical copies vanish. New editions like the 10th Krause are worth pre-ordering for updates. As a visual collector, I prioritize books with clear images—older German reprints heavy on text can be challenging, but online resources help bridge gaps.

My wife jokes about my ‘book hoarding’, but I consider it curated research—especially when 1770s ephemera adds depth to my studies. Don’t shy from worn copies: minor dampstaining matters little if the content remains solid.

Building your reference shelf transforms coin collecting. I’m always seeking new titles and would love to hear your favorites—this treasure hunt never truly ends!