My Essential World Coin Books: Discoveries and Recommendations

This year’s been a blast adding new titles to my numismatic shelves, and I’m itching to share these discoveries with fellow collectors. Whether it’s stumbling upon rare finds or revisiting childhood favorites, each book has deepened my connection to world coins and become a trusted partner at my research desk. Let me walk you through my standout picks and some hard-won tips from the trenches.

Top Recommendations for Your Collection

If you’re building your reference library, start with these workhorses. My Krause Catalog lives within arm’s reach—I crack it open almost daily for initial identifications, though watch for gaps in coverage or outdated classifications. Medieval enthusiasts shouldn’t miss Levinson’s 2nd edition; its precision on 1400s dated coins puts newer works to shame. And that British India book by Stevens and Weir? Snagged it at a steal and now it’s indispensable for that niche.

• Mazard volumes – Finally landed these after years of hunting. They cover French and Italian pieces you won’t find in Gadoury or Le Franc.
• Dr. R Allan Barker’s Vietnam book – Thought I’d lost it when my usual source vanished, then scored old stock at cover price. The jacket’s worn but the content sparkles.
• Modern World Coins catalog (10th edition) – My childhood copy still sits proudly on the shelf. It’s less about current values now and more about how far we’ve come.

My Specialized Passions: Soho Mint and Scottish Coinage

Soho Mint books dominate my obsession shelf. Peck’s masterpiece is my desert-island pick—nothing else comes close for sheer detail. Montagu’s century-old reference offers a fascinating time-capsule perspective, even if modern catalogs outclass it. Doty’s English copper guide stays dog-eared from constant use thanks to its clear presentation. Newcomers might start with broader industrial histories before diving into specialty texts.

For Scottish coins, I’ve pieced together a dream team of references. Ian Halley Stewart’s 1955 classic overflows with stories missing from newer books, despite sparse images. Seaby’s 1984 catalogue shines for identification with crisp photos and variety notes. Holmes’ social history of small change reveals circulation patterns and counterfeit networks others ignore. And auction catalogs? The Dundee Collection’s research is so thorough it doubles as reference material—still kicking myself for not bidding!

• Bateson’s Coinage in Scotland – Brilliant on Mary and James VI, plus hoard maps that show where treasures actually surfaced.
• Coincraft’s Catalogue – Great for grading tips and rarity context, though their numbering system might make your head spin.

Finding Books Without Breaking the Bank

Hunting affordable references requires patience and luck. Complete sets like R.C. Bell’s World Coins series sometimes surface at auctions—I grabbed a slightly damp-stained copy that’s still perfectly functional. Rare birds like Pridmore command scary prices; I’ve spotted copies but settled for well-loved editions with helpful margin notes. Always stalk online dealers: I bagged the Barker book by setting alerts. And when new editions drop like that 10th edition catalog? Pre-order without hesitation—mine’s en route as we speak!

Practical Advice for Collectors

Here’s what works at my desk: treat references as launchpads, not final authorities. Krause gets me started on German coins post-1600, but I always verify online. Non-English reprints frustrate visual learners like me—when text-heavy books overwhelm, online images rescue the day. Seek volumes with ‘collecting hints’ like Coincraft’s; their grade expectations and availability notes save headaches. Hoard details in Bateson’s help gauge rarity. Auction catalogs hide unique varieties—their reference value often outweighs cost. And when shelves groan (my wife calls me the book dragon), focus ruthlessly on your core interests.

Building this library has been pure joy—may these suggestions lead you to your next beloved reference. Happy hunting!