Special Books Pave the Way to Knowledge
Knowledge is the lifeblood of numismatics, and for the serious collector there is no such thing as too much knowledge. Talk to other collectors and to dealers, keep up with current periodicals and study the characteristics and peculiarities of particular coins.
Another road to knowledge is through the wealth of numismatic literature that has been produced through the years. In addition to some of the standby reference books, such as A Guide Book of United States Coins by R.S. Yeoman or the Standard Catalogue of World Coins by Krause and Mishler, there are thousands of books on every aspect of numismatics.
What brings this to mind is a letter and catalogue from Art Rubino of Fine Numismatic Books.
Rubino writes: “I am a mail-order dealer in rare and out-of-print numismatic books and literature, as well as new books in this field. . . . Since a fine selection of books on coins and medals is virtually impossible to find, even in a large city, I believe that I can be of help to many collectors.”
Rubino says his catalogue contains more than 200 pages and is used as a reference source for current values for rare and out-of-print numismatic literature. The catalogue is reprinted and updated monthly.
Sample listings include “Greek Imperial Countermarks. Studies in the Provincial Coinage of the Roman Empire” ($75); “The Coinage of Nepal” ($110); “Byzantine Coins and Their Values” ($96); “British Historical Medals 1760-1837” ($120); “Handbook of Islamic Coins” ($55); “The Mexican Revolutionary Coinage, 1913-1916” ($70); “Coinage for Colonial Virginia” ($22), and “Counterfeiting in Colonial Connecticut” ($45).
This, as I said, is just a sampling. The titles alone open up many new areas of collecting interest.
Catalogues are $15 and are available from Fine Numismatic Books, P.O. Box 9712, Santa Fe, N.M. 87504; telephone (505) 982-8792.
Question: I have inherited 20,000 English half pennies (1967) and 4,000 English pennies. How can I best dispose of these coins?--J.B.K.
Answer: That’s a tough one. I’m not sure your coins have much value, especially to collectors. You might contact some dealers in foreign coins or a coin exchange company such as Deak. Another possibility would be to check with the British trade office.
Coin News
Two new medals in bronze and silver have been issued by Israel honoring the “Memory of Polish Jewry” and “Jewish Anti-Nazi Fighters.” Both were created by Nathan Karp. The “Fighter” medal (pictured) features helmeted heads of four Jewish combat soldiers--from the armies of the United States, Great Britain, U.S.S.R. and Israel. Information regarding these medals is available from Intergold Israel Coins and Medals, 23326 Hawthorne Blvd., Skypark 10, Suite 150, Torrance, Calif. 90505; telephone (800) 472-6327.
Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th President of the United States, is being honored on the 100th anniversary of his birth with a silver dollar bearing his likeness. It is the first U.S. coin to feature two profiles of the same person. He’s pictured as a five-star general and as a President/statesman by designer John Mercanti. Pre-issue prices, good until Feb. 28, are $25 for the $1 proof, $23 for the $1 uncirculated and $42 for a 1990 prestige proof set that also includes a 1990 cent, nickel, dime, quarter and half dollar. To order, write the United States Mint, P.O. Box 13682, Philadelphia, Pa. 19101-3682.
Coin Calendar
Today, Friday, Saturday and Sunday--Long Beach’s 12th Annual Numismatic, Philatelic & Baseball Card Exposition with more than 500 dealers will feature Elizabeth Jones, chief sculptor-engraver of the United States Mints on Saturday at 9 a.m. plus a British Royal Mint booth, auctions and special meetings and forums. The show at the Long Beach Convention Center runs today through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.