Still the bible, but now flawed
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Yes, it's in glorious colour for the first time, and while it takes a little getting used to, it is a great improvement. Unfortunately, in bringing us this "luxury", Spinks have taken their eye off the ball and fallen down with the basics. The book clearly has not been given a final proof-read, and now contains far too may errors. Pictures are not always of the coins they are supposed to be, and some values have clearly been transposed. It smacks of a rushed job. This is still the English coin collector's bible, but for me it's credibility has been compromised, and while the new colour pictures are pretty, I will still be referring back to my copy of last year's edition to check things. If you are buying for the first time, you may wish to to consider buying the (now) cheaper 2005 or 2006 edition instead.
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Best for the mature collector.
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Once you've past the point of just collecting dates, demoninations, and heads, this is the reference work you simply must read if you wish to become a numismatist, not just a collector or accumulator. Of course, the coins are divided into reigns, metals, and coinages (eg 1816). While this may be tricky at first, any adult familiar with the style (which is shared in the philatelic world by Gibbons)can quickly become adept at locating whichever coin they need to research.
Very well bound, handsome volume that I leave in my sitting room all the time. Plenty of accurate data on pricing, and a good summary of British auction activity--even collectors who will never spend more than five hundred quid on a coin should keep up with the market!
I may be convinced that this isn't the best book for a child, but this should be in any adult's library.
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EXTREMELY AWKWARD TO USE
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This book may be the defacto standard amongst coin dealers/collectors, but I have to say I have NEVER used a coin catalogue that has been arranged in such a half ar$e way. It is completely stupid. The dates are every where. Rather than keep each type of coin and then list the dates in order and variation of that type, they have the types and dates all over the place. It is EXTREMELY hard to follow and use and confusing, most of the time you will select the wrong coin, cos your in the wrong section. Try finding the section you need... thats another story. AWFUL!! I dont write feedback unless its EXTREMELY GOOD or bad... this has to be the worst coin book I've used. EVER!!
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I have several editions
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I have several editions of this book. You can never have too many. Each one comes with a different mix. And the newer editions of course will have the newer coins. This is not a substitute for the Standard Catalog of World coins but is better focused on England and a lot easer to carry. The book also teaches us a little bit of symbolism and history. Keep in mind that this is still just a guide. Other factors determine the value of the coin to you and others.
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Essential Guide
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This is a must have book for any self respecting coin collector.It is the definitive guide for the majority of British coin collectors and collectors of British coins worldwide. IT is laid out in an easy to read format which allows quick location of relevant information. I will be buying this book yearly !
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