Coin and Paper Money Collecting/All world gold coins

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Expert: - 12/14/2009


Question
Sir, is there a coin book that will give descriptions (weights size inscription information ect.) of world gold coins? Say from 1600 or 1700 to present. I have heard acid test will destroy value. thanks phillip

Answer

Krause world gold coin
Hi Phillip,
You certainly are right about acid testing. It will leave a permanent black spot on the coin, which can significantly lower the value on a rare or exceptionally high grade coin.
There is exactly such a book, the Krause publication "Standard Catalog of World Gold Coins" (6th edition is the most recent). This book will have all the information you need and includes platinum and palladium coins as well from 1601 to present. Average cost is around $100 for this book, but is pretty much mandatory for a serious gold coin collector.
The regular Krause world coins books also include gold issues and relevant information, but are split into 4 volumes between 1601 and present that run about $60 each.
Thanks for the question! =)

Dmitry Livshits

Expertise

My specialty is world coins from the 18th to 20th centuries, primarily non-US foreign coins and related areas such as errors and exonumia (tokens, medals, etc.). I can answer questions relating to identification, grading, selling, preservation and evaluation of such items. In addition to catalog value, I can give you the practical market value and trends for specific types of coins. I will also take questions regarding counterfeits (both modern and antique) and on how to identify them. I am NOT knowledgeable in paper money/banknotes, ancient or "shipwreck" coins. Thank you.

Experience

Collector of world coins since early childhood. Access to a variety of auction records and reference material. You can also find me on Facebook.

Education/Credentials
A.S. in Psychology (2006), B.A. in Forensic Psychology (2008), M.A. in Forensic Psychology (2011).

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