Calling all coin collectors...
 

My Mom, who never hints at anything I can buy her, recently expressed interest in collecting coins. I figured I would jump on this and get her a beginners guide or book that can help get her started. Does anyone know of a good book that would give her an introduction into the coin collecting world? I was also thinking of getting her some sort of binder to hold future coins and start her off with a few. Any advise would be appreciated.

My father was one of the half dozen xperts on British Crown Colony coins, and world re known bank note and coin collector, in his day...what little I know, I learned from him. Fwiw, I have some high graded St Gaudens, some fairly rare 'cameos', and some good gold & silver old proof sets, and some older rare stuff I inherited from him.
(All in the fookin safe deposit box, for any bad guys reading this.)

There are literally shelves of books on 'collecting', but a good basic, free from the web:
Free Coin Collection Book

With additional good titles are on this Amazon link:
Amazon.com: Coin Collecting for Dummies (9780764553899): Ron Guth: Books#_

I would also rec'd your Mom visit a few numismatic shops in her area: ask questions, seem interested but avoid the open purse/eager syndrome.

For every legit joint, real or on the web, there are dozens of scam sites, simply trying to peddle overpriced stuff to the casual/uninformed 'investor' trade.
And, I would not touch investing gold or silver at this time, unless Mom is simply buying it for her estate.

Casual collecting, in any new hobby, is difficult; coins are even more difficult, based on 'what', how much to initially spend, what to concentrate on, etc. My 50Cts. :D
GL,mD

Thanks for the advice MD! Your fathers accomplishments are pretty darn impressive.

Coin Collecting for Dummies may not be a bad idea. I will also look into the local shops and see if I can find one with a good reputation. I realize that it is hard to answer a question like the one I posted due to the broad spectrum of coin collecting by nature. I was hoping to surprise her with something, but this may be one of those things where I need to know what specific goals she has in mind with this "hobby".

Dammit! I better turn around now...

Seth,
That book looks decent from reviews and my cursory glance, as is the freebie link that defines the basics.

As for a good local shop: if the local joint displays they are a member of, 'subscribe to the standards', or sell items rated by:
"NGC", "PCGS" and/or "PMG" or "NES", it at least gets you in a joint that has some ethics.

There are many very legit and helpful coin/paper money collectors' stores; there are many legit dealers, (some have a store front, but many have gone to only net, and attending shows/conventions). There are also pump & dumpers preying on the uninformed 'investor'.

Most legit local stores are very willing to help the budding collector...
GL, mD

Thanks again, MD!