Calling all coin collectors...

[FSETH]

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.

[motordavid]

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.
GL,mD

[KYZRSOSE]

Originally Posted by motordavid

(All in the fookin safe deposit box, for any bad guys reading this.)

Dammit! I better turn around now...

[FSETH]

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".

[motordavid]

Originally Posted by FSETH

...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. ...

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

[FSETH]

Thanks again, MD!