Coin Books & References
If you are interested in numismatic history, the following coin books and references are recommended to help you learn more about this fascinating hobby. Please see our Coin Collecting Books page for a selection of books available for purchase.
U.S. Coin Books & References
Coin Grading & General Reference
- Grading Coins by Photographs,
- Featuring 384 full-color pages, this valuable reference contains detailed grading guidelines for every type of U.S. coin. With contributions by Littleton's experts and other noted professionals, and a foreword by LCC President David Sundman, this book will be a valuable collecting resource. Spiral-bound pages lie flat for handy reference.
- Ledger of U.S. Coins,
- The perfect way to keep a comprehensive record of your entire collection. Complete date and mint mark listings for each U.S. coin denomination and type, including mintage figures and actual-size photos. Keep track of coins you own and purchase, and coins you need to complete your series collections.
- Guide Book of United States Coins,
- The official Red Book guide ("the bible of U.S. coinage") contains detailed information on colonial, state and U.S. coins. Features mintage figures and grade-by-grade valuation guide to all dates and mint marks, with actual-size photos and close-up images of varieties and errors. Includes official U.S. commemoratives and bullion coins. Available in hardcover, softcover and enlarged print versions.
- Whitman Encyclopedia of Colonial and Early American Coins,
- Years of research and collaboration come together in this extraordinary numismatic reference to Colonial America, the birth of our nation and the U.S. Mint, early minting techniques and methods of distribution, and much more. Discover the various moneys of early America – including European tokens and coins, colonial and state issues, Washington tokens, and early federal coinage. The "bible" of its field by the "Dean of American Numismatics." Softcover, 352 pages, over 1,000 full-color photos.
Coin Guides by Type
- Insider Guide to Collecting Presidential Dollars,
- A 128-page illustrated guide to the Presidential dollar series, filled with collecting tips and information, as well as intriguing insights on each U.S. president including childhood, career, family life, presidency and retirement years. An informative and economical gift for new and experienced collectors alike.
- A Guide Book of Washington and State Quarters,
- A "must" for collectors of the traditional Eagle reverse Washington quarters of 1932-1998 and the popular Statehood issues of 1999-2008. Includes a biography of George Washington, date-by-date information for all Eagle reverse quarters, and a comprehensive guide to Statehood quarters. Includes mintage figures, rarity analysis and much more, in a full-color 288-page softcover volume.
- A Pocketful of History: Four Hundred Years of America – One State Quarter at a Time,
- Explore centuries of American history with the reverse designs on U.S. quarters of 1999-2009. Discover how and why each state and territory chose their design, the significance of each image, and what the complete collection tells us about our country and our values. Hardcover, 324 pages.
- The Jefferson Nickel Analyst,
- A comprehensive reference guide to Jefferson nickels by a leading expert on the series. Contains the history of the Jefferson nickel, and provides a date-by-date analysis including surfaces, strike, luster, color, mintage figures and scarcity. The 90-page large format book features over 50 illustrations including photos of major varieties. The culmination of over 20 years of research and examination.
- A Guide Book of Lincoln Cents,
- Official Red Book guide to America's longest-running coinage series. Contains a history of the 1¢ denomination, Lincoln cent collecting tips, a complete date and mint mark analysis, information on varieties and errors, and a synopsis of important events for each year since the series began in 1909. An essential reference for Lincoln cent collectors. Softcover, 304 pages.
- Cherry Pickers Guide to Rare Die Varieties,
- Written by variety experts with input from leading numismatic scholars and dealers, the latest edition of Volume 1 identifies U.S. coins from half cents through nickels featuring rare and valuable die characteristics. Each variety is described and photographed, and this volume contains information not available in any other single source. Hardcover..
U.S. Mints
- History of The United States Mint and Its Coinage,
- Trace the U.S. Mint from its roots in the pre-colonial era through independence and confederation, from the political intrigues of the 19th century to the coinage renaissance of the early 20th century, from the depression and world wars to modern times. Hardcover/softcover, 190 pages, illustrated.
- A Mighty Fortress,
- The fascinating saga of the second San Francisco Mint, nicknamed the "Granite Lady" and one of few buildings to survive the great 1906 San Francisco Earthquake and Fire. The mint became a relief and financial center for the devastated city. Softcover, 144 pages with many historical photographs.
- The Secret History of the First U.S. Mint,
- Unearths long-buried facts, unravels puzzling mysteries, and debunks age-old myths about the first U.S. Mint in Philadelphia. Like history detectives, the authors track down previously unknown archives, accounts and illustrations. Hardcover, 318 pages.
American Coinage History
- In Yankee Doodle's Pocket: The Myth, Magic and Politics of Money in Early America,
- Fresh numismatic perspective on America from early colonial days to 1840 – covering the barter system, paper money, colonials, foreign coins, early U.S. Mint issues, Hard Times tokens and more. Hardcover, 576 pages, fully-illustrated.
- Numismatic Art in America: Aesthetics of the United States Coinage,
- America's rich numismatic heritage including beautiful early U.S. coins, neoclassic 19th-century designs, magnificent medals and coins by early 20th-century sculptors. Hardcover, 320 pages, over 400 full-color illustrations.
- Fascinating Facts, Mysteries & Myths About U.S. Coins,
- Intriguing true stories and hobby myths. Who modeled for the Buffalo/Indian Head nickel? Why was Liberty covered up on Standing Liberty quarters? Who struck the five known 1913 Liberty Head nickels? What is the King of American Coins, and the Orphan Annie? Plus much more. Hardcover/softcover, 240 pages.
- Lost Gold of the Republic: The Remarkable Quest for the Greatest Shipwreck Treasure of the Civil War Era,
- Dramatic nautical account of the legendary SS Republic, a paddlewheel steamship that sank in a hurricane off Georgia just after the Civil War in 1865, and the arduous search for the shipwreck – discovered in 2003 with over 50,000 gold and silver coins worth more than $75 million to collectors. Hardcover, 320 pages.
- Crime of 1873: The Comstock Connection,
- Fascinating “mine to the mint” Old West saga of the Comstock Lode – richest silver deposit ever found in North America – and the authorization and creation of Trade and Morgan silver dollars from Comstock bullion. Includes value guide for Trade and Morgan silver dollars. Hardcover, 297 pages.
- Million Dollar Nickels: Mysteries of the 1913 Liberty Head Nickels Revealed,
- Intriguing journey of the five known 1913 Liberty Head nickels – from their unauthorized striking at the Philadelphia Mint in 1913 until their amazing reunion at the 2003 ANA summer convention. Special attention on the Walton Specimen which “disappeared” for more than 40 years. Hardcover, 369 pages.
- Striking Change: The Great Artistic Collaboration of Theodore Roosevelt and Augustus Saint-Gaudens,
- First-person accounts, behind-the-scenes conversations, and explosive public drama unveil the partnership between President Theodore Roosevelt and renowned sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens to reinvigorate and redesign U.S. coinage in the early 20th century. Hardcover, 480 pages, fully illustrated.
- Double Eagle: The Epic Story of the World's Most Valuable Coin,
- Gripping tale of what for decades was the only known 1933 double eagle $20 gold coin (at least a dozen more are now known to exist). Collectors, dealers, thieves, lawyers, Egypt's King Farouk and many other characters played a hand in the story of this coin that sold in 2002 for over $7.5 million. Hardcover, 320 pages.
Paper Money Books & References
If you'd like to learn more about the exciting hobby of paper money collecting, the following Paper Money Books and References will help get you started. Please see our Paper Money Books page for a selection of books available for purchase.
- 100 Greatest American Currency Notes,
- Widely acclaimed, this beautifully illustrated book provides facts, stories and collecting tips for America's best known, most collectible, and most sought-after issues of paper money. Hardcover, 144 pages.
- Obsolete Paper Money Issued by Banks in the United States 1782-1866,
- Join numismatic expert Q. David Bowers on a journey of discovery! Filled with exciting stories, fascinating facts, and colorful illustrations, this book covers the notes that once served American commerce. With this noteworthy reference, you'll learn about the engraving, printing, and distribution of ornate notes issued from Colonial times through the Civil War. Hardcover, 608 pages.
- Early Paper Money of America,
- First published in 1967, this updated paper money reference is the result of decades of careful research. You'll read about early note issues of all 13 colonies, plus Vermont, Louisiana, and the Northwest Territory. It also includes early Continental Currency and Federal issues. Hardcover, 495 pages.
- National Bank Notes, 5th Edition,
- This book features meticulous population reports that are based on a census of more than 260,000 National Bank Notes. With information on how many notes remain in existence and what they're worth, this book is an essential resource. Softcover, 446 pages.
- The Banker's Art: Studies in Paper Money,
- Collection of essays by financial institutions and museums on the controversial history of world paper money – compiled by the British Museum's paper money curator. Discusses issuance, manufacturing and design – and the influence of economic conditions, politics, war and other circumstances on paper currency. Softcover, 160 pages.
- The Art of Money: The History and Design of Paper Currency from Around the World,
- Discover the beauty and artistry of currency with this conversational discussion on the history and design of paper money from around the world as well as the United States. Filled with colorful, vibrant illustrations and detailed close-up images. Learn how countries project a desired image on currency. Softcover, 132 pages.
- World War II Remembered: History in Your Hands, A Numismatic Study,
- Award-winning definitive work on WWII numismatics covering the Allies, Axis Powers, neutral and occupied countries – including paper money, coins, camp notes, war bonds, military medals, propaganda and espionage notes, and more. A large-format hardcover book with 864 pages and over 4,000 illustrations.
- The Devil's Workshop: A Memoir of the Nazi Counterfeiting Operation,
- Operation Bernhard was a massive Nazi scheme during WWII to trigger economic chaos among the Allies by distributing counterfeit British currency. The superb forgeries, undetected by the Bank of England, were created by Jewish prisoners of a Nazi concentration camp – many with printing and engraving expertise. A first-hand account by one of the prisoner/counterfeiters. Hardcover, 288 pages.
- The Art of Making Money: The Story of a Master Counterfeiter,
- Absorbing true story of a brilliant counterfeiter who "made" millions and outwitted the Secret Service until brought down by a betrayal. Art Williams painstakingly overcame sophisticated anti-forging features of new U.S. $100 bills introduced in 1996 – printing and passing millions of dollars worth of counterfeits. Hardcover, 304 pages.
Ancient Coin Books & References
The books listed below will help you learn about the history of the ancient world, as well as interpret the designs and legends on the ancient coins in your collection. Please see our Ancient Coin Books page for a selection of books available for purchase.
Roman Coin References
- Ancient Coin Collecting,
- Four separate volumes that give an in-depth overview to collecting ancient coins.
- Coinage and History of the Roman Empire,
- Invaluable study of more than 550 years of Roman history and numismatics, in a two-volume set. Biographies of the emperors and their families based on current historical information. An indispensable set, destined to be a classic!
- Dictionary of Ancient Roman Coins,
- Traditional A-Z format, this dictionary lists deities, denominations, titles and many other topics.
- History and Coinage of the Roman Imperators,
- Exceptional book that covers 435 coin types during this turbulent period of Roman history. Contains a wealth of historical and numismatic information.
- Roman Coins and Their Values,
- One of the most highly acclaimed multi-volume, comprehensive references that catalogues thousands of Roman coins, spanning nearly eight centuries. Useful information on emperors, denominations, reverse types and mints.
- Volume I: The Republic & the Twelve Caesars, 280 B.C. - A.D. 96
- Volume II: Adoptive Emperors to Severans, A.D. 96-235
- Volume III: The Third Century Crisis and Recovery, A.D. 235-285
- Volume IV: The Tetrarchies and the Rise of the House of Constantine, A.D. 284-337
- Volume V: In preparation
Roman Provincial Coin References
- Greek Imperial Coins and Their Values,
- Coverage of Greek coins during the 1st century Roman period, as well as Judean and Parthian coins.
- Tetradrachms of Roman Egypt,
- Essential reprint of a long unavailable reference that lists over 2,100 tetradrachms. Supplemented with article reprints, price lists and auction catalogues.
Byzantine Coin References
- Byzantine Coins and Their Values,
- New comprehensive revision of the 1974 edition. Over 2,500 coins listed with extensive illustrations. This is the standard handbook on Byzantine coins for the collector.
Greek Coin References
- Coinage in the Greek World,
- Good general introduction to Greek coins linking history with the evolution of coin denominations.
- Dictionary of Ancient Greek Coins,
- Dictionary of terms relevant to denominations, moneyers, types, mythology, games, economics, and much more.
- Greek Coins,
- Easy-to-follow overview of Greek coins and their regions of origin, from the 7th to the 1st century B.C.
- Greek Coins and Their Values,
- Volume 1 catalogues European Greek Coinage. Over 3,300 coins listed, with 1,500 illustrations. Volume 2 catalogues coins of Asia Minor, Africa and the Hellenistic Empires. Over 4,500 coins listed, with 2,000 illustrations.
Biblical Coin References
- Guide to Biblical Coins,
- Fifth edition of the most widely used reference in the field of ancient Judaean and Biblical coins. Describes over 525 coins in detail with current values, charts, line drawings and translations. Interesting and easy to follow.
Ancient Coin Periodicals
- The Celator,
- Subscription information: The Celator, P.O. Box 10607, Lancaster, PA 17605‑0607. www.celator.com
Other Ancient Coin Books
- 100 Greatest Ancient Coins,
- Part of Whitman Publishing's "100 Greatest" series, this is the first volume dedicated to non-U.S. collectibles. Handsomely illustrated in full color, this edition chronicles each ancient coin's location in history. Glossary depicts featured coins at actual size for comparison. Hardcover, 144 pages.
- Roman Base Metal Coins Guide,
- An aid in identifying the coins in your ancient Roman collection. Includes hundreds of artists' renderings accurately depicting bronze coins by emperor. This comprehensive book covers Rome's Imperial period of coinage, from 27 B.C. – A.D. 476.
- The Monetary Systems of the Greeks and Romans,
- Original research by numismatists, historians and economists into the complexities of ancient Greek and Roman monetary systems – how and why coinage was used, how Greeks and Romans made large and small payments, and how the systems were integrated throughout the empires. Hardcover/softcover, 344 pages.
- The Legend of Alexander the Great on Greek and Roman Coins,
- Illustrated presentation of portraits and representations of Alexander the Great on ancient Greek and Roman coins for over 700 years from 320 B.C. to A.D. 400. The posthumous appreciation for Alexander's legend on centuries of coinage is unique in numismatic history. Hardcover/softcover, 179 pages
- Classical Deception: Counterfeits, Forgeries and Reproductions of Ancient Coins,
- Essential collector's guide to detection of counterfeits, forgeries and reproductions of ancient coins. Traces the history of well-known forgers, common fakes and manufacturing techniques. Tools and methods of detection are described, and a catalog of unpublished work by renowned coin reproduction artist Peter Rosa is included. Softcover, 196 pages with over 200 illustrations.
- Coins, Bodies, Games, and Gold: The Politics of Meaning in Archaic Greece,
- Innovative, well-documented study of the ideological functions of ancient metals and money. Demonstrates how rival political groups in ancient Greece used coinage to imprint their views on the world, and reveals fascinating aspects of ancient Greek culture. Hardcover/softcover, 384 pages.
