[.ca] Coin Collecting For Dummies (ISBN 0470222751)

Be a dummy and waste your money, or...:
...be smarter and purchase something which at least contains helpful information. Unfortunately, I did waste my money on this book and found it totally unorganized and of very little practical help. I've been curious about many of these so-called "for Dummies" type of books. If this is an example of one, you could do much better by either contacting the American Numismatic Association (ANA) at their website at or a wonderful and little known website entitled: "Coin Facts" which is found at . The Coin Facts website is the best reference source I have found for coins----I've been collecting for over 25 years. Even better, the websites are free to browse and print from. In addition, every state in the US has a state coin association and they always love to help folks---especially young persons. I've found great enjoyment not only in coin collecting but MEETING the many interesting folks who engage in this endeavor. You don't need to purchase any book which denigrates the reader even in its title--especialy when it gives such poor and disorganized material.

This Book is Right On the Money:
This is a great book to read - even for non-coin collectors. The historical data is fascinating. Well written, good touches of humor - informative and educational. I think it's appropriate for anyone from beginning to experienced collectors and just about anyone who's interested in money.

This Book is Right On the Money:
This is a great book to read - even for non-coin collectors. The historical data is fascinating. Well written, good touches of humor - informative and educational. I think it's appropriate for anyone from beginning to experienced collectors and just about anyone who's interested in money.

Funny & Enlightening:
Guth is a great expositor on the hobby/obsession of coins and coin collecting. The history of U.S coinage is one of the most interesting storie in the world and deserves a wider audience. It also deserves a great book, a story to capture the imagination that would also capture the hearts of the readers. Alas, this book is not that creature. But it is a great guide for beginners or anyone interested in the notorious ins and outs (including trading, on-line dealers, honesty and prices) of coin collecting. The allure of the hobby (sport?) is captured in his infectious passion and the humorous tales bring the reader back down to Earth. By all means purchase his new book, THE 100 GREATEST U.S. COINS (co-authored with Garrett), a coffee table work that redefines the notion of presentation. It is a gorgeous tome, with history, prices and best of all, incredibly beautiful photographs of these noteworthy coins. One is almost transported into the numismatic section of the Smithsonian by this book.

Everyone has to start somewhere:
Usually the "for dummies book" like a children's book will give you fundamentals to get off the ground on a subject. However this book is too fundamental and too broad and too narrow at the same time. Not that it does not contain helpful information, however right from the beginning I could find no mention of Notgeld or any porcelain coins. Nether did of the referenced address the subject. This leads me to believe that there are other vertical collection markets that are not being addressed or even mentioned in this book. The Author Ron Guth however is an expert and collector in many fields of coins that are not reflected in this book.