WHY SHOULD A BEGINNING COLLECTOR READ BOOKS? Pubblico Deposited
The E-Sylum: Volume 10, Number 41, October 14, 2007, Article 4
WHY SHOULD A BEGINNING COLLECTOR READ BOOKS?
In preparation for an article on coin book recommendations
for new collectors, longtime COIN World columnist Col. Bill
Murray asked me and fellow NBS officers John Adams and P.
Scott Rubin for thoughts on the subject. I contributed five
paragraphs, which Bill edited and merged into the final
article. With permission, I'm publishing my original three
opening paragraphs here for comment. I think most of our
readers will agree with the sentiment. I wrote:Why should a beginning numismatist get some books? They
are many good reasons, but I think that the best reason for
adding books to one?s shelf is the same reason for adding
coins to your collection ? because it?s fun! Many people
spend a lifetime building a collection without finding the
need to read books. But if you ask me, they?re missing
half the fun. Coins are objects ? they are interesting
and beautiful to see, but alone they?re mute ? they
cannot speak.With books, your coins come to life and will speak to you
in many ways ? you will never see your coins in the same
way again. You will know why your coins were created, by
whom and how. You?ll know about the statesmen who proposed
them, the artists who crafted them, what the public first
thought of them and how they used them. You?ll learn about
some of the great collectors who came before you. Through
their words they will speak to you as well, imparting their
knowledge and wisdom across generations. You?ll draw
connections between your coins, recognizing the puzzle pieces
and fitting them together to form the larger picture. You?ll
become far more than ?just? a collector ? you?ll become a
true numismatist.There are many rewards awaiting the knowledgeable numismatist.
When coins speak to you, true value, importance and rarity
become instantly recognizable. It?s like having a pair of
magic spectacles ? wear them and suddenly the world becomes
clear. When others look at coins they will merely see coins.
With your improved vision you?ll see far more ? a superb
strike, an unusual variety, a design flaw, an underpriced
rarity or overlooked gem. Read books, have fun, and prosper.
You?ll be glad you did.- 2007-10-14
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