The Coin Collector's Survival Manual

Rating:
Summary: Dry.
Review: A very good book for all collectors, but especially less advanced collectors. An all around decent book on all aspects of collecting.

Rating:
Summary: Don't expect too much from this helpful, easy read!
Review: I've decided to add my, ahem, two cents worth, on this book because I have just finished reading another book by the same author titled 'How to make money in coins right now.' I resisted buying the latter because I suspected, rightfully as it turns out, that there would not be much new information contained in it; Mr. Travers has a tendency to rehash a lot of his admittedly valuable and well-reasoned information advice. This book covers a lot of ground, per the reviews below, much of it essential. The single most valuable section, to my mind, is the in-depth discussion of coin grades as used by the professionals, and a discussion of recent changes made in grading standards. Also helpful is the section discussing ways to spot coins that may not be as good as the 'look,' and why (toning, doctoring, cleaning, etc.). I definitely can recommend this book as a stand alone purchase but would steer the interested buyer to another of Mr. Travers' books titled 'How to make money in coins right now.' I say this only because each book covers a lot of the same ground but the other contains information crucial to the 'value' question that every coin collector has at the back of his mind. Either will do, however, I just don't recommend purchasing both: One or the other and spend the money you don't spend on a nice collectible coin.

Rating:
Summary: Don't expect too much from this helpful, easy read!
Review: I've decided to add my, ahem, two cents worth, on this book because I have just finished reading another book by the same author titled 'How to make money in coins right now.' I resisted buying the latter because I suspected, rightfully as it turns out, that there would not be much new information contained in it; Mr. Travers has a tendency to rehash a lot of his admittedly valuable and well-reasoned information advice. This book covers a lot of ground, per the reviews below, much of it essential. The single most valuable section, to my mind, is the in-depth discussion of coin grades as used by the professionals, and a discussion of recent changes made in grading standards. Also helpful is the section discussing ways to spot coins that may not be as good as the 'look,' and why (toning, doctoring, cleaning, etc.). I definitely can recommend this book as a stand alone purchase but would steer the interested buyer to another of Mr. Travers' books titled 'How to make money in coins right now.' I say this only because each book covers a lot of the same ground but the other contains information crucial to the 'value' question that every coin collector has at the back of his mind. Either will do, however, I just don't recommend purchasing both: One or the other and spend the money you don't spend on a nice collectible coin.

Rating:
Summary: A solid reference for the more serious collector
Review: Scott Traver's has written a number of highly useful texts on coin collecting. His latest edition of the "Survival Manual" is no exception. It contains information on a variety of topics to help the collector make wise purchases and avoid being cheated. There is a heavy emphasis on grading and detecting counterfit coins and some extremely useful tips about ordering coins on the Internet and via mail order. This book gets a bit technical -- so truly beginning or novice collectors may find it a bit more complicated than they might be comfortable with. But anyone who does or is contemplating making any substantive investment in coins should read this text carefully. Overall, an excellent book and a fairly interesting read. A great gift for any serious coin collector !

Rating:
Summary: A solid reference for the more serious collector
Review: This book is really designed to help the collector become a better more focused buyer and seller of coins. The information on the coin rip-off scemes including TV sales, modern coins promoted as 'rare', etc. can be hugely valuable to those who think they are investing in coins but will never recover their outlay. The warnings about altered, over graded, ond over promoted coins can save an unsuspecting buyer a great percentage of their budget. The writing style is easy to follow and personal and never preachy. Do not invest serious money in a single coin until you read this book.

Rating:
Summary: Well balanced
Review: Travers does a great job of bringing balance to this book. It includes everything from what kind of magnafying glass to buy, to buying rare gold and all things in between. I felt the most helpful sections were the detailed write-ups on grading (different services, methods, and evolution of) and how to spot artificial toning, counterfitting, and doctoring/cleaning. It also explains how not to get ripped off at coin shows and by con-artist dealers. I would recommend this for beginners, as well as intermediate coin collectors.

Rating:
Summary: Well balanced
Review: Travers does a great job of bringing balance to this book. It includes everything from what kind of magnafying glass to buy, to buying rare gold and all things in between. I felt the most helpful sections were the detailed write-ups on grading (different services, methods, and evolution of) and how to spot artificial toning, counterfitting, and doctoring/cleaning. It also explains how not to get ripped off at coin shows and by con-artist dealers. I would recommend this for beginners, as well as intermediate coin collectors.