The Coin Collector's Survival Manual, Revised Seventh Edition Paperback – September 1, 2010

After going through seven editions, The Coin Collector's Survival Manual needs to be completely reorganized, revised and updated. This book definitely has the potential to be a great book on coin collecting and investing again; but, it is showing it's age and portions are becoming obsolete and irrelevant. I'm not saying this isn't a worthwhile book on coins; but, where was the editor?My disappointment with the seventh edition is simply that it is not an easy or fun read that encourages the reader to be an enthusiastic coin collector/investor. Page 306 states "As of this writing in August 2010...." and yet, ten pages earlier, there is the statement on page 296, "At this writing eighteen years later,...." referring to 1987 implying the book was written in 2005! Page 296 also lists an completely out of date comparison of 1999 and 2004 modern coin values as coin values have been significantly affected by the recent rise in bullion prices in the last few years.There is a table in this book listing coins that are crack-out candidates in 2005. Those crack-out possibilities are probably long gone by now. The chapter about changing strategies for investing in makes reference to coins owned in 1989 and then compares them to 2005 prices. New readers of the seventh edition were probably not buying coins twenty years ago and this is 2011, not 2005. Stories of crooked dealers from the 1980's and the heavy references to crack-outs may be interesting from a historical perspective; but, are they really relevant when we have come to rely on certified grading over the last twenty years? The latest version of this book has a good discussion of the PCGS Plus grades. Since the grading service label inserts have evolved over the years, it would be helpful to see photos of the different insert labels and learn the dates they were in use.The book has worthwhile information for the person looking to sell their coins. I like to buy coins and this book just simply has lost it's gusto.

This is a fascinating and educational book. I didn't buy it to try to flip coins or to make money. I was interested in what I might do to improve my odds on when buying. I found the book listed a Numismatic Guild Literary award and invested. The Kindle sample convinced me to purchase. I was annoyed that the publisher set the price higher than the print version, but I, didn't really want to store the print version.It is my opinion that you will learn a lot from this book. I suppose there are those that have been collecting and trading for yraes and won't benefit, but it seems unlikely.The range of topics in this book and the wealth of information makes it a great choice.

Travers is just out of touch and represents coin collectors who collect for the wrong reasons. He comes across as overly concerned about money and very paranoid. For example he recommends that you put filler weight in your safety deposit box. For the reason that your teller might notice that the box is lighter and then notify a robber friend to mug you because your likely carrying something valueable. I can't listen to someone that paranoid seriously. He yacks about how 'your going to make so much money' and pays no respect to what makes coin collecting great - history, aesthetic, and community. Don't waste your time and read the introduction of the Red Book by Bowers.

This is a comprehensive book about coins: collecting, buying,selling and investing. If you are anything short of an experienced dealer in coins and bullion you will learn something - or even a lot - from the book. It is current and the author discusses such issues as buying and selling coins on eBay and other auction sites on the web. There is also a lengthy discussion of coins shows. And for the novice, there is detailed information on grading coins and the details to watch for on specific coins, such as the Winged Liberty Head or "Mercury" dime.I highly recommend this book if you are at all interested in collecting or investing in coins and/or bullion.

Just as the title says: If you are looking to be informed and educated on various aspects of collecting, this book is for you. Everything from collecting, investing, to etiquette at coin shows. There is something in here for every collector.I personally like the addition of the precious metal value charts in the back of the book along with the fairly easy to understand equation provided in one of the chapters explaining (POM) Price Over Market. This comes in handy especially when purchasing gold for the bullion value. That and the book as a whole have truly helped me to become a better collector.Reading it for the second time now!

This is a must read for anyone who is interested in coin collecting for fun or prophet. It is very well written and packed with information crucial to enjoying the hobby of Numismatics. Money saving tips and "How To's" on not being taken in the marketplace. Useful information for everyone from novice to long time collector.

In all endeavors there are certain things you need to know to succeed. This book combines into a single volume most of the basics any collector or investor needs to know about the rare coin industry. For true numismatic study you will need other books in your area of interest. For some real world "need to know" information about the way the industry works, you need to read this book.

As someone new to coin collecting I found this book very helpful.Everything in this book is new to me.I think this book really helped me in making a couple very good coin purchases.If it weren't for this book I would've just bought the first coin,from the first dealer I saw.

Excellent!