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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. Wayne Homren, Editor The Numismatic Bibliomania Society is a non-profit organization promoting numismatic literature. See our web site at coinbooks.org. To submit items for publication in The E-Sylum, write to the Editor at this address: whomren@coinlibrary.com To subscribe go to: https://my.binhost.com/lists/listinfo/esylum | |
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