BOOK REVIEW: CASH IN YOUR COINS, 2ND EDITION

PREV ARTICLE NEXT ARTICLE FULL ISSUE PREV FULL ISSUE

V17 2014 INDEX E-SYLUM ARCHIVE

The E-Sylum: Volume 17, Number 52, December 21, 2014, Article 9

John and Nancy Wilson submitted this review of the new edition of Beth Deisher's book. Thanks! -Editor

Cash In Your Coins, “Selling the Rare Coins You’ve Inherited,” 2nd Edition, Author Beth Deisher, Foreword by Q. David Bowers, Whitman Publishing, LLC, Atlanta, GA, 2014, Reviewed by John and Nancy Wilson, NLG

The reference has 292 pages with many color illustrations. A copy of this book should be placed in your safety deposit box, along with your numismatic collection. The Foreword was done by noted numismatist Q. David Bowers. We especially liked this comment from Mr. Bowers, “Beth shines a light on tax-related questions, suggesting paths to follow and with whom you should consult.”

The Preface by the author explains in an easy to read manner why this book is important to, “EVERYONE.” Many fascinating stories will be found in the reference.

Since Beth became Editor of Coin World she is the founding Editor of four other publications. She has testified in Washington at Congressional hearings regarding our coinage. For her 29 years of service in the numismatic hobby she was the recipient of many awards. Besides winning many Numismatic Literary Guild (NLG) awards over the years she received the NLGs highest honor – The Clemy. Ms Deisher received many awards from the American Numismatic Association. 1999 & 2009 Presidents Awards; 1995 - Glenn Smedley Memorial Award; 2004 - Century Club Recipient; 2006 - Burnett Anderson Memorial Award; 2010 – Farran Zerbe Memorial Award and in 2013 she was enshrined in the ANA Hall of Fame.

1. Can You Answer This Question? “How much do you want for your coins?” The information will help you find out the answer.

2. Preparing to Look at Your Coins. You will learn the safe methods when handling your collection or accumulation.

3. The Basics of Coin Identification. Everything you need to know will be found here.

5. Identifying U.S. Coins by Design Type. Every design type is explained and illustrated in color.

6. Uncirculated and Proof Sets. The author explains in detail how to distinguish the difference between the two.

7. Identifying U.S. Paper Money by Design Type. Both large and small size currency are covered, including World War ll issued notes, and star and error notes are also covered.

8. If It's Not a U.S. Coin. A simple suggestion by the author asks: 1. Does it bear a date? 2. Does it state a denomination, in words and/or numerals? 3. Does it contain the legends LIBERTY and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA? This will help in identifying medals, tokens and foreign coins or notes.

9. Creating an Inventory. The suggestion here is that if you have a computer use it to catalog your holdings.

10. Determining Value. Coins from poor to uncirculated condition are defines and examples from AG-3 to AU-55 are pictured.

11. Independent Appraisals. Many kinds of appraisals are described and their advantages given.

12. Taxes. The author covers probate, the Federal estate tax, Federal annual gift-tax exclusion, state “death” taxes, estate tax, inheritance tax along with state information on taxes will help you decide how to proceed with your collection.

13. Talking the Talk. A dictionary defines the words that are covered in the hobby.

14. Finding a Buyer. Auction houses including online (with listings), coin dealers & shows, ANA & PNG along with other avenues you can explore are given. Melt and silver values are also explained with a worksheet.

Bibliography. References for the denominations of all coins and others will be found here.

The reference will answer many questions about coins whether you have one or thousands. We highly recommend the reference which is available for $9.95 from the publisher: Whitman Publishing LLC, 3101 Clairmont Rd., Suite G., Atlanta, GA. 30329, Phone Number (800) 546-2995 or www.whitmanbooks.com