Customer Reviews

Ancient Coin Collecting (v. I)

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In about 200 pages with over 200 photos in 10 chapters and 6 appendixes, Wayne Sayles masterfully brings together in his own unique and engaging style a wonder ful introduction to the ancient coin collecting hobby. The writer is the former publisher of the most popular magazine dedicated to the hobby of collecting ancient coins is written from the vantage point of an enthusiastic collector who knows.

The first chapter is a general history, the second forms the core of the 6 volume series - it outlines the Greeks, Romans, Roman Provincial, Romaioi ( Byzantine ) and Non-Classical cultures who made the coins that are part and parcel to the ancient coin hobby. The third speaks to the Antiquarian tradition, the fourth and fifth are sort of "news you can use" about clubs, shows, the market and the emerging internet's role in this hobby as well as other topics. Chapter six is about coin literature which is this author's strong suit as a former numismatic publisher and it lists by specialty a good bibliography of books to buy that are the standard references for that section.

The seventh chapter goes into great detail about identifying ancient coins and is copiusly illustrated and chock full of easy to read tables, charts and lists that are in eye friendly fonts, some books make you squint but not this one.

The eighth chapter chapter is more of the "news you can use" sort of info, it is focused on how to collect. Mr. Sayles shows some ways to collect thematically and tackles cleaning, slabbing, grading and authentication. The ninth chapter talks about aesthetics - the coin as a work of art. The tenth and last chapter ( one page really ) speaks to the hobby's former problem of it being a "Robinson Crusoe" hobby, the loneliness that used to be felt until the advent of the internet.

This book is full of personality and avoids the snares of some other introductory works like lengthy quotes printed in dead languages, eye reddening fine print and a lot of obtuse verbosity in general. This book could be just as easily digested by a precoscious 6th grader as it could by a seasoned classical coin lover steeped in years and experience. My only wish is that when it goes into a second edition that it include some topical index in the rear for speedy reference that more traditional reference works have. Otherwise this book is extremely well executed and it will be a long time before this book is replaced by a worthy successor. Mr. Sayles has done well by the hobby with this book.

A few months ago I renewed a childhood hobby of collecting ancient coins. I have a strong background in history, yet my numismatic knowledge was lacking. I scanned dozens of volumes on the subject at libraries and bookstores but most were either too specialized, or too brief. Then I happily purchased this book from Amazon, and within a few days I found myself not only educated but highly entertained.

One of the best features of this volume is that it is filled with references and a glossary. The bibliographic information alone is worth twice the price. Also included is a chart of the Roman Emperors which I have found to be indispensible. Highly recommended, and guaranteed to be addictive.

As a collector over 30 years on Chinese and modern world coins, it's an adventoure for me to probe a totally different field of coin collecting - the western world ancient coins. What I need most is something to show me the way, to give me an outline, to guide me to the right direction, as well as to keep me interested at the unfamiliar new world.

This book serves my needs exactly as it starts with very basic but substantial introduction to the ancient western cultures which are not familiarized by an oriental like me. Then there are good references provided, among them I appreciated most the last part of Chapter II, "Ancient Coins and the Internet", and also Chapter VI, "Numismatic Literature". Those information show a beginner to a broader view and an easier access in continuing his collection interest.

I would say the most fancinating part of this book is surely Chapter VII, "Identifying Ancient Coins". It's systematically arranged thus I can get a clear picture of different categories of ancient coins, together with fundamental history background of the coin issuers. That is, indeed, far more interesting than just reading a coin catalogue.

For anyone who intends to start ancient coin collecting, this is the book to start with.

Ancient Coin Collecting (1996) by noted numismatist Wayne G. Sayles is a concise yet comprehensive introduction to the often passionate and rewarding hobby of collecting ancient coins. The discount price offered by Amazon.com makes this book a must buy for anyone contemplating the purchase and study of ancient coins as art and as a hobby. Basic information such as numismatic terms and their definitions, and the processes involved in how coins were made, is followed by descriptions of several ancient cultures and the coins commonly attributed to them. The author then spends considerable time to outline where to find ancient coins, how to buy them, what to avoid when considering a coin for purchase and lists numerous sources throughout the text for learning more about them. There is a very useful section on attribution, determination of authenticity, and finally, tips on beginning organized collections that will increase both in monetary and asthetic value with each addition. Although this book is titled volume I and five other texts are apparently to follow, Ancient Coin Collecting stands on its own and may be the only book of its kind necessary to spark a prolonged interest in this fascinating hobby and for some a lifelong pursuit and passion.

This is an excellent book that I wish I had found years ago. Mr. Sayles is an acknowledged expert in the field of ancient coins and writes in a style that is understandable and informative. The author does not assume that you know anything, about ancient coins, or the civilizations that minted them or even collecting coins at all. Therefore, the book is full of history, minting techniques, places to find coins, identification methods, and how to collect. Every area includes bibliographies that gives you a starting point to go more in depth in your research. It's exactly what an introduction should be. There are only two things I would have changed. The pictures are in black and white, with none in color (except for the cover). A few pages of color pictures would have been greatly appreciated. And secondly, there is a suggested list, of easily available and reasonably priced coins to begin a collection, of Constantine the Great. I only wish two or three similar lists had been included for other areas and times. Taken all together, it can only be said that, this book is EXCELLENT and highly recommended. It is also the first of six books, the other five specializing in different areas and times. I'm looking forward to reading them all.

As newcomers to this fascinating hobby, one finds this book extremely useful. Not so much as to consider it a one stop reference but more as a starting point to delve deeper and find information on other sources. The topics covered are varied and some of them are logical tips that a seasoned collector can give but the novice finds a lot of trouble in finding. The general sections on the hobby such as where and how to buy coins, how to pick a collecting strategy and how to safeguard your pieces are very instructional. Personally, I would have liked a little bit more info on those subjects as they are not bound to be covered in the reference books that are the logical next step. The book is quite interesting to read, written in a very clear and clear manner and I would definitely recommend it to beginners, specially the ones living outside traditional "collecting" countries (USA, Europe, etc.)like me.

This is something of a potpourri of ancient coin information. It doesn't make a good reference work, per se; there are other books, etc. to purchase when you settle on your collecting theme. It is a great background resource, though, and helped me to clarify my own collecting themes.

An essential book for anyone who wants to get the basic knowledge for starting in this hobby. This is a book to keep not in your bookcase but on your desk - a real worthy everyday's handbook on ancient coin collecting.

I just recieved the book two days ago and already I've increased my knowledge on Roman Coins 100%. This is a great guide book on learning how to identify the somewhat complicated Roman provincial coins along with Greek and non classical coins. Strongly recommended!!!

An excellent and fairly inexpensive introduction to the world of ancient coin collecting. It is well written and covers the topics of where ancient coins come from, addresses the ancient cultures which gave them birth, the tradition of collecting ancient coinage, where the market is at this time (including buying & selling in the various venues, reading auction catalogs, and ancients on the world wide web),how to identify ancient coins and the skills used to do so, and various ways to collect, grade and store ancient coins. This is a useful reference for the veteran collector as well as the novice. Highly recommended.