Ancient Coin Collecting (v. 1) [ILLUSTRATED] (Hardcover)

by Wayne G. Sayles (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Numismatists, historians, and everyone interested in collecting ancient coins will be engrossed in this revised and expanded second edition. This must-have volume explores new developments in research methods, particularly with regard to the internet, and reveals many new finds in the field. The first of the six-volume ancient coin series, this second edition features expanded sections on how to collect ancient coins, determine authenticity, and identify fakes. Also discusses how to determine coine values and provides and expanded pronunciation guide and expanded bibliography. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

About the Author
During the course of his career, Wayne G. Sayles founded the Celator, the respected journal devoted to ancient coins, where he served for many years as the editor and publisher. In addition to writing more than 40 articles on ancient coins, he authored all six volumes in the Ancient Coin Collecting book series. He lives in Baltimore, MD. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 197 pages
• Publisher: Krause Publications; 2nd edition (June 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 087341442X
• ISBN-13: 978-0873414425
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #297,180 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

52 of 52 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Single Volume Introduction To The Hobby, January 20, 2001

By	JAMES M. MCGARIGLE (Merrill, WI USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

41 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Overview of Ancient Coins in Print, June 27, 2000

By	Edward Alexander Gerster "miamibooks" (South Miami, FL USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent introduction to collecting ancient coins, September 29, 1997

By A Customer

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.