Coin Book Reviews

2005 Edition
Please see our updated review of the 2005 edition.
2006 Edition
Please see our updated review of the 2006 edition.
2007 Edition
Please see our updated review of the 2007 edition.

The Coin Dealers Bible
First published in 1929, we have been using this book, almost as our "bible", since the 1962 edition. It is simply the most complete, accurate, and reliable catalogue for British coins. Over the years, many other catalogues of British coins have been produced, some easier to use, some with extra features such as mintage figures, others less expensive, but none have yet matched "Seaby's" as it is still often called, despite having been published by Spink for a number of years now.
It would be difficult to find a British coin dealer who does not use a copy of this book.

The 36th - 2001 Edition
The 2001, or 36th edition has been substantially revised with new illustrations and many other small changes throughout, in addition to the annual updating of current prices.

Contents
It is worth reading the opening sections of the catalogue before starting to use it.
The introduction explains the very logical arrangement of the book, explains that the values given in the book represent typical dealers selling prices, and explains the main factors affecting value, including condition and demand.
There is a brief but useful "Beginner's Guide to Coin Collecting", which gives very sensible and useful advice.
For the first time in years there is a "Market Trends" review.
The main portion of the book is a priced catalogue of coins from Celtic, through coins of Roman Britain, British imitations of Roman coins, Anglo-Saxon, hammered, milled and modern coins up to year 2000, including proof and specimen sets.
Most coins are priced in at least two different grades, some in as many as four grades. This is a useful feature because it reminds the reader, particularly those who ignore the advice to read the introduction, that coin values depend very largely on their state of preservation.
The paragraph or two at the start of each period or reign are a concise and useful source of background information about the period.

Well illustrated. Incidentally one of the most stolen books from British libraries!
Now over 500 pages.
Good value at £15

Buying Coins
We also buy coins, please see our We Buy Coins page.

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