The Coin Collector’s Survival Manual by Scott A. Travers
An Indispensable Guide For Collectors and Investors
COUNTERFEIT COIN DETECTION PREVIEW Excerpted from The Coin Collector’s Survival Manual (all editions)
Like the proverbial “bad penny,” counterfeit coins have been coming back. These bad pennies are costing unwitting victims good dollars. Today, buyers are confronted not only with bad pennies, but also phony gold pieces and other fake coins offered online.
Counterfeiters do take pride in their work. One diagnostic characteristic that’s evidence of this is the Omega initial. One counterfeiter placed the initial Omega on his die-struck counterfeit gold pieces. Look at the beautiful but counterfeit 1907 Roman Numerals High Relief Saint-Gaudens double eagle. Inside the eagle’s claw on the reverse is the Omega initial.
The organized coin industry’s strict adherence to the Hobby Protection Act, which makes selling counterfeit coins illegal, is responsible for ridding the field of these spurious pieces. PCGS and NGC are to be credited with outstanding records for spotting fakes and alerting the public to their existence. Photographs courtesy Pedro Collazo-Oliver
The Coin Collector’s Survival Manual continues to be recognized as one of the top books in the coin field. Many of today’s most recognized collectors, researchers and editors got their start with early editions of this book.
Numismatic Literary Guild Awards* given to The Coin Collector’s Survival Manual
1984, Book of the Year (First Edition)
1988, Best Investment Book (Second Edition)
1988, Consumer Protection Award (Second Edition)
1995, Best Investment Book (Third Edition)
2004, Best Investment Book (Revised Fourth Edition)
2006, Book of the Year** (Fifth Edition)
2006, Best Investment Book (Fifth Edition)
2006, Best Software Book (Fifth Edition)
2009, Best Investment Book (Sixth Edition)
2011, Best Investment Book (Seventh Edition)
2016, Best Investment Book (Revised Seventh Edition)
*EXCLUDES EXTRAORDINARY MERIT AWARDS
**TIE
FIRST EDITION
From the inside front flap of the first edition of The Coin Collector’s Survival Manual published July 1984:
For years, coin collecting has been a popular hobby and coins have been among the most profitable investments. But the coin field is fraught with hazards for collectors and investors. For those who wish to survive and prosper in their investments or derive more enjoyment from their hobby, The Coin Collector’s Survival Manual is an essential tool.
The greatest hazards to coin buyers center around coin grading, with tiny differences often determining a coins value. The Survival Manual helps readers steer clear of these perils in several ways: with excellent definitions of grading terms, with incisive explanations and analyses of grading practices, with vivid self-help photographs, and with a unique grading survey that illustrates just why grading is such a volatile issue. Participants in the survey include dealers and the American Numismatic Association.
Subtle, often overlooked points of coin viewing are also discussed, including ways magnification and lighting can play crucial roles in defining coin values. Readers learn, too, how to spot counterfeits, why the price guides should be used judiciously, how to deal effectively with mail-order dealers, and how to profit from coin conventions. Chapters on preserving and safeguarding coins reveal some surprises that could help readers both save money and protect their investment.
The Coin Collector’s Survival Manual is an indispensable guide for anyone, from beginning collector to sophisticated investor, who wants to make the most of his or her involvement with coins.
ISBN-10 : 0668056835
ISBN-13 : 978-0668056830
Hardcover 1984 edition available on Amazon
The Coin Collector’s Survival Manual, Second Edition by Scott A. Travers
From the back cover of The Coin Collector’s Survival, Second Edition published by Prentice Hall Trade a division of Simon & Schuster, May 1988:
Examining the coin field from an insider’s perspective, the first edition of this critically acclaimed prize-winning guide broke new ground in revealing the ins and outs of coin collecting and investing. Now this essential tool has been completely revised to offer the most up-to-date information available.
Here, for both novice and seasoned collectors and investors, are excellent explanations of coin-grading systems and dealer practices, with a completely revised review and evaluation of the new grading services and their grading standards. There are vital sections on spotting counterfeits (complete with detailed photos), attending coin shows and conventions, choosing dealers, and buying and selling.
The first guide to cover how the new tax laws affect the coin collector and investor, this is certain once again to be the premier book in the field.
“IF FOLLOWED CLOSELY, IT SHOULD HELP [READERS} DO FAR MORE THAN JUST SURVIVE: IT SHOULD POINT THE WAY TO PROSPERITY.” —Ed Reiter, New York Times
“SHOULD BE READ BEFORE A SINGLE COIN IS BOUGHT—AND READ AGAIN AND AGAIN!” —Coin World
“TRAVERS HAS MANAGED TO COMBINE A SHREWD KNOWLEDGE OF COINS WITH A FINE GIFT OF COMMUNICATING.” -James Miller, COINage
| ISBN-13 : 9780131403932 | ISBN-10 : 0131403931 |
The Coin Collector’s Survival Manual, Revised Third Edition by Scott A. Travers
From the back cover of The Coin Collector’s Survival Manual, Revised Third Edition published By Bonus Books, 1996:
…this bible of coin collecting and investing has been revised to offer the most up-to-date information and consumer protection advice available.
Renowned coin expert Scott A. Travers tells you about: looking at and grading coins like the professionals; understanding and using the grading system to your advantage; protecting yourself from buying bad “certified” coins; detection counterfeit, altered, and “doctored” coins; reading between the lines in price guides and newsletters; how not to get ripped off when dealing with dealers; the newest tax laws and selling your coins; coin cleaning, storage, preservation and safety; all the latest scams; and much, much more!
Here is information for the first time on: cool coin Internet web sites; requirements of the new F.T.C. telemarketing act; and the real facts behind the toning/corrosion controversy.
The Survival Manual continues to break new ground in revealing the ins and outs of coin collecting and investing. Excellent photographs and detailed charts amplify the encyclopedic, clearly written, meticulously organized text. The Coin Collectors Survival Manual, Revised Third Edition is widely recognized as the premier book in the field.
ISBN-10 : 1-56625-061-7
ISBN-13 : 9781566250610
The Coin Collector’s Survival Manual, Revised Fourth Edition by Scott A. Travers
In the Revised Fourth Edition, published by Bonus Books in 2003, Scott Travers tackles the impact on rare coins and precious metals following September 11. This edition included the latest information on how to deal with the increased tensions and risks following 9/11. Also included is an analysis of gold in times of crisis.
This was the first book to tackle the numismatic side of such sensitive subjects as the Terrorism Risk Protection Act, legislation designed so that if “spectacular events” (law enforcement’s term for major catastrophes) occur, the U.S. Treasury Department will help subsidize the cost of the attacks.
The 2003 edition of this classic book, The Coin Collector’s Survival Manual, provides insider information and the latest trends in collecting and investing as of the timeframe it was written. The Revised Fourth Edition teaches readers how to: detect counterfeit, altered, and doctored coins—with a bombshell interview on coin doctoring and full-color photos of toned and doctored coins; buy coins over the Internet; understand the coin grading systems and identify “Premium Quality” coins; read between the lines in price guides and newsletters; and preserve and safeguard your collection.
ISBN-10 : 1-56625-207-5
ISBN-13 : 9781566252072
The Coin Collector’s Survival Manual, Fifth Edition by Scott A. Travers
The fifth edition of The Coin Collector’s Survival Manual combines a thorough update with another acclaimed book, How to Make Money in Coins Right Now — two great classics now available in one great volume.
From the back cover of The Coin Collector’s Survival Manual, Fifth Edition published by House of Collectibles, an imprint of Random House, Inc. in February 2006:
BOOK OF THE YEAR WINNER—NUMISMATIC LITERARY GUILD
From one of the world’s most knowledgeable coin dealers—a former consultant to the Federal Trade Commission often quoted by the Wall Street Journal—comes a thorough update of his consumer protection handbook to buying and selling rare and valuable coins. Bestselling, award-winning author Scott A. Travers combines insider information on the latest trends in coin collecting with his influential How to Make Money in Coins Right Now. Beautifully illustrated with black-and-white photographs and a full-color insert, The Coin Collector’s Survival Manual is indispensable for seasoned collectors and novices alike.
In The Coin Collector’s Survival Manual you’ll learn how to: understand coin grading systems; detect altered, counterfeit, and doctored coins; know when to buy and sell—and when not to; buy coins through Internet auctions—and avoid the pitfalls; and safeguard and protect your coins from disaster
Praise for The Coin Collector’s Survival Manual:
“One of the most important coin books ever written.” —New York Times
The book on rare coins “you can’t afford to be without.” — Newsweek
“A book that should be read before a single coin is bought — and read again and again!” —Coin World
ISBN-10 : 0375721274
ISBN-13 : 9780375721274
THE COIN COLLECTOR’S SURVIVAL MANUAL, FIFTH EDITION AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
The Coin Collector’s Survival Manual, Sixth Edition by Scott A. Travers
Praise for The Coin Collector’s Survival Manual, Sixth Edition published by House of Collectibles, an imprint of Random House, Inc. in October 2008:
“The gold standard for coin books on consumer protection and investment.” –COINage magazine
“A sensational read … the ultimate manual to get your money’s worth.” –Rosen Numismatic Advisory
“A significant contribution to the numismatic literature … must reading for any potential investor who believes it is better to buy a book first than to have to hire a lawyer later.” –Barry J. Cutler, former director, Federal Trade Commission Bureau of Consumer Protection
Praise for How to Make Money in Coins Right Now:
“The most valuable book ever written on how to profit from coins.” – Ed Reiter, COINage magazine
“This stands lone as the most penetrating guide of its kind ever written.” – Maurice Rosen, Rosen Numismatic Advisory
“A must-read. As an insider, [Scott Travers] puts you on the playing field with the pros. Chapter by chapter, he reveals strategies for being a winner.” – Beth Deisher, Coin World
“Scott Travers presents all the intricacies of buying and selling rare coins, including legal aspects found in no other market guide. A must read for the sophisticated investor.” – Armen R. Vartian, legal counsel, Professional Numismatists Guild
ISBN-10 : 0375723056
ISBN-13 : 978-0375723056
THE COIN COLLECTOR’S SURVIVAL MANUAL, SIXTH EDITION AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
The Coin Collector’s Survival Manual, Revised Seventh Edition by Scott A. Travers
HOW TO MAKE MONEY IN COINS RIGHT NOW
From one of the foremost experienced and erudite coin dealers – a former consultant to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission who has been frequently quoted by CNN, the Wall Street Journal, CoinWeek, and CNBC – came the latest edition of the most-trusted consumer guide to buying and selling rare and valuable coins. The Coin Collector’s Survival Manual equips its readers with definitive black-and-white photos and a full-color insert depicting valuable coins, the diagnostics to authenticate them, and examples of the hallmarks of counterfeits. For inexperienced coin collectors, this guide endows its reader with a coin scholar’s savvy, and for veteran coin collectors, it provides a deeply useful reference guide as well.
The revised seventh edition of The Coin Collector’s Survival Manual represents a substantial update over previous versions, and includes revised chapters focusing on advice for buying and selling coins, as well as an additional new chapter on the most dependable way to detect coins that have been altered to appear pristine and original.
The Coin Collector’s Survival Manual, Revised Seventh Edition, will instruct you how to:
- Avoid being swindled when buying or selling gold
- Learn nuances and secrets of the coin grading system
- Identify altered, doctored, and counterfeit coins
- Predict how high silver and gold coins might increase in value
- Purchase rare coins through online auction facilitators while avoiding potential pitfalls
- Get lucrative upgrades from third-party grading services, with expert advice from well-known dealer Jim Halperin who tells how he made millions in profits by resubmitting coins
- Preserve and protect your coins from catastrophe
“I can tell you as a numismatist that I found this to be one of the most influential books of my career.”
– Charles Morgan, CoinWeek
Where to find the latest editions of The Coin Collector’s Survival Manual:
- Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Collectors-Survival-Manual-Revised-Seventh/dp/0375723390
- Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Coin_Collector%27s_Survival_Manual
- Google Books: https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Coin_Collector_s_Survival_Manual_Rev/
- Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-coin-collectors-survival-manual-seventh-edition-scott-a-travers/1020694935
- Penguin Random House: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/203013/the-coin-collectors-survival-manual-revised-seventh-edition-by-scott-a-travers/
- Wikidata: https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q107605306
- Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9796349-the-coin-collector-s-survival-manual
Vintage editions are in the library and archives of the Smithsonian Institution:
https://www.si.edu/object/coin-collectors-survival-manual-scott-travers:siris_sil_1073671
https://www.si.edu/object/coin-collectors-survival-manual-scott-travers:siris_sil_206759