Industry leader of numismatic periodicals. Every week Coin World
brings the best news, analysis, features, and columns, all produced by some
of the best talent in the business today. Once a month, subscribers
receive a colorful supplemental publication listing approximate retail
values of collectible coins. Classy magazine, no doubt about it.
I've subscribed to Coin World for many years, and can personally
vouch for its overall high quality content and presentation. If you
have to choose only one coin magazine to grace your mailbox, then Coin
World deserves the honor. You can subscribe to
Coin World for $42/year.
That comes out to only 81 cents per issue.
"The best weekly coverage of coin collecting
and all things numismatic. Coin World is THE source for U.S. and
international hobby news coverage, reports on new issues, trends, precious
metals, prices, plus the how's and why's of collecting. Published weekly."
In my years as a consulting coin editor to Edmunds Publications, I
subscribed to quite a few coin periodicals, wanting to monitor the pulse
of the coin business from a variety of sources. In 2000, Edmunds
elected to focus exclusively on new and used car information, waving
bye-bye to their coin publications. I, in turn, canceled all my coin
magazine subscriptions, except the one I judged to be the best. It
wasn't difficult to decide. My choice was
Coin World.
There are a number of very fine numismatic
periodicals available to the collector today, but in the opinion of many,
Coin World is the leader of the pack. Every week, Coin World
rewards readers with timely, informative features, columns, editorials,
news, auction results, and analysis. At least 90 oversized pages per edition.
Many of the regular columnists are widely
recognized as leaders in their areas of expertise. Journalists at
the alphabet soup mainstream media (ABCCBSNBCCNNMSNBC) ought to take
lessons from Coin World field reporters on the proper methods of
investigative reporting.
The biggest names in the coin dealer
community advertise regularly. Lots of little guys, too. In
short, Coin World is the place to be.
Once a month, subscribers receive a full
color insert called CoinValues. Articles on "what's hot", insightful
information on specific coin series (grading, trends, etc.), market
analyses and more. The bulk of CoinValues is dedicated to retail
value estimates for just about every collectible U.S. coin, in a wide
range of conditions, including Proofs. Critical condition modifiers,
such as R, RB, B, FSB, FBL, etc. are listed. Actual-size color photos in the value section.
Many enlarged photos elsewhere. This little add-on bonus (little?..
it's well over 100 pages) by itself is worth the price of a Coin World
subscription.
As if all this isn't enough, subscribers can access Coin World trends
online. The
advantage of going online is that in addition to obtaining present day
estimated retail values, you can view value trends over the last few years
for individual coins.
Regular readers will strengthen their understanding of every important
aspect of coin collecting, while maintaining a close watch on current
hobby activity. Nowhere have I found money better spent than by
purchasing a subscription to Coin World. If you have time to
read only one coin publication, this is the best choice (but read the next
review below, and you'll see why Numismatic News
isn't very far behind).
The producers of Coin World have devised a very good format.
Page 1, located after turning the magazine headline page, summarizes for the
reader the basic content of every column and article contained in the
current issue. Within one or two minutes, I can prioritize everything
I want to read.
The articles are well written, appropriate in length, and easy to read.
Column width, font size, formatting all are friendly to the reader.
The magazine is very classy and
professional. Coin dealers, writers, and hobbyists are proud to have their
names associated with Coin World.
Every edition is stuffed with photographs. A fair number of them are
in color. The quality of the color photographs is good, for being
printed on regular paper stock. The headline page normally entices readers with a few
colorful images, making for an attractive front.
The CoinValues monthly bonus is a terrific publication. Some of the
enlarged coin photos are quite vivid. The coin photographs in the
value section are actual-size images of coins, and are okay.
Just a few years ago, publishing low cost quality color photographs in a
coin value trend periodical was unthinkable.
Coin World is loaded with advertising, but the Coin World editors do a
good job screening out obnoxious advertisers. Over the years, they
have also learned how to minimize appearances by crooked operators, too.
Worthy periodical at bargain subscription cost. Numismatic News
provides readers with the latest happenings in the coin business, including
US Mint activity, auctions, coin shows, and coin clubs, plus an impressive
line up of editorials, regular columnists, and feature stories. For a
newsweekly, Numismatic News has lots of color images, elevating the
publication's image to a much higher level than just a few short years ago.
Customers also receive information on coin value trends. Not the best
range or format of coin price data we've seen, but very good overall.
At only 56 cents an issue ($28.98/year) from
Amazon, Numismatic News gives its higher priced rival, Coin
World, some really tough competition.
"The complete information source for coin
collectors. Each issue includes news, event listings and feature articles
pertaining to the exciting world of coin collecting. Plus, read about the
people and events that influence this niche market."
As its name suggests, Numismatic News delivers the latest
numismatic news to the reader. The publication subtitle, "The
Complete Information Source for Coin Collectors" is not too far off the
mark. NN is a very fine weekly companion for the
devout coin collector.
Numismatic News has been serving coin collectors since 1952. The present
editorial staff brings to subscribers coin news and information worthy of
this rich tradition. In a typical edition of NN,
the customer can track auction results, learn of upcoming shows and sales,
read about themselves in coin club activity, devour fresh US Mint
statistics, enjoy great columnists, follow current events, and be
entertained by feature stories, plus lots more.
Numismatic News provides a lively platform for readers to sound
off. The back-and-forth verbal sparring between opinionated
individuals is probably one the publication's most popular section, based
on the number of pages devoted to subscriber feedback.
Alan Herbert's "Coin Clinic" column by
itself is worth the subscription price. Herbert receives fascinating
questions from the public, and provides full and authoritative answers.
His ability to locate answers to tough questions is astounding.
David Ganz writes a column called "Under the
Glass", where he unabashedly analyzes coins as investment vehicles.
Since the great coin market collapse of the early 1990s, most numismatic
journalists have been shy to place the word "coin" in the same sentence as
"investment". Not Ganz. He continues on, and at times has
stirred up controversy with his comments.
Numismatic News is populated by thought-provoking editorials and
excellent feature articles. For instance, the August 17, 2004 issue
brought us "We collectors mystify the psychologists", "Take time to enjoy
today's winds of change", and "Spice up your collection with error coins".
Numismatic News has a much larger classified ad section than its
chief competitor, Coin World. This is probably explained by
the fact that all paid subscribers to Numismatic News are allowed to
place free classified ads (with a few reasonable restrictions). For
added exposure, the free ads appear on Krause's e-commerce website,
www.collect.com.
Once a month, subscribers receive a coin value guide insert, estimating
retail values of most collectible US coins. In my opinion, its not
as good as the CoinValues monthly price guide of Coin World,
but still, I'll rate it fairly high.
At only 52 cents an issue, Numismatic News compares favorably in cost with
Coin World (98 cents). I still prefer the latter, principally
because of the quality of the CoinValues insert. Coin World also
maintains current and historical value trend data online for their
subscribers. NN doesn't. Having said that, I have no trouble
recommending Numismatic News, either. It is a great publication.
No wonder they've established a loyal subscriber base for so many years!
For years, I subscribed to a multitude of coin periodicals, including
Numismatic News. In the year 2000, I decided to cut back on
my subscriptions, dropping
Numismatic News in the process (Coin World was the only
periodical I kept). Picking up a copy today, I have to acknowledge
several great improvements in the appearance of
Numismatic News, since I
last browsed through the newsweekly. For one thing, they've capitalized on newer
technologies to deliver more vivid color to their pages (far more so than
Coin World). Page 1 is printed on bright white paper stock,
bringing to life sharp color images. In terms of presentation,
Numismatic News beats Coin World hands-down in the
front-page war.
The articles are well written, appropriate in length, and easy to read.
Column width, font size, formatting all are friendly to the reader.
Oddly, Numismatic News utilizes the same font and font size as
Coin World. Makes you wonder if someone has done a study to
indicate this particular font is the best for numismatic periodicals.
The Table of Contents is really sorry.
Brutal, but sadly true. The TOC (or as NN calls it, the
Index), is a smallish little blurb buried on page 3 or 4, measuring less
than three column inches. Worse yet, only the standard sections make
it onto the Index list. You literally have to turn every page in the
magazine to find the special, feature articles. Perhaps the strategy
of the editors is to encourage readers to see all pages, but for busy
people like me, I strongly prefer an informative TOC up front, to help me
quickly prioritize my reading material.
About 70% of Numismatic News is filled with advertisements (that's
pretty much the norm, however). Quite a few of the ads are sharp,
full color marvels, and for long-time collectors like me, are a joy to
behold (ahh... if only I had a 100 grand to spare...). The NN
editors know how to weed out the rotten apples (at least those companies
purchasing display ads), so readers can buy in confidence. If a
seller engages in questionable practices, I believe the NN folks
will exert every influence they can to rectify the situation. You
don't stay in business for over 50 years by treating your customers
shabbily.
Slower paced monthly publication, appealing
primarily to casual collectors or avid numismatists who simply can't obtain
enough good quality reading material. The editors of Coins Magazine
aim to and teach and entertain, rather than report the "latest and the
greatest". The regular contributors to Coins Magazine are some
of the most experienced in the hobby today, as evidenced by the high quality
articles they produce. This magazine is not a useful publication for
monitoring the heartbeat of the coin business, but as tool for steadily
building a foundation of numismatic knowledge, it rates right up there with
the best. Available from
Amazon for about $26 a year ($2.17 per issue). Yes, its a decent
buy, but be sure not to expect "hot off the press" news bulletins.
"Features US coins accompanied by full-color
photographs, collector columns, US world coin hobby news, US coin price
guide covering most popular US coins. Hobby guide for novice or casual
advanced collectors."
Coins Magazine is produced by Krause Publications, one of the most
reputable publishers in the collector genre doing business in the United
States today. They also own Numismatic News and Coin
Prices. I'm
reasonably certain Krause started out as strictly a numismatic publisher,
but in recent years, they've gotten involved in antiques, comic books, old
cars, and lots more.
Perhaps 20 years ago, I subscribed to
Coins Magazine. At least 3 or 4 of the writers employed by
Krause then are still at it today. These guys are very experienced
and know their stuff. For example, columnist Alan Herbert fields
tough coin-related questions from the public. I don't know how he
does it, but he can find the answer to just about anything. He is an
absolutely brilliant.
Since this magazine comes out but once a
month, don't expect to get hot news bulletins. Accordingly, Coins
Magazine doesn't delve into news items (e.g. Mint announcements,
auction results, etc.). Its primary purpose it to educate collectors
through a fine array of columns and features.
To give you an idea of Coins Magazine
content, a recent issue (September 2004) contains columns called "Basics
and Beyond", "Coin Clinic", "Coin Tales", "Budget Buyer", "Numismatic
Mysteries", plus more. Featured articles include, but not limited
to, "The nation's first nickel", "10 great nickels", and "Depicting
Liberty". This particular issue was billed as a "Nickel Bonanza".
"Coin Value Guide" makes a regular
appearance in Coins Magazine. Edited by numismatic veteran
Joel Edler, "Coin Value Guide" lists average retail prices for the most
frequently traded U.S. coins. The guide does have some limitations,
however. For instance, you won't find early American coins, or
uncirculated grades other than MS-60 and MS-65. The trends you see
are several months old, too. Don't subscribe to Coins Magazine
if your sole objective is to follow current value trends.
In my opinion, Coins Magazine is best suited to two types of
numismatists: 1) Insatiable collectors who devour any quality
reading material they can get their hands on, and 2) individuals who take
a more casual approach to coin collecting, content with slowly building
their knowledge base, and less concerned with keeping up with all the
latest news. Coin enthusiasts desiring to stay atop all the twists,
turns, and trends in the world of coins should not rely on Coins
Magazine to fulfill this mission.
Overall, this is a respectable looking magazine. Coins Magazine
has been around for more than a half century. During this time,
publisher Krause has certainly figured out a few aspects of marketing a
nice product.
Only about a quarter of the pages are glossy coated. This is a bit
disappointing for a monthly issue. High quality color images abound
on those pages. The remainder is regular paper stock, and all photos are black
and white. Big difference in quality, rating from only so-so to
okay.
The Table of Contents is good. The
feature articles are effectively summarized in one line. Readers
will be chomping at the bit to get started.
The advertisements are tasteful and welcome. The vast majority of
coins target smaller budget collectors. This fact, perhaps more than
anything, reveals the audience for whom Coins Magazine is intended.
The articles are clearly written and flow well. The information is
straightforward, sufficient in detail, and of appropriate length.
Limited-use publication. The primary product of Coin Prices is
to report estimated retail prices for U.S. coins. Published only once
every two months, Coin Prices is always behind the curve in reporting
recent coin value trends. Coin Prices has a couple of other features,
but these are too few and do not justify the relatively high subscription
cost ($18.98/yr, $3.16 per issue). Collectors hoping to stay abreast
of current coin market conditions are advised to consider other periodicals.
On the other hand, if studying historical coin value trends is your passion,
then perhaps this magazine
serves a purpose for you. Even if the data is already moldy when
it hits the newsstands, at least Coin Prices data comes from a
reliable source (Krause Publications). You can easily stack years of
back issues in your closet and refer to them as needed.
"Provides complete current market prices for
all US coins. Values are listed in up to 12 grades of preservation. Provides
pricing to keep collectors informed of fluctuations in the hobby."
Coins Prices is produced by Krause Publications, issued once
every two months. The estimated retail prices you see in
Coins Prices could have been garnered as long as 4 or 5 months ago.
Coins Prices is good for obtaining rough estimates only, not for
closely observing timely market trends.
At least 70% of the magazine is devoted to
listing estimated retail coin values (the opposite is true with some other
periodicals). This relative void of paid advertising could explain
why cost per issue ($3.16) is high.
The estimated retail values are derived by
monitoring auction results, dealer trading networks, business at major
coin shows, and consultation with well-connected dealers.
The lead-off editorial "As We See It", by
Joel Edler, is interesting alright, but bear in mind that even if you hold
the current issue of
Coins Prices, Edler's thoughts on coin market activity was written
months ago. Not all of "As We See It", however, is time-sensitive,
and is good reading.
"Grading Your Coins" is a brief summary of
the ANA grading standards. The editors at
Coins Prices have been running the same shop-worn material for
years. Ten photos of (mostly) 20th century coins in grades AU, XF,
VF, F, VG, and G, are pictured. The only readers who benefit from
this section are those who know nothing at all about Grading.
Serious queries into Grading should be deferred to
other publications.
Many coin series omit the MS-63 grade.
Others omit AU-50. For virtually every series, one or more condition
regularly monitored by numismatists is missing.
The only collectors who ought to consider
subscribing to
Coins Prices are value trend junkies (like me). The data is
not very current or comprehensive, but at least this is one reliable
source (Krause Publications) that can be archived as a tool to help study
long range value trends.
Collectors who purchase
Coins Prices with the expectation of closely tracking coin market activity
and news will be sorely disappointed. For just a few dollars more a
year, better options, in my opinion, are Coin World and Numismatic News.
All photos are black and white. Most are size of actual coin, but
there are a few blow-ups (e.g. 3-legged Buffalo). The quality of the
photos rates no higher than average.
Most US coins, including modern commemoratives, are represented by photos.
Oddly, the last two or three years of commemorative issues are not
pictured, even though the images are readily available. This make me
question the diligence of the Coin Prices editors.
A little bit of color livens up a few ads,
but that's about it! The rest is somewhat blah.
Thanks to a well-structured Table of Contents, any denomination and type
coin are quickly located.
Nice, professional, full color cover page, undoubtedly a reason why Coin
Prices is a hot seller on newsstands. Patrons who have an aversion
to newsweekly formats probably are attracted to the Coin Prices cover and
direct to business approach inside (i.e. mostly coin values, few articles
or advertisements).
