COINS - Coin Yearbook 2012, by J W Mussell, et al.

Published by Token Publishing. 351pp. Colour. English

Inc Celtic coins, Roman coins used in Britain, English Hammered coins 959-1663, English coinage 1656-2010, Maundy coinage, decimal coinage 1968-2010, proof;and specimen sets, Scotland, Isle of Man, Guernsey, Jersey, Alderney, Ireland, commemorative medallions, Fine, Very Fine, Extremely Fine and Uncirculated valuations, monarchs of England guide, world currency guide, world mintmarks guide, coin inscriptions guide, glossary of terms, directory

Review courtesy of David Rennie

For the third year in succession the Editor's foreword draws attention to the impact that  financial markets, the economic situation and the rising prices of precious metal especially gold and silver, are having on the supplies of certain coins as quantities of these are melted down for bullion, and others where demand exceed supply.  The number of investors coming into the market, means more people chasing fewer coins, and rising prices encouraging more investors to come in to the market creating an upwards spiral for prices, which may continue for some time to come.

This catalogue in this volume includes coins from Celtic and Roman times to the present day, coins from Scotland, Ireland and the Channel Islands, as well as Official and Semi-official Medals. Early coins are priced for Fine, very fine, extra fine conditions, with those from George III onwards also shown as UNC and of course the various Proof qualities as listed where appropriate.

There are additional articles and features.  John Andrews reviews the last twelve-month's auction scene and realizations; there is an illustrated selection of items from the Royal Mint's Llantrisant Museum; a list of IAPN Dealers, a useful list of British Kings and Queens with dates.  The details of the designs of the London Olympic 50p coins are shown and; William McCreath offers advice about internet buying and selling.

Three other chapters look at Celtic Coinage; Collecting Ancient Coins, and an Introduction to Hammered Coinage. There is much else including a Glossary of Coin Terms; Mint-marks of the World; Translations of Coin Inscriptions; notes about the Care and Cleaning of coins. The Directory section provides lists of Museums and Libraries; Clubs and Societies; Auctioneers, Fairs and Dealers; Banks and Mints of the World.

Finally there are two articles about Treasure and the Law, and the Treasure Act: Code of Practice. In all, a substantial 350-page quality paperback in full colour, at a remarkably low price, which contains virtually everything most coin collectors need to pursue their hobby.  Recommended!