Budget is certainly one of the important criteria. Some sources, of which
BMCRR is a
good example, have substantial amounts of useful information, yet lack the benefits of more recent research or even more dynamic graphics. A pristine copy of the original or reprint would be the same as missing out on a nice coin. So most books could be deemed a risk or gamble or at least a lost discount.
I was mindful of the graphics issue today, as I was able to identify a coin using Andrew McCabe's site even though other sites have more sophisticated
search engines. (Thanks, Andrew!)
His photos are just a lot better than many words, and
his words are often more contextually significant. (And,
his book reviews are extremely insightful.)
Libraries are a
good source if they have not "deaccessioned" their coin books (or
had them stolen). Many collectors do not have access to
good academic libraries. Many dealers offer access to their libraries, or are donors to
library resources such as
ANS, or of course nearly uniquely,
Forum actually generously hosts a virtual
library.
The consumer in me says that a seller who neither hosts
nor supplies nor supports a
library and does not seem to care about information sharing perhaps does not warrant my patronage.
So, thanks,
Forum!
