I find that the larger size is worth it for the fact that you can get more coins
per plate and that makes scanning to find a particular coin and making comparisons faster.
I actually like the classification system though I know others find it frustrating. The volume does assign different numbers for different busts, but only for significant variations. The authors don't believe that every variation is relevant. So while a
head will be different from a heroic nude
bust which is different from a
cuirassed bust, a nude
bust and a nude
bust with trace of drapery will be listed as the same number. This is because the authors believe that such minor variation is the result of engraver styles na not intentional change.
There are two differing approaches to classifying such coins. Classify according to exactly what is on the coin - thus capture all minor design variations,
legend breaks, etc. - or classify according the what appears to have been relevant for ancient
mint operators and can be seen to be a significant difference in terms of issue, date,
mint, etc.
RIC seems to be moving to the latter.
SC