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Standard ReferencesIntroductionIn catalogue descriptions it is a standard technique to include as part of a lot's attribution one or more standard references. A variety of publications (reference books) have been issued over the years which attempt to list the entire known items coins, tokens, paper money etc. within a give group such as 17th Century British Tokens, English Milled Coins, or English Paper Money. These publications list all known types of their chosen group at the time of publication and all use a reference number or code against each type they identify. This number or code is what is known as the standard reference. Some of these publications go into more detail than others if bronze pennies of the UK are used as an example a World Coin Catalogue which attempts to include listings for all countries in a given era may have individual reference numbers for large groups perhaps separated by monarch only, a UK publication will sub divide into more detail with major obverse and reverse designs itemised separately, a specialist catalogue such as Peck English Copper, Tin and Bronze Coins in the British Museum 1558 - 1958 will identify more minor varieties often having several types within the same date, Freeman's The British Bronze Penny 1860 - 1970 which focused solely on the Bronze Penny will go into even more detail listing and referencing separately minute varieties where magnification may be necessary to identify them. The collector has the intriguing choice of deciding his or her chosen series and the detail in terms of variety he or she is pursuing. Where all varieties are being collected however minor the collector may find himself at the cutting edge of research into the series whereby new varieties are being discovered and published. The investment minded should note that some series are currently more heavily collected than others resulting in high prices being realised at auction for varieties, scarce bronze penny varieties even in poor grades have been realising thousands of pounds on occasion, where other series currently have far less followers and varieties here can be obtained at relatively lower prices and may have growth potential if new collectors chase these series in future. If you are or intend to collect a series avidly we recommend you acquire the relevant reference book. Reference BooksCoins
Paper Money
Medals
Tokens
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