Seeking references for foreign coin dealers

[IGWT]

Hi All --

 

I'm new here, although I've been collecting US coins for quite a while. As those collecting goals near completion -- and as the frequency of acquisitions slows -- I've decided to build a set of mid-19th century coins of the Italian states and the Kingdom of Italy. My research has reached the point that I feel comfortable making a couple of purchases; but, my network is limited to collectors & dealers of predominantly (if not exclusively) US coinage.

 

Can anyone suggest reputable dealers of foreign coinage? Thanks very much.

[shirohniichan]

Welcome!

 

Have you tried Karl Stephens?

[IGWT]

Thanks, Shirohniichan. I guess my first post didn't inspire many responses. Maybe forum members want to keep their favorite dealers to themselves

[gmarguli]

Thanks, Shirohniichan. I guess my first post didn't inspire many responses. Maybe forum members want to keep their favorite dealers to themselves

 

 

 

Karl Stephens is a good place to deal with. I've had good luck with (but high prices) www.elsen.be & www.novamarketing.ch & www.spink.com

 

BTW, what grades are you looking for? High grade Italian coins have soared in value compared to the catalogs.

[IGWT]

Very helpful -- Thank you, Greg! Just so it's not all take and no give on my part, www.inasta.com looks like a good possibility (although you should be prepared to translate Italian). This website (asta = auction) also provides information on prices realized in the auction archives.

 

Looking at the coins that I hope to include in my set -- and taking my budget into consideration -- I'm expecting to focus on states of preservation in the EF - AU range (or, in Italian, SPD - qFDC). One of the resources that I'm using is Gigante 2005 Monete Italian dal '700 ad Oggi. It's like an Italian version of the Redbook -- far more helpful than Krause.

 

Thanks again.

[World Colonial]

You should check out Northeast Numismatic's website. Thye have the largest inventory of pre-1940 world coins I have seen anywhere. Most of it is certified though and the coins aren't cheap. But that is the place to go if you want high quality and scarce material.. I do not buy Italy but they always have some of these coins.