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It has long been taken for granted that price guides and reference books on
coins, while useful to the hobbyist, were usually quite dry in both content and
appearance. Lacking color, design aesthetics or useful advice to the novice,
they were purely functional vehicles, providing the pricing or identification
information in a straightforward though bland format.
The 21
st
century is the Internet Age, and whether the use of color, attractive
design or eye appeal has become more important may be a matter of debate,
it cannot be argued that the new
LE FRANC POCHE
edition is a stunning
and innovative new approach to a coin reference book.
The pricing section makes use of large, full color photographs of superb
quality for each type, along with all vital statistics (in both French and English)
such as size, weight, purity, edge and total mintage for the type. Beneath
that, are grading guidelines in six grades, again, in both French and English.
Pricing information follows, in six grades, for each date and mint. Bold prices
in red indicate values for coins shown in “The Ideal Collection”, an online
collection maintained by CGB of the finest specimens of each issue they have
identified to date. Pricing column headings are color coordinated to match
the grading descriptions shown above, adding not only visual attractiveness
but clarity as well.
CGB has long been at the forefront in adopting the numeric Sheldon Grading
System for French coins. While not perfect, it does add significantly greater
structure to grading than the preceding system. Additionally, over the past
thirty years, third-party grading services have leveled the playing field and
provided increased transparency to the numismatic market.
After the standard listings for Copper, Silver and Gold issues, the book con-
tinues with the various Mint and Proof sets (Fleurs de Coins, Belle Épreuve
et BU) issued by the Paris Mint from 1964 through the final issue in 2001.
Sharp, clear, color photos assist collectors in identifying which particular
set they have.
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