The Coin Atlas Handbook: The World of Coinage from its Origins to the Present Day

Published by Time Warner Books, 2004, softcover, illustrated, 223 pages, condition: as new.

A survey of the history and geography of the countries of the world, as illustrated by their coinage. The authors link coins to political and economic factors and show the evolution of coinage as nations mature. YAs will find this an excellent information source for research papers; particularly useful are the illustrations, and the organization is excellent. A superior text on numismatics.

Written by coin curators at the British Museum, this atlas traces the almost 3000-year history and evolution of coinage in 200 modern nations. Selected coins from each country are described, along with significant political or commercial events which influenced the direction of that nation's currency. Neither an in-depth monetary history nor a catalog of every coin struck, this book's value is in providing a comprehensive overview and documenting the coinage histories of smaller nations, which are often difficult to locate. Excellent graphics and color coin photography augment the text. The atlas should appeal to general readers and collectors and is suitable for reference in academic and public libraries.